Pastor William Kumuyi
The General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor William Kumuyi, has a message for Nigerians planning to leave the country to seek greener pastures abroad.
Speaking during a Sunday sermon in Port Harcourt, the pastor voiced his worries regarding the increasing number of young Nigerians, especially the youths, who are departing the nation, in pursuit of better opportunities overseas.
Kumuyi urged Nigerians in this category to reconsider the decision to leave the country. According to him, it often leads to feelings of regret in the future.
The phrase ‘JAPA’ (a street slang) is commonly used among Nigerians to refer to getting away, running off, or vanishing swiftly from a scenario, usually in a rushed and pressing way.
In his sermon, however, Kumuyi, highlighted that true prosperity awaits those seeking to ‘JAPA’ within their homeland, reassuring that the blessings of God are not limited to any particular place.
“Whatever nation you are born in, the goodness of the Lord will reach you there,” Kumuyi affirmed.
The cleric reflected on the experiences of many professionals, such as doctors, engineers, and lawyers, who sought opportunities abroad but soon discovered that life outside Nigeria was not as promising as they had imagined.
He added: “Doctors go there, engineers go there, lawyers go there, professionals go there, thinking they are escaping bad things. They believe they are heading to lands of opportunities and prosperity.
“As they got there, they discovered that even to pay house rent and to feed themselves and to school their children and to have a buoyant economy for themselves is difficult; they say it was better for me when I was in my country, and they are looking for ways to come back.”
Kumuyi admonished the citizens not to overlook the potential in their own country, stating, “Goodness will come to you here. You don’t have to run away; your prosperity and progress will come right here in Nigeria.”
The cleric’s message comes as part of a broader call for faith and resilience, urging Nigerians to trust in God’s plan for their future, no matter their challenges.