Adeboye and Oyedepo urged to take over from where the government has failed and help the poor

LEADING Nigerian clergymen Pastor Enoch Adeboye and Bishop David Oyedepo have been urged to use their positions of wealth and influence to help suffering Nigerians as the government has failed to address the thorny issue of poverty.

Speaking yesterday, Pastor Adewale Giwa, the senior pastor of the Awaiting The Second Coming Of Jesus Christ Gospel Church in Akure, said that they and other religious leaders should save Nigerians from poverty. In his message to mark the 17th anniversary of his church in Akure, the Ondo State capital, Pastor Giwa specifically urged Bishop Oyedepo and Pastor Adeboye to study the art of teachings by Jesus Christ.

Bishop Oyedepo is the wealthiest preacher in Nigeria with a net worth of over $150m, owning four private jets and several buildings, including churches in London and the US. Pastor Adeboye on the other hand is estimated by Forbes to have a net worth of between $39m and $65m, with his Redeemed Christian Churches of God estimated to earn him at least $2m a year.

Known as pastorprueners, Nigerian evangelical clergymen are among the wealthiest businessmen in the country thanks to the tithes they collect from their teaming members. With their churches attracting millions of followers who pay 10% of their wages into the coffers every months, these pastorprueners are millionaires who own chains of businesses, universities, private jets and fleets of luxury cars.

Pastor Giwa said: “Since our political leaders have failed the poor, I think it’s high time our religious leaders rescued Nigerians who wallow in abject poverty. We have a duty to support one another to stand, so I am begging Pastor Adeboye, Bishop Oyedepo and others to take over from governments and help Nigerians.

“In my church, you can find out today how we spend offerings and tithes, as we simply give to the poor. You came with nothing and you are leaving with the same.  We must help our neighbours, according to Hebrews 13:16, which says Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have for such sacrifices are pleasing to God."