At Lateef Jakande memorial lecture, journalists tasked on credible leadership, national reconciliation

The Executive Governors of Bauchi, Ogun and Lagos States have called journalists to task in the national quest for credible leaders, championing national reconciliation and the defense of rule of law.

They gave the charge at the 3rd edition of the annual Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in honour of the former Lagos State governor in Lagos on Wednesday.

The Memorial Lecture was themed: “Journalism and the Challenges of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.” 

Bauchi State Governor, Bala Muhammad, called on the media to fix its own broken windows and not turn a blind eye to corruption within the profession. 

Muhammad, who was the guest lecturer at the event, was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr Aminu Hassan Gamawa, likened the history of Nigeria to the history of its journalism. 

He asserted that no profession is best suited to training future public servants than journalism. 

He said, “Indeed, there is hardly any profession better suited to train future public servants than journalism. For the journalist is trained to listen, to investigate, to challenge power, and above all to serve the public interest.

“That was the philosophy of Alhaji Lateef Jakande. As Governor of Lagos State, his journalistic values became governance values: simplicity, honesty, accessibility, and efficiency. Jakande governed with the pen still in his heart, even if not in his hand. 

“Even when he served under General Abacha a decision that drew sharp criticism and even scorn he endured it quietly, out of a deep belief in unity, nationhood, and the possibility of service in difficult circumstances. That experience is a reminder to all of us that sometimes, history judges not by the noise of the crowd, but by the integrity of the motive.”

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, represented by Kayode Akinmade, called for the creation of common ground for the media to play a pivotal role. 

The governor cherished the life and times of late Lateef Jakande. 

Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State, represented by the state commissioner for information, Gbenga Omotoso identified fake news as one of the threats facing journalism.

He said, “Dangers facing journalism is fake news. People still want to have genuine news and at the right time. I would like us to note that the issue of fake news is one of the threats journalists face today.”

Speaking in his capacity as the guest of honour, Hon. Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, opined that a country without a free press is not possible.

The Minister, who was represented by the presidential spokesman, Bayo Onanuga, said “You can’t have a country without journalism- a free press. It serves as the mediator between the government and the people.

“Our industry is being challenged, all kinds of people calling themselves journalists. Many misinformation in the name of journalism.

“The Guild should take note of the rules of journalism. You can’t say you are journalists without following the rules. We need to enforce the rules that governs our profession.

“Verify information. If you keep writing fake news, one day, we will set our country on fire due to these unscrupulous people.”

Earlier, in his welcome remarks, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Eze Anaba, expressed the Guild’s resolve to celebrating the late Lateef Jakande and what he stood for.

Commenting on the theme of the event and the role of journalist in shaping opinions and influencing narratives, he said, “This theme could not be more timely or relevant.

“At a time when our nation continues to grapple with fundamental questions of justice, unity, and identity because of nation building, the role of generalism has come under scrutiny, both for power and its responsibility.

“Today’s lecture is not just a conversation about unity. It is part of a broader national dialogue on how we, as journalists, can contribute meaningfully to building a just, inclusive, and cohesive society. 

“As journalists, we occupy a unique and strategic position. We have the power to influence narratives, shape opinions, and promote national values. We have an opportunity, and indeed a duty, to ensure that our reporting and storytelling help push the nation towards becoming a stronger, more united, and more progressive society.” 

Chairman of the occasion, Professor Lai Olurode paid glowing tribute to the NGE for honoring the late founding president of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Lateef Jakande.

He also expressed doubt in any governor being able to surpass the tall record late Jakande left behind in Lagos, noting that his was service to humanity.

He said, “Whatever he (Lateef Jakande) touched, he touched it with excellence and he did it with honesty, as if it was going to be his last.”

He added, “Journalism can be said to be independent or an independent variable, depending on how you look at it.

“Can journalism on its own work together in dividing society? Is identity going to disappear when you have good governance in place?

“Marxist scholars have theorised that there is nothing like identity. That when you expose identity to the forces of globalisation and modernisation and capitalism, traces of identity will disappear. And I’m sure the guest lecturer is being anticipated in this regard. 

“But I want to say and make the point that most of the challenges of identity management in this country and in Africa generally, for which people have been killed, for which Nigerians have fought a civil war, was because of poverty of leadership. 

“When Alhaji Jakande was the governor of Lagos State, he never asked anybody where he was from. All he did was to distribute public goods to society, regardless of your religion, regardless of your ethnicity. 

“And what was the outcome? Some members of his family lost out in the competition for public goods, in housing, in education, also in access to other resources of society.

“Because for Jakande, no matter where you come from, as long as you are a Nigerian, you deserve to be serviced. And he did that excellently, very well.” 

Former S.A to the president on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, challenged Nigerian leaders and the media to emulating the values of the late Jakande.

He said, “There are so many things that emphasised our differences as a nation. Unfortunately the media is not free from this. Media must start to create national consciousness and values that transcend cultural differences.

“Jakande lives simply and governed wisely and died in dignity. It’s  challenge to all leaders and also a challenge to the media to promote these values.”

Former NGE President, Funke Egbemode, called for the training of next generation of journalists to prevent them from widening the crack of ethnicity.

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