Notable clergyman, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has stirred controversy with his recent statement that although believers are encouraged to help the poor, they should not associate with them.
This declaration comes in the wake of widespread reactions to his earlier remarks on poverty, which sparked debates across social media and religious circles. Pastor Ibiyeomie, during a recent sermon, doubled down on his position, saying it was a divine revelation confirmed by the Holy Spirit.
In his words, the preacher likened associating with poverty to mixing with sin, emphasizing that just as believers are urged to separate themselves from sinful lifestyles, the same should apply to poverty and the poor. He backed his viewpoint with scripture, asserting that Jesus Christ had already become poor so that his followers could become rich, hence associating with poverty negates the purpose of Christ’s sacrifice.
Pastor Ibiyeomie further explained: “Everybody gets angry when a believer is mixing with sinners, so also is when a believer mixes with the poor, people should be angry. He said I was made poor that you might be rich. So poverty is not of me. He said you can help the poor but not associate with the poor. He said that if you do that you’re saying my de@th and resurrection is in vain. Because I d!ed that you may come out of poverty.”
He continued, “Do you like to stay with the sick? Why? Because Jesus became health for you. Do you like to stay with the poor? He became poor that you can help the poor. That you don’t have money does not mean you’re poor. Poverty is mentality…”
The preacher's comments have continued to attract mixed opinions, with some defending his theological perspective while others criticize it as classist and lacking compassion.
Watch video below …
When a believer mixes with the poor, people should be angry – David Ibiyeomie pic.twitter.com/piTOibQVnt
— Naija (@Naija_PR) April 22, 2025