Sunday Ehigiator Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, media executives, academics and democracy advocates, recently, paid tributes to the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State and pioneer President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), while calling for reforms and stronger collaboration among stakeholders to guarantee credible elections in 2027.The occasion was the fourth edition of the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos, with the theme, ‘The Media, INEC, Voters and the Path to Credible Elections’.The event attracted publishers, editors, journalists, students, academics and other stakeholders who reflected on Jakande’s enduring contributions to journalism, governance and Nigeria’s democratic development.Represented by the Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, Governor Sanwo-Olu described Jakande as an embodiment of integrity, professionalism and selfless service whose life continues to inspire both journalists and political office holders.According to him, Jakande demonstrated that journalism remains one of the strongest foundations for effective leadership.“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.”Sanwo-Olu also expressed concern over the increasing spread of fake news and misinformation, warning that the proliferation of smartphones should not be mistaken for journalism.He noted that while established media organisations invest huge resources in gathering and verifying news, digital platforms continue to benefit financially from their content without adequate compensation.“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.”Speaking earlier, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, said the annual memorial lecture was instituted to preserve and celebrate Jakande’s outstanding 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.”He recalled that Jakande and other eminent editors founded the Guild in 1961 during a period of political instability and economic uncertainty.“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.”According to Anaba, the Guild has remained faithful to Jakande’s ideals by providing principled leadership and shaping national discourse.He noted that the theme of the 2026 memorial lecture reflected Jakande’s lifelong commitment to democracy, accountability and responsible governance.“The lecture offers us another opportunity to interrogate the challenges confronting Nigeria’s electoral process and identify practical solutions for strengthening our democracy.”Anaba also introduced the guest lecturer, Prof. Sylvester Odion Akhaine of the Department of Political Science, Lagos State University, describing him as a distinguished scholar and pro-democracy advocate whose contributions to democratic discourse remain widely respected.Delivering the memorial lecture, Prof. Akhaine said Nigeria’s democratic future depends on stronger collaboration among the media, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), voters and other critical stakeholders.He warned that the country’s political environment remains characterised by anti-democratic tendencies that continue to weaken citizens’ participation.“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 charged journalists to remain faithful to truth and constitutional responsibility in the build-up to the 2027 elections. “The media must stand by the truth.”Quoting Section 22 of the 1999 Constitution, Akhaine stressed that the media has a constitutional obligation to promote accountability.“In stating that the media should ‘uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the resp
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