Popular Anambra-born native doctor, Chidozie Nwangwu, popularly known as Akwa Okuko Tiwara Aki, has delivered a striking message to Nigerian youths, urging them to abandon the desperation for overnight wealth and embrace hard work, legitimate business and productive ventures.
In a message shared on Facebook following his release from prison, Akwa Okuko was quoted as saying:
“Juju can’t make you rich; the Bible can’t make you rich. Try and get something doing.”
The statement has attracted attention because of the dramatic change in the public narrative surrounding the controversial native doctor, who was previously at the centre of the Anambra State Government’s campaign against practices associated with quick wealth, money rituals and alleged exploitation of young people.
Akwa Okuko was arrested by the Anambra State Government and subsequently prosecuted over offences connected with activities surrounding his traditional practice. He later entered a plea bargain and was sentenced to 11 months’ imprisonment according to reports.
However, his stay in custody was cut short after Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, granted him a pardon as part of the state’s rehabilitation and youth-reformation initiative.
Rather than allowing his past controversy to define his future, the state government subsequently positioned him to participate in efforts aimed at discouraging young people from pursuing dangerous shortcuts to wealth.
The development effectively transformed Akwa Okuko from a controversial figure into a participant in the state’s youth-reorientation campaign.
His latest message therefore carries a striking irony: a man whose public image was strongly associated with traditional practices is now telling young Nigerians that **charms and spiritual claims are not a substitute for work.
Akwa Okuko’s warning comes at a time when many young Nigerians are under intense economic pressure and are increasingly exposed to messages promising instant wealth through questionable means.
His appeal is that youths should stop waiting for miracles, charms or overnight transformation and instead acquire skills, start legitimate businesses, seek employment and create sustainable sources of income.
The statement, “Juju can’t make you rich; the Bible can’t make you rich. Try and get something doing,” has consequently become the central message of his post-release campaign.
For a personality once associated with the pursuit of instant wealth, the message represents a significant departure from the image that surrounded him before his arrest.
As an Ambassador for Youth Reformation, Akwa Okuko is now expected to use his experience and public influence to encourage young Nigerians to reject criminality, fraudulent schemes and the dangerous pursuit of instant wealth.
His message to the youths is simple and direct: Faith and spirituality may guide a person, but they should not be used as excuses for refusing to work. Get a skill. Build something. Do legitimate business. Work for the future.
