“Did prayer build China?” – Randy Peter blasts Nigeria’s overreliance on religion amid insecurity and hardship

Nigerian human rights activist Randy Peter has sparked conversations online after questioning the country’s heavy reliance on prayer amid insecurity, poverty, and poor governance.

Speaking during a podcast appearance on The Honest Bunch, he argued that many Nigerian politicians openly identify with religious institutions, yet the country continues to struggle due to what he described as corruption and failed leadership.

“Every politician in this country goes to either a church or mosque, so if all of them are supposedly worshipping God, then who is stealing our money? Did prayer build China? Did prayer build Russia?” he said.

The activist questioned whether prayer alone is enough to transform a nation, stressing that real development requires accountability, discipline, and effective leadership.

He further noted that some of the world’s most developed countries did not achieve progress solely through religious practices, expressing concern over Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges and rising poverty levels.

“We have prayed for 65 years and have now become the 4th most terrorised country in the world and the global headquarters of extreme poverty,” Randy added.

His comments have since generated mixed reactions online, with some Nigerians agreeing that the country needs stronger leadership and accountability, while others criticized his stance on faith and prayer.

Many users argued that prayer and good governance can work together, insisting that corruption and poor management of resources remain Nigeria’s biggest challenges.