A debate over Nigeria’s spiritual calling has intensified online following comments by Apostle Arome Osayi and a series of responses from social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The controversy began after a video of Arome discussing Nigeria’s future circulated widely. In the sermon, he described Nigeria as a nation called to export revival, contrasting that spiritual assignment with the technological and industrial development seen in countries such as China.
VDM challenges the message
VDM criticised the emphasis on prayer and revival, arguing that Nigeria also needs to prioritise creativity, innovation, technology and practical solutions to its development challenges.
His comments triggered a wider debate online, with some people defending Arome’s spiritual perspective and others agreeing with VDM’s argument that prayer should be accompanied by practical action.
Arome responds as criticism grows
Arome has not publicly responded to the controversy in the confrontational manner some expected. Amid the backlash, his social media platforms attracted increased attention, including critical comments from people reacting to the dispute.
In a separate video that resurfaced during the controversy, Arome addressed criticism and opposition, suggesting that the attention had increased his visibility and amounted to publicity he could not have paid for himself.
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Claim that VDM was paid remains unverified
The controversy also produced an allegation from another Christian content creator, who suggested that a fellow minister may have paid VDM to damage Arome’s reputation.
No evidence was provided to substantiate the allegation. It therefore remains an unverified claim and should not be treated as an established explanation for VDM’s criticism.
VDM responds from China
VDM later posted a satirical video from China, using the country’s roads, businesses, technology and international brands as the backdrop for his response.
In the video, he jokingly prayed for China and suggested that Nigeria could exchange its prayers for some of the infrastructure and economic opportunities he was highlighting. He also questioned whether a heavy emphasis on prayer could replace the creativity, innovation and practical work needed for national development.
The video quickly became another talking point in the dispute, with reactions divided between those who viewed it as legitimate criticism and those who considered the mockery disrespectful to Christianity and Arome.
Faith, prayer and national development
Beyond the personalities involved, the controversy has raised a broader question about how faith and national development should relate to each other. Arome’s supporters have emphasised Nigeria’s spiritual role, while his critics have called for greater attention to technology, innovation, infrastructure and practical action.
Christian minister Femi Lazarus has also weighed in, calling for disagreements among Christians to be handled respectfully and criticising personal attacks and mockery.
For now, the dispute continues to fuel discussion across Nigerian social media, extending the original conversation about Nigeria’s spiritual calling into a wider debate about faith, responsibility and the country’s approach to development.
