Daily Digest Online

Nigerian actor and senior pastor Jimmy Odukoya has delivered a sharp retort to critics who question the lifestyles and family-run leadership of pastors of large, successful churches. In a candid address, he challenged skeptics to understand the immense struggle behind building a ministry and even dared them to "start your own church" if they find the path so straightforward. Odukoya, who leads the Fountain of Life Church in Lagos—founded by his late parents, Pastors Taiwo and Bimbo Odukoya—spoke out against what he perceives as selective and unfair criticism. He argued that public scrutiny of pastors' wealth and influence only emerges after years of unseen hardship and sacrifice. "Listen, it is very easy to talk about pastors who have mega churches and big, big crowds. It is easy to talk about them when they are at that level," Odukoya stated. "Where were you when they had no one?... Where were you when the pastor had no money and he...

IBADAN, Nigeria – A prominent Nigerian pastor has publicly stated that politicians seek meetings with popular church leaders primarily to secure the votes of their large congregations, not for spiritual guidance. Pastor Femi Emmanuel, the Presiding Pastor of Livingspring Chapel International, made the remarks during an interview with journalists in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State. He argued that politicians are more interested in the electoral influence of religious figures than their prayers. “When politicians visit popular General Overseers, they come mainly for political reasons, to get their members to vote for them,” Emmanuel stated. “I tell my congregation all the time: it’s your votes they’re after.” The cleric urged citizens to engage more deeply with the political process at the grassroots level, suggesting that critical decisions are often made by party delegates who are not equipped for such responsibility. He lamented that many “good Nigerians” avo...