By divine coincidence, two main religions in Nigeria, Christianity and Islam, begin their religious fasting observances today, February 18, 2026. Catholics, in particular, kickstart the lenten season, marked by three cardinal injuctions of fasting, almsgiving and prayer, with the symbolic sign of ashes on the forehead, with the message, "repent and believe in the gospel." Hence, today is called, Ash Wednesday. "Repent and believe in the gospel." It is not the first time the faithful would hear the message. Every now and then, the same message is preached. Every year, the same ritual is performed. But each time, the congregation walks away probably retaining the same old garb. "Repent and believe in the gospel." This was the very first message of Jesus Christ at the beginning of his public ministry. The Gospel of Mark reports, "Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, 'Th...
Screenshot picture: US Republican Mayor Mike Arnold Delegation leader, US Ambassador Lewis Lucke retired A visiting U.S. fact-finding team has concluded that Christian genocide is ongoing in Nigeria. The team disclosed the conclusion while addressing the media Tuesday, October 14, 2025, in Abuja, the Nigerian capital. It also issued the following: Formal Statement on Widespread Violence and Displacement in Nigeria October 14, 2025 By Mayor Mike Arnold, MBA Founder, Africa Arise International / Africa Arise USA Presented at Abuja Hilton, 4 p.m. WAT on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 Contributors: US Amb. Lewis Lucke (retired) Pastor Jed D’Grace Mr. Judd Saul I. Purpose and Credentials My name is Mike Arnold. I recently served as the elected Mayor of the City of Blanco, Texas. I first visited Nigeria in 2010 as a board member of Unity for Africa. Since then, I have made 15 trips to Nigeria, including six extended investigative missions since 2019. I founded Africa Arise International and...