Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s (LP) presidential candidate for 2023, recently made comments that have proved controversial: productivity and practical progress are often sidelined in favor of excessive religious gatherings and political spectacle in Nigeria. He suggests that replacing church vigils with night shifts could boost the nation’s productivity, sparking a wider debate on the relationship between faith, work, and economic advancement. The Bible talks about the importance of hard work. In Colossians 3:23, it says to “work heartily, as for the Lord.” This message does not lessen the value of prayer or worship. Instead, it encourages a balance that helps both our spirit and our community.
Work and faith go hand in hand in the Bible. Jesus said in John 9:4, “We must do the work of Him who sent me while it is day; night is coming when no one can work.” Christianity teaches that prayer is important, but believers should also help their communities by showing love through hard work. The Apostle Paul told early Christians not to be lazy. He encouraged them to “live quietly, mind their own business, and work with their hands” (1 Thessalonians 4:11). This call to work helps Christians show their faith in ways that make a real difference.
Peter Obi’s views may seem wrong, but they contain important truths. Billboards on main roads outside big cities show mostly religious and political events, reflecting that nothing productive is happening at scale in the economy. While it is important to pray and go to church, we also need to create economic value. That is how you destroy poverty. Try to use your faith by adopting a mindset that sees working as a Christian duty. If you balance faith with action, you can help build a culture that better reflects God’s kingdom on earth. This can inspire growth, productivity, and hope for a better Nigeria.
