Okonkwo – Clergyman Kingsley Okonkwo has stated that many single men in their forties struggle financially because they have not embraced marriage at an earlier stage in life.
The pastor made the remarks during a recent sermon at his church, where he addressed issues relating to marriage, personal development and financial responsibility.
He explained that while his view was not an absolute rule, he believes marriage can play a significant role in motivating men to improve their financial standing.
According to him, some single men assume they are unmarried because they lack financial resources, but he argued that the reverse may be the case.
He cited statistics suggesting that married individuals generally earn more than their single counterparts, attributing the difference to increased responsibility and the need to provide for a family.
He further noted that single men may not feel compelled to increase their income because they often have fewer obligations. In contrast, married men are compelled by necessity to seek greater financial stability, which can drive ambition and productivity.
The cleric also spoke about the importance of making key life decisions at a younger age. Referencing biblical teachings, he outlined what he described as responsibilities to be undertaken during youth, including building a career, strengthening one’s faith and marrying early.
He added that delaying major life commitments until later in life could present additional challenges, particularly as individuals age and experience changes in energy levels and priorities.
Okonkwo encouraged young men to be intentional about their personal growth, career development and family life during their formative years.
It is because you are not married that is why you do not have money – Clergyman, Kingsley Okonkwo, tells single men
The statement reads, ‘’If you are a single man above 28-ish, of course this is not cast in iron, but 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.
“Statistically, married people make more money than single people. The reason is because married people have to. Married men make more money than single men. generally and statistically. The reason is simple.
“As a single man, you don’t have to make more money. That your Noodles is enough for you, That your friend that is married and has food in their house, you visit and the food given sustains you. If you are a married person, whether you like it or not, you have to make more money and the way life works, once you set your mind that you have to do something, the circumstances and resources you need to do it comes. The moment you set the things in motion, everything within you, your spirit, soul and body, all will begin to ransack this earth to make sure you are able to move to that next level.
“There are three things or four a young man needs to get married. None of it is money. By the way, the bible is clear that there are certain things you must do in the days of your youth. Getting married at 40 is not the days of your youth.
“There are three things the bible says you must do in the days of your youth. Number one, bear your burdens in the days of your youth, that means pay the price for your career or field when you are young and have energy. Number two, know the lord in the days of your youth. Number three, marry the wife of your youth. You must marry when you are young because as time goes on, managing every other thing involving marriage is affected if you are not young.
“Most young men don’t know. Everything about you begins to change after 40. So that is not the time to start a new venture. You should have done that early so that you can grow with your children, pass some things to your children”
Pastor Kingsley Okonkwo Profile
Kingsley Okonkwo is a Nigerian clergyman, Christian leader, relationship expert, author, counsellor and public speaker known for his work in marriage ministry and relationship coaching.
He was born on January 29, 1976, in Lagos State to parents Rowland and Rosannah Okonkwo, originally from a royal family in Obowo, Imo State. He grew up in Lagos where he completed his early education before pursuing religious and counselling studies.
Okonkwo’s ministry began in 1996 when he established a youth fellowship that evolved into David’s Christian Centre (DCC), a growing church based in Lagos with multiple campuses and a mission focused on empowering believers through practical faith teachings.
He is widely recognised as the founder of the Love, Dating & Marriage (LDM) ministry, which he launched in 1999 to equip individuals and couples with biblical principles for building healthy and lasting relationships.
The ministry, which includes weekly television broadcasts, seminars and coaching programs, addresses issues such as domestic relationships, courtship, marriage, divorce recovery and family life.
Okonkwo holds several professional credentials in counselling, coaching and marriage-family life education, and in 2022 he was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Transformational Leadership by Myles Leadership University in recognition of his contributions to youth development, spiritual leadership, mentorship and philanthropy.
As an author, he has written and published multiple bestselling books on relationships and marriage, including titles that focus on readiness for marriage, qualities desired in partners, and guidance for healthy relational living. His work has reached audiences in Nigeria and internationally.
Okonkwo is also a certified relationship counsellor, board-certified Master Christian Life Coach and a member of professional counselling bodies, with his teachings and seminars attended by large audiences across various countries.
In his personal life, he is married to Mildred Kingsley-Okonkwo, who serves as Associate Pastor at DCC and partners with him in ministry. They were married in 2005 and have children together.
Okonkwo’s influence extends through media, live events, mentoring platforms and social media, where he continues to engage and counsel individuals and couples on matters of faith, personal growth and relational success.
