In a powerful address to his congregation, a prominent Nigerian cleric has issued a direct appeal for citizens to cease making damaging statements about the nation. He emphasized that words carry weight and negative talk could exacerbate the country's existing problems.
A Call for Positive Confession and Prayer
Pastor Joseph Babatunde, the General Overseer of the Peculiar Gospel Outreach Ministry, delivered this message during the ministry's 10th annual convention. The event is taking place at the Peculiar Camp in Imode, Kwara State, and runs from December 18 to 21, 2025, attracting worshippers from across Nigeria.
Speaking to the gathered faithful, Pastor Babatunde framed his advice as a fatherly duty. He specifically urged Christians to respond to national issues through spiritual and constructive means. "The responsibility of a father is to advise his children. Therefore, I advise all our members not to join anybody or group in saying negative things about our country and people," he stated.
The pastor advocated for a three-fold response: prayer, positive confessions, and acts of compassion. He warned against the alternatives of complaints, violence, or harmful utterances. Citing biblical scriptures, he stressed that careless words possess the power to bring destruction, highlighting the spiritual consequences of negative rhetoric.
Duty to Pray for Leaders and a Plea to Government
Pastor Babatunde underscored the Christian obligation to intercede for those in authority. He explained that such prayers are vital for the nation to achieve peace, stability, and progress. This spiritual duty, however, was paired with a tangible appeal to the country's leadership.
The cleric acknowledged the severe economic difficulties many Nigerians are enduring. He pointed to inflation, high exchange rates, and rising fuel costs as key factors crushing citizens. While cautioning the people against negative talk, he simultaneously called on governments at the federal, state, and local levels to intensify their focus on public welfare.
"Nigerians are going through a lot. Government at all levels must not lose sight of the suffering of the people," Babatunde said emphatically. He advocated for stronger social safety nets and people-centred policies to cushion the impact of the harsh economy on the poor and vulnerable.
Convention Theme Reflects Challenging Times
In his opening welcome to the convention, Pastor Babatunde expressed gratitude to God for sustaining the ministry's members despite Nigeria's and the world's economic and security trials. He revealed that the chosen theme for the gathering mirrors the current need for faith, perseverance, and commitment during difficult periods.
The cleric also took a moment to note that the ministry successfully executed all its planned national programs for the year 2025. The convention serves as both a spiritual retreat and a platform for addressing contemporary national issues from a faith-based perspective.
