Apostle Arome Osayi, VDM Clash Over Nigeria’s ‘Calling’ as Debate Takes Personal Turn

A fresh controversy is unfolding between Nigerian cleric Apostle Arome Osayi, founder of Remnant Christian Network, and social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following a sermon by the apostle about Nigeria’s purpose as a nation.

The controversy began after a video of Arome Osayi’s sermon circulated online in which he argued that Nigeria should not measure its national purpose only through economic achievements or technological development.

According to Osayi, Nigeria’s calling is primarily spiritual revival and missionary work.

“Our calling as a nation is revival. God wants to generate something from here that He will export to the nations of the world.”

He also said Nigerians should not simply compare the country’s activities with China’s manufacturing and technological achievements because, in his view, “nations have callings.”

The message, however, attracted strong criticism online, particularly from VeryDarkMan, who argued that excessive emphasis on prayer and religious solutions could discourage Nigerians from pursuing innovation, technology and practical solutions to the country’s problems.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on September 27, VDM said both religious institutions and the wider culture of relying on miracles had contributed to what he described as Nigeria’s lack of development.

The disagreement later became more personal when VDM mocked the appearance of Apostle Arome, referencing the facial palsy the cleric has previously spoken publicly about.

Arome has explained in an earlier video that he was diagnosed with facial palsy during a trip to London and said he had prayed for healing but believed God told him the condition would remain. His official biography also states that he was born with facial palsy.

The personal remarks have attracted criticism from other Christian voices.

The dispute intensified further after VDM reacted to news that Apostle Arome and his wife had secured permanent residence in the United States.

VDM questioned the move in light of Arome’s message about Nigeria’s spiritual calling, pointing out that the US is widely associated with technological innovation and economic development.

Arome, meanwhile, appears to have limited comments on his social media page amid the backlash.