Pastors Feeling the Heat of Economic Hardship in Nigeria, as Church Members Now Seek Help From Us says VSE Emmanuel Adewale

V/Superior/E Emmanuel Adewale | Credit: The Tribune

In a recent interview published by The Tribune, Venerable Superior Evangelist Emmanuel Adewale, of the Celestial Church of Christ, voiced the impact of the current economic challenges in Nigeria on pastors as a result of challenges faced by the church members.

Adewale lamented the systemic challenges faced by Nigerians, emphasizing the struggle for graduates to secure meaningful employment despite their academic achievements. He noted, "You will struggle to go to school and graduate with a good grade and certificate, but because of the lopsided nature and structure of Nigeria, you will be left to wail and toil at the mercy of those at the corridors of power in the country through white-collar job."

Adewale pointed out that while in developed nations, skills and abilities can pave the way to success for citizens, in Nigeria, connections often outweigh qualifications. "In the Western world, it is your hand and your brain that will liberate you, but here, it is who you know and not your certificate or value you want to put into the economy that will determine what you get," he remarked.

Highlighting how the common man on the street is troubled as a result of the hardship, the cleric said he is joining other Nigerians to say, life is hard, noting that, "I want to join the multitude who are saying that life is hard. Come to think of it, even we too, the pastors, are feeling the heat."

When questioned about the impact of the economic hardship on pastors specifically, Adewale revealed, "Many people will come to you after the devotional services to complain to you. As we speak, I have a lot of requests on my phone." He shared an example of a former supporter who recently lost his job and reached out to him for assistance, stating, "This was someone who used to give me money years back. But he recently lost his job. So, he wrote to me asking me, ‘Do you have anything for your boy? It was a few months ago that he lost the job, but he has started begging now because even the savings he had gathered over the years could no longer save his family from wanton hunger and pay his children’s tuition.’"

"So things are hard," Adewale concluded, highlighting the widespread impact of economic challenges on individuals across various sectors, including pastors who serve as spiritual leaders in their communities.