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A professor of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU), Sylvester Odion Akhaine, will deliver the fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Lagos on July 23, 2026.
The conference, which will be held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, from 10am, has as its theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections”.
Akhaine, a former human rights activist, will be remembered as one of those who fought for the return of democracy to Nigeria during the military era. He served variously as general secretary of the Campaign for Democracy and United Action for Democracy.
Holder of a Doctorate in Politics from Royal Holloway, University of London in 2004, Akhaine is the Chair of the Board of Directors of the Center for Constitutionalism and Demilitarization, as well as the Editor of The Constitution, a constitutional development journal.
He attended Stanford University in 2005 on Democracy, Development and the Rule of Law and is a contributing editor to the UK-based Review of African Political Economy, as well as a guest member of the Guardian editorial board.
Akhaine is the author of books such as “The Case of a Nursing Father” and “Our Colony and Another Woman of Substance”, as well as other publications in scientific journals.
An NGE statement on Sunday, signed by Messrs. Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, President and General Secretary respectively, said the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture was established by the Guild in 2023 to honor the legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the late iconic journalist, who was its pioneer president, former governor of Lagos State and former Minister of Works.
The conference brings together media leaders, public officials and civil society to reflect on nation-building, governance and the role of the press, describing it as “a fitting tribute to the legacy of Alhaji Jakande, who embodies dedication to journalism, governance and service to Nigeria,” Guld said.
The statement further said that former Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi, will serve as the Chairman of the conference, with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as the special guest of honour.
It is also noted that newspaper owners, managing directors, editors-in-chief and civil society groups, as well as students and lecturers of mass communication and journalism from the University of Caleb, Ikorodu, Lagos, are expected to attend the conference; Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos; Yaba College of Technology, Lagos and Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ogba, Lagos.
The Guild said it annually invites undergraduate students to give a lecture to “learn the value of service, excellence and dedication to journalism and public service, as well as connect with practicing journalists who could serve as role models in the profession.”
The Jakande Memorial Lecture began in 2023, with a lecture by Chief Felix Adenaike, a member of the NGE. In 2024, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News TV, spoke on “Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies”.
Last year’s third edition had as its theme: “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society” and was delivered by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed.
