Veteran Nigerian journalist and broadcaster Jimi Disu has sparked discussion after expressing a deeply pessimistic view about Nigeria’s future, saying he does not expect to witness a major turnaround in the country during his lifetime.
Disu made the remarks while discussing Nigeria’s leadership, public service culture and the values he believes should guide people entrusted with public responsibilities. His comments come amid ongoing national conversations about economic hardship, governance and the cost of living.
According to a report published on October 3, 2026, Disu said: “There is no hope oh… not in our lifetime. I don’t see it.” He also referenced the biblical expression “threescore and ten” before adding that he did not see a miracle happening.
Jimi Disu Says He Does Not See a Miracle Happening
Disu’s comments reflected his personal assessment of Nigeria’s long-running challenges rather than a prediction backed by a specific economic forecast.
The veteran journalist argued that one of the major problems facing the country is what he described as the growing influence of people he referred to as “Boys Quarters boys.” According to Disu, these individuals have “completely overrun the system.”
He argued that some people occupying positions of authority no longer demonstrate the level of sacrifice, responsibility and understanding of public service that he believes leadership requires.
The remarks are consistent with some of Disu’s earlier public criticisms of Nigeria’s political and social environment. In a 2024 interview with TheCable, he expressed concerns about the country’s changing value system and argued that the behaviour of sections of Nigeria’s elite had contributed to wider societal problems.
Seun Okinbaloye and the Vehicle Controversy
Disu also referred to a recent exchange involving journalist Seun Okinbaloye and an official of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).
According to the account of Disu’s remarks, the discussion concerned the purchase of an expensive vehicle for President Bola Tinubu at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic difficulties.
Disu said he was particularly troubled by the reported response from the official, who questioned why the expenditure was considered a problem given the President’s wealth.
For Disu, the issue was not simply about the cost of a vehicle but about the principle of leadership and public responsibility.
He contrasted the situation with his understanding of public service in the United States, arguing that even wealthy public officials can choose modest arrangements because of the responsibility attached to their positions.
He also referenced businessman Aliko Dangote, saying that despite his enormous wealth, he did not associate him with excessive displays of luxury. Disu used the example to make his broader point about “understanding purpose” and setting an example for society.
Nigeria Continues to Face Economic and Social Challenges
Disu’s comments come at a time when Nigerians continue to debate the country’s economic direction.
In April 2026, Premium Times reported that the Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education (CHRICED) had raised concerns about insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and what it described as a shrinking civic space. The organisation called for stronger action to address the challenges confronting Nigerians.
These issues have contributed to a wider public debate over whether current reforms can significantly improve living conditions and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s institutions.
However, while Disu expressed a bleak personal outlook, his comments should be understood as his opinion and not as an established conclusion that Nigeria has no prospects for improvement.
Jimi Disu’s Long Career in Journalism
Jimi Disu is a veteran journalist whose career has covered print journalism, broadcasting and public relations. He has worked with organisations including Vanguard, The Punch, Classic FM, Channels Television, Compass and 234Next. He currently features as a news and development analyst with Nigeria Info FM.
His long experience in the Nigerian media has made him a prominent commentator on politics, governance, society and national development.
In previous interviews, Disu has also spoken critically about Nigeria’s political leadership and value system, demonstrating that his concerns about the country predate his latest remarks.
“Not in Our Lifetime”
Disu’s statement that he sees “no hope” for Nigeria in his lifetime is likely to generate further debate, particularly among Nigerians who share his frustration as well as those who believe the country can still overcome its challenges.
While his comments are pessimistic, they also raise questions about what citizens expect from leaders and public institutions: accountability, restraint, sacrifice and a clear understanding of public responsibility.
For now, Disu says he does not see the major transformation many Nigerians hope for happening within his lifetime.
His remarks have once again placed the difficult question of Nigeria’s future at the centre of public conversation.
Source: Instablog9ja Network

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