Nigerian singer Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has sparked fresh debate after claiming that prayers and foreign religions have not significantly improved Nigeria.
The music star made the remarks during a recent public event captured by Gold Myne TV.
In the video, 9ice questioned the impact of Christianity and Islam on the country, arguing that despite decades of prayers and religious activities, Nigeria continues to struggle with insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship.
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For many years, religious leaders and public officials have repeatedly called on Nigerians to pray for the nation, especially during difficult periods.
Both Christians and Muslims often organise special prayer sessions for peace, unity and progress in the country.
However, 9ice said he does not believe these efforts have produced any meaningful results.
According to him, Nigeria has remained underdeveloped despite the large number of people who identify with either Christianity or Islam.
The singer, who has publicly described himself as a traditionalist and a self-proclaimed heathen, criticised Nigerians for devoting so much time to foreign religions.
“You will leave Nigeria and go to Mecca to go and lick the rock all in the name of Kabba,” he said.
9ice also argued that Nigerians have spent years calling on God without seeing visible change.
“Ever since you have been calling on Allah and Jesus, this country hasn’t gotten any better,” he said.
The singer compared Nigeria with countries such as the United Kingdom, which he claimed are less religious but more prosperous.
According to him, many people in countries like Britain do not attend church regularly, yet their societies are more organised and developed.
“If you go to London, nobody goes to church there yet they are better than Nigeria,” he stated.
He further claimed that while many people in developed countries focus on work and practical solutions, Nigerians spend too much time in churches and mosques.
“They go to work on Sundays but Nigerians go to church,” he said.
“A lot of Nigerians spend most of their time in church in the name of weekly services. They pray over everything, including things they should fix themselves.”
According to 9ice, many of the problems facing Nigeria require action rather than prayer.
He suggested that issues such as poor governance, corruption, insecurity, and unemployment can only be solved if citizens and leaders take responsibility.
The singer’s comments quickly generated mixed reactions online.
While some people agreed with his argument that Nigerians rely too much on prayer instead of action, others accused him of insulting Christianity and Islam.
Supporters of 9ice argued that his comments reflected a growing frustration among Nigerians who believe the country has become overly religious without corresponding development.
Some social media users said that rather than constantly praying, Nigerians should hold leaders accountable and work harder to improve the country.
Others pointed out that several developed countries place more emphasis on education, science, discipline, and productivity than on religion.
However, critics of the singer insisted that religion itself is not the problem.
According to them, the real issue is that many Nigerians do not practise the values of honesty, compassion, and discipline taught by their faiths.
Some people also argued that 9ice’s comparison between Nigeria and the United Kingdom was too simplistic.
They noted that Britain’s economic and political development was shaped by many factors beyond religion.
Others said it was unfair to dismiss the role of faith in people’s lives simply because the country still faces serious challenges.
The latest remarks are not the first time 9ice has spoken publicly about his beliefs.
In August 2025, the singer revealed during an interview with media personality Nancy Isime that he had become a traditionalist.
According to him, the decision came after an Ifa priest allegedly healed him from what he described as a spiritual attack.
The singer claimed he had spent six months vomiting blood before seeking help.
He said he eventually turned to traditional spirituality after conventional prayers failed to solve the problem.
9ice also stated during that interview that he regretted not embracing traditional religion earlier in life.
Since then, he has continued to speak openly about his beliefs and his support for Indigenous spirituality.
The singer’s latest comments have once again reopened conversations about religion, culture, and national development in Nigeria.
Nigeria is one of the most religious countries in the world, with millions of Christians and Muslims spread across the country.
At the same time, traditional African religions still play an important role in many communities.
The debate over whether religion has helped or hindered Nigeria’s progress has remained a sensitive issue for many years.
While some believe faith provides hope and moral guidance, others argue that excessive dependence on prayer has distracted people from taking practical steps to improve the country.
With his comments, 9ice has once again placed himself at the centre of that national conversation.
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