Independent Television and Radio, ITV & Radio, has held its 2026 Pre-Independence Anniversary Public Lecture in Benin City, Edo State.
The lecture, which focused on Nigeria’s political future and the quest for a better life, brought together political actors, professionals, traditional rulers, civil society and other critical stakeholders.
It was a gathering of ideas and reflection as Independent Television and Radio hosted the event at Ehizua Hub and Event Centre, Airport Road, Benin City, under the theme: “The Nigerian Dream: Still Valid or Dead on Arrival?” with the sub-theme “From Ballot to Better Life: What Should 2027 Actually Deliver?”
The event featured a colourful cultural dance performance, insightful discussions on leadership, governance and Nigeria’s future.
In his welcoming address, the Managing Director of ITV & Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, described the theme as timely and urgent, noting that as Nigeria approaches 66 years of independence and prepares for the 2027 general elections, Nigerians must renew their commitment to reviving the Nigeria of our dream and ensure that 2027 delivers good governance to the ordinary citizen.
FALANA: INDEPENDENCE WAS NOT WON ON A PLATTER OF GOLD
The Guest Lecturer, renowned legal practitioner and human rights advocate, Femi Falana, SAN, delivered a thought-provoking lecture, tracing Nigeria’s independence struggle to Edo State’s contribution.
According to him:
> “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.”
He recalled the roles of Late Chief Anthony Enahoro and Late Pa Michael Imoudu and other nationalists from the old Mid-West.
Falana said Nigeria is abundantly blessed with natural and human resources but has suffered from poor management, corruption and unaccountable leadership. He maintained that despite the challenges, the Nigerian Dream is still valid.
> “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.”
The Senior Advocate stressed that no politician can liberate the people until the people decide to free themselves, urging Nigerians to take ownership of the democratic process, hold leaders accountable, and demand that public money stolen is recovered for hospitals, schools and infrastructure that benefit citizens.
He also warned that religious bodies and civil society must not sit on the fence ahead of 2027 but must rise to save Nigeria’s democracy.
In his keynote address, Dr. Paddy Iyamu said the Nigerian dream remains achievable with the emergence of responsible leadership, stressing quality education, economic freedom and true representation.
Also speaking, the ADC candidate for Orhionmwon/Uhunmwode Federal Constituency, Dcn. Festus Osaigbovo and Mr. Michael Ogbomo Ernest popularly known as “German Man”, attributed the lack of confidence in Nigeria to systemic failures, adding that politics must be about service and restoring Nigeria’s greatness.
The lecture also featured a robust panel discussion involving Comrade Annie Umoru, Ogbeide Ifaluyi Isibor, Hon. Dr. Michael Obasuyi and His Royal Highness, Ebere JP Abuma, who dissected the topic from different perspectives. Participants also engaged the panelists during a lively question-and-answer session.
The highpoint of the event was the presentation of an award of honour to Femi Falana, SAN, by the Managing Director of ITV & Radio, Engr. Elvis Obaseki, for his lifelong commitment to justice, human rights and democracy.
In interviews, guests commended ITV & Radio for sustaining a credible platform for critical national discourse.
In his closing remarks, Chairman, Special Events Committee, Dr. Sunny Duke Okosun, Ph.D, appreciated sponsors, partners and all who contributed to the success of the programme.
The lecture ended with a collective call for responsible leadership, active citizenship and concerted efforts towards building a better Nigeria.
