By Dennis Okechukwu
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced that the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture will hold on July 23, 2026, in Lagos, with a focus on the role of the media, electoral institutions and voters in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement jointly signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said the annual lecture will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, beginning at 11 a.m.
The 2026 edition is themed, “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
According to the Guild, Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the keynote lecture, while former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will chair the event.
The organisers said Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will serve as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour. Also expected are the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; elder statesman and former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba; Vanguard Newspapers publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka, as well as senior government officials, editors, media executives and representatives of civil society organisations.
Students and lecturers 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 said the annual memorial lecture, instituted in 2023, honours the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a distinguished journalist, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works.
According to the statement, the lecture series provides a platform for media leaders, public officials and civil society stakeholders to reflect on governance, nation-building and the role of the press in Nigeria’s development.
“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 statement said.
The Guild added that inviting journalism and mass communication students each year is aimed at exposing them to the values of service, excellence and professionalism, while giving them the opportunity to interact with experienced journalists who can serve as mentors and role models.
The inaugural lecture in 2023 was delivered by Chief Felix Adenaike, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. The 2024 edition featured Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News TV, who spoke on “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.” Last year’s lecture, themed “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” was delivered by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.