This might seem like a deliberate attempt to lobby for more public holidays that would help us escape the shackles of capitalism, but it’s our little way of preserving history. It’s mostly also because history hasn’t been kind to some of Nigeria’s finest fallen heroes (the ones who believed in Nigeria and fought with their lives).
From stories you’ve never heard to heroes you’re starting to forget, here are some Nigerians who deserve to be immortalised with public holidays.
Dr Stella Ameyo Adadevoh
Heroes like Dr Stella Adadevoh don’t wear capes; they wear white coats. Before COVID-19, there was Ebola Virus, and while it raged on in several parts of Africa, she saved the day for Nigeria.
In July 2014, while treating a Liberian patient at First Consultant Hospital in Lagos, Dr Adadevoh made a discovery that saved Nigeria from what would have been a devastating outbreak.
The patient, Patrick Sawyer, had just landed in Nigeria and was brought into the hospital in a sick state. Even though Nigeria had never dealt with Ebola before, Dr Adadevoh quickly diagnosed the patient and made the connection to the Ebola virus. But while saving the country from the virus, Dr Adadevoh and her team got exposed to it when Sawyer, who came to Nigeria to seek a healing miracle in a Pentecostal church, started resisting medical assistance by screaming and “spilling his blood everywhere”.
Medical experts have confirmed that we owe the contained spread of the Ebola Virus to the quick and impressive diagnosis of Dr Adadevoh. She died on August 19, 2014, after contracting the virus- a day that should be declared a public holiday in honour of her memory.
Benedict Odiase
If this name doesn’t ring a bell, “Arise, O Compatriots” should. Odiase composed the recently replaced national anthem that we all know and love. In 1978, the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo changed Nigeria’s former-turned-new national anthem, “Nigeria We Hail Thee”, to “Arise, O Compatriots”. This anthem was composed to promote national ownership because “Nigeria We Hail Thee” was composed by a British citizen.
In May 2024, President Tinubu changed the national anthem back to Nigeria We Hail Thee, claiming that it promotes diversity. Despite criticism from Nigerians, the president has refused to reverse the national anthem. Sir Benedict, who died on June 11, 2013, should always be remembered as a national treasure.
Taiwo Micheal Akinkunmi
You may not know Mr Akinkunmi’s name, but you’re very familiar with the Nigerian flag’s historic design. In 1960, Mr Akinkunmi, a student in London at the time, saw a newspaper advert announcing a flag design competition to mark Nigeria’s Independence. Out of 3,000 entries, Akinkunmi’s minimalistic design, which originally had a red sun with brilliant rays at its centre, became the obvious choice.
He loved Nigeria so much that his house was famously painted green and white. He died on August 29, 2023, but he wasn’t buried until a year later. Nigeria promised the deceased designer a state funeral, but that never happened. His family, disappointed by the government’s failed promise, was forced to bury him in Oyo state in September 2024. Instead of being honoured, Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi was failed by the Nigerian government in death.
Obafemi Awolowo
Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a leader ahead of his time. As Premier of the Western Region (1954–1960), he introduced free primary education and free healthcare for children under 18—policies that changed countless lives.
He didn’t stop there. Awolowo built Africa’s first television station, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), and turned the Western Region into the most developed in Nigeria, with modern industries and infrastructure.
Known for his strategic mind, he planned policies that are still inspiring to this day. Awolowo’s impact on education, healthcare, and development makes him one of Nigeria’s greatest leaders, deserving of every recognition. Even though he has a school (Obafemi Awolowo University) named after him, it’s not a stretch to demand an Obafemi Awolowo Day.
News is boring, but we make it fun. Subscribe to The Big Daily to be the first to know the day’s biggest news.
