The Southwest Chapter of the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) has concluded arrangements for its 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Award, an event aimed at recognising outstanding leadership while promoting discussions on economic development and regional security.
The award ceremony is scheduled to hold on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
Organisers said this year’s edition is themed, “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” reflecting the association’s commitment to encouraging collaboration on issues affecting the region’s development.
The event will feature a keynote lecture by Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, former Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan, who is expected to examine pathways for strengthening economic growth and security integration across the Southwest.
Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola, SAN, will chair the occasion, while Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, will attend as the Special Guest of Honour.
The organisers also announced that two foremost traditional rulers will serve as Royal Fathers of the Day.
They are the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I.
AINPN Southwest said recipients of the 2026 Leadership Icon Awards were selected in recognition of their remarkable contributions to governance, education, business, security, industrial development and community service.
Among those to be honoured are the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; legal icon and Founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN; the 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 Nigeria Limited; 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, 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 alongside Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola Olaoluwa, founders of Unique Fertility Help Consult, Ibadan.
Explaining the choice of some of the recipients, AINPN highlighted the achievements of the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, describing him as a driving force behind reforms in Nigeria’s internal security and immigration systems.
According to the association, Tunji-Ojo has introduced technology-driven initiatives that have improved passport administration, correctional services and inter-agency collaboration, while enhancing public service delivery and national security.
The association also praised Aare Afe Babalola for his enduring contributions to legal practice, higher education and national development.
It noted that the legal luminary has transformed Afe Babalola University into a globally respected institution recognised for academic excellence, innovation and discipline, while his investments in agriculture, youth empowerment and infrastructure have continued to impact national development.
Similarly, Chief Lateef Akande Bakare was commended for his outstanding achievements in the corporate world and community development.
AINPN described the renowned chartered accountant and industrialist as one of Nigeria’s most accomplished business leaders, noting that he made history as the country’s youngest Chartered Accountant and built a distinguished career that included serving as Quality Assurance Partner at Deloitte before retiring in 1991.
The association also cited his previous board appointments at First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc and International Breweries, as well as his current position as Chairman of Afromedia Plc, as evidence of his longstanding contributions to corporate governance and national development.
A major attraction of the event will be the official launch of the AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project, which the association described as a landmark initiative to strengthen independent newspaper publishing in the region by providing a permanent operational headquarters for its members.
The programme, expected to commence at 12 noon, will include the keynote lecture, award presentations and a fundraising session in support of the secretariat project.
According to AINPN Southwest, the gathering will bring together government officials, traditional rulers, academics, business executives, media practitioners and other stakeholders to explore practical solutions for economic integration, improved security and sustainable prosperity across Southwest Nigeria as preparations for the 2027 political season gather momentum.
