Popular social media influencer, Daniel Regha, has criticised Nigerian pastors and church founders for competing to build the biggest church auditoriums instead of investing in industries to tackle unemployment.
In a post shared on his official X handle, Regha expressed disappointment over the ongoing construction of a 109,000-capacity auditorium by Winners Chapel. He argued that such projects do little to improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians.
Regha calls it a misplaced priority
He wrote: “There’s no reason why Winners Chapel or any church in Nigeria should build a ‘109k Capacity Auditorium’. We don’t need more church buildings, it’s not helping anyone but the church establishment.
“Channel that funding into companies to reduce unemployment, or into projects that profit the masses in general. Men of God be competing for biggest auditoriums in a country that’s infested with abject poverty.
“And to make matters worse, such buildings are funded by poor members. This is, and will always be a misplaced priority. This is not how to spread the gospel. Sorry.”
Mixed reactions trail Regha’s post
His statement has stirred debates online, with Nigerians sharing divided opinions.
Dan Kube commented: “Winners Chapel is one of the most successful Business Enterprises in this Country, that werey dey deceive him members.”
Mazi Ifeanyi said: “Average offering of ₦500 x 100,000 capacity auditorium = The answer is the reason why they’re building business centres.”
Abdullahi wrote: “My fellow brothers and sisters, Don’t be deceived by false preachers or people who commercialize religious beliefs. We’re witnessing a lot of them in Nigeria who’re enriching themselves at the expense of their gullible followers.”
Ambassador John disagreed, saying: “I don’t see any reason the Church shouldn’t build it if they can afford it. This is not a matter of competition, it’s a matter of need and of course it’s a much needed building.”
Triumph Adebiyi added: “I bet the money spent on those churches comes from your pocket??? Because I don’t understand your plight. The church is not the Govt, channel your energy on your Govt.”
Jay Boi commented: “No church in Nigeria but church business or business centre, because why pastors go the fresh member’s go the struggle to feed.”