Nigerian cleric Sarah Omakwu has urged employers to increase their workers’ salaries amid rising school fees and the growing cost of living across the country.
Speaking during a church programme, Omakwu addressed the financial pressure facing families during the school fees season, noting that many schools had increased their fees because employers also needed to adjust workers’ salaries to reflect rising transportation and other living expenses.
She stressed that employers should not continue paying workers the same salaries they received the previous year when the cost of living had increased significantly.
‘Every employer should add their staff’s salaries’
Omakwu criticised employers who continue to pay low wages despite the rising cost of living.
“Some of the salaries we are giving people is evil. Some people still pay people ₦50,000. How will the person come to work? Every employer should add their staff’s salaries. You cannot be paying ₦150k last year and still be paying ₦150k this year. It will not work.”
She revealed that she had increased the salaries of workers in her organisation, stressing the need for employers to consider the realities their employees face.
Omakwu speaks on supporting education
The cleric also disclosed that she was directing a significant portion of her resources towards improving schools in her village.
According to her, the funds were being used to renovate classrooms, repair a damaged roof and provide educational materials for children.
Omakwu said she previously spent about ₦10 million on textbooks, uniforms, shoes and bags for children in her village.
She explained that the intervention helped encourage school attendance, noting that some children who previously spent their days on the streets or returning from farms were now regularly attending classes and learning.
‘I don’t want to be among Nigeria’s richest pastors’
Omakwu also expressed concern over the way wealthy pastors are celebrated for their possessions.
She said she would not want her name associated with lists of Nigeria’s richest pastors, highlighting her preference for directing resources towards initiatives that benefit people and communities.
Her comments have renewed conversations about fair wages, the rising cost of living, access to education and the responsibility of wealthy individuals to contribute to the development of their communities.
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