A cleric has described politicians as the major problem with the progress of Nigeria.
On the other hand, he defended the church against alleged proliferation and wrongdoing.
Speaking with journalists in Osogbo to herald the 2023 African 24 Hours Marathon Praise convened by the Apostolic Grace Network, Apostle Lawrence Bamilaw said the church employs more Nigerians than government.
He added that allocation that should be improving the lots of Nigerians is being embezzled by political office holders in the country, leaving the church to cater for the need of the populace.
He said: “Of course there are more churches in Nigeria than many countries, but we still need more because the church is Nigeria’s saving grace.
“The Redeemed Christian Christian Church of God, RCCG, employed thousands of people without owing them salary monthly, same for Winners’ Chapel and many other churches. The government needs to learn from these organisations.
“The Redemption City powered itself without power outage year round, yet, people blamed Nigeria’s problem on proliferation of the Church. For me, we even need more organised Churches to teach government how to cater for the masses”.
On social vices in the society, he alleged that some ritualists were helping internet fraudsters, popularly known as ‘Yahoo Yahoo’ boys, to perpetrate evil against humanity.
“They (fraudsters) consult them for fetish charms to hypnotise their victims and they are getting desired results.
“White men who are being defrauded every day by Internet fraudsters are not fools; they are charmed by these boys and they start sending money to Nigeria. These fraudsters have robbed people of their earned money without conscience.
“The backing that these fraudsters receive from traditionalists is not helping our youths in any way, rather it is destroying their lives.
“The assurance that they will get results from traditionalists is even promoting social vices because they will do ritual killings among others.”
Bamilaw, however, lamented that religious centres will not query these youths when they drop money from proceeds of fraud as tithe, offering and zakat.
He admonished traditional rulers to dissuade and discourage traditionalists from allegedly giving backing to fraudsters.
