The comments have been flying all over the place. And so have the writings. And I have listened and read. Now I decided to write this.

The matter at the front burner is the BIG BROTHER NIGERIA SHOW that has been condemned by many because of the explicit content and many other negative vices it seems to promote.

I am not going to focus on the morality or otherwise of the show. My focus in this message is a simple question with, I believe, a simple answer.

WHAT IS THE ALTERNATIVE?

God condemns sin and advises that his wonderful creations stay away from it. But He went beyond that. He gave his children an alternative.

SALVATION.

We have asked our youth and even more mature people not to watch the show. But is there A GODLY ALTERNATIVE?

Those who were addicted to erotically romantic novels and later became believers had a dilemma. Where could they get replacements for this crave? I don’t know if there were any at first but today I can say that there are Godly Alternatives.

With American authors like Karen Kingsbury, Francine Rivers, Lori Wick, Sally John, the Nigerian counterparts like Ebi Akpeti, Dupe Olorunjo, the generous spread of the Taiwo Odubiyi narratives and of course the award winning writer, Ify Omeni who write pure, Christian Romantic Fiction, there are many Godly alternatives.

A Nigerian, Taofick Okoya is the maker of a line of African dolls that are outselling the Barbie collection.

He has given Africans an alternative.

I have heard complaints about the type of cartoons that are being aired on Nigerian Television these days. And I have asked myself, ‘Why is there no Nigerian cartoon (even one before we talk of series) on television?’

It is not enough to sit there and condemn Big Brother Africa.

It is not the time to lament about the absence of good Christian programmes on television.

It is not sufficient to keep praying about a solution that God has delivered into our hands.

I was watching the AMVCA awards and there was not EVEN ONE category for Christian film or series.

I almost wept!

Don’t tell me there are no Christians that can write compelling stories. Just make a call for such entries and you will be AMAZED at how creative Nigerian Christians can be.

Don’t even mention that there is no one to sponsor Christians who want to go into the entertainment industry.

The only Christian Soap Opera on television called Oasis is being sponsored by a church located in Victoria Island in Lagos. It’s a beautiful production but I have seen it on only one television station. We need more of those.

Christians have to become a VOICE and not an ECHO.

You will be surprised to know that many secular musicians started from the church. Thank God for the churches that have produced and backed up musicians like SAMMY OKPOSO, SINACH, FRANK EDWARDS and others. Gospel Music has become a force to be reckoned with.

Other sectors of the entertainment industry have to follow suit. The youth especially are too hot-blooded to be contained. If you tell them not to watch ‘these programmes,’ give them COMPELLING ALTERNATIVES.

Look at the producers of WAR ROOM and other American Christian movies. They are giving Hollywood the fright of their lives! They are taking over the entertainment space in America.

I know there are many Nigerians with beautiful Christian content that can provide Godly alternatives to the shows we criticise on television.

I believe there are affluent believers that can sponsor these talented Christians.

Thank God that the political situation has made even those who see politics as ‘a sin’ to start trying to get their permanent voters cards (PVC). I was excited to see the caption: INEC will not count prayer points. Get your PVC.

I will be even more excited when I see Christians waking from their slumber to take the battle to the gates.

We have slept enough!

We have prayed enough!

It is time to ACT!

When men were asleep, the enemy sowed tares that destroyed the good seed (Matthew 13:25).

Christians, our time starts now!

If we do not provide our viewers with THE ETERNAL LIGHT OPTION, they will go for …….you guessed right……THE DEVIL’S ALTERNATIVE.