By Peace Erewunmi

The South-West Chapter of the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) has announced the recipients of its 2026 South-West Leadership Icon Award, recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to governance, education, security, business, and community development.

The award ceremony is scheduled to take place on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State. The event is themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in South-West Nigeria.”

Among the distinguished personalities to be honoured are the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; renowned legal icon and founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN); Chief Lateef Akande Bakare (LAB); Professor Kayode Oyebode; Chief Isaac Tapere; Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa; Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun; Ambassador Prince Sarajudeen Oladotun; Professor Bayo Ilawole; Dr. Kayode Akande; and Ambassador Dr. Agboola Olaoluwa alongside Ambassador Dr. (Mrs.) Agboola Olaoluwa.

According to the organisers, the award is intended to celebrate exemplary leadership while providing a platform for discussions on strategies to strengthen economic growth and improve security across the South-West region.

The event will feature a keynote lecture by Professor Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, while Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola (SAN) will chair the occasion. Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, serving as Royal Fathers of the Day.

A major highlight of the programme will be the official launch of the AINPN South-West Secretariat Project, aimed at strengthening independent media practice and providing a permanent operational base for newspaper publishers in the region. The gathering is expected to bring together government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders, academics, media professionals, and other stakeholders to promote dialogue on regional integration and sustainable development.