John Chinenye Oluoma has sparked widespread reactions online after criticising the increasing trend of organising prayer programmes focused on “breaking poverty” among struggling people.

In a message that has gone viral on social media, the cleric argued that such gatherings often shift attention away from the real causes of economic hardship and place excessive emphasis on spirituality instead of practical solutions.

According to him, poverty cannot always be solved through prayer sessions alone, especially when underlying social and economic issues remain unaddressed.

His remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with some people agreeing with his perspective on economic empowerment and accountability, while others defended the importance of faith and spiritual support during difficult times.

Cleric Questions Focus of Poverty Prayers
“I kept talking before and I will keep telling you. When men of God will gather you poor people to organise prayers to break poverty and you go, you are being f00lish,” he said.

While acknowledging the role of spirituality, he stressed that prayers alone are not the primary solution to poverty. He insisted that those in positions of power should be the focus of such spiritual interventions.

“You are being f00lish. Yes, spiritual powers can actually end poverty. I don’t disagree with that,” he added.

“So instead of your prophet gathering you to empty olive oil on your body, you should go and gather Tinubu, Shettima, Akpabio, all the governors, all the ministers…,” he stated.

He further called for leaders to be delivered from “the spirit of greed… avarice… tribalism… incompetence,” insisting they are the ones who truly require transformation.

AB