Renowned human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana, SAN, delivered a powerful message to Nigerian youths, urging them to take charge and reclaim the nation.
Falana made this call at the sixth Annual Youth Leadership Conference held at the University of Lagos,
Speaking at the event on Saturday, themed ‘Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship (RISE 2025),’ Falana reflected on the current state of the nation, contrasting it with the past and calling on the younger generation to restore its lost glory.
Highlighting the challenges faced by today’s youth, he said the suffering they endure is a far cry from the dignity his generation once enjoyed.
“You will have to challenge those who are in power when you have access to them, because some of them in power today belong to our 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, because we have abundant human and natural resources that should make us a leading country in the world. But what has happened?
“Your generation has a duty to reclaim the country, and please, when you are going to listen to songs in ceremonies of this nature, please try and listen to some of the great African musicians,” Falana said.
He emphasized the importance of drawing inspiration from such music, adding that it can ignite the passion needed to pursue justice.
“You must also listen and be inspired to fight for justice in our country. You are often told that our country is poor. Quote me, ours is not poor. We suffer from material poverty because there is poverty of ideas in our country.
“They tell you you are leaders of tomorrow. You must be leaders of today first, so you must take back what is left,” he added.
Also speaking at the conference, the Convener, Mr. Olusegun Odufuwa, described the theme RISE as more than just an acronym, but a direct call to action and shared purpose.
He said the theme embodies a collective vision to chart a better course for the country.
“Nigeria stands at the critical juncture, our nation is rich in promise, bursting with talent and vibrant with diversity, yet we are confronted with complex challenges, economic uncertainties, infrastructure deficits, youth unemployment and questions of leadership and governance.
“But amidst all these challenges, lies a golden opportunity. A nation is built not merely by its policies, but by its people, especially its youth.
“If Nigeria is to rise, it must be on the shoulders of a generation that is resilient in the face of adversity, innovative in its thinking, socially responsible in its actions, and entrepreneurial in its spirit,” he said.
