Singer Alexander Adegbola Akande, popularly known as 9ice, has expressed concerns over what he described as Nigerians’ heavy reliance on religion, stating that it has not translated into significant national progress.
Speaking at a recent event, the artiste said countries such as the United Kingdom, where religious adherence is less pronounced, appear to have achieved higher levels of development.
9ice, who identified himself as a traditionalist after an Ifa priest healed him from a spiritual attack, noted that his perspective was shaped by personal experiences, including a recovery facilitated through traditional practices.
He further observed that many Nigerians devote considerable time to religious activities, including pilgrimages and regular worship, urging a greater focus on productivity and practical efforts toward national development.
“This country hasn’t gotten any better. If you go to London, nobody goes to church often, yet they are better than Nigeria.
“They go to work on Sundays, but Nigerians go to church. A lot of Nigerians spend most of their time in church in the name of weekly services. They pray over everything, including things that they should fix themselves,” he lamented.
(The Nation)
