A sermon by Pastor David Ibiyeomie, the leader of Salvation Ministries, has sparked a debate over the nature of giving within the church.

Pastor Ibiyeomie claimed that his donation of $1 million to God, made at a time when he lacked personal assets, has led to his current financial prosperity.

In his sermon, Pastor Ibiyeomie encouraged his followers to emulate his actions, suggesting that his generosity was the key to his wealth.

He stated, “I gave $1 million when I had no building of my own. If the bible were written today, my name would have been listed before even David and the rest. Nobody is allowed to criticize me on prosperity until you do what I have done. You can get angry, I don’t care. I gave God $1 million when I had no house.

“If you think its easy, go and give your money. God said, ‘Boy, you will never be broke.’ I am one of the wealthiest preachers on earth,” Pastor Ibeyomie said.

However, Dr. Abel Damina, Founder of Abel Damina Ministries International, has criticized Pastor Ibiyeomie's narrative.

Dr. Damina accused him of manipulating his congregation with his story and questioned the destination of the funds, implying that the donations ultimately benefit Pastor Ibiyeomie himself.

Dr. Damina expressed skepticism about the claims, stating that Ibiyeomie is targeting specific people in the church, using his story to motivate his members to donate.

“A preacher once said that God asked him for money so he brought out $1 million.

Then God said, ‘Good boy, now whether you like it or not, I am going to bless you.’

Of course, when he tells his congregation, they will be motivated to drop their own money.

Both the first check and the second check are all going where? To his account and the one they will now be motivated to drop.

They are just using drama to manipulate. How can someone who owns the world, the cattle upon a thousand hills belong to him, be moved by one million or five million?

I think sometimes, it’s ignorance on the part of the preacher, and other times, it is manipulation. He knows exactly who he is targeting,” Pastor Damina said.

The exchange between the two pastors has sparked a broader debate on donations and transparency within the church.

Nigerians have taken to social media to share their thoughts.

donchilo6: It just a pure manipulative message, note he also said " if you think it's easy go and drop your money" that makes his message manipulative.. if it was just an illustration then he would've said or advised his congregation not to follow his step if they are not lead by God to do so, but rather, he challenged them to do so if they think they can, that's the manipulation in the message. And to say he had 1 million dollars and never owned a house ? I don't quite believe that, this is Africa and we all know how we're cultured here. Once small money enter we don settle down. House is even the first thing everyone seems to acquire once they can afford one.

diwizad: You had $1,000,000.00 and you had no house of your own and you gave out all the money.

This is a simple way to tell you financial planning and investment is stupidity and instead you should give all you own while you wait for God to do the magic.

Financial literacy will set you free, plan your money, cut your coat to your size and everything you touch will turn Gold.

realobamidas: Jesus fed 5000 hungry people, but today's pastors are being fed by the 5000 hungry people

lorine_: Counter preaching is an attack to the body of Christ. Sir, I believe God gave you your own purpose, follow it and leave other men of God alone.

valianxdms: Even in the Bible a widow gave Elijah a her lst meal she was soppose to eat with her son to die but the cruise of oil multiplied …. All these Damina should stop trying to use paycology to explain a miraculous God.

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