A Nigerian Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluoma, has sparked widespread reactions after criticising the growing trend of organising prayer sessions aimed at “breaking poverty” among struggling Nigerians.
The cleric’s remarks, shared in a viral message, questioned the effectiveness of such gatherings in addressing real economic challenges.
Questions over poverty-focused prayers
Oluoma argued that directing poor people to prayer sessions focused solely on ending poverty often misplaces responsibility.
“When men of God gather poor people to organise prayers to break poverty and you go, you are being foolish,” he said.
While acknowledging the role of spirituality, he maintained that prayer alone cannot resolve material hardship.
Calls for focus on leadership
The priest insisted that Nigeria’s economic struggles are largely tied to leadership failures, not the spiritual condition of the poor.
He suggested that political leaders should instead be the focus of spiritual intervention.
“So instead of gathering poor people… gather Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, all the governors and ministers,” he said.
According to him, leaders need “deliverance” from traits such as greed, incompetence, and tribalism.
Takes aim at ‘profit-driven’ prophets
Oluoma also criticised religious figures who claim to have the power to eliminate poverty through spiritual means.
“Any man that claims to cure poverty by spiritual power is only using you to enrich his own pocket,” he said.
His comments have triggered debate online, with some agreeing that systemic issues drive poverty, while others defended the role of faith.
Leadership central to solutions
The cleric concluded that addressing poverty requires responsible governance rather than repeated spiritual rituals.
“To solve material problems… it is about leadership,” he said.
His remarks add to ongoing national conversations about poverty, governance, and the role of religion in public life.
“When men of God will gather you p%%r people to organise prayers to break poverty and you go, you are being f%%lish. The people who need the anointing to break the yoke of poverty are the distributors of the gifts.” – Rev. Fr. John Chinenye Oluomapic.twitter.com/muuETe5Z5L
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) May 4, 2026