Veteran actor Chiwetalu Agu has argued hard work and diligence are key to overcoming poverty.

Agu, in a video, maintained that only the aforementioned can yield lasting prosperity, challenging the widespread belief among some Nigerians that spiritual devotion alone was enough for financial success.

He acknowledged the power of prayer, noting its ability to connect individuals to divine wisdom and favor.

However, he stressed that without corresponding effort, such prayers are futile.

He urged Nigerians to shed the “manna mentality” of expecting blessings without action, asserting that divine favor requires human participation through work.

He said: “Poverty does not die by fire. I repeat, poverty cannot die by fire, pray from now to tomorrow if you don’t work hard, poverty will deal with you.

“Yes, prayer is powerful, it connects you to divine wisdom and favor, but work is a channel through which blessings manifest. You can pray all day for success, but if you refuse to work, plan or act, you will still remain poor. God blesses effort, not idleness.”