Nigerian media personality Dayo Adeneye, popularly known as D1, has stirred conversations online after reflecting on a time when the naira held much stronger value against the dollar.
He made this known during an interview where he spoke about Nigeria’s past economic state and how favourable exchange rates made life easier for Nigerians traveling abroad.
Recounting his experience, D1 revealed that he once received ₦500 from his uncle while heading to the airport. According to him, by the time he arrived in New York and exchanged the money, it amounted to $700.
In his words:
“When we left, 80 kobo was 1 dollar. When I left Nigeria, an uncle of mine gave me 500 naira on my way to the airport. When I got to New York, I changed that 500 naira, it was 700 dollars.”
His statement has since triggered mixed reactions online, with many Nigerians comparing the country’s past economic strength to its current reality.
Some users lamented the decline, pointing to abandoned industries and lost opportunities, while others expressed shock at how much the value of the naira has changed over time.
The conversation has reignited debates about Nigeria’s economic journey, with many agreeing that the past seemed more favourable than the present.
“When we left, 80 Kobo was 1 Dollar. When I left Nigeria, an uncle of mine gave me 500 Naira on my way to the airport. When I got to New York, I changed that 500 Naira, it was 700 Dollars.”
– Otunba Dayo Adeneye a.k.a D1 pic.twitter.com/7UyjMr6YjE
— @𝗼𝗻𝗲𝗷𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗯𝗼𝘆 (@OneJoblessBoy) March 26, 2026
