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NGE honours Lateef Jakande, urges credible 2027 elections
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, media professionals, academics and other prominent Nigerians on Thursday paid glowing tributes to the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, describing him as a model of integrity, visionary leadership and journalistic excellence whose legacy remains relevant to Nigeria’s democratic development.
The tributes were delivered at the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture 2026, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos under the theme: “The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections.”
The annual lecture, instituted by the NGE, commemorates the contributions of Jakande—the first civilian governor of Lagos State and the Guild’s pioneer president—to journalism, governance and public service.
Jakande, who governed Lagos State between October 1, 1979 and December 31, 1983, died on February 11, 2021, at the age of 91.
Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotosho, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Jakande as an exemplary leader whose career demonstrated that journalism equips individuals with the discipline, integrity and vision required for effective public service.
According to the governor, Jakande’s unwavering loyalty to both the people of Lagos and the journalism profession distinguished him as one of Nigeria’s most respected public figures.
“Jakande is a lesson to all of us. He was loyal to the people of Lagos and loyal to journalism,” Sanwo-Olu said.
“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.”
Sanwo-Olu also expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation through digital platforms, warning that ownership of a smartphone does not automatically qualify anyone as a journalist.
He stressed that professional journalism requires rigorous fact-gathering, editorial verification and substantial financial investment, unlike the unchecked circulation of information on social media.
The governor further called for stronger collaboration between the media and the Federal Government to ensure global technology companies fairly compensate news organisations for using their content.
According to him, while media organisations invest heavily in gathering credible information by deploying reporters across Nigeria and internationally, many digital platforms profit from such content without adequate acknowledgement or financial returns.
He warned that the financial sustainability of journalism is critical to preserving democracy and holding public institutions accountable.
Speaking at the event, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, described Jakande as an iconic journalist, administrator, statesman and politician whose influence continues to inspire generations of media practitioners and public servants.
Anaba explained that the memorial lecture series was established to preserve Jakande’s enduring legacy in journalism, governance and national development.
He recalled that Jakande and his colleagues founded the Nigerian Guild of Editors in 1961 during a period marked by political instability and economic challenges.
According to him, the circumstances that inspired the Guild’s formation remain strikingly similar to the issues confronting Nigeria today.
“When he and his colleagues founded the Guild in 1961, they did so in response to challenges similar to those confronting us today.
“Then, as now, the nation faced political uncertainty and economic difficulties, both of which had profound implications for the media,” Anaba said.
He noted that the Guild has remained faithful to Jakande’s ideals by promoting responsible journalism and providing principled leadership on issues affecting national development.
Anaba added that the 2026 lecture theme reflects Jakande’s lifelong commitment to democracy, accountability and transparent governance while providing an opportunity to examine practical solutions to challenges facing Nigeria’s electoral process.
Delivering the memorial lecture, political scientist and Lagos State University professor, Sylvester Akhaine, urged stronger cooperation among the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters and other democratic institutions to guarantee credible elections in 2027.
He argued that Nigeria’s democratic progress depends on every stakeholder fulfilling constitutional responsibilities with integrity.
According to Akhaine, Nigeria’s political environment remains weakened by illiberal practices that have diminished citizens’ participation in governance.
“The political setting is full of illiberal practices leading to a consequent de-empowerment of the citizens.