I Am Not Proud of Nigeria Right Now’: Banwo Fires Back at Presidential Adviser Fasuyi

A social media exchange between Dr. Ope Banwo, founder of Naija Lives Matter (NLM), and Presidential Adviser on Economic Affairs, Tope Fasuyi, has sparked fresh debate over the state of Nigeria and whether citizens should feel proud of the country’s current condition.

The conversation began after Banwo shared a strongly worded post on his Facebook page expressing dissatisfaction with the current situation in the country.

In the post, Banwo wrote: “Any Nigerian proud of Nigeria right now is either delusional or a liar. What exactly are you proud of? Is it corruption, kidnapping, terrorism, weak leaders, unemployment, tell me.”

The statement quickly attracted reactions from supporters and critics alike, including Fasuyi, who offered a differing perspective on the situation in the country.

Responding in the comment section, Fasuyi argued that Nigeria should not be viewed solely through the lens of its challenges.

“Nigeria can’t be defined only by negativity. Trust me, lots of progress are being made but the populace is being distracted to see the opportunities created by the reforms.

“Yes, these are difficult moments for us especially the problems of insecurity and I believe the government should do more but I don’t subscribe to inflaming fear like we are already in hell,” Fasuyi wrote.

Banwo, however, maintained that his criticism was directed at the state of the nation and not at the resilience or achievements of Nigerians themselves.

In a follow-up response, he wrote:

“I said ‘not proud of nigeria’. as a country I didn’t say ‘not proud of Nigerians’

“Of course I am proud of Nigerians doing great things INSPITE of our useless leaders. I see Nigerians excelling everywhere but in nigeria. I see Nigerians doing their own NEPA and hustling for themselves and winning.

“That’s NOT my point or post. Of course because you chose to take a fake interpretation of my post. I know you understood it but thought reeling out what ordinary people are doing despite useless govt is an answer to a question I didn’t ask.”

The exchange has since generated significant engagement online, with many Nigerians weighing in on both sides of the argument.

Many commenters agreed with Banwo’s position, arguing that worsening economic conditions, insecurity and governance concerns have made it difficult for many citizens to feel optimistic about the country’s trajectory.

Others maintained that Nigeria remains a country of immense potential, contending that the resilience and achievements of Nigerians provide reasons for hope despite the prevailing challenges.

The exchange reflects a broader national conversation about accountability, governance and the expectations citizens have of government.

Banwo has consistently used his public platforms to draw attention to issues such as economic hardship, insecurity and unemployment, which he argues require urgent government action.

Whether the conversation evolves into a wider public debate remains to be seen, but it has definitely drawn attention to Nigeria’s present realities.