A debate over what should drive Nigeria’s development has emerged after social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, challenged the emphasis on religious revival as a national priority.

VeryDarkMan was reacting in a video posted on Instagram to comments by cleric Osayi Arome, who had described Nigeria’s calling as revival. The activist argued that while faith remains important to many Nigerians, greater attention should also be given to innovation, creativity and practical solutions to the country’s problems.

He questioned whether religious institutions should bear part of the responsibility for Nigeria’s development challenges, arguing that Nigerians have the intellectual ability to compete in technology and other areas but need to channel more of that capacity into solving problems.

Using the progress of countries known for technological and industrial development as a comparison, VeryDarkMan said Nigerians possess similar human potential. His argument was that the difference is in how that potential is applied to research, innovation, engineering and economic development.

The activist also defended Nigerians who travel abroad to learn about emerging technologies and those supporting efforts to bring technical expertise into the country. He said such initiatives could help expose Nigerians to practical solutions that may be adapted to local challenges.

His comments, however, went beyond the policy argument and included personal attacks against Arome, including remarks about the cleric’s appearance. Those comments formed part of his wider criticism of what he regarded as an excessive emphasis on prayer and religious activities at the expense of technological development.

The exchange has consequently brought renewed attention to a broader question about the place of faith alongside science, technology and innovation in Nigeria’s development. While VeryDarkMan’s remarks represent his personal position, the debate centres on how the country can translate its human capacity into practical solutions, new technologies and improvements in everyday life.