FNA News
Lagos, Nigeria
Nigerian pastor faces backlash over remarks labelling nurses as ‘wicked’
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo’s comments in a recent sermon have sparked debate about healthcare conditions and the role of religious leaders in addressing societal issues.
By FNA News Correspondent
Lagos | 21 June 2026
A Nigerian pastor known for his relationship and marriage teachings has come under scrutiny after video clips from one of his sermons went viral.
In the message, Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo used the conduct of some nurses in Nigerian hospitals as an illustration of what he described as a disconnect between religious activity and practical Christian values in everyday life.
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The comments, made during a sermon titled Why the Nigerian Church Has Not Taken Over, have drawn criticism from nurses and healthcare workers on social media platforms.
What the pastor said
Pastor Okonkwo contrasted the level of care he and his wife received in hospitals abroad with experiences in Nigeria. He said many nurses in Nigerian facilities appeared uncaring or even hostile, despite the country’s high volume of church attendance and prayer meetings.
In the viral video, Okonkwo said:
“How many of you have encountered Nigerian nurses? … I mean these wicked nurses. … Have you seen a nurse if you have gone abroad … the way they serve you … you are like in a hotel room … Is that not love? But Nigeria that has more prayer meetings … the people causing crisis inside Nigeria are all in these massive churches … they collect bribe to treat you, medicine that government has paid for they will go and resell it to you. These are the same Christians.”
He argued that some medical staff, many of whom attend church collect bribes or show little empathy, while patients in countries often labelled “Godless” receive far more attentive treatment.
The pastor framed his remarks within a wider message: that Nigeria has a thriving “kingdom of church” through large congregations and religious events, but the “kingdom of God” ,meaning transformed character and love expressed in daily work is not evident in society.
Reactions and counter-arguments
The clips have generated significant discussion online, particularly among nurses and healthcare professionals.
Many critics argue that Pastor Okonkwo’s use of the word “wicked” unfairly generalises a profession already under pressure. They point to deep-rooted challenges in Nigeria’s healthcare system, including:
- Low salaries and delayed payments
- Severe staff shortages and high workloads
- Inadequate equipment and supplies
- Poor working conditions that contribute to burnout
Nurses and supporters have emphasised that the same professionals often deliver high standards of care once they work in better-resourced environments overseas. Several comments across platforms described the issues as systemic rather than individual failings.
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Some have also questioned whether a pastor primarily known for relationship counselling should comment publicly on another profession in such terms.
However, not all reactions have been negative. A number of people have shared personal experiences of unprofessional conduct in Nigerian hospitals and welcomed the call for greater accountability and professionalism across all sectors.
Broader context
Pastor Okonkwo’s sermon focused on the need for Nigerian Christians to move beyond church attendance and apply biblical principles of love, integrity and excellence in their workplaces and communities.
His use of nurses as an example has highlighted long-standing concerns about healthcare delivery in Nigeria. Health workers have long campaigned for improved funding, better pay and safer working conditions.
The controversy comes months after Pastor Okonkwo faced separate public debate over a tattoo he displayed, showing that his public statements often attract wide attention.
Analysis: What this reveals
This episode underscores two important realities in Nigeria today.
First, it exposes the strain on the healthcare workforce. Decades of underinvestment have left many hospitals struggling, affecting both staff morale and patient care. Improving conditions for nurses and doctors is not only a professional necessity but a moral and developmental priority.
Second, it raises questions about how religious leaders engage with sensitive social issues. While spiritual messages can inspire positive change, strong language risks overshadowing legitimate concerns and alienating the very professionals whose conduct is being discussed.
A constructive path forward would involve dialogue between religious institutions, healthcare regulators and government to address both individual accountability and systemic reform.
Pastor Okonkwo has not yet issued a direct response to the latest wave of criticism.
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FNA News continues to monitor reactions and will provide updates as the story develops.
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Kehinde Oluwatosin is one of the many editors here at Fellow Nurses Africa and fellownurses.com.
He is a registered nurse with a Master of Science degree in healthcare leadership from the University of Hull, United Kingdom. Kehinde is passionate about advancing the nursing profession across Africa. As Co-Founder of Fellow Nurses Africa, he plays a key role in shaping editorial direction, ensuring our content educates, informs, and empowers nurses continent-wide.
With expertise in leadership, patient flow, and healthcare operations, Kehinde brings valuable insights to nursing news, career development, and policy discussions. He is committed to amplifying the voice of African nurses and driving positive change in the profession.
