US-based Nigerian pastor Henry Odeneye disproved claims that the reason behind Africa’s slow development is religion.
During a chat with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa, Pastor Odeneye mentioned that Africa’s biggest problem is leadership, not religion or politics. He cited examples from his time in Ghana during Kwame Nkrumah’s reign, stating that Nkrumah instilled patriotism in the people, which made them proactive.
“It (religion) is not a problem and is not because I am a pastor. If I were a politician, I would have said our problem is leadership, not religion or politics. Here is an example; I grew up in Ghana and when Nkrumah was the president, he inculcated patriotism into us.
So much so that when there is a pothole in front of my house, I don’t need the government to fill it. I took the responsibility that Ghana was my country and still carry part of that with me today. Anytime the Ghana National Anthem is played, I get up to honour it and still get goosebumps. That is patriotism.”
SVTV Africa’s DJ Nyaami asked for Pastor Odeneye’s thoughts on the number of Africans travelling abroad for greener pastures.
“It is very unfortunate. I think the problem with the youth is that Africa is not enabling. If you want to establish a business, you need an enabling environment. In Nigeria, strikes can turn a four-year program into 8 years but you won’t see that abroad.” he added.
Kindly watch the full interview below;
