News

Believers Shouldn’t Associate With The Poor, Pastor Ibiyeomie Replies Critics

Published

6 months ago

April 23, 2025

Founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has doubled down on his recent controversial remarks regarding poverty, stating that Christians should not closely associate with poor individuals.

In his sermon, which has since gone viral, the Port Harcourt-based preacher argued that Jesus Christ “hated poverty” and “never entered the home of a poor person” during His earthly ministry. According to Ibiyeomie, this is evidence that believers should avoid forging close ties with those living in poverty.

Amid the growing criticism, Pastor Ibiyeomie addressed the controversy during a follow-up sermon on Sunday. He claimed that his statements were divinely inspired and confirmed by the Holy Spirit.

“Some persons called me and said the internet was on fire,” he said. “I wasn’t interested, but out of curiosity, I checked. Then I asked the Holy Spirit to tell me if I’m wrong and I would take the blame.”

He continued, “He [the Holy Spirit] was dictating God’s word to me verbatim in the bathroom. He said, ‘You’re not wrong, you’re right.’”

Ibiyeomie explained that the Holy Spirit drew a parallel between sin and poverty, suggesting that just as Christians are urged not to associate closely with sinners, they should also distance themselves from the poor.

“He said, ‘Do you like sin?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘You can only lead people to Christ, but you cannot be a friend to a sinner.’ He said, ‘If a believer is mixing with sinners, everybody gets angry. So if a believer mixes with the poor, everybody should be angry,’” Ibiyeomie recounted.

He added, “He [the Holy Spirit] said, ‘I was made poor so you can be rich. So poverty is not of me.’”

While emphasising that he is not opposed to helping the needy, Pastor Ibiyeomie made a distinction between offering charity and forming close associations with those who live in poverty. He stressed that poverty is more a mindset than a financial condition.

“You can help the poor, but don’t associate with the poor. You don’t have money does not mean you’re poor. Poverty is mentality. And he gave me scriptures,” he said.

The preacher added: “‘I paid a price for sin, poverty and sickness’. Why will you reject sin and accept poverty. And those who reject poverty in line with God’s word, these three things will never be identified with you.”

News

Out-of-school: Bauchi Education Ministry Takes ‘Back To School’ Campaign To Markets

Published

2 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Editor

The Bauchi State Ministry of Education has launched a sensitization campaign on the importance of education across selected market places in the state.

The campaign aims to encourage school enrolment and showcase the infrastructural facilities provided by the Bauchi state government to ensure a conducive environment for learning and teaching in the state.

Speaking during the flag off of the campaign at Gadan-Maiwa Community, Dr. Mohammed Lawal, the state’s Commissioner for Education, emphasized that the marketplaces are ideal locations to promote education, as it is a hub of activity where people gather to buy and sell.

He highlighted the various infrastructural facilities provided by the government, which he said included the mega schools, provision of qualified teachers, and educational materials to woo parents to enroll their wards into school.

The Commissioner noted that the state has made significant progress in reducing the number of out-of-school children.

Lawal stated that the government has implemented a Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) programme to support the education of girl children, which he said, has recorded significant success.

He therefore urged parents to take advantage of the government’s efforts and send their children to school.

The commissioner also commended Governor Bala Mohammed for his commitment to education and reducing the number of out-of-school children in the state.

On their part, the village head of Gadan-Maiwa, Safiyanu Ahmed, and the Chairman of Gadan-Maiwa motor Park, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar, lauded the government’s initiative and urged parents to support the effort.

The duo also appealed for more teachers to be employed to improve education in the state.

News

How My Fiancée kept Me From Temptations – Singer Spyro

Published

8 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Editor

Nigerian singer, Oludipe Oluwasanmi David, popularly known as Spyro, has revealed that his fiancée, Janet Atom, keeps him him grounded and away from temptations.

The ‘Who’s Your Guy’ crooner shared that before meeting his fiancée he was “tempted” by ladies, especially in Lekki.

Hailing his fiancée as his “Jesus baddie,” he appreciated her for changing his life.

The singer captioned a picture of his fiancée via Instagram; “Eiii God! My very own Jesus baddie @_callme_njure.

“Thank you again for saving me from Lekki girls o, na me know wettin my eyes see.”

Recall that Spyro recently engaged Janet Atom. He disclosed that he met her at a nightclub while announcing their engagement in September.

News

Drama In Abuja Hotel As BBNaija Star, Phyna Creates Scene Over alleged N200,000 Dispute [VIDEO]

Published

8 hours ago

October 15, 2025

Editor

Former Big Brother Naija winner, Ijeoma Josephina Otabor, popularly known as Phyna, was reportedly involved in a heated altercation at a hotel in Abuja following an alleged N200,000 disagreement.

According to eyewitness accounts, the confrontation began in the early hours of Tuesday inside Phyna’s hotel room in Abuja, before spilling into the lobby, attracting the attention of guests and staff.

Sources claimed the dispute stemmed from an unsettled financial issue involving N200,000, which quickly escalated into a shouting match.

The argument reportedly intensified when neither party was willing to back down, leading to pushing and chaos within the hotel premises.

Eyewitnesses further alleged that the situation worsened after others connected to the individuals involved joined the confrontation, turning the verbal exchange into a physical clash.

Security personnel and police officers were eventually called in to restore order, using teargas to disperse the crowd.

The incident comes shortly after Phyna returned to the public eye following a brief break to mourn the death of her sister, who died in an accident involving a Dangote truck.

Watch video:

https://x.com/i/status/1978198954014629890