In the late 80s and 90s, the notion that one could achieve a breakthrough simply by sacrificially sowing money to a preacher—without engaging in value creation or diligent work—gained prominence in Nigeria. Many were taught that financial prosperity was primarily a function of giving, often to religious leaders, rather than a product of skill, hard work, and economic wisdom. This interpretation of the gospel led to an entire generation embracing the prosperity message without the corresponding principles of labour, stewardship, and innovation.
However, the long-term consequence of this teaching has been a wave of disillusionment. Many who sowed sacrificially, expecting financial miracles without developing competence or engaging in meaningful work, found themselves frustrated. Today, this has resulted in a generation of angry believers and embittered skeptics, some of whom have abandoned the faith altogether, feeling deceived by a gospel that promised wealth without work.
Yet, the scriptures never taught prosperity devoid of effort. When Jesus instructed Peter to find a coin in the mouth of a fish, it was not a lesson in passive giving but in divine provision through labour. Peter, a fisherman, had to go out and engage in his craft—apply his skill, cast his net, and obey divine instruction—before the provision manifested. This illustrates that while God provides, His provision is often tied to diligence, value creation, and obedience, not just financial transactions masked as spirituality.
The prosperity gospel, as it was preached in those decades, overlooked this balance, and today, we are witnessing its consequences. Many now question the faith, not because the gospel failed, but because they were sold an incomplete version of it.
This year makes it my 25th year of praying in the spirit at least 1 hr every day !
By his grace , I have prayed in other tongues for 25 solid years !
I thank God for his grace !
Be Free To Dream
Circa 2004/5, I attended quite a lot of interviews. Those were the Banking Consolidation years and while I worked in Ibadan at that time, most interviews held in Lagos.