Peter Obi, Nigeria's 2023 Labour Party candidate, sparked debate by suggesting church vigils be turned into night shifts to enhance productivity. While some Nigerians support his view as a path to economic growth, others criticize it for undermining religious practices, highlighting the balance between faith and productivity.
Peter Obi, former presidential candidate of Nigeria’s Labour Party, recently stirred debate with his suggestion to convert church vigils into night shifts to boost national productivity. Speaking on the Honest Bunch podcast, Obi argued that the focus on frequent religious gatherings, alongside the allure of politics, is creating an unproductive society. According to Obi, Nigeria's economy could benefit if the time spent in church services from Monday to Friday was redirected toward work, especially during night hours.
In the interview, Obi emphasized the need to shift priorities, pointing out that, while he values faith, the country's economic challenges require a different approach to time management. He highlighted the abundance of churches across Nigeria, noting that many people attend services at the expense of other productive activities.
The comment has sparked divided reactions across Nigeria. Some citizens have praised Obi’s boldness, agreeing that a shift in focus from constant religious engagement to economic productivity could reduce poverty levels. Others, however, view his suggestion as an affront to cherished religious practices and see it as undermining the cultural significance of church gatherings, especially night vigils.
