The successful rescue of the Oriire school children and their teachers from the den of their abductors should ordinarily unite Nigerians in celebration. Regardless of political affiliation, ethnicity or social status, every decent citizen should rejoice that innocent lives have been restored to their families.
This is one victory that belongs to Nigeria.
It is also a fitting moment to reflect on the power of advocacy and the responsibility that comes with influence.
When Nigerian music superstar David Adeleke, popularly known as Davido, took the stage at the FIFA World Cup 2026 Countdown Concert at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, he wore a custom-designed jacket bearing the names of the abducted Oriire pupils and their teachers. Across the back was a simple but powerful message: “Bring Them Home.”
It was a moving humanitarian statement.
The jacket transcended fashion. It became a global appeal, drawing international attention to the plight of innocent Nigerians held captive by criminals. Millions around the world saw not just a music icon performing on one of the world’s biggest stages, but a Nigerian using his global influence to amplify the cry of helpless victims.
For that gesture, Davido deserved the applause he received.
But today, history has taken a welcome turn.
The children and their teachers have been rescued through the determined efforts of Nigeria’s security agencies after painstaking intelligence gathering, strategic coordination and operational courage.
The prayer stitched into that famous jacket has been answered.
That is why I respectfully submit that Davido now needs a new jacket.
Not because the old one was misplaced. Far from it. It served a noble purpose at a critical moment. But symbols evolve with circumstances, and responsible advocacy must evolve with facts.
The jacket that pleaded, “Bring Them Home,” has fulfilled its mission.
The next jacket should proudly proclaim, “They Are Home.”
Or perhaps even better:
“Thank You, Our Security Forces.”
There is an important lesson here.
Public advocacy is at its most credible when it is complete. It should not end with drawing attention to tragedy; it should also acknowledge those whose courage and sacrifice turned tragedy into triumph.
For far too long, a section of our public discourse has found it easier to amplify Nigeria’s failures than to celebrate her successes. Good news rarely enjoys the same enthusiasm as bad news. Every setback trends. Every achievement struggles for recognition.
That culture does a great disservice to our nation.
No one disputes that Nigeria still faces serious security challenges. Kidnapping remains a menace. Criminal elements continue to test the resolve of our security institutions. Government itself acknowledges that much work remains to be done.
But honesty also demands that we recognize progress whenever it is made.
The successful rescue of the Oriire victims is evidence that our security agencies are making gains in difficult circumstances. The gallant officers who participated in that operation deserve our gratitude, encouragement and continued support.
Criticism of government is both legitimate and necessary in every democracy. However, criticism should never become so habitual that it loses the capacity to recognize success. A patriot should be able to demand better while still applauding genuine achievements.
Davido occupies a unique place in Nigeria’s story. Through his music, he has projected Nigerian creativity to every corner of the world. His voice carries enormous weight, particularly among young people.
It is precisely because of that influence that many Nigerians hope he will complete the story he so passionately began in Los Angeles.
The world saw him ask that the victims be brought home.
The world should now see him celebrate the fact that they are home.
Such a gesture would send a powerful message-not of political endorsement, but of national unity. It would honour the resilience of the rescued victims, the prayers of millions of Nigerians, and the extraordinary courage of the security personnel who risked their lives to make the rescue possible.
Nigeria belongs to all of us.
Our tragedies should unite us in compassion.
Our victories should unite us in gratitude.
The Oriire rescue is one of those victories.
Perhaps, then, it is time for a new jacket.
Not merely another designer masterpiece for the next international concert, but one carrying a message equally worthy of global attention-a message that says Nigeria can confront its challenges, celebrate its heroes, and acknowledge that every innocent life rescued is a victory for the entire nation.
That would not diminish the symbolism of the first jacket.
It would complete its story.
Mogaji (Hon) Seye Oladejo, a chieftain of the Lagos APC
