By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Nigerian Guild of Editors has announced plans to hold the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on July 23, 2026, with a focus on the role of key stakeholders in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.
The lecture, scheduled to take place at the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, will begin at 9 a.m. and is themed, “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
According to the Guild, the annual lecture is organised in honour of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the pioneer president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and the first civilian governor of Lagos State, who served from 1979 to 1983.
Former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will chair the event, while Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the keynote lecture.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
The Guild said the memorial lecture series provides a platform for stakeholders to discuss issues affecting Nigeria’s democracy and governance while celebrating Jakande’s enduring legacy in journalism and public service.
Editors, media practitioners, policymakers, academics and other stakeholders are expected to attend the event, which will examine the roles of the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission, and voters in ensuring credible elections in the country.