Why It’s Time to Rethink the Role of the Church in Nigeria’s Progress

Reflecting on the Unrecognized Progress: A Thought-Provoking Perspective

In a world where it’s all too easy to point fingers and cast blame, the notion that “The Church is not the problem” strikes a chord. It’s a reminder that while criticism may come easily, the real challenge lies in replicating the success and progress seen in various sectors, particularly when that success reaches global proportions.

Consider the cost of renting a stadium in Texas, which hovers around $30,000 for just one day. It’s a staggering amount, yet famous Nigerian artists routinely fill these venues worldwide, reaping substantial rewards from their craft. These events are not anomalies; they are testaments to the remarkable reach and influence of the Nigerian entertainment industry on a global scale.

Just last month, Apostle Joshua Selman, a renowned Nigerian preacher, filled a stadium in Dallas-Fort Worth for two consecutive days. What’s more impressive is that the event was free of charge—attendees only needed tickets for management and compliance with government policies. Similarly, on August 31, Pastor Jerry Eze is set to fill another large stadium in Houston. Tickets for this event have already sold out, leaving many eager attendees without a chance to witness a Nigerian speaker in one of America’s bustling cities.

This phenomenon is not limited to religious gatherings. The global appeal of Nigerian culture is evident in the widespread popularity of Afrobeats, which now plays on repeat in shopping malls across the world. American Christians, too, are increasingly streaming messages from Nigerian preachers like Selman, further showcasing the far-reaching impact of Nigeria’s evangelism.

The success of the Nigerian music and evangelism industries in attracting global audiences is nothing short of remarkable. It’s easy to criticize their progress, yet replicating such success on a large scale is an entirely different challenge. The truth is, the world does not gather to watch mediocrity; these industries have captured global attention because they excel at what they do.

Blaming the church or any other sector for societal shortcomings, such as Nigeria’s performance in the Olympics or the state of its education system, is a superficial approach to complex issues. The church is not responsible for the empty chemistry labs in schools or the dysfunction in courier services. These problems require solutions that go beyond finger-pointing.

The real challenge lies in aspiring to excellence in every field. Imagine a Nigerian professor filling a stadium in London, Brazil, or Sydney to deliver a lecture, or “made in Nigeria” brands attracting global patronage. These are not impossible dreams—they are achievable goals that require dedication, innovation, and a commitment to excellence.

America serves as a prime example of how multiple sectors can thrive simultaneously. While preachers like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin were leading crusades, innovators in Silicon Valley were developing computer systems, NASA was advancing space exploration, and athletes were winning Olympic gold medals. Meanwhile, Wall Street was establishing global partnerships, and universities like MIT and Stanford were pushing the boundaries of science.

Every sector was busy building its craft, contributing to a society where progress was not confined to one area but spread across all fields. The church, in this context, was not the problem—it was part of a broader ecosystem where each sector flourished.

The message is clear: rather than criticizing, we should strive to excel in our own fields. Go out and create the change you want to see. It is possible for every sector to flourish, and Nigeria has the potential to be a beacon of excellence across the globe.

Credit~ Ifeanyi Eze

America serves as a prime example of how multiple sectors can thrive simultaneously. While preachers like Oral Roberts and Kenneth Hagin were leading crusades, innovators in Silicon Valley were developing computer systems, NASA was advancing space exploration, and athletes were winning Olympic gold medals. Meanwhile, Wall Street was establishing global partnerships, and universities like MIT and Stanford were pushing the boundaries of science.