The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) has announced plans to honour prominent Nigerians from government, academia, business and the media at the 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Lecture and Award, with regional economic development and security taking centre stage.
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” is expected to bring together political leaders, traditional rulers, academics, media executives, captains of industry and development stakeholders to discuss strategies for strengthening cooperation across the South-West.
AINPN National President, Olaseeni Oyesusi, described the gathering as one of the region’s largest assemblies of influential leaders dedicated to shaping the future of Southwest Nigeria.
According to him, the programme is designed not only to recognise excellence but also to encourage meaningful conversations on economic growth, regional integration and security collaboration.
“The Southwest is gathered for one of its biggest assemblies of leaders in governance, business, education and media. We are here not just to celebrate, but to interrogate ideas, honour service and chart a new path for our region,” he said.
The lecture will be chaired by Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola (SAN), while former University of Ibadan Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, will deliver the keynote lecture.
Oyesusi said stronger economic cooperation and coordinated security efforts remain critical to achieving sustainable prosperity across the Southwest.
He explained that improved regional integration would strengthen trade, agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development, while enhanced security collaboration would improve intelligence sharing and protect lives and businesses.
The event will also feature the presentation of Leadership Icon Awards to distinguished Nigerians whose contributions have made significant impact in governance, education, media, business and community development.
Recipients include Minister of Interior Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, Prof. Kayode Oyebode, Chief Isaac Sunday Tapere, Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Dr. Ezekiel Akande, Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, Prof. Bayo Ilawole, Prince Oladotun Sarajudeen Ajilesoro and Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun.
Another major highlight of the event will be the official launch of the proposed ₦200 million AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project, aimed at providing a permanent operational base for independent newspaper publishers in the region.
The association appealed to stakeholders and invited guests to support the project, describing it as a significant investment in the future of independent journalism in Southwest Nigeria.
