The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has described Lateef Jakande, the first civilian governor of Lagos State, as one of Africa's pioneers whose legacy will continue to resonate.
Mr Idris, alongside other media professionals including former Minister of Information Lai Mohammed, made the remark at the second annual Alhaji Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture on Tuesday in Lagos.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the annual commemorative conference was organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and was themed: “The Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Media Survival Strategies.”
Mr. Idris, who was represented by Ali Ali, Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), said Mr. Jakande’s legacies, ideals and leadership styles would continue to inspire generations to come.
“We must not lose sight of what is real on the horizon. Editors need to be more attentive and learn from the master we are celebrating today, one of the greatest in Africa.
“The late Lateef Jakande, his ideals and leadership as a politician clearly set the tone. He deserves deeper respect,” Idris said.
The Minister, who is a media entrepreneur and renowned journalist, expressed his deep gratitude to the NGE for its support to the current government.
Article page with promotion of financial support
He said Nigeria was going through difficult times but praised the professionalism of the trade union “at a time when fake news has taken centre stage”.
He said the NGE had been assuming its leadership role and was contributing to the growth and training of the media, while also reshaping the skills of editors.
The Minister, who praised the “entrepreneurial spirit” of keynote speaker and Chairman of ThisDay/Arise Media Group, Nduka Obaigbena, said he had the experience to deliver the lecture on the rapidly changing media landscape and survival strategies.
“Over the years we have seen how the media has reinvented itself by expanding the boundaries of publishing.
“In recent years, the union has taken its rightful place since its creation. I must commend the union leaders for contributing to the growth of the media,” he said.
Mr. Idris urged the media to engage young people by reaching out on social media and other platforms.
In corroboration, Idris's predecessor, Lai Mohammed, said Jakande, the guild's founding president, fought for the press freedom that journalists enjoy today.
Mr Mohammed, who noted that Mr Jakande practiced journalism at a very difficult time, said he was fearless and brave.
“I am glad to honor an icon,” he said.
In his opening remarks, NGE President Eze Anaba said Mr Jakande, along with his colleagues, associates and students, worked assiduously to create the platform for publishers in 1961.
Mr Anaba said the platform was intended to address issues of concern to the media.
“The man in whose honour this conference was founded lived a life of principle and great impact. Alhaji Jakande dedicated his entire professional and political career to promoting freedom and social justice.
“He also exemplified the value of honesty, integrity, courage and justice. He told the stories of the weak and held the powerful to account, and demonstrated his commitment to journalists’ freedom and their long-term survival,” Anaba said.
On the subject, the president of NGE pointed out that “in addition to the change in the circumstances in which we report, produce and distribute the news, the cost of production has skyrocketed and sales have fallen daily.
“As media managers, we need to think about innovative and sustainable issues. We should also find a way to address the impact of new technologies on every aspect of our legislation as journalists and media professionals.
“We have to work harder and do more to adapt and adjust in order to survive and bring our work to the public.”
NAN reports that many eminent journalists, professionals and media owners took turns to offer solutions and a way forward for the survival of the media in an ever-changing landscape.
Thanking the NGE on behalf of the family, Mr Jakande’s first son, Deji, said his father’s name had always been a challenge for them and assured that the children would not let Nigerians down.
Speaking at the event, Sikirat Jakande, the wife of the late Jakande, said the family had remained peaceful and united since his death.
“We are happy that we have remained at peace and united as a family, which has always been our goal,” Sikirat said in Ikeja.
She spoke in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)
Mr. Jakande served as Governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983. He passed away on February 11, 2021 at the age of 92.
“I miss his presence, we miss his wisdom and everything he stood for, but we are happy that his legacy lives on.
“He has worked hard and we, his family, are benefiting from his good name and his hard work,” she said.
Also, one of the sons of the late former governor, Deji Jakande, told NAN that keeping his father's name intact was non-negotiable.
“Baba has given us a legacy that we will cherish for future generations, and we will do well to preserve his name.
“We are grateful to Lagos State, its professional association and the federal government for remembering what a great man our father was,” he said.
NAN reports that Mr Jakande was born in the Epetedo area of Lagos Island to parents both from Omu-Aran, Kwara State.
(YAYA)