A Nigerian cleric, Rev. Chris Ogugua, has stirred debate after claiming that many prosperity-focused ministries in Africa thrive because of widespread unemployment, arguing that churches would lose members if more jobs were available.

The pastor made the remarks during a sermon that has gone viral on social media, where he questioned the heavy emphasis on prosperity prayers in many churches.

‘Prosperity prayers are ignorance’

In the video shared on Wednesday, Ogugua said many prayer points in African churches are driven by economic hardship rather than spiritual growth.

“All this prosperity we pray for in church is ignorance because when jobs come to Africa, most pastors will lose their ministries,” he said.

According to him, many people turn to churches seeking miracles because they lack employment and financial stability.

Comments trigger mixed reactions

The sermon has generated widespread reactions online, with many Nigerians divided over the pastor’s comments.

Some users agreed with him, arguing that poor economic conditions have made many people depend on miracle services for solutions to everyday challenges. Others disagreed, saying churches in developed countries with lower unemployment rates continue to thrive, suggesting that faith is not solely tied to economic hardship.

Several commenters also argued that governments should focus on creating jobs and improving living conditions rather than leaving citizens to rely on religious institutions for economic hope.

The comments have added to ongoing conversations about prosperity preaching, unemployment in Africa and the relationship between faith and economic development.

“All this prosperity we pray for in church is ignorance because when jobs come to Africa, most pastors will lose their ministries” — Rev. Chris Ogugua pic.twitter.com/dVJ53eTH1N

— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) July 1, 2026