Nollywood actress Mary Remmy Njoku has sparked widespread reactions after speaking out about the need for practical action alongside prayer amid Nigeria's growing insecurity. Her comments came shortly after gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori advised Nigerians to pray following the abduction of schoolchildren and teachers in Oyo State, a statement that later drew heavy backlash and an apology.
Mary Njoku Emphasizes the Need for Action
In a post shared on Instagram on June 3, Mary Njoku stressed that spiritual problems require spiritual solutions, but physical problems demand physical solutions. She argued that prayer alone cannot fix issues like bad roads, failing healthcare, poor education, and insecurity.
She reminded Christians that even food does not appear by prayer; someone must plant, harvest, transport, and cook it. According to her, faith and action must work together. She wrote: "Dear African Christians, as we continue to pray, let us not confuse prayer with action. You cannot bind and cast away bad roads. You cannot rebuke a failing healthcare system into working. You cannot pray away the bandits who are terrorising our lives. Faith and action are not enemies. They work together."
Reactions from Social Media Users
Many Nigerians agreed with the actress. @ojoemomotimi said: "This is why I don't stay close to people who believe everything is spiritual." @geespacebabs commented: "We often forget that even the Bible says work and pray. Faith without work is death!" @realty_verse reacted: "Well spoken! God will not do for you the things you should do for yourself, that's why he gave us hands, legs and a brain!"
Others noted the role of corruption. @xabelpower wrote: "We still need prayers for God to remove greed from the heart of our leaders because all the sectors are corrupted. Everyone just wants to fill their pocket."
Background: Yinka Alaseyori's Controversial Advice
Gospel singer Yinka Alaseyori had earlier urged Nigerians to pray over the Oyo school abductions, stating that while the government is trying, prayer is the key to freedom. After facing severe backlash, she apologised to mothers and Nigerians for her insensitive comments.
Mary Njoku's post adds to the ongoing debate about the role of prayer in addressing Nigeria's security and infrastructural challenges. She concluded that physical problems require planning, accountability, and hard work, not just prayer.
