A planned seven-day virtual spiritual training organized by two Nigerian female native doctors has sparked mixed reactions across social media, largely due to its ₦20,000 participation fee.
The program, which is to be conducted via WhatsApp, is designed to help individuals better understand and respond to their spiritual calling as diviners. It was announced on Facebook by Ori-Efi Nwambagu, a 38-year-old traditional healer from Enugu State who previously made headlines for publicly searching for a second wife for her husband.
According to promotional materials shared online, the course promises to cover topics such as:
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How to identify the spiritual source of one’s calling
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Recognizing one’s dominant spiritual path or deity
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Crafting a personal mission statement as a practicing diviner
Ori-Efi will be co-hosting the training with fellow female traditionalist Chiuwa Ifechimzurum, who is also known within spiritual circles for her work in indigenous African religion and divination.
Praise and Pushback: Nigerians React to the Training
While some praised the initiative for its bold step toward reviving indigenous spirituality and providing guidance to those feeling spiritually “lost,” many expressed disappointment over the cost of enrollment.
Some commenters described the training as “much-needed” and “enlightening,” but others felt the ₦20,000 fee was too steep especially amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
Here’s a snapshot of the online reactions:
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Ikechukwu Anointing wrote:
“I would love to join, but this country is too broke. Still, all is well.” -
Ebere Unachukwu OC shared a more supportive stance:
“Let me help share this massively. I love great things even if I can't afford to learn right now. Someone out there may be searching for something like this. Keep it up, my two mentors.” -
Ebeh Gabriel Chukwuemeka expressed initial excitement but later disappointment:
“I was so excited until I saw the price.” -
Chekwube Chi pleaded for a price reduction:
“Please remove ₦10,000. I really need this training.” -
Adije Cynthia questioned the time frame and cost:
“It’s good, but the price is too much. I wish I could afford it just to learn something. But can all these topics really be taught in just seven days?”
Rethinking Indigenous Spiritual Education
This episode underscores the growing intersection of digital platforms and traditional spirituality in Nigeria. WhatsApp, once a simple messaging tool, is increasingly being used for virtual learning—ranging from entrepreneurship to health, and now, spiritual guidance.
The controversy also raises broader questions about accessibility, especially when it comes to sacred or culturally rooted knowledge. While traditionalists like Ori-Efi and Chiuwa are modernizing their craft by embracing online tools, affordability remains a barrier for many interested Nigerians.
Whether the fee will be reduced or not, one thing is clear: conversations around African spirituality, especially among women practitioners, are no longer confined to village shrines they are going viral.
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