Southwest Secretariat Project to Take Centre Stage as AINPN Holds 2026 Leadership Icon Award in Ibadan
5Th July, 2026.
The planned launch of the Southwest Secretariat Project of the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN), Southwest Chapter, is set to take centre stage at the organisation’s 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Award scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State.
The project, according to the association, is a strategic initiative aimed at strengthening independent media practice and providing a permanent operational base for newspaper publishers across the Southwest region.
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” will also serve as a platform for stakeholders to deliberate on pathways to economic advancement and enhanced security cooperation within the region.
Organisers disclosed that the ceremony will feature a keynote lecture to be delivered by Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration), University of Ibadan.
Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola, SAN, will chair the occasion, while the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour.
The event will equally enjoy the presence of two foremost traditional rulers as Royal Fathers of the Day: 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.
AINPN Southwest stated that recipients of the 2026 Leadership Icon Awards were carefully 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; Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, founder of Afe Babalola University; Prof. Kayode Oyebode, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan; Chief Isaac Tapere, Chief Executive Officer of Tisco Nig. Ltd; and business mogul, Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa.
Others include Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo FM and Oyo State governorship aspirant; Alhaji Akande Bakare, former director of First Bank; Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun, President of NULGE in Oyo State; and Ambassador Prince Sarajudeen Oladotun, President of Ajilosoro Foundation, Ile-Ife.
The list also features Prof. Bayo Ilawole, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission; Dr. Kayode Akande, founder of Glo FM; as well as Amb. Dr. Agboola Olaoluwa and Amb. Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola Olaoluwa, founders of Unique Fertility Help Consult, Ibadan.
The ceremony, expected to commence at exactly 12 noon, will include the keynote address, award presentations, and fundraising activities in support of the proposed Southwest Secretariat Project.
According to the association, the gathering will assemble policymakers, traditional rulers, academics, business leaders, and media stakeholders to deepen conversations on regional integration, security collaboration, and sustainable prosperity in the Southwest as preparations towards the 2027 political season gather momentum.
