In a widely shared video, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), suggested that Nigeria’s current exchange rate could have been far worse without divine intervention. He noted that the naira’s relative stability at around N1,700 to a dollar is a result of prayers. “I urged my followers to pray, and many joined in. Given the rate at which the naira was falling, if God hadn’t intervened, $1 might now be worth N10,000. But God stepped in,” Adeboye stated.
The video, shared on the platform “X,” has sparked significant debate among Nigerians. Many feel disappointed by the cleric’s comments, arguing that economic stability stems from solid economic policies and effective leadership, not merely prayer.
In a response to Adeboye’s remarks, an “X” user named Inibehe Effiong wrote, “Pastor Enoch Adeboye should retire and go home. His controversial statements about the state of the nation offend the sensibilities of right-thinking members of society. It’s essential to know when to step back. By endorsing this incompetent and oppressive government, he undermines the tenets of Christianity. Many have turned away from the Church due to the hypocrisy and complicity of religious leaders.”
Effiong further criticized Adeboye, claiming, “It is absurd for him to attribute the naira’s stability to his prayers. The reality is that exchange rates are influenced by economic and monetary policies as well as a nation’s productivity. For decades, Adeboye has prayed for Nigeria and its leaders, yet there has been no improvement. Either his prayers are ineffective, or he is not being heard.” Other social media users echoed similar sentiments, expressing dismay at Adeboye serving as a spokesperson for the current government. One commenter remarked that such statements could lead future generations to question the existence of God.
