A fresh debate over Nigeria’s future has erupted between social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) and cleric Apostle Arome Osayi, following comments by the preacher describing spiritual revival as Nigeria’s national calling.
Arome Osayi, founder of the Remnant Christian Network, made the remarks during a recent sermon while addressing comparisons between Nigeria and countries such as China.
According to Arome, Nigeria’s purpose should not be measured solely by economic achievements, industrialisation or political power. He stated that the country has a different role to play.
«“Our calling as a nation is revival. God wants to generate something from here that He will export to the nations of the world.”»
Arome further argued that Nigerians often focus heavily on issues surrounding the naira and political power while overlooking what he described as the country’s wider spiritual purpose.
«“We are not seeing beyond the Naira, we are not seeing beyond Aso Rock.”»
The preacher also spoke about what he described as Nigeria’s role in spreading Christianity and participating in what he considers end-time matters.
VDM FIRES BACK
Reacting to Arome’s position, VeryDarkMan challenged the emphasis on spiritual revival, arguing that Nigeria also needs practical innovation, creativity and technological development.
VDM criticised what he described as excessive reliance on prayer for solutions to problems that could require innovation and practical action.
«“It is this kind of preaching that put Nigeria where it is today.”»
He also argued that Nigerians have the intellectual capacity to develop technologies and solutions comparable to those produced by other countries.
«“These nations that we look up to have the same brain like us. But instead of us to use our own brains, we’ll go to church.”»
VDM further criticised the role of religious institutions in Nigeria’s development, claiming that talented Nigerians can sometimes be encouraged to seek miracles instead of developing their ideas into practical solutions.
THE TECHNOLOGY ARGUMENT
The activist also defended Nigerians who travel abroad to observe technological developments and acquire knowledge that could potentially be applied in Nigeria.
He referenced efforts to sponsor Nigerians to travel to countries such as China to learn technical skills and bring that knowledge back home.
«“We wey dey travel dey show Nigerians say this is innovation and what creativity has done for their nation…”»
VDM also directly questioned Arome over his position on Nigeria’s calling, saying:
«“Osayi Arome, oga sir, you said the calling of Nigeria is revival, are you not mad?”»
His comments have since intensified the wider conversation about whether Nigeria’s development should be viewed primarily through a spiritual lens, or whether greater emphasis should be placed on technology, creativity, innovation and practical economic development.
The controversy therefore goes beyond the two personalities involved, touching on a broader question about the relationship between faith, national purpose and development in Nigeria.
