Nigerian lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana has emphasized the country's difficult struggle for independence, highlighting Edo State's significant role in producing legendary freedom fighters like Chief Anthony Enahoro and Mike Imoudu. Speaking at the 2026 ITV and Radio Pre-Independence Lecture, Falana noted that Nigeria's freedom was hard-won and underscored the importance of understanding the country's history. The lecture, titled "The Nigerian Dream: Still Valid or Dead On Arrival," aimed to assess the current viability of the Nigerian dream.
Falana questioned the current state of the Nigerian dream, citing various aspirations of Nigerians, including owning a house, securing good education, obtaining gainful employment, and living a life with dignity. He emphasized that the Nigerian dream is the belief that citizenship should not be a disadvantage and that Nigerians should have access to opportunities, justice, and accountable government. According to Falana, this dream is not an unreasonable one, but it requires a renewed commitment from Nigerians to demand better from their leaders.
The Nigerian dream, Falana said, is about creating a country where young Nigerians can build successful careers without having to leave in search of opportunities. For farmers, it means having access to land, infrastructure, markets, and security. For entrepreneurs, it means operating a business without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. Falana urged Nigerians to ask questions and demand accountability from those in government, stressing that citizens have the right to know and be informed.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Independent Television (ITV) and Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, urged Nigerians to renew their commitment to reviving the Nigerian Dream. Obaseki emphasized the need for collective action to rebuild the country and create a better future for its citizens. He acknowledged the challenges facing Nigeria, including corruption, insecurity, poverty, and unemployment, but expressed optimism that a renewed commitment to the Nigerian dream could lead to positive change.
Falana and Obaseki's call for a renewed commitment to the Nigerian dream resonated with the audience, who acknowledged the importance of working together to create a better future for Nigeria. The lecture, which was attended by prominent Nigerians, provided a platform for discussing the country's challenges and exploring solutions. The event aimed to stimulate a national conversation about the Nigerian dream and its relevance in contemporary times.
The significance of Edo State in Nigeria's anti-colonial struggle was also highlighted during the lecture. Falana noted that the state has produced many legendary freedom fighters who contributed significantly to Nigeria's independence. He emphasized the need for Nigerians to draw inspiration from their country's history and work towards creating a better future.
Key to reviving the Nigerian dream, according to Falana and Obaseki, is a renewed commitment to accountability, justice, and opportunity. They emphasized the need for Nigerians to work together to demand better from their leaders and create a country where citizenship is not a disadvantage.
Key points
- Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana and ITV boss Elvis Obaseki call for renewed commitment to reviving the Nigerian Dream.
- The Nigerian dream is about creating a country where citizens have access to opportunities, justice, and accountable government.
- Edo State played a pivotal role in Nigeria's anti-colonial struggle, producing legendary freedom fighters like Chief Anthony Enahoro and Mike Imoudu.
