Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on Nigerian youths to rise up, challenge the country’s leadership, and reclaim the nation from poor governance and declining values.
Speaking at the sixth Annual Youth Leadership Conference at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Saturday, Falana expressed deep concern over the current hardships faced by Nigerian youth, which he argued were not experienced by his generation. “We didn’t suffer what you are going through. We lived a life of dignity. My generation had dreams genuine dreams about this country becoming one of the best in the world,” he stated.
Falana urged young Nigerians to actively engage with leaders whenever possible and to fight for justice, insisting that Nigeria has the potential to be a global leader if only it had visionary governance. “You will have to challenge those in power when you have access to them. Some of them in power today belong to our generation,” he said.
He emphasized the need for an ideological revival, encouraging the youth to draw inspiration from legendary African musicians and thinkers. “When attending ceremonies like this, please listen to great African musicians. Be inspired to fight for justice in our country.”
Contrary to claims of Nigeria’s poverty, Falana stressed that the country is not poor but is suffering from a lack of visionary leadership. “We’re not a poor country. We suffer from material poverty because there is a poverty of ideas. They tell you you’re leaders of tomorrow no. You must be leaders of today first. Take back what is left,” he declared.
His remarks were met with enthusiastic applause from the young audience, many of whom are grappling with rising economic hardship, insecurity, and limited opportunities.
