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Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has challenged Nigerians to demand a country where citizenship guarantees dignity, opportunity, security and justice, insisting that the Nigerian dream remains a legitimate aspiration despite the country’s challenges.
Falana spoke on Wednesday as the guest speaker at the 2026 ITV and Radio Pre-Independence Lecture, titled “The Nigerian Dream: Still Valid or Dead on Arrival?”, with the theme, “From Ballot to Better Life: What Should 2027 Actually Deliver?”
Speaking on the Nigerian experience, Falana said the dream means different things to different citizens, but ultimately reflects the desire for a society where hard work is rewarded and people can pursue their aspirations without being constrained by poverty, insecurity, corruption or political connections.
According to him, the Nigerian Dream for some citizens is the opportunity to own a home, obtain quality education, secure gainful employment, establish a successful business and raise a family in safety and dignity.
For young Nigerians, he said, it could mean having access to opportunities to build successful careers at home rather than being compelled to leave the country in search of better prospects.
“For the farmer, it may mean having access to land, infrastructure, markets, and security so that you can go to your farm without kidnappers harassing you on the land,” Falana said.
He also noted that entrepreneurs should be able to operate businesses without unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles or relying on political connections to succeed.
Falana described the Nigerian Dream as the belief that the country can become a place where “citizenship is not a disadvantage”, adding that Nigerians should be able to look forward to a future not predetermined by corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, discrimination or political patronage.
He said the dream was ultimately about “dignity, opportunity, justice, and accountable government,” stressing that such aspirations were reasonable and achievable.
Turning to the country’s democratic future, Falana urged Nigerians to demand accountability from those entrusted with political power and to make effective use of their right to access information.
“You must have the right to ask questions, and if anyone does not allow you to ask questions, let us know,” he stated.
The human rights lawyer also called for the effective implementation of the Child Rights Law, particularly to protect children from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Earlier, Falana highlighted Nigeria’s difficult struggle for independence, noting the significant contributions of Edo State to the nationalist movement.
He cited the late Chief Anthony Enahoro and the late Mike Imoudu among prominent Edo-born figures who fought for human rights and Nigeria’s independence.
He said Nigeria’s independence was achieved through sustained struggle rather than being handed to the country.
The lecture was organised by ITV and Radio, with its Managing Director, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, urging Nigerians to renew their commitment to reviving the Nigerian Dream and ensure that 2027 brings good governance and tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary citizens.
The panel discussion and audience participation session was moderated by Philip Omorogiukpon of the News and Current Affairs Department of ITV and Radio.
Goodwill messages were delivered by Most Snr. Apostle David E. O. Unuefe Ikhuiwu, Prince Johnson Atsetileghe, Comrade (Mrs.) Osayuki Epelle-Asemota, and Hon. Charity Iguodala Aiguobarueghian.
