Pastor Lawrence has expressed disappointment over the current state of Nigeria, questioning whether the country still deserves its long-held title as the “Giant of Africa.”
Speaking during a recent sermon, the cleric argued that the title no longer reflects the realities many Nigerians face today, citing economic hardship, rising debt, and concerns about the nation’s declining influence.
Lawrence praised former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, describing him as one of the country’s most effective leaders. He pointed to the debt relief secured during Obasanjo’s administration as one of the major achievements of that era.
The pastor also voiced concerns about Nigeria’s growing debt profile and what he described as increasing foreign participation in sectors that were once dominated by Nigerians. He lamented what he sees as a decline in the country’s dignity and standing compared to previous decades.
Emphasising the importance of accountability, Lawrence urged Nigerians to judge political leaders based on their performance rather than ethnic, religious, or family affiliations. According to him, citizens should support leaders whose policies positively impact the lives of ordinary people.
In his words:
“I don’t want to hear anybody say ‘Giant of Africa’ anymore. It has become a mockery. One of the best presidents this country ever had remains Obasanjo. I don’t care what anyone says about him—go and check the records of what he accomplished. It was during his administration that Nigeria’s debts were cleared.
“Today, we keep hearing about increasing debts, and many people are asking where the money is going. It feels like the debt has gone beyond the earth and into space.
“I recently read a report about people going to buy sand in Nigeria and finding that it was being sold by Chinese nationals. In your own country. What a shame. Yet we still call ourselves the Giant of Africa.
“If you knew the dignity and respect Nigeria commanded decades ago, you would understand how different things are today.
“Let me tell you this: even if my own brother, from the same parents, were president and the country was in this condition, I would not vote for him. Leadership should never be about family ties. I would rather reject my family name than support poor governance.”
His remarks have since generated reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the country’s leadership challenges, economic direction, and the standards by which public officials should be judged.
Watch the video below…
“Tinubu is a disgrace to the Yorùbás. with how terrible he is, if he was my family member, I would’ve disowned my family name”
– Pastor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/B0asXFrMgl
— Engr Shaibu (@engr_shaibu_) June 7, 2026
