“Did prayer build China?” – Randy Peter decries Nigeria’s over-reliance on religion amid insecurity and hardship
Nigerian human rights activist Randy Peter has sparked conversations online after questioning the country’s heavy reliance on prayer amid insecurity, poverty and mismanagement.
Speaking during a podcast appearance on The Honest Bunch, he asserted that many Nigerian politicians openly identify with religious institutions, but the country continues to struggle due to what he described as corruption and failed leadership.
“Every politician in this country goes to either a church or a mosque, so if they all supposedly worship God, then who is stealing our money? Did prayer build China? Did prayer build Russia?” he said.
The activist questioned whether prayer alone is enough to transform a nation, stressing that it is real development requires responsibility, discipline, and effective leadership.
He further noted that some of the world’s most developed countries have not achieved progress through religious practices alone, expressing concern over Nigeria’s lingering security challenges and rising levels of poverty.
“We prayed for 65 years and now we have become the 4th most terrorized country in the world and the global headquarters of extreme poverty,” Randy added.
His comments have since drawn mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians agreeing that the country needs stronger leadership and accountability, while others criticized his stance on faith and prayer.
Many beneficiaries argued that prayer and good governance can work together, insisting that corruption and resource mismanagement remain Nigeria’s greatest challenges.
