Founder of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, has cautioned young Nigerians against relying on sports betting as a path to wealth, describing it as a dangerous habit that can derail their future.
Speaking during a sermon on Sunday, the cleric urged youths to embrace hard work, discipline, and patience instead of chasing quick financial gains through gambling.
“Young people, Naija Bet is not the way to financial fortune. Stop wasting your destiny, stop wasting your time. I have never been once deceived. Stop!” Oyedepo said.
He acknowledged that genuine success may take time but stressed that lasting prosperity comes through consistent effort and commitment.
“Things may be slow, but it is sure,” he added.
The bishop also shared a personal story about gratitude, recalling how he rewarded the woman who introduced him to Christianity when he was 15 years old.
“My mother of faith led me to Christ at 15. When I turned 60, I got her a car that they took to her place in the U.S., she wept. You had better wake up,” he said.
His comments come amid growing concern over the increasing popularity of sports betting among young Nigerians. Religious leaders, financial experts, and social commentators have repeatedly warned that excessive gambling can lead to financial hardship, addiction, and unrealistic expectations of wealth.
