Senior Pastor Paul Adefarasin of House on the Rock Church has sparked nationwide debate after declaring during a May 17 sermon that “Nigeria is dead” and that anyone counting wealth in naira is poor. His remarks, delivered to church members, quickly went viral on social media, drawing both support and sharp criticism from Nigerians across the country. The pastor’s comments came amid growing public frustration over the country’s worsening economic conditions, including inflation, currency devaluation, and rising cost of living.
In his sermon, Adefarasin lamented the declining value of the naira, drawing comparisons between the currency’s strength in the 1980s and 1990s and its current state. He recalled that his father earned up to 18,000 naira during that period, a sum he described as substantial. He emphasized that the economic landscape has drastically changed, with many Nigerians failing to recognize the extent of the decline because they focus only on present realities without studying historical data.
The pastor made a striking comparison, stating that a billion naira in his teenage years—around 15 to 16 years old—was equivalent to 2.8 billion US dollars. He argued that this historical context is often ignored, leading to a false sense of economic stability. His message was clear: the naira’s erosion has rendered many people poor, even if they appear wealthy by today’s standards.
Reactions to the sermon were mixed. Some Nigerians agreed with his assessment of the country’s economic woes, acknowledging the harsh realities faced by ordinary citizens. Others, however, criticized him for making insensitive remarks while churches continue to collect offerings in naira. Social media users questioned the consistency of his message, with one user, @niffyboyay, asking, “The offerings his members drop are they in dollars??” Another, @ThreeLeftThumbs, pointed out, “But e still dey collect offering in Naira.”
Some critics accused religious and political elites of contributing to Nigeria’s decline, with @Chukwueloka_EE writing, “A member of the people that killed Nigeria is posturing here.” These comments reflect broader public frustration with leadership and the perceived disconnect between religious leaders and the economic struggles of the masses.
Despite the backlash, Adefarasin’s words have ignited a national conversation about Nigeria’s economic future. His sermon has prompted many to reflect on the country’s financial trajectory and the need for structural change. As Nigerians grapple with daily hardships, the debate over economic responsibility and leadership continues to intensify. The controversy underscores the growing demand for accountability and solutions from both religious and political figures.
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