Editors To Hold 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture On Credible Elections

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has fixed the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture for 23rd July, 2026, in Lagos, with discussions expected to focus on the roles of the media, the electoral umpire and voters in ensuring credible elections.

In a statement jointly signed by the Guild’s president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the event is scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, from 11 a.m.

The theme of this year’s lecture is “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”

According to the statement, Sylvester Odion Akhaine, a professor in the Department of Political Science at Lagos State University (LASU), will deliver the memorial lecture. Former Ekiti State governor Kayode Fayemi will serve as chairman.

The Guild said Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will be the chief host and special guest of honour. The minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, alongside senior media executives, government officials, and civil society representatives, is also expected to attend.

The statement added that elders of the Guild, including former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba and veteran publisher, Sam Amuka, as well as managing directors and editors of print, broadcast and online media organisations, will participate in the event.

Students and lecturers from Caleb University, LASU, Yaba College of Technology, and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism are also expected to attend the lecture.

Explaining the significance of the annual event, the Guild said the memorial lecture brings together media leaders, public officials and civil society groups to reflect on nation-building, governance and the role of the press.

It described the lecture as “a fitting tribute to Alhaji Jakande’s legacy, which embodies dedication to journalism, governance, and service to Nigeria.”

The Guild 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.”

According to the statement, university students are invited every year to enable them “to 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 Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture was instituted by the Guild in 2023 to honour the legacy of the late Lateef Jakande, who was a former president of the Guild, Governor of Lagos State and Minister of Works—previous editions featured lectures by Felix Adenaike, Nduka Obaigbena and Bala Mohammed.