Many African Pastors Would Lose Their Churches if Enough Jobs Existed – Pastor Chris

Nigerian cleric Pastor Chris Ogugua has sparked widespread reactions after claiming that many pastors across Africa would lose a significant portion of their congregations if the continent had enough employment opportunities and stronger economic systems.

Speaking during a sermon that has since gone viral on social media, the preacher argued that the popularity of prosperity preaching in many African countries is fueled largely by unemployment, poverty and limited economic opportunities rather than by spiritual conviction alone.

According to Ogugua, millions of Africans turn to churches seeking financial breakthroughs because they struggle to secure stable sources of income and economic security.

“All of this prosperity thing we are praying for is ignorance,” the cleric said, adding that if the biblical Job were alive in present-day Africa, “most pastors will lose their ministry.”

The pastor maintained that in countries with stronger economies, young people often have access to part-time jobs and legitimate income opportunities from an early age, reducing their dependence on religious promises of financial miracles.

To illustrate his point, Ogugua shared the example of his 13-year-old daughter, saying that in some developed countries she could earn about £20 per hour by walking dogs while still attending school.

“If my daughter wakes up in the morning and says, ‘Can I walk your dog?’ Every one hour is £20. So my daughter of 13 years can make close to ₦2 million every month and still be a student,” he said.

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He argued that a teenager with such earning opportunities would have little reason to seek prayers against spiritual forces allegedly hindering prosperity.

“When it comes to church and you’re asking them, ‘Pray for the witches against your prosperity,’ she’ll be watching you,” he added.

Ogugua further criticised what he described as Africa’s version of Christianity, alleging that many churches have shifted their focus from the core message of the Christian faith to the pursuit of wealth and material success.

According to him, prosperity has become a product that many religious leaders market because there is a ready audience facing severe economic hardship.

“We have created our own brand of Christianity in Africa. We are selling it, and people are buying it,” he said.

The cleric also questioned the sources of wealth of some affluent individuals, arguing that only a small percentage amassed their fortunes through legitimate means.

“Bring all your rich men. Only very few of them have legitimate wealth. Find out,” he stated.

His comments have generated mixed reactions across social media, with some users agreeing that unemployment and poverty have contributed to the popularity of prosperity preaching, while others argued that many people attend church primarily because of their faith, personal convictions and desire for spiritual growth.

The remarks come as several African countries, including Nigeria, continue to grapple with high unemployment, rising inflation and increasing living costs. Economists have repeatedly identified job creation, skills development and private sector growth as essential to reducing poverty and improving living standards.

While prosperity gospel remains a prominent teaching in some Pentecostal churches, Christianity across Africa encompasses a wide range of traditions and theological perspectives. Many churches focus on discipleship, community development, education, healthcare and humanitarian outreach alongside spiritual teachings.

Ogugua’s remarks have reignited conversations about the relationship between faith, economic hardship and the role of religious institutions in societies facing persistent unemployment and poverty.

Many African Pastors Would Lose Their Churches if Enough Jobs Existed – Pastor Chris

Gunmen Kidnap Pastor, Two Worshippers in Benue Church Attack

The Nongo u Kristu u i Ser u sha Tar (NKST) Church has confirmed the abduction of one of its clerics, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation, following an attack by suspected gunmen in Benue State.

The victims were kidnapped in the early hours of Tuesday at the pastor’s residence, located within the NKST Church premises in Andyar, Ishan Classis, in what church leaders described as another disturbing incident reflecting the growing insecurity in parts of the state.

In a statement issued by its Executive Committee, the church expressed deep sorrow over the attack but urged members to remain calm, steadfast in faith and united in prayers for the safe return of the abducted cleric and the two worshippers.

“It is with a heavy heart, yet with unwavering confidence in the sovereignty of Almighty God, that we announce the unfortunate abduction of our cleric, Rev. Dr. Samuel Gbinde, along with two members of his congregation,” the statement read.

The church appealed to pastors, members and supporters across Nigeria and beyond to pray for the unconditional release of the victims, expressing hope that they would return home safely.

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The leadership also called on the Benue State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies to intensify rescue efforts and ensure those responsible for the attack are arrested and prosecuted.

According to the church, authorities should adopt more proactive strategies to tackle the rising cases of kidnapping in Benue State and other violent crimes, rather than responding only after attacks have taken place.

The abduction comes amid persistent concerns over the deteriorating security situation in Benue State, where communities have continued to face attacks linked to armed criminal groups and kidnappers. In recent months, residents, religious organisations and civil society groups have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect vulnerable communities and places of worship.

Security analysts have also warned that kidnappers are increasingly targeting rural communities, religious leaders and travellers, often exploiting difficult terrain and limited security presence to carry out their operations.

The latest incident has heightened anxiety among residents of Andyar and surrounding communities, with many expressing fears over the increasing frequency of abductions across the state.

As of the time of filing this report, the Benue State Police Command had yet to issue an official statement on the incident. Efforts to obtain the command’s reaction were still ongoing.

The kidnapping of Rev. Dr. Gbinde and the two church members adds to the growing list of security challenges confronting Benue State, reinforcing calls for coordinated action by security agencies to stem the wave of kidnappings and restore public confidence.

Gunmen Kidnap Pastor, Two Worshippers in Benue Church Attack

Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Dredging of 28 Channels as Lagos Battles Flash Floods

The Lagos State Government has announced immediate measures to tackle the flash floods that have disrupted movement and stranded residents across the metropolis, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu approving the emergency dredging and maintenance of 28 additional primary drainage channels.

The intervention follows days of intense rainfall that triggered widespread flooding in several parts of the state, such as Victoria Island, Lekki, Ikeja, Gbagada, Mushin, Mafoluku and other low-lying communities, leaving many roads impassable and commuters stranded.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday, the Commissioner for the Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab, appealed to residents to remain calm, describing the flooding as the result of an extreme weather event that dumped an unusually high volume of rainfall within a short period, overwhelming drainage channels in several locations.

According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Public Affairs, Kunle Adeshina, the commissioner explained that the situation was not unique to Lagos, noting that several cities across Africa and even North America experienced similar flooding from the same weather system.

Wahab said Lagos faces a more complex challenge because of its unique coastal geography, which includes the Atlantic Ocean, the Lagos Lagoon and an extensive network of rivers, creeks and lagoons. He explained that during periods of high tide, stormwater takes longer to discharge into the sea, leading to temporary flooding in vulnerable areas after exceptionally heavy rainfall.

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He assured residents that the state government was closely monitoring drainage infrastructure, flood-prone communities and major waterways, while emergency response agencies had been deployed to accelerate the recession of floodwaters and provide assistance where necessary.

The commissioner stressed that the government would continue investing heavily in drainage construction, channelisation, desilting and other flood-control projects, but insisted that residents must also play their part by protecting public drainage systems.

He warned against indiscriminate dumping of refuse into drains and canals, illegal reclamation of wetlands, and construction on drainage alignments, saying such practices obstruct the free flow of stormwater and significantly worsen flooding.

Wahab also attributed the increasing frequency of extreme rainfall to the growing impact of climate change, noting that coastal cities around the world are experiencing more severe weather events.

“Lagos is not exempt from these realities. However, the State Government remains committed to building a flood-resilient city through sustained infrastructure development, environmental enforcement and active collaboration with residents,” he said.

He further advised motorists to avoid driving through flooded roads during heavy rainfall and urged residents, particularly those living in flood-prone areas, to pay close attention to weather advisories and safety directives issued by relevant government agencies.

The government’s appeal came after hours of heavy rain on Tuesday triggered fresh flooding across several parts of Lagos, disrupting traffic and leaving many residents stranded. Videos and photographs shared on social media by residents and celebrities showed submerged roads and flooded neighbourhoods, renewing concerns over the city’s drainage capacity despite ongoing investments in flood-control infrastructure.

Background

Lagos experiences seasonal flooding during the rainy season due to its low-lying coastal location, rapid urbanisation and high population density. The state government has, in recent years, embarked on extensive drainage expansion, canal desilting and enforcement against illegal structures blocking waterways to reduce flood risks.

Weather authorities have repeatedly warned that climate change is increasing the intensity of rainfall across Nigeria’s coastal states, making flash floods more frequent. The Lagos State Government has consistently urged residents to complement its efforts by keeping drainage channels free of refuse and avoiding activities that obstruct the natural flow of stormwater.

Sanwo-Olu Orders Emergency Dredging of 28 Channels as Lagos Battles Flash Floods