The founder and senior pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has made headlines with his bold advice to Nigerians considering relocation abroad, especially to the United States, urging them to remain in Nigeria and face the challenges head-on.
In his sermon, Pastor Ibiyeomie questioned the widespread belief that traveling overseas automatically leads to a better life. He addressed the misconception that foreign countries, particularly the United States, are free from hardship or difficulties, stating that every nation has its own unique challenges.
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“A lot of people believe that the moment they step out of Nigeria, all their problems will disappear. That is not true,” he said. “Many of the countries that people run to also have their own issues, and in some cases, the situation may even be more difficult than what we face here.”
Using the United States as a reference, the pastor claimed that many Nigerians who have relocated there are currently struggling with various problems. “You think there’s no challenge in America? Ask your brothers in America—they are crying. America is hotter than Nigeria,” he declared emphatically.
He went further to question the logic of escaping hardship by fleeing to another land, stressing that no place in the world is without struggles. According to him, those who have relocated often come to the realization that the grass is not always greener on the other side.
“Where are you running to? You say there’s challenge in your country and you want to run to another country? You think where you’re going has no challenge? There’s no free lunch anywhere,” Pastor Ibiyeomie continued. “Even those in America now are crying. Please, face it where you are.”
The pastor’s comments sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some agreeing that Nigerians should stay and help develop their country, while others argued that seeking greener pastures abroad remains a valid option in the face of harsh economic realities at home.
Nonetheless, Pastor David Ibiyeomie’s message serves as a reminder that while emigration may offer new opportunities, it is not without its own set of trials and complexities.