Pastor E.A. Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has credited divine intervention for averting a potential economic crisis that could have seen the naira’s exchange rate reach ₦10,000 to $1. Speaking at the Special Holy Ghost Congress in Abuja, the revered cleric highlighted Nigeria’s persistent economic challenges, particularly its reliance on fuel imports despite being an oil-producing nation.
Key Points Raised by Pastor Adeboye:
- Reliance on Fuel Imports: Adeboye lamented the country’s heavy dependence on imported petrol despite possessing significant crude oil resources. He criticized the inefficiency and waste associated with billions spent on non-functional refineries.
- Fuel Subsidy Removal: He touched on the government’s controversial decision to remove the fuel subsidy, suggesting that the move angered those who previously benefited from the subsidy system. This, he noted, led to further economic and social challenges.
- Prayers for Economic Stability: Adeboye revealed that he prayed fervently as the naira’s value continued to plummet and was joined by others in seeking divine intervention. He attributed the current exchange rate stabilization to these collective prayers, asserting that without them, the dollar-to-naira rate might have spiraled to ₦10,000.
- Call for Divine Help: The cleric emphasized that Nigeria’s economic struggles require more than human solutions, urging the nation to seek divine help in addressing its deep-rooted issues.
Adeboye’s remarks underscore the intersection of faith and national discourse, as religious leaders like him continue to provide spiritual perspectives on pressing economic challenges. His call for prayers resonates with many Nigerians who grapple with the hardships of a depreciating currency and rising living costs.