The General Overseer of Peculiar Gospel Outreach Ministry, Pastor Joseph Babatunde, has called on Nigerians to be mindful of making negative statements against their country, warning that such careless words could further worsen the nation’s challenges.
The cleric emphasised that making negative remarks about the country will not in any way help improve the country’s situation.
He made the call at the ongoing 10th Annual Convention of the Ministry held at Peculiar Camp, Imode, Kwara State, from December 18 to 21, 2025.
Babatunde, a former General Manager at the Bank of Industry, charged believers to intensify prayers, evangelism, soul-winning and acts of compassion, stressing that Christians are called to respond spiritually rather than through violence or negative utterances.
He said, “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.”
Quoting biblical passages, the cleric warned that negative confessions and careless words could lead to destruction, adding that Christians have a duty to pray for those in authority to enjoy peace and stability.
While cautioning against negative rhetoric, Babatunde appealed to governments at the federal, state and local levels to pay more attention to the welfare of the citizens, particularly the poor.
He noted that many Nigerians are grappling with severe hardships due to inflation, high exchange rates and fuel costs, and called for stronger social safety nets to cushion the effects on vulnerable citizens.
Welcoming worshippers to the Convention, Babatunde thanked God for sustaining members of the ministry despite the prevailing economic and security challenges in Nigeria and across the world.
He said the ministry successfully implemented all its national programmes in 2025, including outreaches in various locations, children’s thanksgiving programmes, as well as conventions for teenagers, youths, women and men.
According to him, the church planted a new branch in Ikerin, Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State, celebrated the seventh anniversary of its Ibadan branch in Oyo State in May 2025, and marked the anniversary of its Itaalamu branch in Ilorin, Kwara State, in July 2025.
The Cleric also encouraged members and non-members to enrol at the Peculiar Bible Institute located at the ministry’s headquarters in Imode, Ilorin and Ibadan; noting that the institute is interdenominational and its fees are highly subsidised.
Speaking on the 2026 outlook, Babatunde disclosed that the theme for the coming year is “Stand Up for Jesus,” with a renewed focus on teaching, preaching and evangelism as the ministry prepares to celebrate 10 years of church planting.
He urged Christians not to be distracted by negative happenings in the country, describing violent attacks and killings as part of the signs of the end times as foretold in the Bible.
The Cleric concluded by praying for continued divine guidance, protection, and good health for members and guests, expressing hope that all would live to witness the 2026 Convention.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
