Nigerian Cleric Warns Youths: Prioritize Living Parents Over Lavish Funerals
A prominent Lagos-based cleric has issued a powerful admonition to young Nigerians, urging them to fundamentally reassess their treatment of parents while they are still alive. Pastor Korede Komaiya, the presiding pastor of The Master's Place International, delivered this urgent message via a video shared on his verified Instagram page, sparking widespread online discourse about cultural attitudes toward aging and familial duty.
A Disturbing Trend of Neglect
Komaiya expressed deep concern over what he described as a troubling societal pattern: the neglect of elderly parents during their lifetime, contrasted with extravagant spending on elaborate funerals after their death. He characterized this practice as "barbaric" and a painful reflection of severely distorted values. "Don't let mosquitoes kill your parents while you spend N7 million on their burial," Komaiya stated pointedly in his video address, highlighting the tragic irony of misplaced priorities.
The cleric argued forcefully that care, comfort, and protection for parents should be provided consistently and proactively, long before any funeral arrangements are considered. He emphasized that the presence of living parents represents a precious, often overlooked opportunity. "Parental blessings are critical. If you have your mother alive and your father alive, you have gold mines alive," Komaiya declared, framing parental relationships as invaluable assets for personal fulfilment and success.
Practical Steps for Tangible Support
Moving beyond critique, Pastor Komaiya provided clear, actionable guidance for young people. He urged them to support their parents in tangible ways, combining both financial assistance and emotional care. He advocated for regular, structured support, even in instances where parents might appear self-sufficient.
"Let your parents enjoy the fruit of their labour. Place them on a monthly salary, even if it's ₦2,000. Even when they don't need it, do it; it is the covenant you're practising," he advised. This practice, he suggested, is a sacred commitment. Furthermore, Komaiya stressed the importance of attentiveness to everyday needs, stating that genuine sacrifice is an essential component of honoring one's parents. "Something must leave you for your parents; listen carefully to their needs," he instructed.
The Call for Forgiveness and Emotional Responsibility
The cleric's message extended beyond material support to address emotional and spiritual dimensions of family relationships. He called on young people to practice forgiveness within their families, urging them to rise above past grievances and extend grace to their parents.
"If they've made mistakes, we all do. Can you please forgive and be the fulfilment of their dream?" he asked, framing forgiveness as a moral responsibility. Komaiya concluded by imploring youths to live in a manner that brings peace and pride to their parents, describing parental blessings as a foundational secret for long-term prosperity and contentment. "Please, you owe your parents one thing: let them die happy. Let your parents thank God for having you. It is a major covenant secret—parental blessings," he affirmed.
This heartfelt appeal has resonated across social media platforms, prompting many Nigerians to reflect deeply on issues of intergenerational responsibility, cultural expectations surrounding death rites, and the core values of family care. The discussion underscores a growing conversation about how modern society treats its elderly and the true meaning of honoring one's parents.
