The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN), Southwest Chapter, is set to hold its 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Award on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, during which it will honour outstanding leaders and deliberate on strategies to drive economic growth and security across the Southwest region.
The event, taking place at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, has the theme “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria.”
The ceremony is expected to commence at 12p.m and will feature the keynote lecture, award presentations, and fundraising for the secretariat project.
According to the organizers, the keynote lecture will be delivered by a former Deputy Vice Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari.
Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola, SAN, will serve as Chairman of the occasion, while the governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, will be there as Special Guest of Honour.
Two of Nigeria’s most revered monarchs – 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 – have also been named Royal Fathers of the Day.
AINPN Southwest said the 2026 honourees were selected based on their contributions to governance, education, security, business, and community development.
Those billed for recognition include Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Honourable Minister of Interior; Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Founder of Afe Babalola University; Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, Ajirowa of Ijesaland and CEO, Nigeria Wire and Cable; Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan; Chief Isaac Tapere, CEO, Tisco Nig. Ltd; Dr Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Business Mogul and industrialist; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, Founder of Agidigbo FM and Oyo State Governorship Aspirant; Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun, NULGE President, Oyo State; Amb. Prince Sarajudeen Oladotun, President, Ajilosoro Foundation, Ile-Ife; Prof. Bayo Ilawole, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Local Government Service Commission; Dr. Kayode Akande, Founder, Glo FM; and Amb. Dr. and Amb. Dr. (Mrs) Agboola Olaoluwa, Founders of Unique Fertility Help Consult, Ibadan.
Speaking on some of the honourees, AINPN Southwest highlighted the impact of three distinguished recipients.
Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Honourable Minister of Interior, has been recognized for driving transformative reforms in Nigeria’s internal security architecture and immigration services. Since assuming office, the Minister has prioritized technology-driven solutions, improved service delivery in the passport and correctional systems, and strengthened inter-agency collaboration to enhance national security.
His leadership has positioned the Ministry of Interior as a key driver of citizen welfare and public safety.
Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, Founder of Afe Babalola University, is being honoured for his towering contributions to legal practice, education, and national development. As one of Nigeria’s foremost legal minds and a leading philanthropist, Aare Babalola has built ABUAD into a world-class institution renowned for academic excellence, innovation, and moral standards.
His commitment to youth empowerment, agriculture, and infrastructure development has made him one of the most respected voices in the country.
Chief Lateef Akande Bakare, popularly known as LAB, is a prominent Nigerian chartered accountant, industrialist, and philanthropist. He serves as the Ajirowa of Ijesaland and is the CEO of Nigeria Wire and Cable.
He made history as the youngest Nigerian to ever qualify as a Chartered Accountant. Over his multi-decade career, he served as Quality Assurance Partner at Deloitte before retiring in 1991.
He has held directorships at major institutions including First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Mutual Benefits Assurance Plc, and International Breweries, and currently serves as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Afromedia Plc.
His leadership in the corporate sector and service to community development earned him a place among this year’s awardees.
A major highlight of the event will be the official launching of the Southwest Secretariat Project of AINPN.
The association described the project as a critical step toward strengthening independent media practice and providing a permanent operational base for publishers in the region.
AINPN Southwest noted that the gathering will bring together policymakers, royal fathers, academics, business leaders, and media stakeholders to advance dialogue on regional integration, security, and prosperity ahead of 2027.
