A report by BBC has revealed that Nigerian pastor Chris Oyakhilome has been spreading false information regarding malaria vaccines. During a sermon in August 2023, Oyakhilome misquoted a clip from a 2010 TED talk by Bill Gates, claiming that Gates was advocating for depopulation through vaccines.

Gates’ actual statement was about the potential for reducing population growth through improved health care, including vaccines. He did not advocate for depopulation. Oyakhilome’s interpretation of the statement was a misrepresentation.

The report also highlights Oyakhilome’s baseless claims about the World Mosquito Program facility in Colombia, which he falsely attributed to the Gates Foundation and accused of producing genetically modified mosquitoes for depopulation. The facility is actually owned by Monash University and does not use genetically modified organisms.

Oyakhilome has a history of spreading anti-vaccination misinformation, including targeting the HPV vaccine designed to prevent cervical cancer. He has also made erroneous claims about tetanus, polio, and other childhood vaccines.

The report states that Oyakhilome has also falsely claimed that mRNA vaccines alter DNA, which is not true. Vaccines use mRNA to train the immune system to recognize and fight viruses, without affecting DNA.

British media regulator Ofcom previously fined Oyakhilome’s congregation £125,000 for broadcasting misleading and harmful statements about COVID-19 and vaccines.

A former member of Oyakhilome’s church, Mr. Ogunro, expressed concern about the pastor’s influence and the need for regulation of such preachers. CONTINUE READING