Cleric warns Christians against careless utterances
May 7, 2026 1:38 am
File Copy: Founder of Solid Rock Kingdom Church in Akwa Ibom, Apostle John Okoriko
By Patrick Odey
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The founder of Solid Rock Kingdom in Akwa Ibom State, Apostle John Okoriko, has warned Christians against making careless and negative utterances about themselves, the environment and businesses, saying there is enormous atomic power in the spoken words.
Okoriko stated this during the May edition of his monthly interactive session held in the Mkpat Enin Local Government Area of the State on Sunday, with the theme, “What You Say, You Become. Part 11”
Harping on the importance and potency of thoughts and spoken words right from creation, the cleric regretted that most families and churches still dwell on negative and pessimistic words, which have held them down from making progress.
He said the greatest part of life is to speak positive things to it, saying what people say about themselves, environment, businesses, career or families could either make or mar them. He encouraged citizens to see and speak good things about Nigeria.
The cleric urged Christians not to lose hope despite the socio-political and security challenges confronting the country, saying Nigeria can still experience a total turnaround if people begin to say positive words about the country
“A whole nation of Israel talked themselves into poverty. Let us not follow that way. I tell you that positive teachings and preaching can change things in Nigeria.
“The reason churches and families in Nigeria are poor and wretched is because of the activities of Juju men turned into preachers who build their messages on negativities and impossibilities.
“I know that the present economic condition in Nigeria has made people to start losing hope, but no matter how we are broken as a country, if we can come together, speak positive things about ourselves, we can change the political, economic and social situation in the country.”
Patrick Odey is a journalist at Punch Newspapers with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language from the University of Port Harcourt and a Postgraduate Diploma in Mass Communication from the Nigeria Institute of Journalism. He has worked with notable publications including Post Express, Daily Champion, and Daily Trust, before joining Punch Newspapers. His career reflects a strong commitment to credible journalism, in-depth reporting, and public interest storytelling.
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