The Hallelujah Challenge began in June 2017 and is led by Nigerian gospel musician Nathaniel Bassey. It consists of a 30-day midnight praise and worship session streamed on Instagram Live.
The challenge quickly gained traction, attracting millions of participants globally through social media platforms such as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and Mixlr, who gathered nightly at 11:59 PM to honor and worship God.
Since its inception, the Hallelujah Challenge has evolved into a regular event, culminating in the Hallelujah Festival.
Here are five insights that this challenge reveals about the situation in Nigeria:
1. Citizens are turning to God for their fundamental needs
In Nigeria, numerous individuals have sought divine assistance for what should typically fall under the government’s obligations.
The government is anticipated to provide employment opportunities, affordable education, readily available food, and other vital services.
However, due to economic struggles, people are now praying for these essential needs themselves.
Some even appeal to God for items like a new phone or laptop, feeling a sense of despair, as they believe that without divine intervention, they cannot afford them.
This introduces a consumerist aspect to Nigerian Christianity, shifting their reliance from the government to God.
2. The primary needs of Nigerians are marriage, jobs, and immigration.
Among the youth in Nigeria, three predominant prayer requests emerge: the longing to marry, secure employment, or emigrate from the country.
It’s not uncommon to hear individuals persistently praying for these desires. Other frequent prayer petitions include requests for conception or physical recovery.
3. Miracles do occur
Although not everyone experiences a miracle, there are certainly instances of those who do.
There are testimonies of individuals who, after embodying their miracle (such as wearing a wedding dress during prayers), ended up married the following year.
The belief that their prayers will be fulfilled enhances their commitment to these extended sessions of worship and prayer.
Moreover, if one prayer is granted this year, they are likely to return next year with another request.
4. We have become as devout as our parents
Many Nigerians and Africans were raised by spiritually inclined parents who anointed them with oil and regularly took them to church and pastoral services.
Now, confronted with the tough truths of adulthood, this generation is becoming as devout as their parents, depending on their faith to navigate life’s difficulties.
5. Opting for faith instead of despair
In spite of the grim economic situation, Nigerians are choosing optimism over hopelessness.
When circumstances appear grim, one might be tempted to surrender, but many Nigerians are instead clinging to their faith.
One of the mental health advantages of religion is that it fosters a sense of hope, which can alleviate feelings of depression or suicidal ideation—even if that hope pertains to the future rather than the present.
