The Southwest Chapter of the Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) has announced plans to honour distinguished Nigerians at its 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Award scheduled for Wednesday, July 15, at the Ogunlana Hall, International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.Themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” the event will celebrate exceptional leadership while providing a platform for discussions on strengthening economic growth and security across the Southwest.
Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, will deliver the keynote lecture, while Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola will chair the occasion.
Seyi Makinde is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, while Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja will serve as the Royal Fathers of the Day.
Among those to be honoured are Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Afe Babalola, Lateef Akande Bakare, Kayode Oyebode, Isaac Tapere, Oluwasegun Alade Musa, Oriyomi Hamzat, Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun, Sarajudeen Oladotun, Bayo Ilawole, Kayode Akande, as well as Agboola Olaoluwa and Agboola Olaoluwa (Mrs).
AINPN Southwest said the recipients were carefully selected in recognition of their remarkable contributions to governance, education, security, business, philanthropy and community development.
The association noted that Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo earned recognition for championing reforms in Nigeria’s internal security architecture through technology-driven innovations, improved passport administration, correctional services and stronger inter-agency collaboration.
It added that Afe Babalola was chosen for his enduring legacy in legal practice, education and national development, citing his transformation of Afe Babalola University into a globally respected institution and his investments in youth development, agriculture and infrastructure.
On Lateef Akande Bakare, the association praised his outstanding career as a chartered accountant, industrialist and philanthropist. It highlighted his pioneering achievements in the accounting profession, leadership in Nigeria’s corporate sector and longstanding commitment to community development.
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