Nigerian pastor Bolaji Idowu is set to host the 2026 edition of the Next Level Prayers (NLP) UK & Europe Conference in London, with growing anticipation around the event now intersecting with a heated social media debate among Nigerians in the diaspora.
The conference, scheduled for 16 May 2026 at ExCeL London, is positioned as a major gathering focused on worship, prayer and spiritual renewal. Organisers say it will bring together believers from across the United Kingdom and Europe, with an emphasis on testimonies, community impact and faith-based engagement.
High-profile gospel ministers, including Sunmisola Agbebi-Oke, Joe Mettle and Naomi Raine, are expected to feature at the event, adding to its visibility and appeal.
Early online traction suggests strong interest, with clips and testimonies from previous NLP gatherings already circulating widely ahead of the London meeting.
However, the build-up to the conference has also sparked a parallel debate on social media, after a UK-based blogger criticised Nigerians abroad for “importing prayer conferences” instead of focusing on economic opportunities.
The comment triggered widespread reactions, particularly among diaspora Nigerians who view such gatherings as central to their identity and support systems.
One of the most viral responses came from a UK-based nurse, identified as @SandraJame98422, who defended the conference and dismissed the criticism.
“Speak for yourself. No be everybody dey think like you. How person wan cancel God? After all the testimonies from previous NLP events, people still dey question am?” she wrote in a post that has since gained significant engagement.
Supporters of the NLP conference argue that beyond spirituality, the gatherings provide a sense of belonging and mental support for Nigerians navigating life abroad. They also point to testimonies from past editions as evidence of impact.
Critics, however, maintain that the increasing prominence of such events reflects a misplaced focus, especially within migrant communities facing economic pressures.
The exchange underscores a broader divide within the diaspora, where faith, culture and economic priorities often intersect.
Despite the online controversy, preparations for the NLP London conference continue, with organisers signalling confidence in strong attendance as interest builds across the UK and Europe.
Article Bolaji Idowu’s NLP London conference draws momentum as online debate trails event Live On NgGossips.
