Professor Osinbajo says Nigeria will rise again if Churches preach hard work instead of prosperity
Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has emphasized that Nigeria can achieve its full potential if the church returns to its foundational principles, focusing on the values of hard work rather than the pursuit of prosperity.
Osinbajo expressed his concerns about the current state of religious teachings in Nigeria, noting that the church has strayed from its primary mission by prioritizing messages centered on material wealth.
Speaking at the 68th Anniversary and 58th Annual Convention of The Gospel Faith Mission International (GOFAMINT), Osinbajo highlighted the significant shift in focus within Nigerian churches over the years.
He lamented the fact that many churches have increasingly centered their teachings on personal prosperity and financial success, rather than on the core tenets of the gospel, which include promoting peace, unity, and the overall development of society.
Osinbajo articulated his belief that the church’s deviation from preaching hard work has contributed to a broader societal decline in values. He argued that the obsession with prosperity has overshadowed the essential Christian virtues of compassion, service to others, and dedication to the community.
According to him, this shift has led to a scenario where individuals are more focused on what they can gain materially rather than how they can contribute positively to society.
In his address, Osinbajo urged church leaders to reconsider their approach to preaching and to realign their messages with the true calling of the gospel. He stressed that if Nigeria is to rise and fulfill its vast potential, it is imperative for the church to return to preaching values that encourage hard work and social responsibility. He noted, “For too long, our churches have been caught up in the pursuit of personal prosperity and material wealth, neglecting the true calling of the gospel to promote peace, unity, and the holistic development of our society.”
Osinbajo further emphasized that the church has a critical role to play in shaping the moral and ethical landscape of the nation. He pointed out that by focusing on hard work, compassion, and service to the community, the church can inspire its members to become agents of positive change. This, in turn, could lead to a broader cultural shift where the pursuit of material wealth is balanced with a commitment to societal well-being.
Concluding his lecture, Osinbajo expressed optimism that Nigeria could indeed rise again, but only if the church takes the lead in fostering a culture of hard work and selflessness. He stated, “If we truly want to see Nigeria rise again and fulfil its immense potential, the church must return to its roots, preaching the values of hard work, compassion, and service to the community. It is only through this shift in focus that we can inspire our people to become agents of positive change, rather than mere consumers of the prosperity gospel.”
Osinbajo’s message serves as a call to action for religious leaders to reevaluate their teachings and to focus on nurturing a society that values hard work and communal CT responsibility, rather than one solely driven by the pursuit of prosperity.
