Nigerian journalists have been advised to desist from promoting individuals who spread negative prophecies about the nation.
Prophet Gideon Owoseni, Visioner and Founder of the African Jerusalem Christian Ministry, gave this counsel in Ibadan on Wednesday while addressing journalists at the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ (NUJ) office.
According to him, Nigeria is destined for greatness and it will overcome its present challenges. “This nation belongs to God; this government belongs to God,” he said. “If God could turn things around in Samaria as recorded in the Bible, He will also do it for Nigeria. Time of comfort will come soon.”
Speaking further against spreading messages of doom, he urged the media to focus on positive narratives. “Journalists should stop promoting those giving negative prophecies about Nigeria. Their prophecies will not come to pass. What I see is that Nigeria will emerge stronger and greater.”
The renowned prophet also shared his thoughts on why the government struggles to address societal issues. According to him, the government’s leniency stems from a desire to secure votes during elections, which ultimately hampers progress. “They don’t want to offend the people so they don’t lose their votes,” he remarked.
Prophet Owoseni used the occasion to announce the inauguration of a new development within the ministry’s premises—The Pool of Bethesda—set to be commissioned on Saturday, October 19, 2024. The Pool, part of his ongoing project to replicate holy monuments from Jerusalem in Nigeria, is designed as a spiritual cleansing space.
Owoseni shared that his vision for the African Jerusalem Christian Ministry began in 2012 during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem. He recounted how God tasked him with creating a centre in Nigeria that would mirror the power and sanctity of holy sites in Israel and Saudi Arabia. “God said He wanted me to replicate the glory and power people go to tap in the Middle East here in Nigeria,” he explained.
The African Jerusalem Christian Ministry, located in Ibadan, boasts 127 altars for both Muslims and Christians to pray. Prophet Owoseni emphasized that the centre is not limited to Christians, as he is also constructing a mosque within the premises to foster religious coexistence.
“I want the government to partner with me in realizing this vision. It will save the nation the cost of pilgrimages to Jerusalem and Mecca,” Owoseni said. While he is not requesting financial assistance, he called on the government to improve the road infrastructure leading to the centre and suggested naming the road after the African Jerusalem Christian Ministry.
The visioner also expressed concerns over the festering corruption in the society despite an upsurge in the number of religious leaders, stating that Nigeria was better off when there were fewer clergy. He criticized modern-day preachers for focusing on gaining followers rather than preaching the truth. However, he maintained that despite these challenges, Nigeria’s future remains bright.
“The cause of our problems is because people love darkness more than light. But Nigeria will be better, write it down,” he concluded.
