Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has urged Nigerians to abandon the belief that poverty can be defeated through prayer alone, stressing that hard work and diligence remain the true keys to prosperity.
In a viral video shared on his official X account, the respected actor challenged what he described as the “manna-from-heaven mentality” among many Nigerians, who expect miracles without putting in the necessary effort.
According to Agu, prayer is indeed powerful and capable of connecting people to divine wisdom and favour, but without corresponding action, it remains ineffective.
“Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire. Pray from now till tomorrow, if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you,” he warned.
The comic actor, known for his witty expressions and thought-provoking remarks, emphasized that success is not a product of endless prayer sessions but the result of planning, discipline, and consistency.
“Yes, prayer connects you to divine wisdom and favour, but work is the channel through which blessings manifest. You can pray all day for success, but if you refuse to work, plan, or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness,” he added.
Chiwetalu Agu’s statement has since sparked conversations online, with many agreeing that his message reflects the growing need for Nigerians to balance faith with practical steps toward financial empowerment.
