Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and media leaders paid tribute to the late Lateef Jakande, Lagos State’s first civilian governor and founding president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, while calling for stronger collaboration among stakeholders to ensure credible elections in 2027.

At the fourth Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture in Lagos, themed around the media, the electoral commission, voters and the path to credible elections, Sanwo-Olu, represented by Commissioner for Information Gbenga Omotoso, described Jakande as an embodiment of integrity whose life continues to inspire both journalists and public officials, saying journalism prepared him to become an outstanding administrator. The governor also raised concern over the spread of misinformation online, urging media organisations to work with the federal government to ensure technology platforms fairly compensate them for the value derived from their content.

Nigerian Guild of Editors President Eze Anaba said the lecture series honours Jakande’s contributions to journalism and governance, noting that Jakande and fellow editors founded the guild in 1961 during a period of political and economic uncertainty similar to today’s challenges. Guest lecturer Sylvester Odion Akhaine of Lagos State University said Nigeria’s democratic future depends on stronger collaboration between the media, the electoral commission and voters, warning that illiberal political practices continue to weaken citizen participation, and called for further reforms including transferring the appointment of electoral commissioners from the executive to the legislature, along with sustained voter education to reduce vote buying.

Former INEC National Commissioner Lai Olorode, chairing the event, said credible elections also depend on strong election security, and urged the media to report responsibly ahead of the Osun governorship election and the 2027 general elections to avoid stoking unnecessary panic. Jakande’s son, Deji Jakande, thanked the guild for keeping his father’s legacy alive and said the family remains committed to upholding his values of integrity and public service.