Pastor Otabil slams ‘women need rich men to succeed’ narrative

General Overseer of the International Central Gospel Church (ICGC), Pastor Mensa Otabil, has criticised the recurring storyline in most African movies that portrays wealthy men as the key to women's financial security and success.

The ICGC General Overseer in a video shared on social media on Monday, questioned why some women insist on marrying rich men rather than working towards becoming financially independent.

He argued that such expectations suggest women cannot achieve wealth and success on their own.

“If the man doesn't have money, I don't have time for him. But you have time for yourself. You have time for your broke self,” he said.

Pastor Otabil also took issue with what he described as an African narrative that women need a wealthy man to overcome their financial limitations.

“Are you trying to tell me that without a benevolent man, a woman cannot be successful? That is African nonsense. Please don't buy into that,” he said.

He encouraged women to pursue financial independence, insisting that they could overcome their limitations and afford the things they desired without relying on a wealthy partner.

“By your God, you can rise above limitations. You can succeed by yourself. You can buy your iPhone 15 by yourself,” he added.

His comments have drawn attention to the portrayal of wealth, relationships and women's independence in African film narratives, particularly storylines that present marriage to a rich man as a route out of poverty.