The Executive Governor of Lagos, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and other media giants have poured encomium on
the First Civilian Governor of Lagos-Alhaji Lateef Jakande (Baba Kekere) for his many contributions to the growth of Lagos and journalism in Nigeria.
This took place at the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held at The Lagos Sheraton Hotel on Thursday 23rd July, 2026; with the theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections”.
The Governor who was ably represented at the event by The Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy-Mr. Gbenga Omotosho eulogized the many sterling qualities of the late elder statesman.
According to him: “Jakande is a lesson to all of us. Alhaji Jakande was loyal to the people of Lagos. He was loyal to journalism.
He demonstrated that journalists are not only good writers and broadcasters but can also become excellent administrators and outstanding public servants.
Journalism prepares people for leadership. Jakande has shown us that if you make a journalist a soldier, he will be a better soldier. If you make a journalist a governor, he will be a better governor”, he added.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also charged journalists to fight fake journalists who parade themselves as professionals. He harped on the need to stop the heinous crime committed by these charlatans who use their phones and digital platforms to spread misinformation, disinformation and lies in the new media.
The former INEC Commissioner (South-West) and chairman of the occasion-Professor Lai Olorode in his speech described the lecture series as a step in the right direction.
“The media has an important role in correcting misconceptions about service in government.
However, while discussing credible elections, we should also remember the importance of election security. Without security, credible elections cannot take place”, he said.
Also, The NGE President-Eze Anaba in his speech praised Baba Kekere for his impressive leadership skills and the impact he made on the profession in Nigeria.
According to him, the lecture which was instituted in Alhaji Jakande’s honour gives professionals the opportunity to discuss the many challenges bedeviling the industry, while proffering lasting solutions to them.
The guest lecturer- Professor Sylvester Orion Akhaine from The Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, began by enjoining media practitioners to standup for the truth no matter what the situation may be.
While encouraging the continual electoral education to accelerate electoral process in Nigeria, Akhaine reiterated the need to implement the Electoral Reform Plan of Muhammed Uwais.
He said: “The voters require continuing education to enhance their capacity for informed choice in ways that undermine the tendency to succumb to financial inducement of unscrupulous politicians”.
The son of the late elder statesman and Chairman of Odi-Olowo Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (KDA), Dr. Deji Jakande while fielding questions from the press said, the Jakandes would forever remain committed to democratic principles which were the foundation of Alhaji Jakande’s political philosophy.
Recall that Baba Jakande with some media giants in 1961 established The Nigerian Guild of Editors to confront the challenges faced by journalists at the wake of the Nigerian Independence.
Some of the dignitaries at the event were: the widow of the late elder statesman- Alhaja Sikiratu Abimbola Jakande, Mr. Deji Jakande (MFR), Mrs. Ganiat Bola Jakande, Dr. (ACP-Spy) Morakinyo Akinrinade, Dr. Olanrewaju Adeboye, Mr. Taiwo Adeboye and former Chairman of Mushin Local Government-Honourable Beatrice Tugbobo.
Others included: The Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye LCDA and the son of the first civilian governor of Lagos State- Honourable Seyi Jakande, Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper-Mr. Sam Amuka Ukpemu, Former Publisher Newswatch Magazine-Ray Ekpo, Former MD/ Editor of The Guardian Newspaper-Mr. Martins Oloja, MD/Editor-in-Chief Sun Newspaper-Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, Publisher of The Niche Magazine-Mr. Ikechukwu Amaechi, Zebulon Agomuo of BusinessDay, Deputy National President Nigeria Union of Journalists snd Bureau Chief Radio Nigeria Network News Annex, Lagos-Abimbola Oyetunde and numerous journalists among others.
