The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will hold the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on 23 July 2026 in Lagos, with discussions centred on the role of the media, electoral umpire and voters in promoting credible elections.
According to a statement jointly signed by the President of the Guild, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the lecture will take place at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, beginning at 11 a.m.
The theme of this year’s lecture is “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections.”
The Guild said Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the memorial lecture, while former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, will serve as chairman.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected to attend as Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour. Also expected are the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris; former Ogun State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Segun Osoba; veteran publisher and founder of Vanguard newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka; senior government officials; managing directors and editors of print, broadcast and online media organisations; and representatives of civil society organisations.
The Guild also said lecturers and students of Mass Communication and Journalism from Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism have been invited to participate in the event.
According to the statement, the annual lecture provides a platform for media leaders, public officials and civil society stakeholders to reflect on nation-building, governance and the role of the press in strengthening democracy.
“It is a fitting tribute to Alhaji Jakande’s legacy, which embodies dedication to journalism, governance and service to Nigeria,” the statement said.
The Guild added that the lecture series promotes thought leadership, policy debate and national reflection while preserving the standards of professionalism and public service exemplified by the late Jakande.
It also noted that university students are invited each year to expose them to the values of service, excellence and dedication to journalism and public service, while providing opportunities to interact with experienced journalists who can serve as mentors and role models.
The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture was instituted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors in 2023 to honour the late journalist, former President of the Guild, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works.
The inaugural lecture was delivered by Chief Felix Adenaike, a Fellow of the Guild. In 2024, the Chairman of THISDAY and ARISE News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, spoke on “Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.” The third edition, held in 2025, featured Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who delivered a lecture titled “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”
