By Tobiloke Shodipe-Dosunmu
As Nigeria marks 25 years of unbroken democracy, the soul of a modern nation continues to echo the dreams of one of its most revered heroes—Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola (M.K.O Abiola). On this symbolic Democracy Day, Nigerians are called not only to remember, but to reignite the true spirit of the Nigerian Dream.
The Nigerian Dream is neither abstract nor out of reach—it lives in the everyday lives of citizens who wake up to a modest but meaningful reality: a new home, a small but powerful car, and an extended family that transcends biological bounds and becomes a shared community.
It is in the familiar sound of Saturday mornings—the rustle of freshly printed newspapers, chilled milk bottles placed at the doorstep, and the distant, melodious cry of the Ewa Agoyin seller singing “Dongo Pondo” as she walks side by side with her cheerful Agege bread companion. This is not fiction—it is the authentic rhythm of Nigerian life.
It is this ordinary beauty—community, joy, enterprise, and shared laughter—that makes up the essence of a modern Nigerian family. In the face of economic strain and social tension, the Nigerian spirit remains resilient, adaptive, and full of hope. That spirit is what M.K.O Abiola dreamed of—a Nigeria where democracy would be grounded in dignity and shared prosperity.
Chief M.K.O Abiola, widely regarded as the Father of Nigerian Democracy, envisioned a nation governed by transparency, accountability, and economic fairness.
In one of his most impactful public addresses, he emphasized the need for Nigeria’s investment future to rest in the hands of the private sector—not as a surrender of national assets, but as a commitment to efficiency, competitiveness, and honesty.
He decried the complexity of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), arguing that its multilayered bureaucracy made it nearly impossible to enforce accountability.
He famously quipped that oil seemed like more than just crude—it was an economic ghost siphoning money from the Central Bank with no clear trail.
M.K.O proposed the daily publication of Nigeria’s crude oil exports and the price at which each barrel was sold—a policy that would eliminate the corruption-ridden oil subsidy regime and restore transparency to the nation’s most critical resource.
Abiola’s dream was not rooted in cynicism but in the belief that change was not only possible—it was necessary. He advocated for an empowered National Assembly, one that would hold regular public hearings, scrutinize government expenditure, and ensure that public institutions served public interest.
He challenged the Central Bank of Nigeria to work with banking industry leaders in crafting monetary policy, declaring that “the cumulative wisdom of all the bank heads would have seen us out of the problem we have in Nigeria today.”
Sadly, Abiola lamented that some people were actively destroying the Nigerian Dream for personal gain—undermining the efforts of past heroes, and frustrating the hope of future generations.
Today, as Nigeria celebrates a quarter-century of democratic rule, we must ask ourselves: are we still pursuing that dream? Have we honored the legacy of M.K.O Abiola and others who gave their lives for our freedom?
The modern Nigerian family, in all its vibrancy and chaos, continues to represent hope. In every corner of this country—from the bustling streets of Lagos to the quiet hamlets of the North—there is still a burning desire for fairness, community, innovation, and peace.
As we look forward, we must not forget the truth and the pain of our heroes past. We must amplify their voices, uphold their visions, and most of all, live out the dream they believed in.
Happiest Democracy Day, Nigeria.
May the soul of Chief M.K.O Abiola rest in eternal peace.
May Nigeria rise again, united by purpose and driven by the dreams we share.
INN-HOUSE☆ 