Pastor Chukwuemeka Ohanaemere, popularly known as Odumeje, has challenged the idea that Nigeria’s primary calling is prayer, arguing that the country should place greater emphasis on development, innovation and productivity.
Odumeje made the remarks while reacting to comments attributed to Apostle Arome Osayi, who recently spoke about Nigerians comparing themselves with the Chinese and described the Chinese as productive and innovative.
Questioning the idea of a national spiritual calling, Odumeje said Nigerians should not be encouraged to see prayer as their only major responsibility while neglecting practical efforts to develop the country.
“I heard a pastor saying Nigeria has a calling to prayer. What kind of calling is that? Are we meant to be prayer warriors?” he asked.
According to Odumeje, Nigeria should instead have a focus on people who build, create and develop solutions that can improve the country.
“Developers, builders, creators,” he said, stressing the need for Nigerians to channel their abilities into tangible development.
The cleric also expressed concern about the message being passed to young Nigerians, arguing that repeatedly telling youths that their primary responsibility is to pray could discourage them from pursuing their talents, professions and other productive ventures.
“You want to deceive the youth… so that the youth will be turned to be pastors. You go out there and fight for your right,” Odumeje said.
He further called for greater citizen participation in governance and urged Nigerians to demand accountability from those in government.
“Everybody come out, let us fill the street and take back our government,” he said.
Odumeje, however, stressed that his criticism should not be interpreted as a rejection of Christianity. He maintained that Nigerians could remain committed to their faith while also pursuing their individual talents and professions.
“Everybody must know Christ, everybody must serve Christ,” he said.
He added that religious commitment should not prevent Nigerians from making use of their abilities, pointing out that society needs professionals across different fields.
“Everybody has a talent. There are doctors, there are engineers,” he added.
His comments have sparked fresh debate online over the place of prayer, religious teaching, productivity and civic responsibility in Nigeria’s development.
The remarks also come amid a wider social-media conversation surrounding Arome’s comments about Nigeria’s identity and the need for Nigerians to focus on their own strengths rather than constantly comparing themselves with countries that have achieved greater levels of industrial and economic development.
Odumeje’s position has therefore added another voice to the debate, with the cleric emphasizing that faith and practical action can coexist, while urging Nigerians, particularly young people, to develop their skills and take an active interest in the affairs of the country.
