They Are Wasting Time’ – Pastor David Ibiyeomie Reveals How He Affords Million-Naira Watches

Popular Nigerian clergyman and founder of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, has responded to criticism over his collection of multimillion-naira wristwatches. During a recent sermon, Ibiyeomie clarified that he does not purchase the luxury timepieces himself. According to the cleric, a young benefactor, whose identity was not disclosed, gifted him a wristwatch valued at $2 million, along with several other high-end watches.

He said he wanted to make a sacrifice, and I asked if it was for God. He replied that God told him to give them to me. Some of the watches he gave are extremely expensive. If people see them, they would just faint,” Ibiyeomie stated.

Earlier in the sermon, the pastor made remarks that sparked further debate, asserting that Jesus Christ detested poverty and intentionally avoided associating with poor individuals. He referenced Jesus’ interactions with wealthy figures such as Zacchaeus and Lazarus, claiming that Christ never entered a poor person’s home, suggesting divine disapproval of poverty. Ibiyeomie further emphasized that the purpose of Jesus’ death and resurrection was to liberate believers from poverty as well as sin, encouraging Christians to reject a “poverty mentality.”

“You can come poor, but you’re not permitted to remain poor,” he said. His interpretation, however, drew criticism online, with many arguing that it misrepresented Jesus’ teachings on humility and compassion.