‘Poverty Cannot Die by Fire’ – Says Chiwetalu Agu

Veteran Nollywood actor, Chiwetalu Agu, has stirred social media conversation after declaring that prayers alone cannot end poverty, stressing that only hard work and diligence bring lasting success.

Agu made the statement in a viral video posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, where he dismissed the belief that poverty can be “prayed away.”

The outspoken actor argued that while prayer is important for connecting to divine wisdom and favour, it becomes meaningless without corresponding effort.

“Yes, prayer connects you to divine wisdom and favour, but work is the channel through which blessings manifest,” he said.

He explained that prosperity requires both spiritual discipline and practical diligence, warning Nigerians against what he described as “fire-only” religious thinking that ignores responsibility.

“Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire,” Agu declared. “Pray from now till tomorrow, if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you.”

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Agu, known for his blunt social commentary, called on Nigerians to abandon the ‘manna mentality’, the belief that wealth can fall from heaven without effort, and instead embrace consistent work and smart planning.

“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,” he emphasised.

He urged Nigerians, especially the youth, to see diligence and creativity as divine principles, not mere worldly struggles.

Agu’s video has since gone viral, drawing mixed reactions from Nigerians online. While many users applauded his message as a dose of realism in a faith-driven society, others argued that divine grace sometimes makes the difference when human effort fails.

One X user wrote, “Chiwetalu Agu is simply telling Nigerians the truth. Faith without work is dead.”
Another countered, “Some people work hard all their lives and still struggle. It’s not always that simple.”

Despite the debate, Agu’s message appears to have resonated with many Nigerians grappling with rising living costs and unemployment.