By Ade Iyamoye
Priest of Abuja Archdiocese, Rev. Fr. Victor Ogunyemi has called on Nigerians to abandon the culture of cursing their leaders and country, emphasizing that negative words contribute to national decline.
Instead, he urged citizens to embrace prayers and positive declarations for Nigeria’s prosperity.
Drawing from biblical teachings, Fr. Ogunyemi referenced Psalm 122:6-7, which calls for prayers for Jerusalem’s peace and prosperity, as well as 1 Timothy 2:1-6,8, where St. Paul urges Christians to intercede for their leaders.
He stressed that a nation plagued by curses from its own people cannot thrive.
“Many of us are unknowingly destroying our country with negative words. You curse your leaders, you speak ill of Nigeria, and yet you expect it to prosper? That is self-sabotage,” he said.
Fr. Ogunyemi encouraged Nigerians to foster a culture of blessing and prayer for their leaders, asserting that collective intercession would bring peace and stability.
He warned that neglecting this responsibility means sharing in the nation’s struggles.
“Pray for Nigeria, pray for our leaders. Stop damaging and sabotaging your own country. Our words shape our reality—let’s use them to build, not destroy,” he urged.
