By Evang. Oladipo Oluwatosin
“There is a way that seems right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” – Proverbs 14:12
Today, we must speak truth boldly and clearly: not all businesses are God-ordained, and not all profits are blessings. Some are bait from the pit of hell. One such example is the sachet alcohol business — a deadly trap masked as opportunity, a slow poison wrapped in profit.
THE DEVIL’S AIM
Satan has one agenda: to steal, to kill, and to destroy (John 10:10). He is not just watching humanity fall — he is actively setting traps to make them fall, and he’s doing it through the hands of humans, even Christians.
Many believers, blinded by money, have opened shops of death — packaging destruction in small sachets named “Fenu Ja,” “Sugbalaja,” “Japata,” and the like. These names even boast of violence and destruction. Why? Because the devil knows words have power, and he labels his weapons accordingly.
THE AGENTS OF THE DEVIL
The devil’s agents are not wearing horns or red robes — they are businesspeople, vendors, manufacturers, and distributors who promote the sale of cheap, strong alcohol to the masses. Many are in the church. Many are ministers. Many are supposed to be light, yet they have become manufacturers of spiritual darkness.
They say, “I’m only selling; I’m not drinking.” But let me ask: If a man hands a gun to a killer, is he innocent?
STRATEGY OF DESTRUCTION
The enemy uses deception and desperation. He pushes poverty to drive people into “any business” that brings money. Then he opens doors to quick-gain ventures — like sachet alcohol sales — to ruin both the seller and the consumer.
Alcohol is now cheaper than a bottle of water in many parts of Nigeria. People wake up with alcohol. They sleep with it. Some take it to “warm up” in the night. This is not business. This is blood money.
EFFECT ON THE VICTIMS
Health Implications of Sachet Alcohol on Victims
Sachet alcohol—cheap, small, and easily accessible—has become a growing public health concern, especially in low-income communities. While it appears affordable, the long-term health, social, and spiritual implications on consumers (victims) are devastating.
1. Health Implications
a. Liver Damage
Frequent consumption of sachet alcohol leads to liver cirrhosis, hepatitis, and fatty liver disease. The liver works overtime to filter toxins, and excessive alcohol overwhelms it, causing irreversible damage.
b. Neurological Effects
Alcohol is a neurotoxin, and constant exposure leads to brain shrinkage, memory loss, and poor judgment. Victims often exhibit signs of mental health disorders such as depression, anxiety, or aggression.
c. Cardiovascular Risk
High consumption of alcohol raises blood pressure and increases the risk of stroke, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias.
d. Gastrointestinal Issues
Victims may suffer from gastritis, ulcers, and pancreatitis—conditions worsened by the poor quality and chemical additives in unregulated sachet alcohol.
e. Addiction and Dependency
Sachet alcohol is designed to be cheap and accessible, making it easy for individuals (especially youths) to become addicted. It creates a cycle of dependency that ruins lives and families.
f. Impaired Immunity
Alcohol weakens the immune system, making individuals more vulnerable to tuberculosis, pneumonia, and COVID-19-like complications.
g. Reproductive and Sexual Health
Long-term use can lead to infertility, erectile dysfunction, and menstrual irregularities.
2. Social and Economic Effects
- Loss of Productivity: Victims are often unemployable or unreliable at work.
- Family Breakdown: Alcohol abuse destroys homes, leads to domestic violence, and estranges children from parents.
- Crime and Violence: There is a strong link between alcohol and involvement in street fights, theft, and sexual abuse.
- Poverty Cycle: Money spent on sachet alcohol is often at the expense of food, education, and health.
3. Biblical Perspective
The Bible warns against being a source of another person’s downfall, especially through intoxicating substances.
"Woe to him that giveth his neighbour drink, that puttest thy bottle to him, and makest him drunken also, that thou mayest look on their nakedness!"
— Habakkuk 2:15 (KJV)
And more specifically:
"He that causeth his friend to perish shall bear the blame."
— Implied from Proverbs 17:15 & Romans 14:20-21 (paraphrased principle)
This emphasizes personal responsibility—not just in consuming alcohol, but also in producing, distributing, or encouraging its use. Anyone who contributes to the downfall of another will share in the guilt and judgment.
EFFECT ON THE COMMUNITY AND NATION
- Rise in domestic abuse
- Youth degeneration
- Increased road accidents
- Surge in crime
- A culture of broken dreams and buried potential
A nation cannot rise if her future — her youth — is drunk by 10 a.m. Every bottle sold is a step backward for Nigeria’s destiny.
A WARNING TO CHRISTIANS IN BUSINESS
“Be ye separate, says the Lord” – 2 Corinthians 6:17
Dear child of God, your business should not be a gateway for demons. If what you sell makes others fall, you are part of their fall. No profit is worth your soul. Your hands are stained if your products destroy lives.
Ministers, be warned: if your members are selling sachet alcohol and you say nothing, you are complicit. Preach truth, not popularity.
Sachet alcohol may look harmless, but its consequences are far-reaching—physically, mentally, spiritually, and socially. As a community and as individuals, we are called to protect lives, not endanger them. We must raise awareness, advocate for policy restrictions, and encourage victims toward healing and redemption—through medical support and spiritual transformation.
“It is not good to eat much honey: so for men to search their own glory is not glory. He that hath no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down, and without walls.” — Proverbs 25:27–28 (KJV)
A CLARION CALL TO YOUTHS AND EVERYONE
Run from sachet alcohol. Run from addiction. Run from businesses that trade in death. Run into the arms of Jesus.
You are meant to build, not destroy. God gave you creativity, not corruption. Let your business bring life, hope, and healing, not sorrow, shame, and death.
CONCLUSION: LET US REPENT AND REBUILD
Let us repent as individuals and as a nation. We must shut the tap from which this poison flows. Let’s promote businesses that glorify God and edify man.
If you are in this business today, close it. Don’t say “it’s feeding my family” — God can open clean doors that do not stain your soul. Don’t partner with the devil against your own people.
“What shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his soul?” – Mark 8:36
SHARE THIS MESSAGE
To every youth, To every businessperson, To every pastor and spiritual leader, To every man and woman who calls on the name of Christ:
The time to choose sides is now. You can’t sell death and claim to serve the God of life.
May God give us grace to stand for righteousness in our generation.
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