Pastor Sparks Outrage Online Over Comments on Why Women Struggle to Find Husbands
In a now-viral video, Pastor David Uche expressed that women who attain a certain level of financial independence such as buying cars, houses and living alone may unknowingly hinder their chances of finding a life partner.
If you’re doing everything on your own and living alone, it becomes difficult for a man to see how he fits into your life. Money makes the heart independent and strong, he said in the video.
The pastor further advised single women to avoid living alone and instead reside with their parents or close relatives until they find the right man to marry. According to him, it is traditionally the man’s role to bring a woman into his home, and taking too much control too early could disrupt that process.
Stay with your parents—it’s a man who is supposed to come and take you into his home, he stated.
Pastor Uche’s remarks have drawn sharp criticism from the public with many calling his views outdated, sexist and damaging—especially in a society where more women are striving for independence and self-reliance.
Social media users were quick to respond:
• @dr_adaora commented: “Notice how he forsakes preaching from the word of God and is just projecting his own insecurities to the congregation. Lord helps us all.
• @sqqipper added: I’ve never heard so much nonsense in under 90 seconds before.
• @faith_ibidun sarcastically asked: Since I am not married and my parents are late, who should I be staying with oo?”
Another user, @i_am_dinmaa, criticized the influence of some religious leaders, stating: Dear Christian Nigerian women… Nigerian pastors are the weapon fashioned against many of you.
While a few have supported the pastor’s intention of restoring traditional values in relationships, the majority of responses reflect growing frustration over the use of the pulpit to shame women for being self-sufficient.
Critics argue that such sermons fail to consider the realities of modern society, where many women must fend for themselves often due to circumstances beyond their control. They also note that messages like this risk reinforcing harmful gender stereotypes and could dissuade young women from pursuing education, career growth, and personal development.
As the debate continues online, Pastor Uche’s video serves as a fresh reminder of the deep divide between traditional religious teachings and contemporary societal values, especially in a country where both hold significant influence.