Posted by Samuel on Mon 23rd Mar, 2026 - tori.ng
Speaking during a sermon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the cleric argued that giving does not lead to poverty, insisting that stinginess is the real cause of financial lack.
Nigerian pastor, David Ibiyeomie, who is the founder of Salvation Ministries, has sparked debate by claiming he can afford a private jet, using the statement to underscore his message on generosity and dedication to religious causes.
Speaking during a sermon in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, the cleric argued that giving does not lead to poverty, insisting that stinginess is the real cause of financial lack.
“Please don’t tie down your destiny with stinginess. Giving does not make people poor, never. If giving makes people poor, then I would have been poor but I can’t be poor,” he said.
Ibiyeomie maintained that his personal giving is driven by devotion rather than surplus wealth, noting that some members of his congregation may possess more cash but do not give as much.
“We don’t give because we have more than others, we give because we love God. There are people who have physical cash in this church more than me, but they don’t give what I give,” he stated.
The pastor also spoke about his financial capacity, saying he could easily acquire luxury assets but has chosen to prioritise church development.
“If I want to buy a jet today in this church, I can buy a jet. All I need to do is to stop the Cathedral and I will buy jets. That Cathedral can buy jets, not a jet. I can buy jets of any kind, but I said no because the kingdom of God is the first,” he said.
He added that his focus remains on building a grand place of worship, suggesting that the church should reflect excellence and even surpass the opulence seen in other institutions.
“Of recent I saw a traditional ruler with gold in his palace. I said nothing will make the church not to do it with gold. In this Cathedral, everywhere you turn will be gold,” he added.