The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN), Southwest Chapter, has announced plans to hold its 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Award on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan (UI), Oyo State.
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” is expected to bring together political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, business executives and media stakeholders to discuss strategies for advancing economic development and security across the region while recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to national and regional development.
According to the organisers, the programme will feature a keynote lecture to be delivered by Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan (UI).
Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola (SAN), will chair the occasion, while Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.
Two foremost traditional rulers, His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, and His Imperial Majesty Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, will serve as Royal Fathers of the Day.
AINPN said this year’s recipients were selected in recognition of their outstanding contributions to governance, education, security, business and community development.
Among those to be honoured are the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN); Ajirowa of Ijesaland and Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Wire and Cable, Chief Lateef Akande Bakare; Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode; Chief Isaac Tapere, CEO of Tisco Nig. Ltd; businessman and industrialist, Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa; founder of Agidigbo FM and Oyo State governorship aspirant, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Oyo State chapter, Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun; President of Ajilosoro Foundation, Ile-Ife, Ambassador Prince Sarajudeen Oladotun; Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Prof. Bayo Ilawole; founder of Glo FM, Dr. Kayode Akande; and Amb. Dr. Agboola Olaoluwa and Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola Olaoluwa, founders of Unique Fertility Help Consult, Ibadan.
Highlighting some of the awardees, the association commended Tunji-Ojo for introducing reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s internal security architecture, improving immigration and passport services through technology, strengthening correctional services and enhancing inter-agency collaboration.
AINPN also described Aare Afe Babalola as a distinguished legal icon, educationist and philanthropist whose investment in higher education through Afe Babalola University has promoted academic excellence, innovation and youth empowerment.
Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, popularly known as LAB, was recognised for his accomplishments in accounting, industry and corporate leadership. The association noted that he became Nigeria’s youngest Chartered Accountant at the time of his qualification and later served as Quality Assurance Partner at Deloitte before retiring in 1991. He has also held board positions in leading organisations, including First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, International Breweries and currently chairs the board of Afromedia Plc.
A major highlight of the ceremony will be the official launch of the AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project, which the association described as a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening independent journalism and providing a permanent operational base for newspaper publishers in the region.
The event, scheduled to commence at 12 noon, will feature the keynote lecture, award presentations and a fundraising session for the secretariat project.
AINPN said the gathering would provide a platform for policymakers, traditional rulers, academics, business leaders and media professionals to deepen discussions on regional integration, security and sustainable prosperity in the Southwest ahead of the 2027 general elections.
