By Bilesanmi Abayomi
A casual shopping trip to a UK mall recently turned into a moment of profound reflection for Nigerian media personality, Mogaji Wole Arisekola, when his daughter, Diekolami, declined a luxury jacket he offered to buy her—citing its hefty price tag as the reason.
The incident, which took place last Sunday, has since gained attention online, sparking conversations about values, parenting, and financial responsibility among Nigerian families.
Arisekola, who had taken his third-born child on an errand run, noticed she was lightly dressed for the cold weather and suggested buying her a leather jacket worth £400. However, she returned empty-handed.
“She looked me in the eye and said, ‘Dad, I didn’t buy it. It’s too expensive—£400!’” he recounted in a social media post. Still taken aback, he urged her to go back and make the purchase using his card. Her response, however, left him speechless.
“If you’re not around, how can I survive if I’ve been trained to live above my means?” she reportedly told him.
Arisekola described the moment as more impactful than any sermon he had ever heard, praising Diekolami’s discipline and attributing her values to the influence of her mother. He used the experience to caution fellow parents against the growing culture of material excess among Nigerian youth.
“Comfort is good, but overpampering is a silent killer,” he wrote. “Train your children today, so they don’t destroy your name tomorrow.”
In an age where flaunting wealth on social media is increasingly common—often by teenagers sporting designer brands and cruising in luxury cars—Diekolami’s modest choice has been hailed by many as a refreshing display of self-awareness and humility.