SAN assures Unilag Students the reinstatement of SUG within two weeks
By Omolola Dede Adeyanju
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana (SAN), has assured the students of the University of Lagos, Akoka that there will be a restoration of the Student Union Government (SUG) in less than two weeks, should the matter be taken up.
This was communicated at the 6th Annual Youth Leadership Conference, organized by the Superior Performance Global Network today, in the University of Lagos, Akoka, themed- RISE (Resilience, Innovation, Social Responsibility and Entrepreneurship)
During his speech presentation titled ‘Qualitative Change’, the Keynote speaker, Femi Falana (SAN), examined the relevance of youths having appropriate knowledge of fundamental rights to bring necessary transformation into the nation. According to him, his generation had genuine dreams for Nigeria, noting the abundance of human resources that should make Nigeria a leading country in the world.
While encouraging students present, Femi Falana stated, “We lived a life of dignity as undergraduates, with three square meals a day, we were paid allowances, had free laundry services when Education was completely subsidized by the government, and had employers of labour come to our schools to employ us even before we write our final year exams.
“Nothwistanding we were involved in the transformation of the society.” he said.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria urged the students to fight collectively for their rights, and exposed them to some of the fundamental rights that could be infringed on, such as writing a statement in a police station without a personal or government provided lawyer being present, seeking police permit for peaceful protest amongst others.
He also disclosed that the legislation are currently in court to ensure that Nigeria police stations each all have a lawyer to represent the people.
Meanwhile, Falana assured the students of Unilag that the Students Union Government (SUG) will be restored should the issue be taken up. He made reference to several leaders today who started as SUG executives in their respective institutions, fought for the rights of students and even a community at large, hence, he noted the sacrosance of the union.
Calling the Youths to action, he said, “As an undergraduate, you must challenge those in power. Your generation has a duty to reclaim the good of our country.” he added.
However, the Deputy Chief of staff to the Lagos State governor, Mr Samuel Egube, expressed the inspiring possibilities of staying in the game. From his wealth of experience to being a black belt Karate professional at 50, he emphasized how mental resilience brought him to his current Office, stressing how perspective shifts could help to discern how the facts we are aware of affects the future.
He explained to the youths that destiny is determined by actions, not origins as actions solve everything. Mr Egube urged the youths to Look at people in motion and join them, “You have to keep on moving, like a bycicle. Failure is a learning experience, it’s never a final point except you make it so. The race is for the Swift and slow, it all depends on time, in your life always introduce thoughts that will ignite your light.” he said
Furthermore, the Convener of the conference, Segun Odufuwa expressed that he is one of the few who believes in the power of the Nigerian youths. “The theme of the conference- RISE”, he said “Is more than an acronym but a call to action”. Stating that RISE represents the four pillars everyone needs to survive in the world. “As we strive, we will be hit by challenges, innovation and Resilience are powerful keys to growth, we also have to be socially responsible, and have the spirit of entrepreneurship, which is majorly to solve problems in our society” he remarked.
Moreso, Speaking to the essence of synergy with coporate organizations in order to realize the RISE values, the Lead, External Communications, Union Bank, Favour Ayeni examined the theme vis-a-vis goals and focus of Union Bank towards youths development. She said that RISE as an acronym is a pillar to the focus of the bank as they support Entrepreneurship, resilience, social responsibility and innovations through vast skill development programs, sponsorships and collaborations with other organizations to actualize Development in Nigeria.
