The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will host the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Lagos on July 23, with discussions focused on strengthening the credibility of elections in Nigeria.
The lecture, scheduled to hold at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, from 11am, will have as its theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
According to a statement signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the lecture, while former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, will serve as chairman.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected at the event as Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour alongside the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
Also expected are elders of the Guild, including former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka, top government officials, managing directors and editors of print, electronic and online media organisations, as well as representatives of civil society groups.
Mass Communication and Journalism lecturers and students from Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism are also expected to participate.
The NGE said the annual lecture series, instituted in 2023, was created to preserve the legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, described as an iconic journalist, former President of the Guild, former Lagos State Governor and former Minister of Works.
The Guild said the lecture “brings together media leaders, public officials, and civil society to reflect on nation building, governance, and the role of the press,” describing it as “a fitting tribute to Alhaji Jakande’s legacy, which embodies dedication to journalism, governance, and service to Nigeria.”
It added that, “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 Guild further explained that students are invited annually to enable them “learn the value of service, excellence and dedication to journalism and public service as well as for them to connect with practising journalists who could serve as their role models in the profession.”
The memorial lecture began in 2023 with a presentation by Chief Felix Adenaike, Fellow of the NGE. The 2024 edition featured Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News TV, who delivered a lecture 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.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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