The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced that the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture will hold on July 23, 2026, in Lagos.
The annual lecture series, instituted by the Guild in 2023, honours the legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande—renowned journalist, former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, former Governor of Lagos State, and former Minister of Works.
According to a statement jointly signed by the Guild’s President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the lecture will commence at 11:00 a.m. at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, with the theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections.”
The Guild disclosed that 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 serve as chairman of the event.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is expected to attend as the Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour. Other expected dignitaries include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris; elder statesmen of the Guild, including former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba; and the publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Uncle Sam Amuka.
Also expected are senior government officials, media executives, editors of print, broadcast and online media organisations, as well as representatives of civil society organisations.
The Guild said Mass Communication and Journalism lecturers and students from Caleb University, Ikorodu; Lagos State University, Ojo; Yaba College of Technology; and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, have also been invited to participate in the event.
According to the statement, the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture provides a platform for media leaders, public officials and civil society stakeholders to reflect on issues of nation-building, governance and the role of the media in strengthening democracy.
It described the lecture series as “a fitting tribute to Alhaji Jakande’s enduring legacy, which embodies dedication to journalism, good governance and selfless service to Nigeria.”
“The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture continues to serve as a platform for thought leadership, policy discourse and national introspection, while preserving the high standards that Jakande set in journalism and public service,” the statement added.
The Guild further explained that inviting university students to the annual lecture is aimed at exposing them to the values of service, excellence and professionalism, while providing opportunities to interact with accomplished journalists who can serve as mentors and role models.
The inaugural edition of the memorial lecture was held in 2023 and delivered by Chief Felix Adenaike, a Fellow of the Nigerian Guild of Editors. In 2024, Chairman of THISDAY and ARISE News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, delivered a lecture titled “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.”
The third edition, held in 2025, featured Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, who spoke on the theme: “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”