Remembering a visionary leader whose work shaped modern Nigeria

Indeed, there is a  timeless legacy of Lateef Jakande’s enduring impact on nation building which lives on through his transformative policies in education, housing, and governance, which continue to inspire leaders and uplift communities today.

Decades after his service, Jakande’s work remains a guiding light, reminding Nigerians of what is possible when leadership is rooted in integrity, empathy, and a deep commitment to public good.

With deep admiration, poignant memories, and renewed purpose, the D’Podium International Event Centre resonated with tribute as the Nigerian Guild of Editors hosted the 2025 edition of the Lateef Jakande Annual Memorial Lecture.

Under the theme “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation Building in Multi Ethnic Society,” the gathering brought together editors, media owners, industry leaders, and veteran journalists to commemorate the life and enduring legacy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

Jakande’s Enduring Blueprint: Senator Bala Mohammed’s Reflections

At the heart of the programme was the keynote address, delivered by Dr. Aminu Hassan Gamawa on behalf of Senator Bala Mohammed, the Executive Governor of Bauchi State and Chairman of the PDP Governors Forum.

A vivid portrait of Jakande was drawn not just as a political leader, but as a principled journalist-turned-statesman.

Jakande’s leadership, it was emphasized, stemmed from journalistic values such as fairness, simplicity, and honesty.

Public service, under his watch, was never seen through ethnic or religious lenses.

Schools were constructed for every child; housing was envisioned for every family in need.

Notably, it was observed that his policies consistently favored merit and equity over privilege or connection.

Even amid controversies  such as his decision to serve under General Abacha  Jakande’s motive was defended as rooted in service, not ambition.

Senator Mohammed, through his representative, underscored the importance of integrity in leadership, noting that journalism, when practiced with courage, provides a foundation for national cohesion.

 

Furthermore, the audience was reminded of past struggles: during the military era, courageous journalists stood firm.

Newspapers like The Guardian, African Concord*, Vanguard, and Champion were targeted  banned, harassed, or shuttered. In these moments, journalism did not falter.

Senator Mohammed called on today’s media to protect editorial independence and mentor the next generation.

Equally, he urged the profession to become a vessel for national dialogue and reconciliation.

 A Lifeline for the Press: Bayo Ononuga’s Tribute

Later in the event, Bayo Ononuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, offered a personal and heartfelt tribute.

His testimony illustrated how Jakande’s foresight and kindness once rescued his media enterprise from collapse.

Back in 1993, when Ononuga’s publication was shut down and resources seized, Jakande provided unexpected but crucial support.

He invited Ononuga to use his private press and proposed a more sustainable tabloid format.

The idea worked. The publication’s first issue in the new form sold out entirely allowing the organization to survive during a critical period.

Years later, Jakande gifted the John West press office to Ononuga’s team, ensuring lasting stability.

According to Ononuga, this singular gesture changed the trajectory of their operations.

Nonetheless, his remarks did not stop at personal gratitude. Ononuga warned of modern threats such as misinformation and emphasized the need for media vigilance.

He also praised the Nigerian Guild of Editors for initiatives like upcoming EU-supported training workshops  crucial tools in the fight against disinformation.

The Steep Price of Nation Building: Joseph Adeyeye’s Reflections

The lecture continued with sobering insight from Joseph Adeyeye, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Punch Newspapers, who addressed the sacrifices made by the press in the nation-building journey.

Jakande, he recalled, governed with such integrity that even some family members were excluded from benefits due to his insistence on merit. This devotion to equity remained a cornerstone of his legacy.

Adeyeye observed that beyond the military, no sector had paid a higher price than the media. Detentions, shutdowns, and deaths were endured by journalists who refused to be silenced.

Moreover, Jakande’s contributions extended to institutional foundations.

His role in establishing the Nigerian Institute of Journalism and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria was acknowledged as pivotal to shaping the profession’s future.

In light of ongoing digital and financial pressures, Adeyeye advocated for structural support  similar to media subsidies provided in Europe  to sustain a free and vibrant press.

 

Beyond Buildings: The True Legacy of Jakande

Ultimately, the lecture revealed a shared conviction: that Jakande’s true legacy transcended physical achievements.

While his schools still educate and his housing projects still provide shelter, his values  humility, honesty, and unity  remain his most enduring contributions.

As echoed by Senator Bala Mohammed, journalism must continue to shape national identity and uphold democratic ideals. Ononuga and Adeyeye’s voices affirmed that these goals demand continued sacrifice, vigilance, and unwavering ethical commitment.

Jakande’s story  told through those who knew him and those inspired by him remains a guiding light toward a more just and united Nigeria. His was a life of service, simplicity, and lasting impact.

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