The renowned human rights activist and cerebral lawyer Femi Falana has accepted the role of keynote speaker at the 8th edition of annual lecture of Penpushing Media, scheduled to hold July 23, 2026 at Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential library, Abeokuta.
Penpushing reports that Chairperson of the anniversary lecture, Dr Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi made this known while speaking with journalists, adding that Falana has equally confirmed to be physically present at the event.
The Chairperson added that the keynote speaker will deliver the lecture themed ‘Restoring Electoral Integrity: The Path to Good Governance and Public Accountability’ adding that in same vein four intellects will be joining him as panelists at the event.
Penpushing further reports that Falana commended the editorial board and planning committee of Penpushing Media, owner of online newspaper and television for the foresight and relevance in the media industry
The keynote speaker’s legal career commenced in the late 1970s, and rapidly established himself as a leading expert in labour and workers’ rights, while his practice encompasses a diverse range of legal matters, encompassing both civil and criminal cases.
Penpushing also reports that his exceptional contributions to the legal profession culminated in his elevation to the esteemed rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), and he also stands at the vanguard of the struggle for the defence and promotion of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law in Africa.
The record has it that beyond his extensive experience in Nigerian courts, he has represented victims of human rights abuses before various international tribunals including the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (Banjul, The Gambia), the Community Court of Justice (Abuja, Nigeria), the Special Court for Sierra Leone (Freetown, Sierra Leone), and the African Court on Human and Peoples’
Penpushing reports that he is a prolific writer and commentator, who has authored numerous articles and publications addressing legal, political, and human rights issues in Nigeria, and his insightful writings not only educate the public but also serve to critique and challenge the status quo, contributing significantly to the discourse on governance and accountability in Nigeria.
The fearless Falana has made significant contributions to the advancement of human rights and the expansion of democratic space in Africa and has spearheaded successful campaigns for the enactment of welfare laws that benefit the majority of underprivileged citizens.
Penpushing further reports that Falana’s dedication to human rights activism demonstrably led to his arrest and detention by former military dictators between 1984 and 1998; despite facing charges of unlawful assembly, incitement, sedition, and treasonable felony, he was never convicted of any offense.
The keynote speaker pursuit of social justice extends beyond political and civil rights and has been instrumental in securing the recognition and protection of socio-economic rights for the Nigerian people through both local and international tribunals.
Penpushing also reports that the record has it that during periods when successive military regimes suspended human rights provisions in the Nigerian Constitution, Falana successfully persuaded Nigerian courts to uphold the fundamental rights guaranteed to Nigerians by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.
The record equally showed that he played a pivotal role in expanding the mandate of the Community Court of Justice to encompass the enforcement of human rights for member states of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
Penpushing reports that in recognition of his exceptional human rights work, Falana is one of only four African lawyers to receive the prestigious Bernard Simons Award from the International Bar Association.
The record has it that that in addition to his distinguished service on the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association and the General Bar Council, Falana has held prominent leadership positions within various legal organizations.
Penpushing further reports that the positions include: President, Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (1996-1998), Secretary-General, African Bar Association (2000-2002), President, West African Bar Association (2004-2009)
The celebrated Nigerian lawyer’s extensive legal expertise is further recognized through his memberships in the following esteemed organizations: Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Fellow, Institute of Chartered Arbitrators of Nigeria, Fellow, Institute of Chartered Public Administrators of Nigeria, Nigerian Bar Association, International Bar Association, Pan African Lawyers Union
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