By Solomon OKPO
A former Governor of Ekiti State and former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Kayode Fayemi, has been announced as Chairman of the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors.
The annual lecture is scheduled to be held on July 23, 2026, at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, and will focus on the theme, “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
The memorial lecture series was instituted by the Guild in 2023 to honour its pioneer president, the late Lateef Jakande, whose distinguished career in journalism and public service left an enduring legacy. Jakande also served as Governor of Lagos State and later as Minister of Works.
According to a statement jointly signed by the President of the Guild, Eze Anaba, and its General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the keynote lecture will be delivered by Sylvester Odion Akhaine, a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Lagos State University.
The statement named the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour. Also expected at the event are the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; former Ogun State Governor, Segun Osoba; veteran publisher Sam Amuka, alongside senior government officials, media executives, editors, and representatives of civil society organisations.
The Guild noted that the annual lecture has become a major platform for dialogue on nation-building, governance and the role of the media in strengthening democracy. It described the event as a fitting tribute to Jakande’s exceptional contributions to journalism and public service.
The organisers also disclosed that lecturers and students of Mass Communication and Journalism from institutions including Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism have been invited to participate.
According to the Guild, the initiative is aimed at exposing aspiring journalists to the ideals of excellence, integrity and public service while providing them with opportunities to interact with accomplished media professionals who can serve as role models.
Since its inauguration, the memorial lecture has consistently attracted leading voices in journalism, academia and governance. The maiden edition in 2023 featured Felix Adenaike, who spoke on “Lateef Jakande: The Man, His Journalism, His Politics.” The 2024 edition focused on “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies,” with Nduka Obaigbena as Guest Speaker. The third edition, held last year, featured the theme “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” delivered by Bala Mohammed.
The Guild expressed confidence that this year’s edition will deepen national conversations on electoral credibility and reinforce the indispensable role of the media, the electoral management body and citizens in consolidating Nigeria’s democratic process.
