Skip to main content

NGE Hosts Jakande Memorial Lecture on Elections



By Irikefe Oghenetega Victor and Sada AbdulBasit

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on Thursday, July 23, 2026, convened media professionals, academics, policymakers, and political leaders for the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, to discuss the role of key stakeholders in advancing credible elections in Nigeria.
The memorial lecture, themed “The Media, INEC, Voters and Path to Credible Elections,” focused on the responsibilities of the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and the electorate in promoting transparent and credible electoral processes.
Delivering the keynote lecture, Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University (LASU), traced the evolution of the media as the fourth estate of the realm with a strong libertarian tradition in Nigeria. He noted that the Nigerian media, which predated the Nigerian state, has historically been defined by the principle of “speak truth to power.”
Akhaine described INEC as Nigeria’s electoral management body (EMB) and highlighted regional instruments such as Article 17 of the African Charter on Democracy, Elections and Governance, and Article 3 of the ECOWAS Protocol on Democracy and Good Governance, which emphasise the need for independent and impartial electoral commissions. He, however, lamented that despite constitutional provisions, many EMBs in Africa lack the requisite power to deliver legitimate elections, contributing to democratic backsliding across the continent.
He stressed that legitimate elections are central to the stabilisation of democratic political formations and called for a responsible media that upholds fairness and accountability.
“The emerging structure of public debate is the matrix for the development of the newspaper,” he added.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Layi Olorode, paid tribute to the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, describing him as a man of integrity and selfless service. He recalled that Jakande never travelled abroad during his tenure as Governor of Lagos State because he remained committed to serving the people.
“He was all about service. Giving back to society,” Olorode said.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotosho, urged journalists to uphold professionalism and ethical standards in their reportage. He described journalism as a powerful tool that can either strengthen society or cause harm if used irresponsibly.
“Journalism is a two-edged sword. Use it well and the world will be better; use it wrongly and it hurts you,” he said.
The event also featured goodwill messages from key stakeholders. Mr. Mighty Bliss, Secretary-General of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), conveyed the goodwill of GOCOP President and the guild’s 127 members. He noted that the theme of the memorial lecture aligns closely with GOCOP’s forthcoming 10th annual lecture.
NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, also addressed the gathering.
Participants also honoured the memory of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, celebrating his enduring legacy as a renowned journalist, former Governor of Lagos State, and founder of institutions, including Lagos State University (LASU). Speakers described his contributions to journalism, education, and public service as lasting examples of visionary leadership.
The 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the media’s role in strengthening democracy through responsible reporting, particularly ahead of future elections.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Tragic Accident Claims Lives of Two LASUSTECH Students in Ikorodu

By Habeeb Ibrahim, Odeyemi Ibukun and Bisiriyu Hassan The Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), Ikorodu, community is mourning the loss of two of its students following a fatal accident on Saturday  morning at Powerline Junction, before Aleje, inward Ikorodu Roundabout, Lagos. The deceased students have been identified as: Ayomide Jagun , 300 Level, Mechatronics Afọlábí Emmanuel , 200 Level, Banking and Finance (Direct Entry) According to eyewitnesses, the accident involved a sand-laden tipper truck, a Toyota Corolla, a multi-purpose bus, and several tricycles. Preliminary reports indicate that the tipper, reportedly speeding, suffered a brake failure, causing it to collide with other vehicles along the busy road. While initial reports suggested multiple casualties, only the deaths of the two LASUSTECH students and a one SS 3 student of Ikorodu High School have been officially confirmed. The status of other injured individuals is still under veri...
26 comments
Read more

"I listen to Voice Recording and type with my Typewriter during Exams" Visually Impaired Final Year Student Reveals

"I listen to Voice Recording and type with my Typewriter during Exams" Visually Impaired Final Year Student Reveals Adebayo Nurudeen Komolafe Ruth is a final year student from the department of Mass Communication, who is suffering from Glaucoma. Glaucoma is a progressive vision condition that leads to permanent blindness. Ruth narrated her ordeal to LaspoWatch and how she had survived the challenges poised by her condition on her academic growth. Briefly Introduce yourself I'm Komolafe Ruth, I'm an HND 2 student of Lagos State polytechnic studying Mass communication. what are the challenges you encounter with your condition? one of the challenges is that the school does not have provisions for special people like me yes, but with the help of one of my course mate during my ND days, Afape Adebukola, she comes from her hostel to my hostel to help me. Another problem is going to other departments to receive lectures or do one thing or the other. Can you tell us how you f...
13 comments
Read more

Security Operatives walk out Zenith Bank representatives from Classroom

  Security Operatives walk out   Zenith Bank representatives from Classroom Safiu Kehinde Security Operatives attached to the School of Management and Business Studies (SMBS) allegedly walked out some representatives of Zenith bank from classroom earlier today. The incident which happened at the HND1 class of the Department of Business Administration, saw the representatives blowing hot at one of the security operatives who was also visibly hostile to them. During the face-off, one of the embarrassed representatives was heard mentioning “freedom of expression” as she walked past the security operatives. Speaking to our correspondent,   the bank representative who pleaded anonymity, expressed her displeasure over the security men’s manner of approach. “We’ve been to other schools and never have we experienced something like this. Their manner of approach here makes it look like we are in an advanced secondary school.” She said. Reacting to the incident, the...
Post a Comment
Read more