Former Big Brother Naija star Cross Okonkwo has made a profound public declaration of faith, announcing his spiritual transformation and commitment to Christian ministry. The celebrity’s announcement, made through his Instagram platform, marks a significant shift in his public image and has sparked discussions about faith and celebrity influence in Nigerian entertainment.
Okonkwo, known simply as Cross to his fans, delivered an impassioned message declaring that he has been “arrested by God” and now belongs to Jesus Christ. The reality star’s announcement goes beyond a simple profession of faith, as he revealed a divine calling to participate in building God’s kingdom and spreading the gospel message.
In his heartfelt proclamation, Cross emphasized the broader spiritual context of his transformation, suggesting that his conversion is part of a larger revival movement currently sweeping across the globe. His message carried a sense of urgency and purpose, extending beyond personal transformation to include his substantial fan base, known as “CrossNation.
My LIFE and CrossNation will represent him and his glory from today till end of time,” declared the reality star, incorporating his established fan community into his spiritual journey. He accompanied this statement with the powerful affirmation that “GOD is LOVE and LOVE is GOD,” signing off with the acronym “ICSO.
The timing of Cross’s spiritual announcement adds to a growing trend of Nigerian entertainment figures publicly embracing their faith. His declaration echoes recent similar experiences in the industry, including that of singer Cynthia Morgan, who previously revealed her journey to becoming a prophet. Morgan’s story, particularly her struggle between pursuing a Grammy award and accepting her spiritual calling, highlights the complex relationship between faith and fame in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
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Cross’s announcement also drew parallels with the recent experience of upcoming singer Qing Madi, who faced backlash and lost thousands of social media followers after speaking about her Christian faith. These instances point to the potential professional risks and social media implications of public religious declarations in the entertainment industry.
The BBNaija star’s message included a powerful biblical reference from Joshua 24:15, emphasizing his commitment to serving the Lord regardless of others’ choices. This scripture choice appears deliberately selected to underscore the definitive nature of his spiritual transformation and his readiness to publicly align with his new faith journey.
What sets Cross’s announcement apart is its comprehensive nature, extending beyond personal conviction to include a call for others to join what he describes as a divine agenda. His message encouraged followers to “call on him and truly believe that he is your Lord and Savior,” suggesting a new role as a spiritual influencer among his fan base.
The transformation of Cross from reality TV star to spiritual advocate represents a significant shift in his public persona and potentially signals a new direction in his career and public life. His announcement raises interesting questions about the intersection of faith, entertainment, and social media influence in contemporary Nigerian society.
The reaction to Cross’s announcement has been mixed across social media platforms, with supporters praising his courage in making such a public declaration while others adopt a wait-and-see approach. This range of responses reflects the complex nature of religious expression in the public sphere, particularly among entertainment figures.
As Nigerian entertainment continues to evolve, Cross’s spiritual transformation adds to the growing narrative of celebrities using their platforms to share personal faith journeys. His declaration may well influence how other public figures approach the expression of their spiritual beliefs and potentially reshape the relationship between faith and entertainment in Nigerian popular culture.
This development in Cross’s life journey suggests that the influence of reality TV stars can extend beyond entertainment into spiritual and social spheres, potentially creating new paradigms for celebrity influence in Nigerian society.
