By Simeon OSAJIE
Nigerian lawyer and human right activist, Femi Falana (SAN), on Wednesday highlighted Nigeria’s difficult struggle for independence and underscored Edo State’s pivotal role in producing legendary freedom fighters like Chief Anthony Enahoro and Mike Imoudu in her efforts to attaining independence.
Speaking 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,” Falana reminded the audience that Nigeria’s freedom was hard-won, noting that Edo State stands out historically for its pivotal role in the anti-colonial struggle before questioning the current viability of the Nigerian dream.
Falana said, “The independence of Nigeria’s struggle was not won on a platter of gold. Today, I am going to channel such meaningful knowledge of the struggle to our people. And no other city in Nigeria, from my study, can boast of having produced freedom fighters as much as Edo State that led to our demand for independence before 1960.
“What is the Nigerian dream? For some people, it is the hope of owning a house. For others, it is the opportunity to secure good education, obtain gainful employment, establish a successful business, raise a family in safety and dignity, or simply live a life in which hard work is rewarded with a reasonable standard of living.
“For the young Nigerian, it may be the hope of building a successful career without having to leave the country in search of opportunity. 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 in the land.
“For the entrepreneur, it may mean operating a business without having to navigate unnecessary bureaucratic obstacles. On film, the success of a business depends more upon political connections rather than enterprise. The Nigerian dream is the belief that Nigeria can become a country in which citizenship is not a disadvantage as it is now.
“It is the belief that a young Nigerian can wake up in the morning and believe that peace or a future is not predetermined by corruption, insecurity, poverty, unemployment, discrimination, or political connections. It is ultimately a dream of dignity, opportunity, justice, and accountable government. And that dream is not an unreasonable one.”
Falana (SAN) urged Nigerians to ask questions as those in government have no right to keep or hold on to information. “You must have the right to ask questions, and if anyone does not allow you to ask questions, let us know,”.
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.
The panelist discussion and audience participation, which was anchored by Philip Omorogiukpon, News and Current Affairs, ITV, and radio, had in attendance, Dr. Michael Obasuyi, National Leader, Southern Group and Vice Chairman, Northern Leaders Forum, Dr. Dan Ekharaefo, Associate Prof and HOD, Mass Communication Department, Uniben, HRH, Alhaji Bako Ebiredelu Dogwo JP, Engr. Ogbeide Ifaluyi-Isibor and Dr. Casley Omo-Irabor Esq.
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.