Former Vice President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, has issued a scathing critique of the growing trend of “miracle money” preaching in Nigerian churches, warning that it promotes a culture of shortcuts and undermines the nation’s development.

Speaking at the 80th birthday lecture of Bishop Mike Okonkwo in Lagos, Osinbajo called on religious leaders to return to preaching the “true gospel” rooted in hard work, integrity, and social responsibility. “We cannot build a nation on the doctrines of miracle money and shortcuts,” he declared. “True gospel preaching instills diligence, honesty, and responsibility. That is what changes societies”.

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo lamented that the prosperity-driven messages dominating many pulpits have led to unrealistic expectations of sudden wealth without effort. “The problem is not wealth itself, but how it is pursued and the message being spread,” he said. “When people are conditioned to expect sudden wealth without effort, it undermines productivity and encourages corruption”.

He emphasized that success and prosperity require creativity, innovation, and value addition especially in a country like Nigeria, which remains heavily reliant on exporting raw materials. “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% of the profit,” Osinbajo noted.

Also Read: Dr. EeZee Tee Celebrates 40th Birthday with Music Business Seminar