ON THE OCCASION OF THE 3RD LATEEF JAKANDE MEMORIAL LECTURE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, JULY 23, 2025.
It is with great pleasure that I extend warm felicitations on behalf of the Government and people of Akwa Ibom State. to the leadership and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors on the occasion of the 3rd Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture.
The theme of this year’s lecture, “The Challenge of Nation – Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society” is deeply significant, especially at a time when the nation must reaffirm its unity, embrace diversity, and foster people – oriented governance.
The late Alhaji Lateef Jakande, in whose honour this gathering is convened, embodied these ideals. His legacy as a visionary journalist and people-focused administrator continues to challenge us all to prioritize service, truth, and equity in our national life.
In Akwa Ibom State, we are deliberately pursuing a path of sustainable development and inclusive growth under our ARISE Agenda, our socio-economic blueprint focused on Agricultural revolution, Rural development, Infrastructure maintenance and advancement, Security, and Educational Advancement .
Our approach is people-centric, , and responsive to the needs of all segments of society, including youths, women, and vulnerable populations.
We strongly believe that genuine nation building must begin with impactful governance at the subnational level, touching lives, building trust, and creating opportunities that unify rather than divide.
The media, particularly editors under the esteemed Guild, are critical stakeholders in this process. You not only shape public discourse but help to define the direction of national progress. I therefore commend the Nigerian Guild of Editors for sustaining this important annual lecture series in honour of a man who exemplified the power of journalism as a force for nation building.
Permit me to warmly reveal to you that Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria’s best-kept secret and now widely acknowledged as the nation’s preferred destination for business and leisure where one can experience first-hand a quiet revolution taking place across our communities.
Once again, I salute your vision and commitment, and pray for a successful and impactful memorial lecture.
We will continue to collaborate with the Nigerian Guild of Editors, and indeed the larger Nigerian media space.
It was our privilege and honour to have hosted this great body, in 2023, and we look forward to doing so, again in the foreseeable future.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Pastor Umo Bassey Eno
Governor, Akwa Ibom State
