“Fear is Holding the Yoruba Back” — Pastor Bolaji Sparks Debate with Bold Sermon

According to a NewsVista report, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, the lead pastor of Harvesters International Christian Centre, has triggered widespread debate with his recent remarks about ethnic mindsets during a sermon that has since gone viral.

Speaking passionately to his congregation, the popular Lagos-based preacher claimed that fear is a deeply rooted issue within the Yoruba ethnic group, affecting even adults in their 40s. In contrast, he praised the Igbo people for their courage and go-getter attitude, citing their global presence as evidence of their boldness.

“There is a problem with the Yoruba race… and it is called fear,” Pastor Bolaji stated during the sermon. “Life bows for the courageous. Life works against the fearful. That is why I love the Igbos. They are fearless. There is no country in this world you will not see an Igbo man.”

The message, aimed at encouraging self-belief and boldness, emphasized how fear breeds self-doubt and limits potential. According to the pastor, many people fail to reach their goals not because they lack talent, but because they are too afraid to act. “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,” he added.

His remarks have ignited mixed reactions across social media. Some viewers, particularly among the Yoruba youth, welcomed the message as a tough but necessary call for introspection. They argue that Pastor Bolaji’s words challenge a cultural mindset that may be holding back many from pursuing bold ventures, especially in business and innovation.

Others, however, criticized the delivery as a sweeping generalization. For a country as ethnically diverse as Nigeria, they say, such statements—even if well-meaning—risk deepening divisions and feeding stereotypes. Critics insist that fear is a human trait, not one confined to any particular group.

Several commenters took a more balanced view, acknowledging the core message about fear while urging more sensitivity when discussing ethnic identities from the pulpit.

Despite the backlash, the central message remains clear: fear is a powerful internal enemy, and overcoming it is essential for personal and professional growth. Pastor Bolaji’s sermon, though controversial in parts, has reignited conversations about mindset, courage, and the influence of cultural narratives in shaping one’s path to success.