Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has sparked a wave of discussion on social media after making a bold statement about poverty and the role of hard work in achieving success.
In a video that quickly went viral on X (formerly Twitter), Agu emphatically declared: “Poverty cannot d!e by fire. If you like, pray from now till tomorrow, if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you.”
The actor clarified that while prayer is essential, it cannot replace effort. He emphasized that individuals who fail to put in the necessary work will inevitably face hardship, regardless of how fervently they pray. According to him, prayer is a tool that connects people to blessings and success, but without corresponding action, it will not produce tangible results.
Agu elaborated that God rewards diligence and hard work, not laziness or inaction. He noted that divine blessings and opportunities are always available, but people must actively seize them through effort and perseverance. “God will open doors of blessing,” he said, “but it is up to humans to walk through them.”
To support his perspective, the veteran actor cited the Bible, referencing James 2:17: “In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” He highlighted that genuine faith must be accompanied by practical steps toward achieving goals, or it will remain ineffective.
Agu also referenced Genesis 3:19, saying: “By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” He stressed that hard work is a timeless principle, one that aligns with both spiritual teachings and practical realities of life.
The actor concluded by urging individuals to embrace diligence and personal responsibility. For anyone to prosper and overcome poverty, they must be willing to work relentlessly. “For one to eat, he or she must labour for it, not just pray,” he added, underscoring the importance of balancing faith with action.
The video has since generated widespread reactions online, with fans, followers, and social media users sharing their thoughts on Agu’s message, sparking conversations about the intersection of faith, work ethic, and financial independence in contemporary Nigeria.
Watch the video here…
“Poverty cannot d!e by f!re. If you like, pray from now till tomorrow, if you don’t work hard, pøverty will deal with you.”
–Veteran actor, Chiwetalu Agu pic.twitter.com/FPY19Wvcna
— CHUKS 🍥 (@ChuksEricE) October 15, 2025
