By Erewunmi Peace

In a heartfelt tribute during the Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture held in Lagos, presidential adviser and veteran journalist Bayo Onanuga revealed how the late Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande once played a pivotal role in rescuing the defunct The News magazine from total collapse.

Onanuga, who served as Editor-in-Chief of The News, disclosed that during a critical period in the publication’s history, Jakande offered both moral and practical support that helped the team weather the storm.

“He gave us hope when others looked away. His simplicity, accessibility, and integrity were a model for our newsroom,” Onanuga said at the memorial event attended by top journalists and political leaders.

Jakande, who was a former Governor of Lagos State and Nigeria’s Minister of Works and Housing, was hailed as a true hero of both journalism and governance. According to Onanuga, Jakande’s unwavering belief in press freedom and ethical reporting kept The News alive when it was under financial and political pressure.

The memorial lecture, which brought together key media and political stakeholders, was themed “Building a New Nigeria Based on the Jakande Template.” Dignitaries present included Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former presidential spokesman Femi Adesina, Guardian founding Editor Lade Bonuola, Vanguard Editor Eze Anaba, and former Guardian MD Emeka Izeze, among others.

Each speaker highlighted Jakande’s legacy of principled leadership and affordable governance, encouraging a return to those values in today’s democratic landscape.