FG Warns Against Fake News as Nigerian Guild of Editors Holds Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture

By Rebecca Joyi and Habiba Eletu

It was a day full of tributes to the late former Governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, as Nigerians from all walks of life gathered at the third Memorial Lecture held in honour of one of the most industrious sons of Lagos, popularly referred to as Baba Kekere.

Alhaji Lateef Jakande, who is widely regarded as the best governor Lagos ever had due to his people-oriented policies—including free education, healthcare delivery, and a housing scheme—was at the helm of affairs between 1979 and 1983.

The 3rd Annual Memorial Lecture in his honour, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), took place at the EDMARK D Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos.

The theme of the lecture, “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society,” highlighted the role of journalism in national development and the media’s responsibility in a diverse and complex country like Nigeria.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, used the occasion to remind Nigerians of the dangers fake news poses to the socio-economic wellbeing of the country.

Represented by the Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Idris urged the NGE to collaborate with the government in promoting professionalism and upholding the ethics of the journalism profession at all times.

In his keynote address, the Governor of Bauchi State, Bala Mohammed, paid glowing tributes to the virtues and philosophy of the late Jakande at the event, which also coincided with the former governor’s birthday.

The governor, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Aminu Hassan Gamawa, described Jakande as a good leader and man of the people whose impact on Nigerian journalism cannot be overstated.

He commended the Guild and advocated for such gatherings to be institutionalised as a way to learn from the past, reflect on the present, and chart a course for the future.

The governor stated, and I quote:

“Journalists must not only write the truth; they must live it like all of us. The veterans must mentor, the institutions must reform, and we must invest in civic education, media literacy, and training that equips the next generation with not just tools but a mission.” End of quote.

Governor Bala Mohammed also stressed that journalism plays a central role in nation-building and that efforts must be made to preserve national unity and bridge the inequality gap among citizens.

The Chairman of the Lecture, Prof. Lai Olurode, praised Alhaji Jakande’s legacy of excellence, stating that whatever he touched, he handled with such honesty and excellence as if it were his last task.

He also commended the NGE for showcasing Jakande’s legacies as a role model for younger generations.

Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Eze Anaba, explained that the annual lecture was instituted to reflect on the life of the Guild’s first president and to encourage public office holders to render selfless service to the people.

In attendance were the matriarch of the Jakande family and former First Lady of Lagos State, Alhaja Sikirat Lateef-Jakande; former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Alhaja Sinatu Ojikutu; and notable media professionals including:

• Mr. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy
• Mr. Martins Oloja, former MD/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian
• Mrs. Maureen Chigbo, President, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers
• Mr. Habib Aruna, former Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode
• Chief Femi Adesina, former Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity
• Mrs. Funke Egbemode, former Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers
• Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of Punch Newspapers

Also in attendance were students from the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), Ogba, and Lagos State University (LASU).

Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the first civilian Governor of Lagos State and an icon of journalism whose service to humanity continues to inspire future generations, was born on July 23, 1929, and died on February 11, 2021.