Femi Falana Urges Nigerian Youths to Reclaim the Country

Human Rights Lawyer Calls for Youth Action at UNILAG Conference

Prominent human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has challenged the current generation of Nigerian youths to reclaim the country and take back what remains of its potential.

Speaking at the sixth Annual Youth Leadership Conference held at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) on Saturday, Falana emphasized that his generation didn’t endure the hardships facing today’s youth. He urged young Nigerians to hold leaders accountable and fight for justice in the nation.

A Call to Challenge Authority

The senior advocate was quoted by NAN saying: “You will have to challenge those in power when you have access to them, because some of them in power today belong to our generation.”

Falana contrasted the experiences of different generations: “We didn’t suffer what you are going through. We lived a life of dignity. My generation had 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. But what has happened?”

Inspiration for Change

The human rights lawyer encouraged youth engagement with African culture as a source of inspiration: “Your generation has a duty to reclaim the country. When you listen to songs at ceremonies like this, please try to listen to some of the great African musicians. You must also listen and be inspired to fight for justice in our country.”

Addressing Nigeria’s True Challenges

Falana disputed common narratives about Nigeria’s poverty: “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.”

He concluded with a powerful message about youth leadership: “They tell you you are leaders of tomorrow. You must be leaders of today first, so you must take back what is left.”

Credit: Daily Trust