Cover

The Federal Government of Nigeria is running a ₦49.7 trillion budget. On the streets, Nigerians are running another one. It is not in the appropriation bill. It has no line item in FAAC. It is funded by tithes, offerings, zakat, sadaqah, and volunteer time. It is administered from altars, minbars, and church food banks. Economists call it civil society. Religious people call it faith. Food inflation hit 20.31% in July 2026. Rice, garri, onions, and transport have pushed millions to the edge. Government palliatives are slow. But on Sunday, the offering basket is going to welfare. On Friday, the zakat committee is buying bags of rice. On Wednesday, a bishop is paying hospital bills. “Our problems in the country are self-inflicted,” says Cardinal John Onaiyekan in February 2026. “When the nation is bleeding, you cannot expect a polite meeting with the Head of State.” “Religious differences shouldn't divide us,” says Sheikh Abdullahi Bala Lau in August 2026. “Muslims and Christians have equal stakes in Nigeria.” From Abuja to Ekiti, from Ota to Kano, churches, mosques, and African Indigenous Churches have become the last safety net. This is our cover story “Budget of Faith” in 2026 and how religion is feeding the nation while the state tries to find its balance. Michael Adeboboye, CAJ International Magazine Editor-in-Chief writes.

From hand-written horror stories at 16 to 170 published titles, 40+ awards, and exhibitions across the world, Tamikio L. Dooley’s journey is one of reinvention. She is author, publisher, artist, humanitarian, and peace ambassador — and proof that creativity can grow from the most personal places into global impact. In this encounter with Michael Adeboboye, Editor-in-Chief of CAJ International Magazine, she unveils the roots behind the renaissance: the family lessons that never came, the self-taught discipline that carried her, and the decision to turn pain into purpose. Dooley opens up about writing her memoir Unsilenced and reliving trauma to show strength, about building her own magazines and platforms when she saw gaps in global publishing, and about using words as tools for peace in a divided world. She speaks on art, education, heritage, and the responsibility of creators to lead with dignity rather than chase money first. Now honored as CAJ International Magazine’s cover interview in this edition, Dooley shares what it means to represent resilience to African readers and young creators everywhere. Her message is simple: start with creativity, learn from those ahead of you, carry your cross with knowledge, and never go back to what broke you.