I am your friend, Dr. Charles Apoki, and it’s great to be back home, even if it means sweating in this heat! Today, I want to weigh in on a recent statement by His Excellency, Peter Obi, during an interview on “The Honest Bunch.” He said he’d convert night vigils to night shifts—a comment that has stirred up many reactions. Having been a guest on that same show, I understand where Peter Obi’s sentiment comes from, and I agree with much of it.
You see, a nation with more churches than industries is bound to struggle. People will say, “Oh, Dr. Apoki, you’re a philosopher,” as if that’s a bad thing in Christianity. Yet, without thoughtful analysis, faith becomes blind and lacks the practicality God intended.
Now, let’s clarify what “industry” means—it doesn’t just refer to factories but to sectors of business like the music industry, aviation, agriculture, and yes, even sectors churches can invest in. Many churches, including Catholic and Anglican dioceses, own schools, hospitals, and farms. I’ve seen churches operate fish farms, printing presses, and large hospitals—all productive endeavors that create jobs and improve lives. I recently visited my son, a doctor in Germany, where he works at a hospital established by the Roman Catholic Church. They run it with the efficiency of a business, right down to a small chapel inside—no loud noises or distractions.
What Peter Obi suggested isn’t about discouraging prayer. He wants to see Nigeria work at night, like other productive societies. Many Nigerians, however, respond out of fear, believing they must pray all night to fend off attacks and demonic forces. Why do we see night vigils as necessary? Is it out of fear of midnight meetings by “enemies”? Why not trust that the God who “neither slumbers nor sleeps” is already watching over us?
I’ve been part of many night vigils. Most of them involve singing, dancing, and people nodding off during the sermon. By dawn, everyone is exhausted and can barely function the next day. Imagine if, instead, we spent those hours working in a night shift at a factory, adding value to society, creating income, and building careers. I see a church behind me today occupying what used to be a factory. That factory could still be running, employing people and supporting their families.
The truth is, most people won’t prioritize night vigils in countries where the economy demands productivity at all hours. I once taught a friend in Australia’s Sunday school; he worked tirelessly in shifts day and night to support his family. There’s no time for long vigils when there’s a job to do.
Peter Obi has given to the church more than most who criticize him. His brother is a Catholic priest, his family supports church activities, and he’s contributed millions to communities across Nigeria. Let’s face it, Nigeria’s current issues—soaring prices, economic instability, and lack of jobs—aren’t the fault of fewer vigils; they stem from a productivity crisis. Look at how many Muslims in Northern Nigeria work tirelessly in agriculture and business, producing the tomatoes, beans, onions, and even meat that many of us consume. Meanwhile, in many parts of the South, we focus on “seed sowing” and prosperity teachings while lacking the production to back it up.
I’ve spoken about this for over 20 years, stressing the importance of building industries, investing in agriculture, and managing resources effectively. Yet, many church leaders continue to chase after donations instead of supporting people in building skills and resources. In places like the U.S. and Europe, systems run 24/7. Factories, trains, airports, and power plants require people to work in shifts. They don’t pray their problems away; they build solutions and infrastructures that make life more predictable and secure.
So, when Peter Obi said he would convert vigils to shifts, he was advocating for a system where productivity meets purpose. If we had more industries, people wouldn’t have to crowd into buses after Sunday service or attend vigils as a desperate prayer for financial miracles. Instead, they would have the dignity of meaningful work.
This country is hurting because we’ve ignored critical principles. Airlines, tech companies, factories—they all require people who work through the night to keep society moving. It’s time we embrace the concept of “working as unto the Lord” by creating opportunities that bring real progress. Nigeria can be a prosperous nation, but that won’t happen if we keep avoiding work and relying solely on prayers.
I remain Dr. Charles Apoki, whether I’m your friend or not. I’ll continue to speak the truth, even when it challenges some people’s beliefs. Let’s learn to work with the principles God has laid out for us and aim for genuine development and productivity in our country.
