Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and media leaders on Thursday paid tribute to the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State and pioneer President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), at the fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Lagos.
The event, themed ‘The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections,’ brought together journalists, media executives and other stakeholders to reflect on Jakande’s enduring contributions to journalism, governance and democracy.
Represented by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Gbenga Omotoso, Sanwo-Olu described Jakande as a model of integrity, professionalism and public service whose life remains a source of inspiration for journalists and political leaders.
‘Jakande is a lesson to all of us. He was loyal to the people of Lagos and 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 showed 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 said.
The governor also expressed concern over the spread of misinformation and fake news, warning that owning a smartphone does not make anyone a journalist.
He noted that established media organisations invest substantial resources in gathering and verifying news but often receive little recognition or compensation when their content is used by digital platforms.
‘I urge the media to work with the Federal Government to ensure that Big Tech companies fairly compensate media organisations for the value they derive from their content.
‘Without financial sustainability, media organisations will struggle to continue performing their democratic responsibilities,’ he said.
In his remarks, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr Eze Anaba, described Jakande as an iconic journalist, statesman and administrator whose legacy continues to inspire generations of media professionals and public servants.
He said the memorial lecture series was instituted to honour Jakande’s remarkable contributions to journalism, public service and governance.
‘For those who may be unfamiliar with its origins, this lecture series was established in honour of the iconic journalist, statesman, politician and former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to journalism, public service and governance,’ Anaba said.
He recalled that Jakande and his colleagues founded the Nigerian Guild of Editors in 1961 to strengthen professional journalism during a period of political and economic uncertainty.
According to Anaba, the principles that inspired the founding of the Guild remain relevant as the media continues to play a critical role in promoting democracy, accountability and credible elections in Nigeria.
‘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 said the Guild had remained faithful to Jakande’s vision by shaping national discourse and providing principled leadership on issues of public importance.
Anaba noted that this year’s memorial lecture, themed, reflected Jakande’s lifelong commitment to democracy, accountability and responsible governance.
He said the lecture offered an opportunity to examine challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process and identify practical solutions for strengthening democracy.
The NGE president also described the guest lecturer, Prof. Sylvester Akhaine, as a respected scholar and pro-democracy advocate whose insights would enrich discussions on Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Delivering the 4th memorial lecture, Akhaine, a political scientist from the Lagos State University, called for stronger collaboration among the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and voters to guarantee credible elections ahead of the 2027 general elections.
He said Nigeria’s democratic progress depended on all critical stakeholders faithfully discharging their constitutional responsibilities.
Akhaine said the country’s political environment remained challenged by illiberal practices that had weakened citizens’ participation in governance.
‘The political setting is full of illiberal practices leading to a consequent de-empowerment of the citizens.
‘All stakeholders, the media, INEC, voters and the general populace have a role to play,’ he said.
The scholar urged the media to remain committed to truth, accountability and constitutional responsibility in the build-up to the 2027 polls.
‘The media must stand by the truth,’ he said.
Akhaine said Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution had clearly defined the obligation of the media.
‘In stating that the media should ‘uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people’, it has provided it with a progressive and popular ideology.
‘Fidelity to this ideological prescription is desirable. This should be the media’s beacon as we navigate the build-up to the 2027 general elections,’ he said.
On electoral management, Akhaine said INEC must continue to improve the credibility of elections through greater independence and technological innovation.
‘INEC has its constitutional role carved out for it – manage the elections in credible ways,’ he said.
According to him, reforms such as electronic voting initiatives, electronic transmission of results and placing INEC’s budget on first-line charge reflected efforts to strengthen the electoral process.
He, however, advocated further reforms in line with the recommendations of the Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Panel.
‘The Uwais Panel report was more futuristic. The appointive power should be removed from the executive and placed in the parliament of representatives of the people,’ he said.
Akhaine also stressed the need for sustained voter education to reduce vote-buying and improve informed participation.
‘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.
He expressed optimism that Nigeria could strengthen its democracy if all stakeholders performed their responsibilities effectively.
‘If these critical stakeholders play their role, it is my conviction that Nigerian democratic train would be steered on the right course,’ Akhaine said.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Lai Olorode, a former INEC National Commissioner in charge of the Southwest, who applauded NGE for the memorial lecture, described the theme as apt and appropriate.
‘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.
‘Nigeria remains our only country. We must all work together to strengthen it.
‘I also thank the Nigerian Guild of Editors for continuing to honour Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s legacy.
‘We should celebrate those who have genuinely served Nigeria and avoid criminalising public service,’ Olorode said.
According to him, as the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections approach, there is understandable concern across the country.
‘But I appeal to everyone, especially the media, not to unnecessarily run the country down. Doing so can create panic and chaos,’ he said.
In his vote of thanks, Jakande’s son, Deji, who appreciated the NGE for the honour done their father, said that the family would continue to uphold the late governor’s record of service through integrity.
The event was attended by numerous media experts, students, publishers, and editors, including Mr Sam Amuka, the founder of Vanguard Newspaper.