Nigerian pastor and relationship counselor Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo has stirred fresh debate after linking the financial struggles of some men in their forties to their decision to delay marriage.
During a recent church service, Okonkwo suggested that marriage often pushes men toward greater financial discipline and productivity. In his view, remaining single for too long can remove the sense of responsibility that motivates many people to pursue higher earnings and stability.
He argued that a common belief among unmarried men is that a lack of money is the reason they have not settled down. However, he proposed that the opposite may sometimes be true.
“If you are a single man above 28-ish, one of the best things you can do for yourself is to marry. 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,” he stated.
Okonkwo maintained that research generally shows married men earning more than those who remain single, largely because family responsibilities compel them to seek better income opportunities.
“As a single man, you don’t have to make more money. That’s enough noodles 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.
Expanding on the idea, the pastor said that taking on responsibility can transform a man’s outlook and determination. Once a man commits to providing for a family, he often becomes more focused on building a stable financial future.
He also pushed back against the notion that financial security must come before marriage. According to him, money should not be viewed as one of the main conditions for a young man to start a family.
Drawing on biblical teachings, Okonkwo encouraged young people to make important life decisions earlier rather than postponing them indefinitely. He warned that waiting until later in life to marry may come with complications, as priorities and personal circumstances tend to shift with age, which can affect long-term family planning.
Watch his message below.
