“Poverty Won’t Die by Fire”: Chiwetalu Agu Challenges Nigerians to Replace Prayer with Hard Work

|By Oko-Echem Agnes

Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has urged Nigerians to abandon the belief that prayer alone can eradicate poverty, stressing that hard work and diligence remain the true paths to prosperity.

In a viral video shared on X (formerly Twitter), the actor dismissed what he called the “manna mentality,” warning that excessive reliance on prayer without effort leads to disappointment.

“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,” Agu declared in the video that has sparked reactions online.

He explained that while prayer connects people to divine wisdom and favour, it becomes meaningless without corresponding action. “God blesses effort, not idleness,” he added.

Agu urged Nigerians to take responsibility for their growth, plan, and act decisively, noting that success is not a product of endless supplication but the reward of consistent effort and purposeful living.