The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN), South-West Chapter, will honour legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, and others at its 2026 Leadership Icon Award.
The association announced in a statement, on Thursday, that the event will be held on Wednesday, 15 July, 2026 at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre (ICC), University of Ibadan.
AINPN and 2026 Leadership Icon Award
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” was designed to celebrate outstanding leaders and deliberate on strategies to drive economic growth and security across the South-West region.
According to the organisers, the award ceremony will feature a keynote lecture to be delivered by Professor Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan.
Chief Adeniyi Akintola, SAN, will be the Chairman of the occasion, while the Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi will be the Special Guest of Honour.
Two revered traditional rulers, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife and Oba Senator Radhidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, Olubadan of Ibadanland, are the Royal Fathers of the Day
AINPN South-West stated that the 2026 honourees were selected based on their contributions to governance, education, security, business, and community development.
Others billed for recognition included Ajirowa of Ijesaland/CEO, Nigerian Wire & Cable, Chief Lateef Bakare; Vice Chancellor of University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale; CEO, Tisco Nig. Ltd, Chief Isaac Tapere;
Dr Oluwasegun Alade Musa; founder, Agidigbo FM/2027 governorship aspirant aspirant, Alhaji Oriyomi Hazmat; NULGE President, Oyo State, Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun; President, Ajilosoro Foundation, Ile-Ife, Prince Sarajudeen Oladotun;
Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission, Professor Bayo Ilawole; founder, Glo FM, Dr. Kayode Akande; and founders of Unique Fertility Help Consult, Ibadan Amb. Dr. and Amb. Dr. (Mrs) Agboola Olaoluwa.
AINPN South-West highlighted the impact of three of the distinguished recipients thus…
“Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Minister of Interior, has been recognised for driving transformative reforms in Nigeria’s internal security architecture and immigration services.
“Since assuming office, the minister has prioritised technology-driven solutions, improved service delivery in the passport and correctional systems, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration to enhance national security.
“His leadership has positioned the Ministry of Interior as a key driver of citizen welfare and public safety.
“Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD), is being honoured for his towering contributions to legal practice, education, and national development.
“As one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds and a leading philanthropist, Aare Babalola has built ABUAD into a world-class institution renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and moral standards.
“His commitment to youth empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure development has made him one of the most respected voices in the country.
“Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, popularly known as LAB, is a prominent Nigerian chartered accountant, industrialist, and philanthropist.
“He serves as the Ajirowa of Ijesaland and is the CEO of Nigeria Wire and Cable.
“He made history as the youngest Nigerian to ever qualify as a Chartered Accountant. Over his multi-decade career, he served as Quality Assurance Partner at Deloitte before retiring in 1991.
“He has held directorships at major institutions, including First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, and International Breweries, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afromedia Plc.
“His leadership in the corporate sector and service to community development earned him a place among this year’s awardees.”
As stated in the release, a major highlight of the event will be the official launching of the South-West Secretariat Project of AINPN.
The association described the project as a critical step towards strengthening independent media practice and providing a permanent operational base for publishers in the region.
The ceremony is expected to commence at 12:00 noon prompt and will feature the keynote lecture, award presentations, and fundraising for the secretariat project.
AINPN South-West noted that the gathering will bring together policymakers, royal fathers, academics, business leaders, and media stakeholders to advance dialogue on regional integration, security, and prosperity ahead of 2027.
