*Niyi Akintola, SAN to Preside as AINPN Southwest Holds 2026 Leadership Icon Lecture and Award in Ibadan*
IBADAN — The Southwest is set for one of its biggest gatherings of leaders in governance, business, education, and media as the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria, AINPN, Southwest Chapter, prepares for its 2026 Leadership Icon Lecture and Award.
The prestigious event will hold on Wednesday, July 15th, 2026 at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Oyo State by 12 noon.
Theme: “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria”
Presiding over the occasion as Chairman is one of Nigeria’s most respected legal minds and statesmen, Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola, SAN.
A legal giant, community leader, and voice of conscience, Chief Niyi Akintola, SAN, brings decades of excellence, integrity, and service to the role. As a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he has distinguished himself in the courtroom, in boardrooms, and in public advocacy. His fearless commitment to justice, the rule of law, and regional development has earned him the respect of colleagues across the Bar and Bench, and the admiration of millions of Nigerians.
Under his chairmanship, the 2026 Leadership Icon Award promises to be a defining moment — a convergence of ideas, influence, and impact aimed at shaping the future of the Southwest.
The keynote lecture will be delivered by Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan.
His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Executive Governor of Oyo State, will grace the event as Special Guest of Honour.
Royal Fathers of the Day are His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife and His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator Radhidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, Olubadan of Ibadanland.
AINPN Southwest said the 2026 honourees were carefully selected for their outstanding contributions to national growth and regional prosperity.
Some of the prominent personalities billed to receive the Leadership Icon Award include:
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Honourable Minister of Interior, recognized for transformative reforms in security, immigration and public service delivery.
Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, legal icon, educationist and Founder of Afe Babalola University, celebrated for building one of Africa’s leading private universities.
Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, Ajirowa of Ijesaland, CEO of Nigeria Wire and Cable, and former First Bank Director, honoured for excellence in industry and philanthropy.
Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, Founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM Ibadan, celebrated for people-centered journalism and giving voice to the voiceless.
Prof. Kayode Oyebode, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan.
Amb. Dr. and Amb. Dr. (Mrs) Agboola Olaoluwa, Founders of Unique Fertility Help Consult, Ibadan, recognized as “Trailblazers in Affordable Fertility Support Services”.
Dr Oluwasegun Alade Musa, business mogul and industrialist.
Chief Isaac Tapere, CEO, Tisco Nig. Ltd.
Dr. Kayode Akande, Founder, Glo FM.
And other distinguished leaders in governance, business, and community service.
A major highlight of the event will be the official launching of the AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project — a bold step to provide a permanent operational base and strengthen independent media practice in the region.
The ceremony begins at 12:00 Noon Prompt and will feature the keynote lecture, award presentations, and fundraising for the secretariat project.
According to AINPN Southwest, the 2026 Leadership Icon Lecture and Award is more than a ceremony. It is a platform to celebrate excellence, interrogate regional challenges, and chart a new path for prosperity and security across the Southwest ahead of 2027.
