A Nigerian woman has shared how excessive demands placed on choir members in her former church nearly pushed her into doing things she was not comfortable with, all in the name of appearances.

According to her, she joined the church choir as a young girl fresh out of secondary school because she loved singing and had a strong voice. Things, however, quickly changed when she realised the choir operated with an endless list of compulsory outfits.

She said the choir required multiple uniforms — different camisoles, suits, shoes, and colours — for different Sunday services, sometimes with outfit changes on the same day. With services held weekly and expectations always changing, keeping up became financially draining.

She explained that many young girls in the choir, including her peers, began compromising themselves just to afford the required clothes and shoes.

“If you didn’t have the clothes, you were pushed to the background,” she said. “They treated you like you didn’t matter.”

She added that girls who could afford expensive shoes and bags were favoured, while those from humble backgrounds were ignored, sidelined, or gossiped about. According to her, the pressure was so intense that she felt the system indirectly encouraged young girls to source money however they could, as long as they showed up looking “presentable” on stage.

She questioned why churches that insist on constant wardrobe changes do not sponsor the outfits themselves.

“If you want your choir changing clothes every week, then sponsor it,” she said. “Where do you expect young girls to get the money from?”

She also alleged that cliques existed within the choir and church, where only a select group received support and recognition, while others were dismissed or humiliated.

Eventually, she said she withdrew from the choir and returned to sitting with the congregation. That decision, she added, sparked gossip and criticism, but it also helped her regain clarity.

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Veteran nollywood actress, Eucharia Anunobi, has publicly denied allegations by Apostle Psalm Okpe, who reportedly claimed that he dated her and had s+xual relations with her for over five years.

Reacting strongly in a clip, the actress dismissed the claims as false and dangerous, warning that the clergyman should be held responsible if anything happens to her. She questioned the basis of his allegations and insisted that no romantic or s+xual relationship ever existed between them.

According to her, “If anything happens to me, Apostle Psalm Okpe should be held accountable. You claimed you dated me for five years, six months, and claimed you had s+x with me for five years, six months. Do you know what it means to date? You couldn’t date me, you wish you could.”

She further stated her willingness to medically prove her claims, saying, “I am ready to be taken for medical examination to ascertain if i have been having s+x in almost 14 years.”

Clarifying the nature of their relationship, Eucharia explained that her involvement with the pastor was purely financial and faith-based. “I was giving you money to support your ministry because i am sold out to the things of the kingdom,” she said.

She also challenged his claims with documented evidence, adding, “You can’t afford me, i am high class. the records are there, the bank records are there. or you suddenly wish you could date me? In your dreams.” She concluded.

Pastor Isaac Oyedepo, founder of the Isaac Oyedepo Evangelistic Ministries and son of Bishop David Oyedepo, has announced that in line with God’s instruction, his ministry will not collect offerings.

Church Times reported on Tuesday, Jan. 13, that he made this known in an online message it monitored.

In the video, which was posted on Sunday, January 11, Isaac Oyedepo emphasised that the ministry’s primary focus is discipleship and equipping people to follow Jesus, rather than financial practices.
Addressing the financial aspect of the ministry, Oyedepo clarified that “God gave him specific instructions not to collect offerings.”
He stated that there is nothing inherently wrong with the practice in other ministries, but “noted that for this specific assignment, his focus must remain solely on the spiritual development of the people.”

Oyedepo explained that his approach is modeled after the early ministry of Jesus Christ.

“All Jesus did during his early ministry was to make disciples; the fire fell, and they were filled and refilled. Before He left, He commanded us to do the same,” he stated.

He further stressed that spiritual growth requires a “consistent journey” through the Word of God.

“How healthy would our churches be if people were truly deep in the Scriptures?” he asked.

Before starting his own ministry, Isaac Oyedepo served for years at Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), the ministry founded by his father, Bishop David Oyedepo.