The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will host the fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on July 23rd in Lagos.
The lecture will examine the role of the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voters in promoting credible elections in Nigeria.
The event will hold at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. It has the theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections.”
According to a statement by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the lecture will focus on Nigeria’s electoral challenges.
The Guild said the discussion will explore ways to improve trust in elections. It will also examine how journalists and citizens can support democratic development.
Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, will deliver the lecture.
Meanwhile, former Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, will chair the occasion.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will serve as Chief Host and Special Guest of Honour.
In addition, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, will attend the event.
Senior journalists, media executives, public officials and civil society representatives will also participate.
Among the expected guests are former Ogun State Governor and veteran journalist, Chief Segun Osoba, and Vanguard Newspapers publisher, Uncle Sam Amuka.
Furthermore, managing directors and editors of print, broadcast and online media organisations will attend the lecture.
The Guild said students and lecturers of mass communication and journalism will participate in the event.
They will come from Caleb University, Lagos State University, Yaba College of Technology and the Nigerian Institute of Journalism.
According to the NGE, the participation of students will create opportunities for young journalists to interact with experienced media professionals.
The NGE established the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in 2023.
The lecture honours Alhaji Lateef Jakande, a former President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, former Governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works.
The Guild described Jakande as a respected journalist and public servant. It said the lecture keeps his values alive through discussions on governance, democracy and the media.
“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 Guild said.
The inaugural lecture took place in 2023. Chief Felix Adenaike, a Fellow of the Guild, delivered the address.
In 2024, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News, delivered a lecture titled “Rapid Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.”
Similarly, Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, delivered the 2025 lecture.
His presentation focused on “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”
The 2026 edition is expected to provide fresh ideas on electoral reforms, media responsibility and citizens’ participation in Nigeria’s democracy.
