Nigerian singer 9ice has sparked conversation over the role of religion in Nigeria’s development, arguing that high levels of religious devotion have not translated into meaningful national progress.
Speaking at a recent event, the artiste compared Nigeria with countries such as the United Kingdom, suggesting that lower levels of religious participation abroad appear to coincide with stronger development outcomes.
9ice, born Alexander Adegbola Akande, said his views are shaped by personal experiences. He revealed that he now identifies as a traditionalist, noting that an Ifa priest once helped him recover from what he described as a spiritual attack.
The singer also raised concerns about how much time many Nigerians dedicate to religious activities, including frequent church attendance and pilgrimages. He argued that some of these efforts could be redirected toward practical actions that contribute to national growth.
According to him, an overreliance on prayer for issues that require direct solutions may be limiting progress, as individuals and institutions shy away from taking necessary action.
His remarks add to ongoing public discourse about the intersection of faith, culture, and development in Nigeria, particularly as prominent figures continue to weigh in on the country’s socio-economic challenges.
