Christianity in Nigeria came through the mission of the Church of England in 1842. The mission was established in Badagry by Henry Townsend but there was never a church building until a few years later.
In 1940, Leslie Gordon Vining was appointed the Bishop of Lagos.While in Nigeria, he established a training school for religious teachers. Vining was the first Archbishop of the newly created Church of the Province of West Africa, at his inauguration on 17 April 1951.
Up to date, the country is already one of the most religious in the world: About 50 percent of the population are Christians residing in the southern and eastern states of Nigeria. Pentecostal churches are wildly popular in Nigeria — and increasingly rich, as they run thriving businesses empires on the side. However, majority of Muslims reside in the Northern states (Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Osun and Ilorin).
When visiting a church in Nigeria, more than likely will hear prayer messages such as “The siege of unemployment is over in your life, the siege of business stagnation, frustration in your life are finally over.”
Promises of wealth, fame, and claims to healing miracles are a constant feature in the gospels now.
“Deliverance” has also become common practice with various claims of casting out evil spirits that are responsible for poverty, ailment, spirit husbands and even homosexuality.
Thought provoking documentary done by BBC in Nigeria: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGYdd5VUDPM
These pastors base their gospel on the needs of the majority of Nigerians: stability and jobs. Their followers yearn for prosperity in the country that has the highest number of people living in extreme poverty worldwide.
Nigeria, for a couple of years, has been plagued by terrorism, economic recession and massive corruption. These conditions became fertile grounds for the rise of Pentecostal churches. There are at least 10,000 churches in Lagos, Nigeria some of them with branches worldwide. Nigerians turn to faith as their trust in the government wanes.
Churches in Nigeria are not required to pay taxes or to publicly audit their accounts, therefore resulting in increased cases of fraud and money laundering.
With the rise in extreme poverty, some politicians want to change that, which is highly unpopular among those who believe positive change is only possible through their faith — and not their government.
“Does it make sense to plant another church or job center in Nigeria?”
*** Thanks for taking the time to read this article… Do you have any friends or relative interested in visiting Nigeria in the nearest future? Are you a Nigerian Diasporan tired of visiting Nigeria, only to find yourself stuck at a relative’s house for weeks? Look no further; check out www.africhellatourz.com. Don’t forget to tell a friend to sign up for our weekly newsletter exploring various topics about Nigeria.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.legit.ng/1145690-history-christianity-nigeria.html
- https://www.premiumtimesng.com/opinion/463262-article-of-faith-mega-pastors-and-mega-churches-by-femi-aribisala.html
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2020/05/what-nigerian-pastors-said-about-covid-19/
- https://www.dw.com/en/nigerian-pentecostal-megachurches-a-booming-business/a-45535263
