Nigerians Are Being Programmed On Social Media To Hate Their Country - Yoruba Pastor Oyemade [Video]

 

Senior Pastor and Founder of The Covenant Nation, Pastor Poju Oyemade, has stirred considerable debate across social platforms and beyond with recent remarks contrasting life in Nigeria with that in the United States. Speaking during a sermon at his church, the influential cleric challenged prevailing sentiments of disillusionment among Nigerians, particularly those who have relocated abroad or aspire to do so.

Pastor Oyemade's comments zeroed in on what he described as a growing “programming” of Nigerians to despise their own country — a mindset he equated to “self-hatred.” Using personal anecdotes and socio-economic comparisons, the pastor sought to debunk the common narrative that paints Nigeria as devoid of opportunity or incapable of nurturing success.

According to Oyemade, the challenges within Nigeria are not fundamentally worse than those experienced in countries like the United States. Instead, he argued, the disparity lies in attitude, energy, and perspective.

“I was in America and I sat with some Nigerians,” he recounted. “They started complaining about Nigeria, and I asked them—do you understand what you are saying?” He then illustrated the financial contrast in pursuing a medical degree: “In Nigeria, someone can become a medical doctor with N500,000 total. That’s the entire cost. Try that in America. A degree at Johns Hopkins can cost $200,000 or more. Are you okay with that?”

His critique did not stop there. Oyemade emphasized how Nigerians abroad often exhibit a work ethic they rarely display at home. He described how many Nigerian immigrants juggle multiple jobs, including gig economy work like Uber, with a level of dedication rarely seen back home.

“If they put the fraction of this energy into their lives here in Nigeria, they would have exploded in success,” he said, adding that those same individuals might reject the idea of holding two jobs while living in Nigeria.

The pastor then shifted focus to a real-world example from one of his church branches in Yaba, Lagos. During a modest trade fair held on church grounds, members were encouraged to display and sell their goods. Oyemade admitted he initially underestimated the initiative but was surprised by the outcome.

A woman selling wigs reported making N750,000 in a single day after a church member bought three wigs at N250,000 each. The business, unregistered and informal, nonetheless provided substantial income. Oyemade used this to highlight what he believes are overlooked economic advantages in Nigeria.

“Is that person unemployed just because her business is not registered?” he asked. “No! But statistics will say she is. We must understand our terrain. The metrics used elsewhere can’t always apply here.”

Comparing this situation to the U.S., he pointed out that a similar informal setup would attract the attention of the Internal Revenue Service. “Out of that N750,000, the IRS would claim N200,000. Don’t drop it—jail is waiting.”

Oyemade’s core message centered on contextual awareness and the ability to adapt to the unique dynamics of the Nigerian economy and society. He argued that despite the imperfections, Nigeria remains fertile ground for ambition and entrepreneurship.

“This is Nigeria, the land of opportunity where good cometh!” he proclaimed, refuting popular expressions like “Nigeria happened to me” that convey frustration or victimhood.

His sermon concluded with a reminder of the success Nigerians have achieved abroad. Citing a U.S. study, Oyemade noted that Nigerian-Americans rank as the second most successful ethnic group in the country—doing better than even the average white American in terms of educational and professional attainment.

“So what does that tell you?” he asked his congregation. “The potential is not lacking. It’s how you engage with your environment.”

The message from Pastor Oyemade has triggered a spectrum of reactions. While some have applauded his boldness in speaking uncomfortable truths, others argue that his comparisons ignore critical systemic issues within Nigeria, such as insecurity, poor infrastructure, and governance challenges.

Nevertheless, the pastor’s comments have reignited a broader conversation about national identity, work ethic, and the role of perception in shaping the narrative of success. Whether one agrees or not, Oyemade’s words have once again spotlighted the complex and often contradictory relationship Nigerians have with their homeland.

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