IBADAN — The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) has honoured distinguished Nigerians from the fields of governance, education, media, business and public service at the 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Lecture and Award, where speakers called for stronger regional cooperation to drive economic prosperity and improve security across the South-West.
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” brought together government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, academics, media practitioners and other stakeholders to deliberate on strategies for strengthening development within the region.
Delivering his welcome address, the President of AINPN, Mr. Olaseeni Oyesusi, described the gathering as more than an award ceremony, saying it was conceived as a platform to celebrate excellence while encouraging meaningful conversations capable of shaping the future of the South-West.
According to him, economic integration remains essential to unlocking the region’s enormous potential through improved trade, agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development, while stronger security collaboration would help protect lives, businesses and major transport corridors through intelligence sharing and coordinated action.
“Our theme, Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria, speaks to the need for us to work together as one region,” Oyesusi said.
“Economic integration will help us link our markets, infrastructure, agriculture and industries for trade and job creation. Security integration will help us protect our people, highways and businesses through shared intelligence and joint strategies. Only by growing and securing the Southwest together can we achieve the prosperity we all desire.”
The AINPN president also paid tribute to the chairman of the occasion, renowned legal luminary Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola (SAN), whom he described as a respected statesman whose contributions to justice, public advocacy and regional development have earned him national recognition.
The keynote lecture was delivered by former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, who examined the importance of deeper economic cooperation and improved security coordination as catalysts for sustainable growth in the South-West.
One of the high points of the ceremony was the presentation of the Leadership Icon Awards to individuals recognised for exceptional contributions to national development and public service.
Among the prominent award recipients was Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, whose decades-long contributions to legal practice and higher education have continued to shape Nigeria’s educational landscape. Organisers described him as an outstanding legal icon whose commitment to academic excellence and nation-building has inspired generations.
Also honoured was Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, in recognition of his impactful media career and commitment to people-oriented journalism. Through his broadcasting platform, Hamzat has earned widespread recognition for amplifying the voices of ordinary citizens and championing humanitarian causes across Oyo State and beyond.
The association equally celebrated Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Oyo State Chapter, for his dedication to workers’ welfare and grassroots development. AINPN noted that his advocacy for improved local government administration and public service has strengthened governance at the community level.
Other distinguished personalities honoured at the event included the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chief Isaac Sunday Tapere, Chief Executive Officer of Tisco Nig. Ltd.; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode; media entrepreneur Dr. Ezekiel Akande; industrialist Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa; Chief Lateef Akande Bakare; Prof. Bayo Ilawole; and philanthropist Prince Oladotun Sarajudeen Ajilesoro, among others.
Another major highlight of the event was the official launch of the ₦200 million AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project, an initiative aimed at providing a permanent operational headquarters for independent newspaper publishers in the region.
Appealing for support towards the project, Oyesusi expressed confidence that the secretariat would strengthen independent journalism and further enhance professional media practice across the South-West.
He also commended members of the association for their dedication and sacrifices in promoting independent journalism, describing them as “the voice of the people and the pride of our region.”
Bringing the event to a close, the AINPN president urged leaders across political, business and civil society circles to embrace greater collaboration in building a Southwest that is economically vibrant, peaceful and united.
“This Leadership Icon Lecture and Award is more than a ceremony. It is a platform to celebrate excellence and to commit ourselves to the integration that will deliver prosperity and security for our people. Let us build the Southwest we all desire,” he said.
