NGE Hosts 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Lagos
Last update: July 26, 2026
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As 2027 draws closer, Nigeria's top editors have one clear message, the media, INEC and voters must get it right this time.
It was a gathering of media heavyweights in Lagos, and the message was loud and clear, Nigeria must deliver a credible election in 2027.
According to cbinews.tv, the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, held its 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture at the Sheraton Hotel in Lagos, with Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in attendance. The theme says it all: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections”.
The lecture brought together some of the biggest names in Nigerian journalism. There was Vanguard Publisher, Sam Amuka, Newswatch co-founder Ray Ekpu, members of the Jakande family including his widow Alhaja Sikirat Jakande, alongside academics, media executives, civil society leaders and students from LASU, Yabatech and other institutions.
Governor Sanwo-Olu was represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotosho, while Professor Sylvester Akhaine of Lagos State University delivered the keynote lecture.
In his welcome address, NGE President, Eze Anaba, said the lecture was instituted to honour a true legend, Alhaji Lateef Jakande. A pioneering journalist, founder of the Guild in 1961, former Governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983, and later Minister of Works. Anaba noted that just like in Jakande’s time, the nation is facing political uncertainty and economic challenges, and the Guild remains committed to shaping national discourse and providing principled leadership.
Representing the Governor, Mr Omotosho praised the role of journalism in strengthening governance and democracy, especially as the country heads into another political season. He however raised a serious concern - the dangerous rise of fake news fuelled by technology and Artificial Intelligence.
He warned that fake news is now a common enemy and possession of an Android phone does not make anyone a journalist. He added that while the Federal Government is working to support the media against exploitation by big tech platforms, journalists must remain factual and continue to act as the bridge between government and the people.
Delivering the lecture, Professor Akhaine said the relationship between the media, INEC and the voters will determine how the 2027 general elections turn out.
He described the media as vital conduits for information, education and shaping public opinion, while INEC remains the nation’s electoral management body responsible for organising, monitoring and declaring election results. He admitted that Nigeria’s history of election management has created a trust deficit which INEC must urgently address.
On voters, he said they remain the repository of popular sovereignty and must be empowered through continuous voter education to resist financial inducement from desperate politicians.
His advice? The media must stand by the truth and uphold its constitutional duty to hold government accountable. He cited the Punch newspaper’s historic stance to always side with the people. He also noted that reforms such as electronic voting, electronic transmission of results and INEC’s budget being placed on first-line charge show a desire for change, while the Uwais Panel’s recommendation to move INEC appointments from the executive to parliament remains futuristic.
In the end, his conviction was simple, if all stakeholders play their part, Nigeria’s democratic journey can be steered in the right direction.
The annual Jakande Memorial Lecture series commenced in 2023 with Chief Felix Adenaike, Fellow of the NGE, delivering the inaugural lecture. The series continued in 2024 with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of THISDAY and Arise News TV, who spoke on “Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.” The third edition, held last year under the theme “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” was delivered by His Excellency, Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State.
Credit: cbinews.tv
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