Clergyman Kingsley Okonkwo has sparked conversation after stating that many men in their forties struggle financially because they refused to get married earlier in life.
Speaking during a recent church service, Okonkwo argued that marriage can be a catalyst for financial growth and personal responsibility, particularly for men.
According to him, many single men believe they are unmarried because they lack money, but he suggested the reverse may be the case.
“If you are a single man above 28-ish, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to marry,” he said. “Many single men think it is because I don’t have money that I am not married. No, it is because you are not married that is why you do not have money.”
The pastor claimed that statistically, married men tend to earn more than their single counterparts because they are compelled by responsibility to increase their income.
“As a single man, you don’t have to make more money. That your noodles is enough for you. You can visit your married friends and eat. But if you are married, whether you like it or not, you have to make more money,” he said.
Okonkwo further explained that once a man decides he must take on responsibility, he becomes more driven to succeed. He added that marriage is not primarily about financial readiness, insisting that money is not one of the key requirements for a young man to get married.
Citing biblical principles, he emphasized the importance of making key life decisions during one’s youth.
He also cautioned against delaying marriage until 40, noting that significant life changes occur as people age, which may affect family life and long-term planning.