Founding National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy, Professor Udenta O. Udenta, has urged Nigerian youths to question long-entrenched national norms and symbols in order to challenge the old order and reclaim their voice in the country’s democratic evolution.
He made the remark while delivering the keynote address at the 5th Frontier Discourse Annual Public Lecture and Awards, held on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, at the Nigerian National Merit House, Maitama, Abuja.
Questioning whether the nation truly reflects “citizens’ lived realities,” Udenta argued that even the national anthem falls short.
“One of the norms is the national anthem. It doesn’t affirm your place in history but demeans it,” he said. “It speaks of ‘plenty,’ but do you have plenty? No, there is only poverty in plenty. It mentions justice, yet there is no justice in the land.”
He urged young people to engage through lawful mass agitation, insisting that reclaiming their voice is crucial to shaping the nation’s future.
“In finding your voice, you can begin to assemble the tissues of a generational force,” he said. “If you don’t challenge the old order, you cannot find your voice.”
He also asserted that no government can truly represent everyone, stating instead that governments ultimately represent particular ideologies.
According to him, the exercise of political power is rarely inclusive.
“The expression of power is not for the satisfaction of everyone, no matter what the grand claim may be, but for the satisfaction of those within the constituents of power, while dual patronage trickles down to the rest of society,” he said.
He noted that human history is shaped not by idealistic notions but by material realities, a concept he referenced as what former Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose once termed “stomach infrastructure,” a phrase underscoring the struggle for survival among members of society.
The event also featured awards recognizing outstanding individuals and institutions. Honorees included:
Good Governance (Governor of the Year): H.E. Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah
Public Sector Person of the Year: Mallam Lanre Issa-Onilu
Humanitarian Service Award: Mary Dinah Foundation
Media Person of the Year (TV): Aaron Atsahyel
Media Person of the Year (Radio): Maryann Okon
Brand of the Year: Centre for Memories
Promising Entertainer (Music): Ugochukwu Uneabunso (Une 50)
Business Person of the Year: Chief Chukwudi Nnaji
Frontier Person Award: Prof. Udenta O. Udenta, Dr. Ahmad Sajoh
Literary Icon Award: Abuja Literary Society
Tech Person of the Year: Gbenga Sesan
Sports Icon of the Year: Barr. Amobi Ezeaku
Lifetime Achievement Award: H.E. Dr. Okwesilieze Nwodo
Other highlights included a saxophone performance and live musical entertainment.