The Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo, has advised young Nigerians to steer clear of sports betting, saying it is not a reliable path to wealth or lasting success.
Delivering a sermon on Sunday, the cleric warned that gambling could rob young people of their future.
The clergy stressed that genuine prosperity is achieved through discipline, patience and hard work.
Addressing the congregation, Oyedepo urged youths to abandon the pursuit of quick riches through betting.
“Young people, naija bet is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny, stop wasting your destiny, Stop wasting your destiny. I have never been once deceived. Stop!”
He encouraged young people not to be discouraged by slow progress, noting that success built on the right foundation may take time but would endure.
“Things may be slow, but it is sure.”
The bishop also shared a personal story to emphasise the value of gratitude and faithfulness.
He recalled that the woman who introduced him to Christianity when he was 15 years old received a car from him decades later as a token of appreciation.
“My mother of faith led me to Christ at 15. When I turned 60, I got her a car that they took to her place in the U.S., she wept. You had better wake up.”
The rapid rise of sports betting in Nigeria has continued to spark concern among religious leaders, financial experts and social commentators, who have repeatedly warned that dependence on gambling for income can expose young people to financial hardship, addiction and other social challenges.
(Punch)
