Driving Out USAID Will Make Your Country Richer – Rev. Chris Oyakhilome

Founder of Loveworld, Rev. Dr. Chris Oyakhilome, has asserted that expelling the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) from a country would lead to financial prosperity. He made this claim during Christ Embassy’s Day 3 prayer and fasting program for February 2025.

In his address, Oyakhilome criticized USAID’s financial operations, alleging that the organization does not provide genuine aid but instead exploits developing nations.

“If they meant financial aid, it’s only stolen money. It’s what they stole from you already. They don’t bring any money from the US, they don’t give you any money from the United States. It’s what they stole from you already,” he stated.

He further argued that USAID’s involvement has harmed national economies and political landscapes, claiming that the agency manipulates local politics to weaken leaders who prioritize national interests.

“If you drove away USAID from your country, you’d be suddenly richer. Yeah, it’s all exploitation. It destroyed your currency, it destroyed your economy. They creep into the politics of the day and try to destroy the politicians. That’s what they do. They don’t care about you,” he added.

Oyakhilome also alleged that USAID brands patriotic politicians as enemies and actively seeks to undermine them. “They hate politicians that love their country. Once you love your country, you are an enemy. They brand you as an enemy. And they plan your demise. That’s what they do. So the right thing to do is tell them to quit,” he concluded.

His comments come amid increasing scrutiny of USAID’s activities worldwide. In recent months, the U.S. President ordered an investigation into USAID, leading to revelations of misappropriated funds being diverted to non-governmental special interest programs.

In 2024, Premium Times reported USAID’s financial involvement in the promotion of genetically modified organisms (GMO) in Nigeria, revealing that funds were channeled to the National Biosafety Management Agency between 2016 and 2019. Additionally, a viral video on social media showed a U.S. lawmaker allegedly linking the organization to terrorism financing in Nigeria. This prompted Nigeria’s 10th National Assembly to direct intelligence agencies to investigate USAID’s operations in the country.

Oyakhilome’s remarks have sparked widespread debate, with some supporting his stance on foreign influence in developing nations, while others argue that foreign aid remains crucial for economic development. The controversy surrounding USAID’s role in Nigeria and other countries continues to unfold.