Sunday Ehigiator
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) yesterday announced that it will host the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on July 23, 2026, in Lagos, with discussions expected to focus on the role of the media, electoral stakeholders and voters in deepening Nigeria’s democratic process.
The annual lecture, instituted by the Guild in 2023 to honour the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande—renowned journalist, former President of the NGE, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works—will hold at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja.
In a statement jointly signed by the President of the NGE, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild stated that this year’s lecture is themed: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
According to the Guild, Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the keynote lecture, while former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will serve as chairman of the event.
The Guild stated further that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was expected as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, alongside prominent media personalities and public officials, would also attend.
Other expected guests include elder statesmen of the Guild such as former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, and the Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka, as well as managing directors, editors of print, broadcast and online media organisations, government officials and representatives of civil society organisations.
The statement added that lecturers and students of Mass Communication and Journalism from Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism have also been invited to participate in the event.
The Guild described the annual lecture as a platform that brings together media leaders, public officials and civil society actors to deliberate on nation-building, governance and the role of the press in strengthening democracy.
It stated that the memorial lecture remains “a fitting tribute to Alhaji Jakande’s legacy, which embodies dedication to journalism, governance and service to Nigeria.”
According to the statement, “The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture continues to serve as a platform for thought leadership, policy debate, and national introspection, while keeping alive the standard Jakande set in journalism and public service.”
The NGE further explained that inviting university students to the annual lecture is aimed at exposing future journalists to the values of excellence, service and professionalism, while also providing opportunities for them to interact with practising journalists who can serve as mentors and role models.
The memorial lecture series debuted in 2023 with a lecture delivered by Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Chief Felix Adenaike.
The 2024 edition featured the Chairman of THISDAY and ARISE News Channel, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, who spoke on “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.” The third edition, held in 2025, focused on “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” and was delivered by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
