Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has cautioned that prayer alone is not enough to overcome poverty.
In a viral video shared on X on Wednesday, Agu challenged the popular belief that poverty can simply be prayed away, emphasizing that hard work and diligence are critical for achieving lasting prosperity.
“Yes, prayer connects you to divine wisdom and favour, but work is the channel through which blessings manifest,” he said.
The actor urged Nigerians to abandon what he described as the “manna mentality” and adopt a consistent work ethic, noting that divine favor requires human effort to bear fruit.
“Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire, pray from now to tomorrow if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you.
“Yes, prayer is powerful, it connects you to divine wisdom and favor, but work is a channel through which blessings manifest. You can pray all day for success, but if you refuse to walk, plan, or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness,” Agu explained.