You Want To Deceive The Youth So They Won’t Fight For Their Rights; Nigeria Should Prioritise Development— Pastor Odumeje Reacts To Arome’s Prayer Remarks
Pastor Odumeje has criticised the idea that Nigeria has a special “calling” to prayer or revival, arguing that the country should focus more on development, innovation and responsible leadership.
Reacting to Apostle Arome’s call for Nigerians to stop comparing themselves with the Chinese, whom he described as productive and innovative, Odumeje questioned the claim that Nigeria’s calling is primarily spiritual.
“I heard a pastor saying Nigeria has a calling to prayer. What kind of calling is that? Are we meant to be prayer warriors?” Odumeje asked.
He argued that other countries have developed by building and creating, while Nigeria should similarly prioritise development.
“Developers, builders, creators,” he said, adding that Nigerians should focus on creating and developing the country rather than being told that prayer alone will solve its problems.
Odumeje also warned pastors against telling young Nigerians that their primary responsibility is to pray, saying such messages could discourage them from pursuing their talents and careers.
“You want to deceive the youth… so that the youth will be turned to be pastors. You go out there and fight for your right,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to demand greater accountability from government, saying, “Everybody come out, let us fill the street and take back our government.”
However, Odumeje stressed that his criticism was not directed at Christianity itself.
“Everybody must know Christ, everybody must serve Christ,” he said, while adding that serving Christ should not prevent people from pursuing their professions.
“Everybody has a talent. There are doctors, there are engineers,” he added.
