HISTORICAL CONTEXT: THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT IN NIGERIA 

The Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) 2020 legal framework was a piece of legislation that sought to allow the government to control church operations. The law passed by President Buhari on August 7th allowed for the establishment of a commission to regulate, coordinate and monitor non-governmental organisations, a move the Christian leaders “completely reject” as it “brings the Church which is technically grouped among the NGOs, under control of the government.”

At the centre of the contention provoked by this Act was Section 839 (1) and (2) which empowers the Commission to suspend trustees of an association (in this case, the church) and appoint the interim managers to manage the affairs of the association for some given reasons. And in light of this provision, Christian leaders asked how can the government sack the trustee of a Church which it contributed no dime to establish? But, perhaps even more importantly, how can a secular and political minister be the final authority on the affairs and management of another institution which is not political?

The Christian leaders then resolved that the Church cannot be controlled by the government because of its spiritual responsibilities and obligations, and thus called on the Federal government to stop the implementation of CAMA law until the religious institutions are exempted from it.

Similarly, in this period, the Man of God and President of Loveworld Incorporated, being the highly esteemed Rev Dr Chirs Oyakhilome DSc DSc DD spoke against the efforts at regulating the Church, especially efforts by the Nigerian Government to reduce the time of Sunday services. And he stated emphatically that the government had no right to regulate Churches and determine how long services take; even exclaiming that he was appalled that others would have the audacity to tell Christians how many hours we can spend in Church or in worshiping God.

THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE CRL COMMISSION IN SOUTH AFRICA WANTS TO REGULATE CHURCHES

But, while the Church in Nigeria pushed against diabolical efforts aimed at regulating the affairs of the Church, governments in other nations are attempting the same failed script, and one of them is that in South Africa. Thoko Mkhwanazi-Xaluva, who is the chairperson of the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious, and Linguistic Communities (or simply the CRL Rights Commission)… she wants to overhaul the system and have structures that hold Church leaders accountable. And as alluded to earlier, beneath the cloak of accountability lies a diabolical plan to make Churches into secular organisations accountable to the state. So, the CRL Commission Chair also speaks of a vetting process for Pastors in particular. And, I say she speaks of Pastors because it appears that while the commission speaks of the regulation of religious organisations, the chairperson is more interested in Christian Leaders.

THOSE IGNORANT OF THE GOSPEL & SPIRITUAL REALITIES CANNOT TO REGULATE THE CHURCH

What also appears to be influencing the demand to regulate Churches and Church leaders, in addition to satanic inclinations, is also just pure ignorance. For some context, in the Scriptures, we learn of various Man of God, Prophets and key figures who heard from God, which means that God has a proven desire and record of communicating with His people. In fact, we can even take the intercession that Abraham conducted as an example, where in Genesis 18:33 it then reads that, “When the LORD had finished speaking with Abraham, He departed, and Abraham returned home”.

Similarly, in John 10:27, Jesus describes the intimate relationship between himself and his followers, emphasizing that his true followers recognize and follow his guidance, stating that “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.” Also, in Acts Chapter 9, on the road to Damascus, Saul (who became the Apostle Paul) encountered the glory of Christ as a blinding light from heaven, heard a voice asking why he was persecuting Jesus, and was temporarily blinded. Well, in light of this context, I’d like to play this excerpt to expose the ignorance of those with the audacity to call for the regulation of the Church.

WE ARE ENGAGED IN A SPIRITUAL WAR, AND THE WAR ON CHRISTIANS IS A GLOBAL CONCERN

Now, what we see happening is far from being a South Africa or African problem. In Ukraine, the freedom to practise one’s faith is also being targeted. You would have observed headlines especially in the month of August 2024 revealing that Zelenskyy has banned the Church in Ukraine. Dozens of priests were also being targeted, and it appears that this was done in part in order to divide Christians concerning the proxy war!

In the UK, children are being indoctrinated with Muslim teachings – while Christians are being arrested for praying outside of abortion clinics. In fact, Reform UK councillor Francesca O’Brien says Welsh parents were branded racist for objecting to an unannounced Islam lesson at a Swansea primary school.

Well, indeed, we have surely prayed, and continue to pray. Therefore, in this glorious Year of Completeness, all satanic and globalist agendas are suspended; they will live in our world, and we will not live in theirs, as we wrap up the Church age. And so, let us keep fighting the good fight of faith, because we have truly already won.

Written By Lindokuhle Mabaso

Known for his outspoken Christian beliefs, Isaac has partnered with his apparel brand UNITUS to release a sneaker collection that features Bible verses, Christian symbols, and messages of spiritual encouragement.

“This has never been done before in the basketball world,” Isaac said in a statement. “These shoes are about faith, boldness, and representing the Gospel  unapologetically.”

Faith Meets Footwear: A New Era for Sports Culture

Isaac, who plays for the Orlando Magic, has often drawn attention for his public stances rooted in his Christian faith including standing during the national anthem while teammates knelt, and refusing to wear NBA social justice slogans in 2020.

The sneaker line reflects his mission to empower athletes and fans alike to express their faith confidently, both on the court and in life.

The shoes reportedly include:

• Bible verses inscribed on the soles or tongues

• Christian imagery such as crosses and doves

• Inspirational slogans like “Stand for Truth” and “Fearfully and Wonderfully Made”

Isaac’s brand, UNITUS, was launched in 2023 with the goal of promoting values like faith, family, and freedom, in contrast to what he sees as a growing pressure to conform in mainstream sports and entertainment culture.

“Athletes shouldn’t have to hide their beliefs to succeed,” Isaac said. “This sneaker is about creating a space where your faith is your foundation not a liability.”

While many major athletes have signature shoes, this marks the first time a high-profile basketball player has released a sneaker line explicitly branded around Christian values.

A Market Ripe for Disruption

The Christian sneaker launch taps into a growing demographic of faith-driven consumers who have felt underrepresented in mainstream fashion and sports culture. With millions of Christian athletes, fans, and families across the U.S. and abroad, Isaac’s bold step may open a new niche in the sports apparel industry.

Support and Reactions

Faith based organizations and many Christian fans have voiced strong support online, praising Isaac for “standing firm in a culture that often pressures silence.” At the same time, some critics argue the move may be polarizing in a league known for its diverse views and backgrounds.

Still, Isaac seems undeterred.

“This isn’t about dividing people,” he said. “It’s about uniting those who believe and giving them something to stand in. Literally.”

The Task Force to Eradicate Anti-Christian Bias, launched by President Donald Trump and chaired by former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi, revealed that under President Joe Biden, the Department of Education imposed record fines on Christian universities and investigated parents who raised concerns about sexually explicit or inappropriate content in public school curricula.

“This was a clear and deliberate attack on Christian values,” Bondi said during a Thursday press conference. “Faith-based schools and families were punished simply for standing by their beliefs.”

The report also criticizes the Department of Justice for weaponizing the Freedom of Access to Clinic Entrances (FACE) Act, disproportionately prosecuting Christians for peaceful prayer or protests outside abortion facilities, while ignoring violent attacks on churches and pro life pregnancy centers.

Bondi further condemned the Biden administration’s border policies, stating that “drugs flowed freely into our country for four years,” pointing to a dramatic rise in fentanyl trafficking and cartel activity.

The task force’s findings underscore President Trump’s ongoing commitment to defending religious liberty and holding federal agencies accountable for bias against people of faith.

Supporters of Trump praised the report as further evidence that he remains a leading voice for traditional American values and constitutional rights.

Speaking from the White House Rose Garden on Thursday, Trump unveiled the new directive, which establishes a presidential commission tasked with advising the government on matters related to religious liberty and defending the rights of individuals and organizations to freely practice their faith.

“Religious liberty is under threat in many places, including right here at home,” Trump said. “Today, we are taking historic steps to ensure that people of faith are protected, respected, and empowered to live according to their beliefs.”

Scope of the Executive Order

While the full text of the executive order has not yet been released, administration officials say the directive will instruct federal agencies to review policies and regulations that may restrict religious expression and participation, particularly in education, healthcare, and charitable services.

The new presidential commission composed of faith leaders, legal experts, and civil rights advocates will be charged with monitoring potential violations and advising on strategies to safeguard religious freedoms in both domestic and international contexts.

A Political and Cultural Signal

The move comes amid growing debate over the role of religion in American public life and ongoing legal battles involving religious expression, school prayer, and the rights of faith-based organizations. Trump’s announcement is seen by many as a strong signal to conservative and religious voters, who have been a key part of his political base.

Critics, however, raised concerns about the potential for the order to blur the lines between church and state or prioritize certain religious perspectives over others.

“This order must be carefully implemented to ensure it upholds constitutional protections and does not marginalize minority faiths or non-religious communities,” said Ayesha Reed, director of the Secular Policy Institute.

Looking Ahead

The executive order directs agencies to report back within 90 days on their progress and outlines a series of public hearings the commission will hold nationwide to gather input from various faith groups and civil society organizations.

Trump concluded his remarks with a call for unity: “On this National Day of Prayer, let us come together not just in worship, but in purpose to uphold the values that make our nation strong, including the sacred right to believe.”