The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced that an array of state governors, media executives, and distinguished Nigerians are scheduled to attend the third edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Lagos.
The event, which honours the enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, former Governor of Lagos State and an icon of Nigerian journalism, will take place at the Edmark D’Podium International Event Center in Ikeja at 10 a.m.
According to a statement jointly signed by Eze Anaba, President of the NGE, and Onuoha Ukeh, General Secretary, this year’s lecture will be delivered by Senator Bala Mohammed, Governor of Bauchi State, on the theme: “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State is expected to serve as the Special Guest of Honour, alongside his Akwa Ibom counterpart, Pastor Umo Eno. Also billed to attend is the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, as Guest of Honour.
Other prominent figures expected at the lecture include Professor Obiora Okonkwo, Founder of United Nigeria Airlines, and Dr. Allen Onyema, Chairman of Air Peace Airlines.
The Guild also announced that the lecture will feature a distinguished panel of media leaders who will respond to the keynote presentation. Among them are Chief Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity; Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director of Punch Newspapers; Stella Din-Jacobs, Director of News at TVC; and Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former Commissioner for Information in Osun State.
Proprietors, Managing Directors, Editors-in-Chief, and senior editors from leading Nigerian media organisations are expected to attend the event, which is one of the most significant gatherings of the nation’s media professionals in recent years.
“The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture series celebrates Alhaji Jakande’s remarkable contributions to journalism, public service, and governance,” the NGE stated. “His legacy continues to inspire generations of journalists and public servants.”
The annual lecture began in 2023 with a keynote by Chief Felix Adenaike, a Fellow of the Guild. In 2024, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise TV, delivered a paper on “The Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.”
This year’s edition, the Guild said, promises “another insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in nation-building through journalism.”
