I Was Discussing With A Graduate And He Doesn’t Even Know What Subsidy Is All About – Actor Saheed

Veteran Nollywood actor Saheed Balogunhas voiced deep concern over what he describes as a growing lack of public understanding of Nigeria’s economic reforms. According to him, even among the educated population, there remains a serious knowledge gap about how key government policies, such as the fuel subsidy removal, actually function and impact the nation’s economy.

 

In a recent interview with TVC, Balogun shared a personal experience that illustrates this challenge. He recounted a discussion he had with a university graduate who, to his surprise, could not explain what a subsidy was or how its removal affects government spending.

The actor said the encounter opened his eyes to a troubling reality that many Nigerians are unaware of how public funds are generated and utilized, despite being directly affected by such economic decisions.

Balogun observed that while citizens often complain about inflation, unemployment, and the soaring prices of essential goods, few understand the link between these hardships and broader policy changes.

He believes that this lack of civic and economic literacy contributes to widespread frustration and misinformation. “I saw a graduate and we were discussing subsidy,” Balogun recalled. “He doesn’t even know what subsidy is all about or how the money saved from it is used. All he knows is that he is hungry and that the price of rice has gone up from fifty thousand to eighty thousand naira.”

The actor emphasized the need for greater public education on national issues, urging Nigerians to make an effort to learn how their government operates. He stressed that knowledge empowers citizens to demand transparency and hold leaders accountable. According to him, understanding economic policies is not just for economists or politicians it is essential for every citizen who wants to contribute to national growth and development.

Balogun concluded by encouraging Nigerians to engage more with information about governance, as awareness and understanding are key ingredients for meaningful progress and effective civic participation.