Southwest Leaders, Monarchs To Converge In Ibadan For AINPN Leadership Awards
The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN), Southwest Chapter, has announced plans to host its 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Awards on Wednesday, July 15, at the Ogunlana Hall of the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” is expected to attract political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, academics and media practitioners to discuss strategies for strengthening economic growth and security in the region.
Former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, will deliver the keynote address, while Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola, SAN, will chair the occasion.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is expected as the Special Guest of Honour, while the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Arusa I, will serve as Royal Fathers of the Day.
Among those to be honoured are the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; founder of Afe Babalola University, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN; industrialist and Ajirowa of Ijesaland, Chief Lateef Akande Bakare; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode; Founder of Agidigbo FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat; and several other distinguished personalities recognised for their contributions to governance, education, business, security and community development.
According to the organisers, a major highlight of the event will be the official launch of the AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project, aimed at providing a permanent operational base for independent newspaper publishers in the region and strengthening media practice.
The ceremony, scheduled to begin at 12 noon, will feature the keynote lecture, award presentations and fundraising for the secretariat project.
AINPN said the gathering would also provide a platform for stakeholders to advance discussions on regional integration, economic development and security in the Southwest.
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