• Maiden edition to hold August 7
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has instituted an annual memorial lecture in honour of its pioneer president and former Lagos State governor, the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande.
The maiden edition of the lecture will take place in Lagos on August 7.
In a statement yesterday in Lagos by its President, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the professional body of Nigerian editors said its decision was informed by a deliberate programme to nurture a culture of appreciation.
“As part of nurturing a culture of appreciation, the NGE is instituting an annual lecture in honour of its late pioneer president, Alhaji Jakande, which will interrogate developments affecting the media and society.
“It is both a testament to the cherished service rendered by Alhaji Jakande and an acknowledgement of the importance of having such a dialogue for the overall good of our media and our country, Nigeria.
“The maiden lecture is slated for August 7, 2023, at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Ikeja, Lagos, at 10 a.m,” the statement said.
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With the theme: Lateef Jakande: The Man, His Journalism, His Politics, the lecture will be delivered by a seasoned veteran journalist and Fellow of NGE, Chief Felix Adenaike, while a former Nigeria Ambassador to Brazil and celebrated columnist, Ambassador Patrick Dele Cole, will chair the event.
The guild also said important personalities, including publishers, governors, dignitaries in the private sector, journalism students, members of the political class and others, are expected at the event where Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu will be the special guest of honour.
Giving a background to the annual memorial lecture, the editors said the NGE was born on May 20, 1961 to serve as an elite club of editors through which editors – as professional heads of their publications – could advance their professional interests by networking to discuss common challenges and developing relationships with their audiences in the media, government, and professional/trade associations.
“Originally named the Guild of Newspaper Editors of Nigeria, the body was later renamed Nigerian Guild of Editors to accommodate colleagues in the broadcast media.
“The NGE’s Founding President was Alhaji Lateef Jakande (1929-2021). He had rallied his colleagues to form the body that was conceived to occupy the strategic middle ground of editorial managers between media owners and the general workforce of journalists”, the statement added.
After discharging “sterling duties” to the Nigerian media, the NGE said Jakande rendered “commendable service” as the first civilian governor of Lagos State, and as Minister of Works and Housing.
According to the editors, 62 years after, the NGE remains a respected professional body in the media, credible force among professional bodies, and a leader in civil society, while the late Jakande’s name remains treasured – whenever committed service is mentioned in the media and public service.