The Present Truth # 6 Prophecy of World Events. The Great World Empires. What the future holds has always been a matter of deep interest to world leaders and their subjects. Proud monarchs cherished the ambition to expand their kingdom to the uttermost ends of the world and to establish security for their kingdoms forever. To this end they devoted all their energies by heavily fortifying cities and raising huge armies. When, to all human probability, it appeared that they had attained their goal, their kingdom was often overthrown and followed by another. What does the future hold? Does the rise and fall of great world empires happen by chance or do they all form part of a great plan? If so, what will the outcome be? God’s foreseeing eye reveals the future; history establishes the certainty of it. A World Ruler Troubled Nebuchadnezzar, the great and ambitious king of ancient Babylon longed to know what would come to pass in the future. One night he had a remarkable dream. His mind was deeply impressed, but when he awoke he found it impossible to recall the dream. His wise men, the magicians, astrologers and soothsayers were unable to tell the king what he had dreamed, and because they claimed to have supernatural power, the king was angered at their inability to tell the dream, and ordered them to be executed. Among the wise men at the court of Babylon was a young man named Daniel, and his friends, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. These four young men had been chosen from the Jewish exiles, to be educated at the king’s court. When he heard of the death decree and the reason for it, Daniel begged the king for an extension of time, so that he and his friends could pray to God to reveal to him the dream and the interpretation of it. This request was granted and the four young men, with strong faith in God’s ability to answer them, prayed together. “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” James 5:16. It is not surprising that the answer came immediately. Read Daniel 2:1-30. The Dream Revealed Daniel told King Nebuchadnezzar the dream he could not recall: “Thou, O king, sawest, and behold a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before thee; and the form thereof was terrible. This image’s head was of fine gold, his breast and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, his legs of iron, his feet part of iron and part of clay. Thou sawest till that a stone was cut out without hands, which smote the image upon his feet that were of iron and clay, and brake them to pieces. Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth.” Daniel 2:31-35. The king had been listening with close attention to every particular and knew that it was the very dream which had so troubled him. His mind was thus prepared to favorably receive the interpretation. Daniel declared: “. . . there is a God in heaven that revealeth secrets, and maketh known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. . . . This is the dream; and we will tell the interpretation thereof before the king.” Daniel 2:28, 36. The Dream Interpreted 1. The Head of Gold Daniel proceeded with the interpretation: “Thou, O king, art a king of kings: for the God of heaven hath given thee a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. And wheresoever the children of men dwell, the beasts of the field and the fowls of the heaven hath he given into thine hand, and hath made thee ruler over them all. Thou art this head of gold.” Daniel 2:37, 38. Babylon was the golden kingdom of a golden age. The city of Babylon was referred to as “the golden city,” Isaiah 14:4. It towered to a height of splendor never reached by any of its later rivals. This beautiful city was sixty miles in circumference, with solid gates of brass, its walls were approximately 120 meters high and 30 meters thick. Its magnificently terraced hanging gardens, its temples and palaces were called “The glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldees’ excellency.” Never before or since, has the earth seen a city like it, or has there been an equal. The images’ head of gold was a fit representation of the earth’s greatest city, Babylon. “No capital in the world has been the centre of so much power, wealth, and culture for a period so vast.” (History of Babylonia and Assyria, Volume 1, page 397). After the death of Nebuchadnezzar, its greatest Monarch, Babylonia declined and eventually passed away under weaker rulers. During the reign of king Belshazzar, Nebuchadnezzar’s grandson, Cyrus the Persian, invaded Babylon. Belshazzar gave a feast and the whole city joined in the drunken revelry. While the party was in progress, Cyrus temporarily diverted the water of the river Euphrates which flowed through the city, and marched with his soldiers along the river bed, under the river gates and onto the drunken city and took the Babylonians by surprise in 538 B.C. This feast of Belshazzar is described in the fifth chapter of Daniel; and the scene closes with the simple record, “In that night was Belshazzar the king of the Chaldeans slain, and Darius the Median took the kingdom.” 2. The Breast and Arms of Silver “And after thee shall arise another kingdom inferior to thee . . . ” Daniel 2:39. The Medes and Persians succeeded Babylon. But in what way was Medo-Persia inferior to the preceding kingdom? Not in power, for it was Babylon’s conqueror. Not in territory, for it was the most extensive empire that ever existed. It was inferior in wealth and magnificence. Under the rulership of king Cyrus, the seventy years of the Jewish exile came to a close and they were permitted to return to Jerusalem and to build their temple. Two hundred years later Greece was rising to prominence, emerging as the next world empire. 3. The Belly and Thighs of Brass “. . . and another third kingdom of brass, which shall bear rule over all the earth.” Daniel 2:39. With unparalleled speed, Alexander the Great, ruler of Greece, led his armies in conquest. At the Battle of Arbela in 331 B.C., Darius III, King of Persia, was completely vanquished. Alexander was given to excessive drinking and lowest passions. Having conquered the world, his time was wasted in intemperate revelry. This proved his downfall and at the early age of thirty-two he died in a drunken orgy in the year 323 B.C. Because of ambitious leaders, his kingdom was soon divided under four of his generals. The kingdom’s greatness was short-lived, and the divisions fulfilled other prophetic expectations. Rome conquered the Syrian division of the Greek Empire in 190 B.C., the Macedonian division in 168 B.C., and Egypt surrendered to Rome in the same year. 4. The Legs of Iron The iron kingdom of Rome is the fourth empire that ruled the world. Gibbon wrote: “The arms of the Republic, sometimes vanquished in battle, always victorious in war, advanced with rapid steps to the Euphrates, the Danube, the Rhine, and the ocean; and the images of gold, silver, or brass, that might serve to represent the nations or their kings, were successively broken by the iron monarchy of Rome.” (Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, chapter 38, paragraph one, “General Observations.”) In the time of Christ, the Roman Empire included all of Southern Europe, France, England, the greater part of Holland, Switzerland, the Southern part of Germany, Hungary, Turkey, and Greece as well as extensive possessions in Africa and Asia. “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.” Luke 2:1. The first taxing of the world, enforced by the decrees of Rome, shows the expanse of this Roman Empire. How could this mighty and stable empire disappear from the earth? It seemed well nigh impossible from human observation. But a further scene from the prophetic vision was to take place. 5. Feet of Iron and Clay “And whereas thou sawest the feet and toes, part of potters’ clay, and part of iron, the kingdom shall be divided; but there shall be in it of the strength of the iron, forasmuch as thou sawest the iron mixed with miry clay. And as the toes of the feet were part of iron, and part of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong, and partly broken.” Daniel 2:41, 42. Unlike the previous empires, Rome was not overthrown in battle by a successive nation. Rome weakened internally as the people lived in luxury and experienced the degeneracy of self-content and intemperance. The territory which made up the official Roman kingdom lay west of Greece, which was represented by the legs of iron. By fragmentation, this territory was divided into ten independent kingdoms, represented by the ten toes of the image. Some retained the strength of the original iron kingdom, and some were weak, as symbolized by the clay. This division took place between the years A.D. 351 and A.D. 476. The ten tribes were: the Lombards, Franks, Ostrogoths, Visigoths, Burgundians, Suevi, Heruli, Vandals, Alemanni and Saxons. Later prophecies, given in chapters eight and nine of Daniel revealed that three of these kingdoms were to be uprooted (destroyed) by another power. This has proved true, but the remaining nations are still traceable in the nations of Europe today as Italy, France, England, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Germany. Although the prophecy shows Christ’s coming as the next event, other prophecies indicate intervening developments. These will be discussed in future lessons. “And whereas thou sawest iron mixed with miry clay, they shall mingle themselves with the seed of men: but they shall not cleave one to another, even as iron is not mixed with clay.” Daniel 2:43. For centuries the nations of Europe have endeavored to be united again under a central government. Neither by force, nor by diplomacy have men and women succeeded in foraging the iron and clay together. Wars have been fought but to no avail. Marriages formed to unite the nations under one ruler. All monarchies of Europe are related to each other through intermarriage, but the division still stands, as the word of God foretold. The prophecy says, “they shall not cleave one to another.” Charlemagne tried to bring Europe under one kingdom, so did Charles V, Louis XIV, Napoleon, Wilhelm, Hitler, and the European Common Market. Although they have appeared to succeed for a time, there has been and will not be a permanent cohesion. What Is the Next Event? 1. The Stone Cut Out Without Hands “And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Forasmuch as thou sawest that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it brake in pieces the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold; the great God hath made known to the king what shall come to pass hereafter: and the dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” Daniel 2:44, 45. Here is the climax of this great prophecy. The final act in the drama of the world empires is the establishment of the kingdom of God. This is certain! Just as the previous symbols were all exactly fulfilled in the course of history, so we know that this final part will also come to pass. Daniel said: “The dream is certain, and the interpretation thereof sure.” We are instructed to study the historic fulfillment of Bible prophecy and to be assured of their truth: “Seek ye out of the book of the Lord, and read: no one of these shall fail, none shall want her mate: for my mouth it hath commanded, and his spirit it hath gathered them.” Isaiah 34:16. It is in the days of the last kingdoms of iron and clay, that the kingdom of Christ will come. Christ will return, not as the Lamb of God, but as King of kings, as a mighty conqueror. His kingdom does not depend on human support, it is the kingdom of Heaven, a stone cut out without hands. His kingdom, unlike the human kingdoms, is everlasting and shall stand forever. Jesus will soon return, but before He does He seeks first to establish His kingdom in the hearts of men. Dear friend, will you allow the Prince of Peace to rule your heart now, so that when He comes you may inherit the Kingdom of Heaven? .

LITTLE DIPLOMACY When Cardinal Pacelli, the future #PiusXII, intensified his criticism of the Führer while defending an American cardinal who had attacked Nazism. A text unknown until today. 🔴READ MORE👇 https://www.uccronline.it/eng/2026/05/06/pacelli-insulted-hitler-new-text-reignites-historical-debate/

Target Blog News Media Publications (Episode 6) The Gatekeeper: Gilbert Ramez Chagoury and the Power Architecture of Modern Nigeria (Compiled By) Televangelist HB Morgan Digital Library Publications In Nigeria’s long conversation about wealth, power, and access, few names carry as much symbolic weight as Gilbert Ramez Chagoury. Born in Lagos to Lebanese immigrant parents and later transformed into one of the country’s most influential businessmen, Chagoury built a business empire while cultivating relationships that placed him close to presidents, ministers, diplomats, and the corridors of state power. His story is not just one of accumulation. It is a study in how business, politics, philanthropy, and controversy can fuse into a single national force, especially in a country where infrastructure, land, and public contracts often shape the balance between private ambition and public authority. Origins and formation Gilbert Chagoury was born in Lagos on January 8, 1946, to Lebanese immigrant parents, Ramez and Alice Chagoury. Sources describe a family that settled in Nigeria and raised their children there, while Chagoury was later educated in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria to begin his career. In 1971, he co-founded the Chagoury Group with his brother Ronald, and over time the firm expanded from a construction-rooted enterprise into a diversified conglomerate with interests in real estate, manufacturing, hospitality, flour milling, water treatment, telecommunications, and related sectors. That breadth matters, because it explains how the family’s influence moved beyond one industry and into the physical and political landscape of Lagos itself. The Abacha years Chagoury’s public reputation was deeply shaped by his proximity to General Sani Abacha’s regime in the 1990s. Reporting from the period and later investigations describe him as a trusted back-channel figure and a businessman who benefited from access while moving close to the center of political power. That era ended with lasting legal damage. In 2000, Chagoury was convicted in Switzerland in connection with money laundering tied to funds associated with the Abacha network, and he later agreed to forfeit about $66 million in a settlement that resolved U.S. criminal exposure related to those funds. These cases did not erase his influence, but they permanently attached his name to one of Nigeria’s most notorious corruption episodes. Survival and reinvention What makes Chagoury unusual is not only that he survived scandal, but that he rebuilt relevance after it. Rather than disappearing from public life, he re-entered the global elite through philanthropy, infrastructure, and business diplomacy, especially in the United States and Nigeria. His relationship with the Clinton orbit became one of the most visible examples, with reporting describing donations to the Clinton Foundation and the Clinton Global Initiative, and later documents showing he was treated as a significant contact in political circles. The underlying strategy was simple: convert controversy into legitimacy by attaching his name to ambitious public-facing projects. In Chagoury’s case, no project did more for that transformation than Eko Atlantic. Eko Atlantic and land power Eko Atlantic is the clearest physical expression of Chagoury’s influence in Lagos. It is a large reclaimed coastal development built through the Chagoury ecosystem, promoted as a modern business district and urban shield against Atlantic erosion. Supporters present it as visionary city-building; critics see it as a private metropolis created through elite access to land, state protection, and urban displacement. The controversy around the site is inseparable from the Bar Beach area it replaced. Reports describe a 2008 eviction in which state agents used tear gas and force to clear the community, while later development narratives framed the project as an environmental solution to erosion and flooding. In practical terms, Eko Atlantic became more than real estate: it became a statement that the right connections could remake a coastline, a city, and a public memory. Tinubu and the new era Chagoury’s ties to Bola Tinubu have been central to his later resurgence. Tinubu, first as Lagos governor and later as president, has repeatedly intersected with Chagoury-linked projects, including the coastal infrastructure ambitions that now define the federal government’s urban and transport agenda. In 2023, Chagoury was listed by the Nigerian delegation to COP28 as a “confidante” of the president, a description that captured how unusual his role had become in formal state diplomacy. That influence is especially visible in the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. The project, estimated at roughly 15 trillion naira, was awarded to Hitech Construction Company, a Chagoury-owned firm, and the decision drew criticism over procurement transparency and the political proximity between contractor and presidency. Supporters say the firm has the technical capacity to execute large concrete-road projects; critics argue the award reflects a deeper pattern in which elite proximity and public contracting overlap too closely. Honors and legitimacy In January 2026, Chagoury received Nigeria’s Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger, the country’s second-highest national honor. The award confirmed what his career has increasingly represented: not only private wealth, but national recognition from the very state whose institutions once investigated and accused him. That honor is politically loaded. To admirers, it reflects decades of investment, philanthropy, and development work in Lagos and beyond. To critics, it signals how power in Nigeria can normalize controversy when the beneficiaries are useful to the ruling establishment. Why his story matters Gilbert Chagoury’s life is not merely a billionaire biography. It is a portrait of how influence operates in Nigeria: through land, contracts, back channels, prestige, and the ability to remain relevant across regimes. He emerged from Lagos as the son of immigrants, became a construction magnate, survived international conviction, and returned through philanthropy and infrastructure to a place near the center of state power. That is why he remains such a potent figure. Chagoury is not just rich; he is embedded in the architecture of modern Nigerian power, where private capital can shape public destiny and where a single businessman can outlast governments, scandals, and political eras. Illustrative note A strong documentary illustration set for this article would include: the Lagos skyline and Eko Atlantic coastline, a historical photograph of Bar Beach, a portrait of Gilbert Chagoury, the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway construction scene, and an archival image of Abacha-era Nigeria Courtesy of: Target Blog News Media Publications

Target Blog News Media Publications (Episode 4) The Gatekeeper: The Enduring Power of Gilbert Ramez Chagoury in Nigeria (Compiled By) Televangelist HB Morgan Digital Library Publications Gilbert Ramez Chagoury, a Nigerian-Lebanese billionaire born on January 8, 1946, in Lagos to Lebanese immigrant parents Ramez and Alice Chagoury, embodies the complex interplay of business ambition, political access, and resilience in post-colonial Nigeria. Raised amid the final years of British rule, he was educated at the Collège des Frères Chrétiens in Lebanon before returning to Nigeria, where he began his career in sales—distributing shoes and automobiles—and rose quickly to become a national sales director for a car company. In 1971, he co-founded the Chagoury Group with his younger brother Ronald, initially focusing on construction through C&C Construction (a forerunner to Hitech and ITB). The conglomerate has since diversified into real estate, flour milling, water bottling (Ragolis), glass manufacturing (Glassforce), hospitality (including the iconic Eko Hotel & Suites), telecommunications, insurance, furniture, and international financing. It employs thousands of Nigerians and operates across West Africa, with the family's wealth estimated in the billions (around $4.2 billion in some reports). Chagoury's story is one of survival through Nigeria's turbulent transitions—from military rule to fragile democracy—while building (and sometimes defending) a vast empire. Often described as a "man with no title and no office" who nonetheless wields significant influence, he has outlasted multiple heads of state through strategic relationships, large-scale projects, and adept navigation of legal and political challenges. I. Early Years, the Abacha Era, and the "Gatekeeper" Role Chagoury's business grew steadily in the 1970s and 1980s amid Nigeria's oil boom and infrastructure needs. His close association with General Sani Abacha (military head of state 1993–1998) elevated both his profile and notoriety. During this period, Chagoury served as a key advisor and intermediary, sometimes called Abacha's "financial advisor" or "gatekeeper." He reportedly facilitated back-channel diplomacy, including meetings with international figures like U.S. Congressman Bill Richardson in private settings. Abacha's regime was later accused of looting an estimated $2–5 billion from the Nigerian treasury. Investigations linked Chagoury to facilitating transfers; Swiss authorities identified his role in helping set up accounts (sometimes under false names) that received over $120 million traced to the Central Bank of Nigeria. He acted as a reference for Abacha's associates at institutions like Credit Suisse. Chagoury has maintained that he was unaware the funds were illicit and that dealings were legitimate business transactions. After Abacha's sudden death in 1998, probes intensified. Chagoury reportedly returned an estimated $300 million in total across settlements to secure indemnity and resolve issues, though figures vary by source (with $66 million specifically tied to one Swiss deal). II. Legal Battles, Convictions, and Narrow Escapes Chagoury's post-Abacha years involved significant legal scrutiny. In 2000, a Geneva court convicted him of money laundering and aiding a criminal organization related to the Abacha funds. He negotiated a settlement: paying a fine (around 1 million Swiss francs) and agreeing to return $66 million to Nigeria. The record was reportedly expunged after two years as part of the deal. Chagoury's lawyers emphasized his cooperation and denial of knowledge about the funds' origins. In Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) under Nuhu Ribadu (later National Security Adviser under Tinubu) pursued him. In July 2004, Ribadu orchestrated a sting: luring Chagoury to a remote northeastern airstrip for arrest on business-related charges that could lead to broader Abacha-era probes. Officers waited, but a radio tip-off allowed Chagoury's private jet to touch down briefly and immediately take off again, evading capture. Ribadu later described Chagoury as a "kingpin" in the corruption of that era, stating that investigating graft inevitably led to him. Chagoury has downplayed the incident. These episodes highlighted his ability to "escape" jeopardy through settlements, timing, and networks, allowing his businesses to persist and expand. III. Rebuilding Reputation: U.S. Connections and Philanthropy To rehabilitate his image after the Abacha scandals, Chagoury cultivated ties in Washington and beyond. He and his brother became notable donors to the Clinton Foundation. Gilbert contributed between $1 million and $5 million; the Chagoury Group pledged $1 billion toward the Eko Atlantic project as part of a Clinton Global Initiative commitment on climate and coastal issues. Bill Clinton praised the project publicly, and emails showed Chagoury receiving priority treatment from Hillary Clinton's State Department circle. Critics raised questions about potential influence on U.S. decisions, such as interest in placing a new Lagos consulate at Eko Atlantic (though the deal's status evolved). Chagoury also engaged Republican circles. In 2021, he entered a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, paying $1.8 million to resolve allegations of a "straw donor" scheme. As a foreign national barred from direct U.S. campaign contributions, he was accused of providing approximately $180,000 (via associates) that was funneled through U.S. individuals to campaigns across three election cycles (including some for Mitt Romney's joint committee and Republican House members). He admitted the intent and structure but resolved the matter civilly, with prosecutors citing his cooperation and "unique assistance" to the U.S. government as factors. No criminal charges were filed against him personally. These moves—philanthropy, high-profile pledges, and political donations—helped reposition him as a global player and developer. IV. Eko Atlantic: A Private City and Symbol of Ambition The most visible emblem of Chagoury's vision is Eko Atlantic, a massive privately funded city on land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean off Lagos' Bar Beach (Victoria Island). Developed by South Energyx Nigeria Ltd. (a Chagoury Group subsidiary), it spans about 9 km² with an 8.4 km revetment/seawall designed to withstand severe storms and erosion. The project, costing billions, aims to create a modern, high-end district with residential, commercial, and institutional space—sometimes compared ambitiously to Manhattan—while addressing coastal flooding that once threatened Victoria Island. The land grant and approvals trace back to the Lagos State government under Governor Bola Ahmed Tinubu (1999–2007), who signed the statutory right of occupancy around 2006. Construction involved large-scale sand reclamation. Critics highlighted the 2008 clearance of the Bar Beach coastal community using force (tear gas and fire), displacing thousands (estimates vary widely, up to tens of thousands in some accounts) and raising questions about community impact versus long-term flood defense and economic gains. Proponents frame it as transforming a natural hazard into valuable, protected urban land that protects existing Lagos infrastructure. Bill Clinton attended a 2013 dedication ceremony. Eko Atlantic underscores Chagoury's focus on large-scale real estate and his partnership with Nigerian political leadership. V. The Tinubu Era: Zenith of Influence and Mega-Projects With Bola Tinubu's election as president in 2023, Chagoury's access appeared to peak. He was listed on Nigeria's official delegation to COP28 in Dubai with the distinctive title "Confidant of Mr. President." In January 2026, on his 80th birthday, Tinubu conferred on him the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) —Nigeria's second-highest national honor—citing decades of contributions to economic development, hospitality, infrastructure, and nation-building. No large public ceremony was widely reported. Chagoury companies, particularly Hitech Construction, have secured major infrastructure contracts, often without competitive bidding. The most prominent is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, a 700 km project estimated at around 15 trillion naira ($11–13 billion+), linking Lagos to Calabar and passing through multiple southern states. It includes concrete paving expertise and has drawn controversy over cost, procurement process, potential demolitions of beachfront businesses, and the close Tinubu-Chagoury ties. The government defends it as following due process, leveraging Chagoury's experience (e.g., prior Lagos roads), and delivering critical connectivity, ports access, and economic stimulus. Additional phases and funding (including loans) have been discussed. Other projects and influence continue across sectors. Critics, including opposition figures like Atiku Abubakar and transparency advocates, question potential cronyism, conflict of interest (noting family/business overlaps in some reports), and opportunity costs amid Nigeria's fiscal challenges. Supporters emphasize job creation, Chagoury's long-term investments, and delivery capacity in a country with chronic infrastructure deficits. Conclusion: Resilience in Nigeria's Power Landscape Gilbert Chagoury has navigated military dictatorships, democratic transitions, international probes, and domestic controversies for over five decades. From immigrant roots and early sales work to co-founding a diversified conglomerate, he built an empire spanning construction, hospitality, manufacturing, and real estate while forging enduring political relationships—from Abacha to the Clintons to Tinubu. His trajectory illustrates broader themes in Nigerian political economy: the role of private capital in infrastructure, the blurred lines between business and state power, the challenges of accountability in high-stakes deals, and the enduring influence of networks that transcend regimes. Eko Atlantic stands as a physical legacy of coastal engineering and ambition; the Lagos-Calabar highway may become another if completed. Whether viewed as a visionary developer taming the Atlantic and driving growth, or as a symbol of entrenched influence and past legal entanglements, Chagoury remains a pivotal, resilient figure—"the gatekeeper" who has consistently found ways to stay relevant in Nigeria's complex story. Courtesy of: Target Blog News Media Publications

Target Blog News Media Publications (Episode 2) The Gatekeeper: Power, Politics, and the Global Reach of Gilbert Ramez Chagoury (Compiled By) Televangelist HB Morgan Digital Library Publications Introduction: Influence Without Office In the modern history of Nigeria, few private individuals have maintained proximity to power across as many regimes as Gilbert Ramez Chagoury. A businessman of Lebanese-Nigerian origin, Chagoury’s name often surfaces at the intersection of infrastructure, diplomacy, and elite political networks. To admirers, he is a visionary developer who helped reshape Lagos’ coastline. To critics, he represents a deeper story about influence, access, and the blurred lines between business and state power. His journey spans military rule, democratic transitions, international investigations, and global philanthropy—an arc that reflects both resilience and controversy. I. Origins: From Immigrant Roots to Industrial Ambition Gilbert Chagoury was born in Lagos in 1946 to Lebanese immigrants who were part of a broader wave of Levantine traders and entrepreneurs in West Africa. Like many Lebanese families in Nigeria, the Chagourys built their early fortune through commerce before expanding into industrial ventures. In 1971, Gilbert and his brother Ronald founded what would become the Chagoury Group, a conglomerate with interests in: Civil engineering and construction Real estate development Manufacturing (including glass and aluminum) Maritime and logistics operations By the late 20th century, the group had established itself as a major contractor in Nigeria, particularly in large-scale infrastructure and urban development. II. The Abacha Years: Proximity to Power Chagoury’s rise to national prominence is closely tied to Nigeria’s most controversial military era under General Sani Abacha (1993–1998). A Strategic Insider During this period, Chagoury was widely regarded as part of Abacha’s inner circle. Reports from diplomats and political insiders described him as an informal intermediary—someone who could facilitate access to the presidency when formal channels were limited or ineffective. International Backchannels There are documented instances where foreign envoys and intermediaries engaged with Chagoury during the Abacha regime, reflecting his perceived role as a conduit between Nigeria’s leadership and the outside world. Financial Controversies Following Abacha’s death in 1998, investigations into the recovery of looted state funds revealed complex international financial networks. Chagoury’s name surfaced in connection with some of these transactions. While he denied wrongdoing, legal proceedings in Switzerland led to: A conviction related to financial misconduct (later resolved through settlement) The return of tens of millions of dollars to Nigeria A negotiated agreement that closed parts of the case after compliance. The episode marked a turning point, placing Chagoury under sustained international scrutiny. III. Legal Pressure and Strategic Recovery The early 2000s were defined by attempts—both domestic and international—to hold individuals accountable for financial crimes linked to the Abacha era. Swiss Settlement In 2000, Swiss authorities concluded proceedings that resulted in financial restitution and penalties. Rather than prolonged litigation, Chagoury opted for settlement—an approach that would become a recurring feature of his crisis management strategy. Tensions with Nigerian Authorities During Nigeria’s anti-corruption drive under Nuhu Ribadu and the EFCC, there were efforts to bring high-profile figures to justice. Reports of attempted enforcement actions involving Chagoury became part of the broader narrative of elite resistance and institutional limits. A Pattern of Exit and Re-entry Rather than disappearing, Chagoury recalibrated—gradually re-entering global business and political circles through investment, diplomacy, and philanthropy. IV. Rebuilding Reputation: Washington and Global Networks After the reputational damage of the late 1990s, Chagoury shifted focus toward international legitimacy, particularly in the United States. Philanthropy and Political Access He became associated with major philanthropic and political networks, including: Donations to global foundations Participation in international development initiatives Engagement with U.S. political figures across party lines These connections helped reposition him from a controversial regional actor to a global investor. Legal Challenges in the U.S. However, scrutiny followed. In 2021, Chagoury entered into a deferred prosecution agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice over allegations tied to improper political contributions. The resolution included: Financial penalties Compliance commitments No admission of criminal conviction following the agreement terms Again, the pattern was consistent: legal exposure managed through negotiated settlement rather than prolonged courtroom battles. V. Eko Atlantic: Engineering a Private City Perhaps the most visible symbol of Chagoury’s influence is Eko Atlantic City, a massive land reclamation and urban development project off the coast of Lagos. The Vision Marketed as a solution to coastal erosion and urban congestion, Eko Atlantic is designed as a modern financial hub featuring: High-rise commercial districts Luxury residential zones Advanced infrastructure and flood defenses Controversy and Displacement The project has not been without criticism. Civil society groups and local accounts have raised concerns about: Displacement of coastal communities Environmental impact Limited accessibility for average Nigerians While precise figures are debated, the redevelopment of Bar Beach and surrounding areas remains a contested chapter in Lagos’ urban transformation. Political Foundations The project’s approval and land allocation trace back to Lagos State leadership in the mid-2000s, underscoring the importance of political alignment in enabling such large-scale developments. VI. Alignment with Contemporary Power With the election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2023, Chagoury’s longstanding ties to Lagos’ political establishment gained renewed relevance at the federal level. Symbolic Recognition His appearance on official delegations—reportedly with informal titles reflecting proximity to leadership—reinforced perceptions of his continued influence. Infrastructure Dominance Companies linked to the Chagoury Group have been associated with major infrastructure projects, including coastal highways and urban developments. Critics often question procurement transparency, while supporters argue that few firms possess the technical capacity for such projects. National Honors State recognition, including high-ranking national honors, reflects official acknowledgment of his contributions to development—though public opinion remains divided. VII. The Paradox of Gilbert Chagoury Chagoury’s story resists simple classification. He is simultaneously: A nation-builder, credited with transformative infrastructure A political insider, with rare continuity across regimes A controversial figure, linked to past financial scandals A global operator, comfortable in diplomatic and philanthropic circles His enduring relevance lies not just in wealth, but in adaptability—the ability to reposition, renegotiate, and remain indispensable. Conclusion: Power Beyond Titles Gilbert Chagoury has operated for decades without holding elected office or formal political authority, yet his proximity to decision-making circles has rarely diminished. His legacy raises enduring questions: Where is the line between partnership and influence? How should nations balance private capital with public accountability? Can development at scale occur without displacement or controversy? In many ways, Chagoury’s story is not just about one man, but about the structure of power itself—how it is accessed, maintained, and transformed across time. Courtesy of: Target Blog News Media Publications

A NUGGET OF TRUTH. THE SMOKESCREEN WAR. How Evangelical Zionism Serves Papal Global Dominance. The theological "hijacking" of American policy serves a much deeper, more terrestrial master than most realize. While the public focus remains on the visible conflict in the Middle East, the prophetic students of the Word recognize the fulfillment of Revelation 13:11-12. This passage describes a power that "had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon," exercising all the power of the "first beast" before him. We are currently witnessing the United States, the lamb-like power,beginning to speak with the voice of the dragon by using its military might to enforce an agenda that benefits a global religious confederacy. By focusing the world's attention on Iran as a "Muslim Antichrist" or a "beast of the east," the true "beast from the sea" described in Revelation 13:1-5 remains hidden in plain sight, operating through the shadows of diplomacy and religious infiltration. The strategy is clear: keep the "Protestant" masses of America obsessed with a literal temple in Jerusalem and a literal war in the Persian Gulf so they do not see the steady dismantling of religious liberty at home. This diversion is the masterpiece of a system that seeks to heal its "deadly wound" by uniting church and state. By casting Iran as the ultimate biblical villain, apostate religious leaders can pressure the United States government to abandon its role as a defender of liberty and instead become an instrument of religious crusade. This is the very essence of the "image to the beast," where religious dogmas are enforced by the sword of the state. The war against Iran is not merely about oil or terrorism; it is a struggle of faith: - The Papal world religious control. - A branch of Islam receptive to ecumenism. - A branch of Islam that opposes ecumenism. Sunnis have embraced the Abraham Accords, a path to ecumenical unity with other faiths, aligning with the Vatican’s vision of a “brotherhood of religions.” Shia Muslims (Iranians), who require their leaders to be direct blood descendants of Muhammad, cannot accept this inclusive framework. Their exclusivity makes them an obstacle to a unified world religious order. The current war is the result of a tragic misuse of biblical imagery to justify human ambition and papal strategy. It is high time for believers to put away the maps of earthly Palestine and pick up the map of the Heavenly Sanctuary. We must recognize that our warfare is "not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world" (Ephesians 6:12). Only by rejecting this false Zionism and embracing the Christ-centered prophecy of the Bible can we avoid being swept away by the coming storm that will soon overwhelm a world deceived by "spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world" (Revelation 16:14). In the West, a movement called Christian dominionism has gained unprecedented power. Its goal is not merely to influence society but to take direct control of government and impose its morality by law. Prominent dominionist figures have openly declared this a “religious war” that will “set the course of the future of the Middle East for a thousand years” millennial language that echoes the ambition to establish a global kingdom under ecclesiastical authority. Where we are now has a striking parallel with the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70. When Roman armies first surrounded the city, they withdrew, giving those who heeded Christ’s warning time to flee. The second siege brought destruction. Today, the first attempts at Sunday legislation in 1888 served as a warning. Now, with explicit plans for enforcement and the current pope pledging to complete what Leo XIII began, the final siege approaches. The Sabbath stands as the point of truth. Instituted at creation, observed by Christ, and embedded in the Ten Commandments, it represents acknowledgment of God as Creator and ultimate Authority. When human governments presume to alter it, the issue becomes not merely a day of worship but the fundamental question: whose authority will we obey? The coming crisis will force every person to choose between two kingdoms, the kingdom of God or the kingdoms of this world. No human effort can establish the millennial kingdom; only Christ’s return will do that. Those who place their trust in earthly institutions will find them crumbling. But those who trust in God, keep His commandments, and look for the soon return of their Savior will inherit the kingdom that shall never be destroyed. Gospel Angels Broadcasting urges all to study the Scriptures for themselves and prepare for the hour of decision.

A Triumph of Dialogue! 🇵🇰 Good Samaritan Human Rights Pakistan appreciates the remarkable efforts of Pakistan's leadership and diplomats in facilitating peace. 🕊️ Based on official statements, we applaud: ✅ The request for de-escalation by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Gen Asim Munir. ✅ The resulting 2-week ceasefire between the USA & Iran. ✅ The complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage. ✅ The invitation to the "Islamabad Talks" to finalize a definitive agreement. This is a victory for diplomacy over destruction! 🤝 🌐 www.gshrp.org 📧 Shakarmasih777[gmail].com 📞 +92 326 6198854 #Pakistan #Peace #Diplomacy #USA #Iran #StraitofHormuz #GoodSamaritan #HumanRights #GSHRP

A Triumph of Dialogue! 🇵🇰 Good Samaritan Human Rights Pakistan appreciates the remarkable efforts of Pakistan's leadership and diplomats in facilitating peace. 🕊️ Based on official statements, we applaud: ✅ The request for de-escalation by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Gen Asim Munir. ✅ The resulting 2-week ceasefire between the USA & Iran. ✅ The complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage. ✅ The invitation to the "Islamabad Talks" to finalize a definitive agreement. This is a victory for diplomacy over destruction! 🤝 🌐 www.gshrp.org 📧 Shakarmasih777[gmail].com 📞 +92 326 6198854 #Pakistan #Peace #Diplomacy #USA #Iran #StraitofHormuz #GoodSamaritan #HumanRights #GSHRP

A Triumph of Dialogue! 🇵🇰 Good Samaritan Human Rights Pakistan appreciates the remarkable efforts of Pakistan's leadership and diplomats in facilitating peace. 🕊️ Based on official statements, we applaud: ✅ The request for de-escalation by PM Shehbaz Sharif and Gen Asim Munir. ✅ The resulting 2-week ceasefire between the USA & Iran. ✅ The complete opening of the Strait of Hormuz for safe passage. ✅ The invitation to the "Islamabad Talks" to finalize a definitive agreement. This is a victory for diplomacy over destruction! 🤝 🌐 www.gshrp.org 📧 Shakarmasih777[gmail].com 📞 +92 326 6198854 #Pakistan #Peace #Diplomacy #USA #Iran #StraitofHormuz #GoodSamaritan #HumanRights #GSHRP

The Book of Philemon: A Testament to the Power of Forgiveness through Christ By Robert Mahlaule DipTheol (BDiv. Student _CLI) My essay by way of a brief reviewing of the above-mentioned epistle is a reminder to us Christians that our salvation is through God’s forgiveness to all mankind. He forgave us before the creation. St Paul calls it: “ …God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began” (1 Corinthians 2:7 NIV). As a result we are all bound to forgive. Introduction The Book of Philemon is a small but powerful epistle in the New Testament of the Bible. Written by the Apostle Paul to his friend Philemon, the book deals with the complex issue of forgiveness and reconciliation in the context of a master-slave relationship. Through this book, Paul demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness through Christ, highlighting its importance in maintaining healthy relationships and promoting spiritual growth. Background and Context The Book of Philemon is set against the backdrop of the ancient Roman Empire, where slavery was a common practice. Philemon, a wealthy Christian, owned a slave named Onesimus, who had run away from his master. Onesimus had made his way to Rome, where he met Paul, who was imprisoned at the time. Under Paul's guidance, Onesimus became a Christian, and Paul saw an opportunity to demonstrate the power of forgiveness and reconciliation. The Letter to Philemon Paul's letter to Philemon is a masterpiece of diplomacy and persuasion. He begins by expressing his gratitude to Philemon for his faith and his support for the church (Philemon 1:4-7). He then introduces the topic of Onesimus, describing him as a "brother" and a "fellow servant" (Philemon 1:16). Paul acknowledges that Onesimus had wronged Philemon by running away, but he appeals to Philemon's Christian character, urging him to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother (Philemon 1:17-21). The Concept of Forgiveness The Book of Philemon highlights the importance of forgiveness in Christian relationships. Paul's appeal to Philemon is based on the principle of forgiveness that is central to the Christian faith. Jesus taught his followers to forgive others, just as God forgives them (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness is not just a moral obligation; it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. Through the story of Philemon and Onesimus, Paul demonstrates the transformative power of forgiveness. By forgiving Onesimus, Philemon is not only restoring their master-slave relationship but also demonstrating his commitment to the Christian values of love, mercy, and forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just a feeling; it is a choice that requires effort and commitment. The Role of Christ in Forgiveness The Book of Philemon emphasizes the role of Christ in forgiveness. Paul writes that Onesimus is now a "brother" in Christ, and that Philemon should forgive him for Christ's sake (Philemon 1:16-17). This emphasizes that forgiveness is not just a human act but a divine one, made possible through the sacrifice of Christ. Christ's death on the cross is the ultimate expression of forgiveness, demonstrating God's willingness to forgive humanity for its sins. Through Christ, believers are forgiven and reconciled to God, and they are called to extend that forgiveness to others. Forgiveness is not just a moral obligation; it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, made possible through the power of Christ. Conclusion The Book of Philemon is a powerful testament to the transformative power of forgiveness through Christ. Through the story of Philemon and Onesimus, Paul demonstrates the importance of forgiveness in Christian relationships, highlighting its role in maintaining healthy relationships and promoting spiritual growth. Forgiveness is not just a feeling; it is a choice that requires effort and commitment. It is a divine act, made possible through the sacrifice of Christ. As believers, we are called to extend forgiveness to others, just as God has forgiven us through Christ. In a world marked by conflict, division, and hurt, the message of Philemon is more relevant than ever. Forgiveness is not just a moral obligation; it is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, made possible through the power of Christ. References: 1. The Bible (various translations) 2. "The Book of Philemon" by N.T. Wright 3. "Philemon" by Scot McKnight 4. "The Message of Philemon" by David N. Steele 5. "Forgiveness: A Philosophical Exploration" by Charles L. Griswold