Chiwetalu Agu says prayers alone won’t end poverty, urges Nigerians to embrace hard work

Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has cautioned Nigerians against believing that poverty can be eliminated through prayers alone, insisting that only hard work and diligence can lead to lasting prosperity.

In a viral video shared on X, the celebrated actor challenged the widespread notion that poverty can “die by fire,” arguing that such beliefs promote laziness and false hope.

“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 said.

He explained that while prayer is powerful and connects people to divine wisdom and favour, it becomes meaningless without corresponding action.

“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 plan or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness,” he added.

Agu urged Nigerians to abandon the ‘manna mentality’—the belief that wealth can appear miraculously—and instead adopt a culture of productivity and creativity.

The actor’s message has sparked conversations online, with many Nigerians agreeing that faith must be backed by effort in tackling the nation’s economic struggles.