Lagos-based preacher, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has stirred a wave of reactions across Nigeria after delivering a bold sermon that challenged what he described as a culture of fear among the Yoruba people, while praising the fearless nature of the Igbo.
Speaking passionately during a recent church service, Pastor Idowu described fear as a generational setback afflicting the Yoruba ethnic group, asserting that it has stifled ambition and progress.
“There is a problem with the Yoruba race. Even the ones that are 48 years old. There is a problem with your race, and it is called fear. Life bows for the courageous. Life works against the fearful,” he told his congregation.
Drawing comparisons, he hailed the Igbo for their bravery and widespread entrepreneurial spirit, which he said has positioned them globally.
“That is why I love the Igbos. They are fearless. There is no country in this world where you will not see an Igbo man,” he added.
The message, which has since gone viral online, was delivered as a call to action—especially to young people—to overcome fear and pursue their full potential with courage and conviction.
“Nobody can do anything significant in life because of fear. One of the reasons people never emerge or go forward is because of fear, and fear will lead to self-doubt. You would begin to doubt yourself,” the cleric noted.
Encouraging youths to take charge of their lives early, Idowu concluded with a strong charge: “I am saying it to you now because when you are young, you can conquer it.”
