Bishop David Oyedepo, founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide (Winners’ Chapel International), has warned Nigerian youths against relying on sports betting as a means of achieving financial success, urging them to embrace hard work, patience and diligence instead.
The cleric gave the warning during a sermon on Sunday, telling young people that betting is not the path to lasting prosperity.
‘Stop Wasting Your Destiny’
Addressing the congregation, Oyedepo repeatedly cautioned youths against pursuing quick wealth through gambling.
“Young people, Naija Bet is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny. Stop wasting your destiny. Stop wasting your destiny,” he said.
He added that genuine success takes time but remains more rewarding than shortcuts.
“Things may be slow, but it is sure,” he told worshippers, encouraging them to remain committed to honest work.
Shares Personal Testimony
To reinforce his message, the bishop recounted how a woman introduced him to Christ when he was 15 years old.
According to him, when he turned 60, he sent a car to the woman, who was then living in the United States, as a token of appreciation.
He said she became emotional upon receiving the gift, expressing surprise that a car could be sent to her from Africa. Oyedepo noted that she later passed away at the age of 92.
Message Sparks Online Reactions
Clips of the sermon have circulated widely on social media, generating mixed reactions.
Many users agreed with the bishop’s advice, arguing that sports betting often leads to financial losses and addiction, while others pointed to Nigeria’s economic challenges as a factor driving many young people toward gambling.
Sports betting has continued to grow in popularity across Nigeria, particularly among youths, despite repeated warnings from religious leaders, financial experts and public health advocates about its potential social and economic consequences.
“Young people, betting is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny” — Pastor Oyedepo tells gamblers pic.twitter.com/YzO8klonfy
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 26, 2026
