Jare Olukotun
In honour of the late former Governor of Lagos State and media icon, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande, the Mass Communication Department of the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), lkorodu, in collaboration with the DSE Foundation, will be organizing a Media Roundtable Discourse, to celebrate his contributions to the journalism profession.
The initiative tagged, ‘Lateef Jakande Memorial Media Roundtable’, is a landmark event dedicated to the legacy of the legendary Nigerian journalist and first civilian of Lagos State, and is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at the Ikorodu Campus of LASUSTECH, starting at 10:00 AM.
The event, themed, ‘Journalism in Digital Age: Lessons from Jakande’s Legacy’, aims to honor Alhaji Jakande’s monumental contributions to journalism, governance, and societal development, while fostering meaningful discussions on the future of the media industry in Nigeria.
Chief Tunde Fanimokun, a prominent Nigerian, seasoned administrator and technocrat who served as the Permanent Secretary in Lagos State during the administration of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, will chair the event.
Distinguished media professionals and leaders lined up to discuss the theme are: Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, former Editor-in-Chief, Vanguard Newspapers and Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ), renowned for his leadership in advancing journalistic standards, Mr. Lekan Otufodunrin, a veteran journalist and media consultant known for his advocacy for ethical journalism and media innovation and Alhaji Monzor Olowosago, a respected community media practitioner with decades of experience in shaping Nigeria’s media landscape.
Other notable figures in the media and communication sector include Mr Taiwo Obe, CEO, Journalism Clinic and Olori Adesola Kosoko, General Manager, Lagos Television(LTV).
The event will provide a platform for robust discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking among media professionals, academics, students, and stakeholders.
Topics will focus on Jakande’s enduring influence on journalism, the evolving role of the media in a digital age, and strategies for sustaining ethical and impactful reporting in Nigeria.
The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Oluwole Alabi, commenting on the initiative, described the event as not just a tribute but a call to action for media practitioners and scholars to uphold the values of integrity, excellence and public service that Jakande exemplified.
“We are immensely proud to host the maiden Lateef Jakande Memorial Media Roundtable, an event that celebrates the extraordinary legacy of a visionary who transformed journalism and governance in Nigeria. This roundtable is not just a tribute but also a call to action for media practitioners and scholars to uphold the values of integrity, excellence, and public service that Alhaji Jakande exemplified.“
Dr Steven Anu’ Adesemoye, Head of Department,Mass Communications Department,LASUSTECH, reiterated the commitment of the Department to advancing the ideals of impactful journalism and media education.
“The LKJ Media Roundtable is a testament to our department’s commitment to advancing the ideals of impactful journalism and media education. Alhaji Jakande’s legacy inspires us to train media professionals who are ethical, innovative, and dedicated to public good. We are excited to host this historic event and look forward to engaging discussions that will shape the future of our industry”, he added.
The Lateef Jakande Memorial Media Roundtable underscores LASUSTECH’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and industry collaboration, while honoring the contributions of one of Nigeria’s most revered statesmen. The event is open to the public, and members of the media, academia, and the general public are cordially invited to attend.
