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Tag: Religious leaders

  • Prosperity Prayers Thrive Because Africa Lacks Jobs, Pastor Chris Ogugua Says

    A Nigerian cleric, Rev. Chris Ogugua, has stirred debate after claiming that many prosperity-focused ministries in Africa thrive because of widespread unemployment, arguing that churches would lose members if more jobs were available.

    The pastor made the remarks during a sermon that has gone viral on social media, where he questioned the heavy emphasis on prosperity prayers in many churches.

    ‘Prosperity prayers are ignorance’

    In the video shared on Wednesday, Ogugua said many prayer points in African churches are driven by economic hardship rather than spiritual growth.

    “All this prosperity we pray for in church is ignorance because when jobs come to Africa, most pastors will lose their ministries,” he said.

    According to him, many people turn to churches seeking miracles because they lack employment and financial stability.

    Comments trigger mixed reactions

    The sermon has generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over the pastor’s comments.

    Some users agreed with him, arguing that poor economic conditions have made many people depend on miracle services for solutions to everyday challenges. Others disagreed, saying churches in developed countries with lower unemployment rates continue to thrive, suggesting that faith is not solely tied to economic hardship.

    Several commenters also argued that governments should focus on creating jobs and improving living conditions rather than leaving citizens to rely on religious institutions for economic hope.

    The comments have added to ongoing conversations about prosperity preaching, unemployment in Africa and the relationship between faith and economic development.

  • Gumi Defends Ibadan Visit, Dismisses Claims of Islamisation Agenda

    Popular Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, has defended his visit to Ibadan last year, dismissing allegations that he was attempting to promote an Islamisation agenda in Oyo State.

    Gumi made the clarification in a Facebook post on Tuesday, insisting that his trip to the South-West was not at the invitation of any Muslim organisation or individual in the region.

    Gumi Explains Purpose of Visit

    According to the cleric, he attended the event in Ibadan as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama and not on behalf of any local group.

    He questioned attempts to politicise his visit and maintained that every Nigerian has the right to travel freely across the country.

    “I was in Ibadan not at the invitation of any South-West Muslim individual or group, but as a representative of the Coalition of Northern Muslim Ulama,” he stated.

    “Can anybody stop me from going anywhere in Nigeria?”

    Gumi added that the controversy surrounding his visit made him realise the extent to which, in his view, Islamophobia influences political discourse in parts of the South-West.

    Comments Follow Kidnap Victim’s Video

    His remarks came shortly after a video surfaced showing one of the victims abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State disputing reports that the kidnappers demanded the introduction of Sharia law as a condition for their release.

    The victim, Mrs. Rachael Alamu, principal of Community High School, Esiele, said the abductors were not demanding Sharia law or a N1 billion ransom.

    According to her, the kidnappers were seeking the release of some of their associates currently in government custody.

    MURIC Rejects Sharia Claims

    The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) also rejected reports linking the kidnappers to demands for Sharia law.

    In a statement issued on Monday, the group described the allegation as false and argued that the claim was designed to portray Islam negatively.

    Background to Ibadan Visit

    Gumi visited Ibadan on November 19, 2025, as a guest speaker at the Southern Nigerian Ulama Summit held at the University of Ibadan.

    During the visit, he also participated in a meeting attended by Muslim scholars from northern and southern Nigeria.

    The visit generated public debate at the time, with some critics questioning its purpose, while supporters described it as a routine religious engagement aimed at fostering dialogue among Islamic scholars.

  • CAN Declares June 14 Black Sunday Over Rising Terror Attacks

    The Christian Association of Nigeria has declared Sunday, June 14, 2026, as Black Sunday in honour of victims of terrorist attacks across the country.

    The association also announced a nationwide prayer programme scheduled to hold from June 12 to June 14 as part of efforts to mourn victims and seek divine intervention over the country’s security challenges.

    CAN Calls for Urgent Action on Insecurity

    Speaking at the end of the National Church Denominational Leadership Summit 2026, CAN President, Daniel Okoh, said prayers alone would not be enough to address the worsening security situation in Nigeria.

    According to him, practical and decisive measures are needed to restore safety and protect citizens from persistent attacks by criminal and terrorist groups.

    Okoh urged the Federal Government to declare a state of emergency on insecurity, describing the situation as critical and requiring immediate intervention.

    Push for State Police

    The CAN president also renewed calls for the establishment of state police and the decentralisation of Nigeria’s security architecture.

    He argued that empowering states with greater control over security operations would enable quicker and more effective responses to emerging threats.

    According to him, the current security structure requires reforms to adequately address the growing challenges facing communities across the country.

    Demand for Release of Kidnap Victims

    Okoh further called for the unconditional release of all kidnapped victims being held by terrorists and criminal groups.

    He urged security agencies and relevant authorities to intensify efforts to rescue those in captivity and ensure justice for victims and their families.

    The declaration of Black Sunday comes amid growing concerns over recurring attacks, kidnappings and killings in several parts of the country, which have prompted renewed calls for stronger security measures.

  • David Ibiyeomie Responds to Criticism Over Clergy Silence on Nigeria’s Insecurity

    Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has reacted to criticisms that religious leaders have remained silent on Nigeria’s worsening insecurity, saying the claims ignore past interventions by the clergy.

    The cleric spoke during a church service, where he addressed ongoing debates about the role of pastors in speaking out on national issues such as kidnappings and insecurity.

    Cleric Defends Past Interventions

    Ibiyeomie argued that religious leaders have not been silent over the years, insisting that many of the concerns being raised today were also spoken about during earlier administrations.

    He questioned why critics who were vocal in the past are now less active in their public commentary on governance and insecurity.

    “Now nobody is talking again, all those people that use to r!ot during are not r!oting again, Nigeria is a funny country. They talked during Jonathan, why they no talk again. They say men of God are not talking about the country’s insecurity, the ones that talked during Jonathan’s term, why’re they not talking now? The time we talked, una talk? We’ve been shouting since,” he said.

    Ongoing Debate on Religious Voices

    His remarks come amid renewed public debate over whether religious leaders should take stronger public positions on insecurity, kidnappings, and governance challenges in the country.

    While some Nigerians argue that clerics have a moral duty to speak out more forcefully, others believe their role should remain largely spiritual rather than political.

    The conversation continues as insecurity and public safety concerns dominate national discourse.

  • Spyro Doubles Down on Pastors Criticism Over Insecurity in Nigeria

    Nigerian singer Spyro has intensified his criticism of religious leaders in the country, insisting that pastors and clerics who remain silent over worsening insecurity are indirectly supporting oppression.

    The singer made the remarks while reacting to backlash that followed his earlier comments against Nigerian churches and religious institutions over their response to insecurity and violence across the country.

    Spyro Defends Earlier Remarks

    Speaking in a video shared online, Spyro maintained that religious leaders have a duty to speak for their members during periods of national crisis.

    According to him, millions of Nigerians rely on churches and religious institutions for guidance, making it necessary for influential clerics to publicly address insecurity and pressure authorities to act.

    “Every pastor in Nigeria, if you’re not speaking up right now over the high rate of insecurity in the country, it means you are part of the system and an oppressor,” he said.

    Singer References Oyo Kidnapping Incident

    Spyro also referenced the recent kidnapping of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State while expressing concern over the country’s security situation.

    He questioned why more prominent pastors and clerics have not publicly intensified conversations around the attacks and the safety of ordinary Nigerians.

    “As a pastor, you’re responsible to your members because they attend your churches, so you need to speak up. Yes, the government is the problem, but I have every right to hold the church accountable,” he added.

    The singer further lamented the condition of the kidnapped victims, saying the situation should provoke stronger reactions from influential voices across the country.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Video

    The latest comments have generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting Spyro’s position that religious leaders should become more vocal on national issues.

    Others, however, argued that clerics already pray and engage privately with authorities, insisting that the responsibility for tackling insecurity rests primarily with the government and security agencies.

    Spyro had earlier criticised churches and mosques for allegedly continuing normal religious activities while insecurity, kidnappings and violence persist across different parts of the country.

    Growing Concerns Over Insecurity

    The singer’s remarks come amid growing public concern over repeated cases of kidnappings, attacks on schools and violent crimes in several states.

    Recent incidents in Oyo State involving abducted schoolchildren and teachers have triggered outrage online, with many Nigerians calling for stronger security measures and urgent government intervention.

  • Spyro Questions Silence of Pastors, Imams Over Rising Insecurity in Nigeria

    Nigerian singer Spyro has criticised religious institutions and prominent clerics over what he described as their silence amid worsening insecurity and hardship across the country.

    The artiste shared the emotional message in a video posted online, where he questioned why many churches and mosques continue with normal activities while Nigerians battle fear, violence and uncertainty.

    Spyro Questions Religious Leaders

    According to the singer, religious gatherings should currently focus on addressing the country’s crisis and advocating for citizens rather than holding regular crusades and sermons.

    “Why am I going to church where another message asides what’s happening in the country is being preached,” he said.

    “Any church that is preaching any message different from what is happening in this country and not speaking for the people and speaking to the government, you’re wrong.”

    Spyro also extended the criticism to Muslim leaders.

    “Any mosque speaking about anything different from what is happening in this country, you’re wrong,” he added.

    Calls Out Popular Clerics

    The singer specifically mentioned respected Christian leaders including Enoch Adeboye, David Oyedepo, William Kumuyi and Jerry Eze, asking why they had not publicly spoken more strongly about the insecurity situation.

    He also questioned the silence of influential Muslim clerics and scholars across the country.

    “Where are all the notable men of God in all of this? And for the Muslims, where are your sheikhs? Where are the Alfas?” he asked.

    ‘The Country Is On The Verge Of Collapse’

    Spyro further argued that schools and regular activities should not continue normally while many Nigerians live in fear.

    “Schools are even still opening up, why? This calls for a state of emergency. What is our limit? When are we going to say enough is enough,” he stated.

    The singer concluded by warning that the country was facing a serious crisis that required urgent attention and national unity.

    “Now is not the time to sit around holding crusades and services. The country is on the verge of collapse,” he said.

    The video has since generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians supporting his position while others defended religious leaders, saying many clerics continue to pray and speak privately on national issues.

  • “Go to Amaku Hospital” — Soludo Challenges Pastors Claiming to Perform Miracles

    Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo has challenged pastors and religious leaders who claim to perform miracles to demonstrate their powers at Amaku General Hospital.

    The Anambra governor made the statement during a church event while speaking about his administration’s efforts to regulate religious activities in the state.

    Soludo Speaks on ‘Fake Pastors and Bishops’

    According to Soludo, several individuals described as “fake pastors and bishops” have already been arrested as part of ongoing actions aimed at sanitising religious practices in Anambra State.

    The governor stated that those who truly possess healing powers should visit hospitals where sick people are receiving treatment.

    “We’ve arrested f@ke pastors and bishops. Whoever wants to perform a miracle should come to Amaku Hospital,” Soludo said.

    The comments from the Anambra State governor quickly became one of the most discussed topics in latest Nigerian news after clips from the event surfaced online.

    Mixed Reactions Trail Soludo’s Comments

    The viral statement has generated mixed reactions across social media, with many Nigerians debating Soludo’s position on miracle claims and religious activities.

    Some users supported the governor’s comments, while others criticised him for focusing on religious matters instead of governance and infrastructure.

    One user, identified as @CMichael62570, wrote: “Trying to shift people’s attention from the real things that matters.”

    Another user, @Mekx007, commented: “Hope he arrested odumeje as well lol. Oga focus on your task as a governor.”

    The controversy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as reactions from both supporters and critics continue spreading online.

    Debate Over Religion, Governance Continues

    Other social media users argued that spiritual miracles cannot be treated like scientific demonstrations, while some questioned the governor’s approach toward religious leaders.

    The latest remarks from Chukwuma Soludo have once again sparked conversations around religion in Nigeria, miracle claims, and government involvement in spiritual matters.

  • Wike Fires Back After Pastor’s Emotional Plea Over Jabi Lake

    FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has reacted to a viral appeal by Pastor Sarah Omakwu, dismissing emotional pressure over the proposed development of the Jabi Lake recreation area in Abuja.

    The response came during his Wednesday media briefing, days after the cleric publicly pleaded against any private takeover of the site.

    Pastor’s plea sparks public attention

    Omakwu, Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, had gone on her knees in a video, urging the minister not to allocate the lake area to private interests.

    “I cannot fight the minister… but I go on my knees… that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    The emotional appeal quickly gained traction online.

    “I’m not moved by emotions” — Wike replies

    Reacting, Wike said governance cannot be driven by sentiment, stressing that not everyone will agree with government decisions.

    “I’m human in this government and you don’t expect everybody to be happy,” he said.

    He questioned the basis of the claim, asking who owns the lake and why individuals would assume control over public assets.

    Concerns over current state of the area

    Wike explained that the location had previously been allocated to a company for development but had deteriorated into what he described as shanties.

    He said the condition of the area raised security and environmental concerns.

    “There is a hotel there… who would come and stay when there are shanties all over? You don’t know if there are criminals,” he added.

    Debate over public space and development

    The exchange has sparked wider conversations about urban development, public access, and government decision-making in the FCT.

    While some support redevelopment efforts, others insist the lake should remain a public recreational space.

  • Catholic Priest Slams ‘Break Poverty’ Prayers, Tells Nigerians to Focus on Leaders

    A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising the growing trend of organising prayer sessions aimed at “breaking poverty” among struggling Nigerians.

    The cleric’s remarks, shared in a viral message, questioned the effectiveness of such gatherings in addressing real economic challenges.

    Questions over poverty-focused prayers

    Oluoma argued that directing poor people to prayer sessions focused solely on ending poverty often misplaces responsibility.

    “When men of God gather poor people to organise prayers to break poverty and you go, you are being foolish,” he said.

    While acknowledging the role of spirituality, he maintained that prayer alone cannot resolve material hardship.

    Calls for focus on leadership

    The priest insisted that Nigeria’s economic struggles are largely tied to leadership failures, not the spiritual condition of the poor.

    He suggested that political leaders should instead be the focus of spiritual intervention.

    “So instead of gathering poor people… gather Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, all the governors and ministers,” he said.

    According to him, leaders need “deliverance” from traits such as greed, incompetence, and tribalism.

    Takes aim at ‘profit-driven’ prophets

    Oluoma also criticised religious figures who claim to have the power to eliminate poverty through spiritual means.

    “Any man that claims to cure poverty by spiritual power is only using you to enrich his own pocket,” he said.

    His comments have triggered debate online, with some agreeing that systemic issues drive poverty, while others defended the role of faith.

    Leadership central to solutions

    The cleric concluded that addressing poverty requires responsible governance rather than repeated spiritual rituals.

    “To solve material problems… it is about leadership,” he said.

    His remarks add to ongoing national conversations about poverty, governance, and the role of religion in public life.

  • Pastor Kneels, Begs Wike Not to Hand Over Jabi Lake for Private Development

    Senior Pastor of Family Worship Centre, Abuja, Sarah Omakwu, has publicly appealed to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, not to allocate the Jabi Lake recreation area for private development.

    In a video shared on Sunday, the cleric was seen kneeling on the pulpit as she made a direct appeal, urging the minister to preserve the space for public use.

    Emotional appeal from the pulpit

    Omakwu said she chose not to confront the minister but instead appealed as a concerned citizen and mother.

    “I cannot fight the minister of the FCT… but I go on my knees as a mother in this land that Jabi Lake Recreation Centre should not be given to anybody,” she said.

    She described the area as a vital social and economic space for residents.

    “Leave it for the people”

    According to the cleric, the recreation centre serves multiple purposes, from exercise and relaxation to social gatherings and small-scale business activities.

    “That is where people go for exercise… where people meet, interact, and even get married,” she said, urging the minister to allow continued public access.

    She also expressed concern over shrinking public spaces in Abuja, noting that several previously accessible locations have become restricted over time.

    Acknowledges Wike’s projects

    Despite her concerns, Omakwu commended Wike for infrastructure development across the Federal Capital Territory.

    “I want to thank you for the highways… you have made movement easier,” she said, while maintaining her appeal over the Jabi Lake issue.

    Development plans already underway

    The appeal comes months after the Federal Capital Territory Administration signed agreements with private firms to redevelop Jabi Lake into a major recreational hub.

    Authorities say the initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and repositioning Abuja as a destination for leisure and economic activities.

    The situation has since drawn attention, with residents and stakeholders watching closely for the government’s next move.