The 3rd edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture focused on the need for Nigerians to be united despite tribal and religious differences to be able to move the country to greater heights
During his remarks, An Academic, Professor Lai Olorode spoke on how the life of the Late Elder Statesman and former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Lateef Jakande embodied the unity every Nigerian just strive for.
He said ‘i want to say that most of the challenges of identity management especially in this continent, Africa in general, for even for which Nigeria has fought the civil war was because of poverty of leadership, when Alhaji Jakande was Governor of Lagos State he never asked anybody where they are are from, all he was doing was to dish public good to the society regardless of your religion, regardless of your ethnicity’
‘To Jakande, no matter where you come from, as long as you are a Nigerian, you deserve to be served and Jakande did that excellently, very well’ he said
This year’s lecture focused on the critical role of the media in strengthening national cohesion and accountability.
The memorial lecture series, now in its third year, celebrates Alhaji Lateef Jakande’s contributions to journalism, public service, and good governance.
The lecture gave more insights on the challenges and opportunities in nation-building through journalism.
Among the dignitaries present were Chief Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity; Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State; and Alhaja Abimbola Jakande, wife of the late icon.
Other prominent media leaders at the event included Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Punch Newspapers; Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former Osun State Commissioner for Information; Alhaji Najeem Jimoh, veteran journalist; and Mr. Usman Shehu Usman, Bauchi State Commissioner for Information.
The event which held at the Edmark D’Podium International Event Center, Ikeja, Lagos State, South West Nigeria drew a gathering of dignitaries, media veterans, and public figures to honour the legacy of Late Lateef Jakande.
The year’s lecture is themed “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society”.
The lecture series began in 2023 with a paper delivered by Chief Felix Adenaike, Fellow of NGE, and continued in 2024 with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of This Day/Arise TV, delivering on the theme “Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies”.
Olusola Akintonde