Joshua Bamiloye, son of renowned Nigerian evangelists Mike and Gloria Bamiloye, has slammed Peter Obi’s remarks on church vigils, suggesting that Nigeria would benefit more from productivity-driven night shifts rather than traditional church vigils, which he implied contribute to poverty.
Obi’s comments on the Honest Bunch Podcast sparked intense debate online, with many seeing his views as a critique of deeply rooted religious practices. Bamiloye firmly rejected Obi’s views, arguing that they misrepresent the nation’s deeper issues and overlook more pressing systemic factors stifling Nigeria’s productivity.
Bamiloye challenged Obi, questioning why churchgoers were being blamed for economic setbacks while other gatherings like concerts, comedy shows, and nightlife events remained untouched in his critique. He emphasized that vigils, typically held on Friday nights, shouldn’t be singled out in a nation facing numerous challenges beyond the church.
The exchange has highlighted a growing conversation around the intersection of faith and socioeconomic progress in Nigeria. Some people agree with Obi, noting that attending night vigils from Monday to Friday can hinder productivity, while others see his comments as an attack on religious freedom.
