Nigerian preacher Chris Ogugua has advised both men and women to be financially and purposefully prepared before entering marriage, stressing that raising a family should not be the responsibility of one person alone in today’s economic climate.
Speaking during a recent sermon, the cleric argued that modern realities require both partners to contribute meaningfully to the home, rather than leaving all financial pressure on one individual.
He also urged women to carefully evaluate the vision, purpose, and financial stability of any man who comes forward for marriage, saying it is important to understand his plans for building a stable future.
According to him, many children suffer deprivation because their parents are not adequately prepared to provide for them, leading some to miss out on education and instead take up street trading or other forms of labour at an early age.
“Marriage requires responsibility from both sides”
Ogugua said:
“Any lady that is not bringing anything to the table today is not fit for marriage. Write it down o. The responsibility to raise a family right now cannot be carried by one man.
“Then if you see a young man without a vision, without a mission, without cash, don’t attach yourself to his life o. What he is carrying is far more than cancer.
“Ask him, you want to marry me, what is your mission? What do you have so my children won’t suffer in your hands.
“Don’t you feel the pain when you walk the streets and see children begging and carrying things on their heads? Children are forced to feed their parents at their age, denying them the opportunity to go to school.
“Check your life. You are who you are today because of what your parents offered you. Your parents offered you nothing, so you want to offer your children nothing?”
Mixed reactions to his message
The sermon has since generated conversations online, with many agreeing that financial preparedness is important before marriage, especially given current economic pressures.
Others, however, have continued to debate his comments, particularly his views on what each partner should contribute, as discussions around modern relationships and financial responsibility continue to evolve.
“A woman who isn’t contributing anything has no place in marriage. Today, building a family is not a burden one man can carry alone. If a man proposes, it’s important to understand his vision and plans otherwise, the relationship could lead to hardship.”
— Pastor Ogugua Chris pic.twitter.com/iXjZ2rIVn9
— TopBoy 🇬🇧🇳🇬 (@samoblah) July 4, 2026
