Osinbajo Speaks On How Pastors are Undermining Nigeria's Development, "Miracle Money Gospel"
- Former VP Yemi Osinbajo warned that prosperity-driven preaching without responsibility undermines Nigeria’s development and urged a return to true gospel values
- He criticised Africa’s reliance on exporting raw materials, stressing the need for value addition, creativity, and innovation to unlock economic progress
- Bishop Mike Okonkwo and Maj. Gen. Ike Nwachukwu (rtd) called for shared responsibility, integrity, and selfless leadership to realise Nigeria’s potential
Former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has cautioned that the Nigerian church risks undermining national development.
This, Osinbajo noted, if it continues to prioritise prosperity and miracle messages over responsibility, integrity, and productivity.
Source: UGC
Speaking at the 80th birthday lecture of Bishop Mike Okonkwo in Lagos, Osinbajo urged churches to return to preaching the “true gospel” that shapes character and society.
“The gospel’s view on wealth is that there must be work—productive and creative work. We cannot build a nation on the doctrines of miracle money and shortcuts. True gospel preaching instils diligence, honesty, and responsibility. That is what changes societies,” Osinbajo said.
Osinbajo bemoans Africa’s misplaced priorities
Osinbajo criticised Africa’s overdependence on exporting raw materials without adding value, describing it as a major reason resource-rich countries remain poor.
“Africa produces most of the world’s raw cocoa but exports it unprocessed, while countries that have no cocoa at all process it into chocolate and take 96 per cent of the profit. This principle shows why Africa lags behind; we must learn to add value. That is the power God gives us: creativity and innovation,” he explained.
Osinbajo speaks on lessons from Europe
Osinbajo noted that the Puritans in Europe transformed their societies because their preachers emphasised hard work, ethics, and honesty, Punch reported.
“In those nations, corruption became the exception rather than the rule because the church stressed ethics, hard work, and honesty. That is the gospel that can also transform Nigeria,” he said.
Source: Twitter
Okonkwo calls for national responsibility
In his remarks, Bishop Mike Okonkwo, Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), reminded Nigerians that nearly 65 years after independence, building the nation was a collective duty.
“The Nigeria of our dreams can be realised, but every one of us must play our part. If we care for others and see the corporate wellness of our country as a task that must be done, then things will be okay. Responsibility cannot be shifted; we all must take it,” he said.
Chairman of the occasion, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), described Nigeria as “a land of immense promise” burdened by poverty amidst plenty, Vanguard reported.
“To bridge this gap requires responsible pathfinders, leaders, and citizens who rise above self-interest to chart a course for the common good,” he declared.
“How Buhari ruled Nigeria,” Osinbajo speaks
Previously, Legit.ng reported that the immediate past vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Thursday, July 24, revealed that the late former President Muhammadu Buhari proved that it is possible to serve in Nigeria with honesty and integrity.
Osinbajo spoke on Thursday, July 24, during a brief session in honour of Buhari at the All Progressives Congress (APC) national executive committee (NEC) meeting.
Source: Legit.ng
