Popular broadcast journalist and ARISE Television anchor, Rufai Oseni, became visibly emotional on Friday as he reflected on Nigeria’s worsening economic situation, expressing concern over the country’s growing debt burden and declining financial fortunes.
During ARISE Television’s Morning Show, Oseni fought back tears while recalling a period when Nigeria was financially strong enough to provide loans to international financial institutions, questioning how the nation had fallen from being a creditor to struggling with mounting debt.
According to the journalist, historical records show that Nigeria once contributed significant financial resources to global development institutions, a stark contrast to the country’s current economic realities.
Speaking during the programme, Oseni said:
“I cried for Nigeria this morning. Let me read something to you and show why I sometimes raise my voice about this country.
“On December 24, 1974, Nigeria signed a long-term borrowing agreement with the World Bank. Under that agreement, Nigeria provided $240 million in net resources to the World Bank Reserve.
“We were lending money to the World Bank to support development in other countries. We also lent $120 million to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). What happened to this country?”
His emotional remarks have since sparked widespread reactions on social media, with many Nigerians sharing similar concerns over the country’s economic challenges, rising debt profile, inflation, and the increasing cost of living.
Rufai’s comments came amid continued public debates over Nigeria’s economic direction and the effectiveness of ongoing reforms aimed at stabilising the economy.
Rufai Faults Makinde Over UN Investigation Call
In a separate segment of the programme, Oseni criticised Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde over his call for the United Nations to investigate the recent abduction of pupils and teachers in Orire Local Government Area of the state.
Governor Makinde had made the appeal after receiving the rescued victims from the military. He also suggested that the kidnapping may have been politically motivated, noting that it occurred shortly after he declared his intention to contest the 2027 presidential election.
The governor’s remarks attracted criticism from officials of the Federal Government and members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), who argued that Nigeria has the capacity to handle its own security matters without international intervention.
Reacting to the development, Oseni described the disagreement between Makinde and the Federal Government as unnecessary, saying it amounted to a blame game that diverted attention from more pressing issues.
He maintained that the priority should be preventing future incidents and strengthening security rather than engaging in political exchanges, especially since the abducted victims had already regained their freedom.
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