The Association of Independent Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (AINPN) has honoured outstanding Nigerians from the fields of governance, education, media, business and public service at its 2026 Southwest Leadership Icon Lecture and Award, with stakeholders advocating stronger regional cooperation to accelerate economic growth and enhance security across the South-West.
The event, themed “Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria,” attracted government officials, traditional rulers, academics, business leaders, media practitioners and other stakeholders who deliberated on strategies for promoting sustainable development in the region.
Speaking at the event, AINPN President, Mr. Olaseeni Oyesusi, described the gathering as more than an award ceremony, saying it was designed to recognise excellence while stimulating conversations that would shape the future of the South-West.
He stressed that economic integration remains critical to unlocking the region’s vast potential through improved trade, agriculture, infrastructure and industrial development, while stronger security collaboration would help safeguard lives, businesses and key transport corridors through intelligence sharing and coordinated action.
“Our theme, Fostering Regional Prosperity: Economic and Security Integration in Southwest Nigeria, underscores the need for us to work together as one region,” Oyesusi said.
“Economic integration will help us connect our markets, infrastructure, agriculture and industries for increased trade and job creation. Security integration will enable us to protect our people, highways and businesses through shared intelligence and joint strategies. Only by growing and securing the Southwest together can we achieve the prosperity we all desire.”
He also paid tribute to the chairman of the occasion, Chief Adeniyi Michael Akintola (SAN), describing him as a distinguished legal luminary and statesman whose contributions to justice, public advocacy and regional development have earned widespread respect.
The keynote lecture was delivered by former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Emilolorun Ambrose Ayelari, who highlighted the importance of deeper economic cooperation and enhanced security coordination as essential drivers of sustainable growth in the South-West.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Leadership Icon Awards to distinguished Nigerians recognised for their exceptional contributions to national development.
Among the award recipients was Aare Afe Babalola (SAN), founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, honoured for his outstanding contributions to legal practice, higher education and nation-building.
Also honoured was the founder of Agidigbo 88.7 FM, Alhaji Oriyomi Hamzat, in recognition of his impactful broadcasting career and commitment to humanitarian causes through people-oriented journalism.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Ayobami Olusegun Adeogun, received an award for his commitment to workers’ welfare, grassroots development and improved local government administration.
Other recipients included the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo; Chief Executive Officer of Tisco Nig. Ltd., Chief Isaac Sunday Tapere; Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Kayode Oyebode; media entrepreneur, Dr. Ezekiel Akande; industrialist, Dr. Oluwasegun Alade Musa; Chief Lateef Akande Bakare; Prof. Bayo Ilawole; and philanthropist, Prince Oladotun Sarajudeen Ajilesoro, among others.
The event also witnessed the official launch of the ₦200 million AINPN Southwest Secretariat Project, an initiative aimed at providing a permanent operational headquarters for independent newspaper publishers in the region.
Appealing for support towards the project, Oyesusi expressed optimism that the proposed secretariat would strengthen independent journalism and promote professionalism within the media industry across the South-West.
He commended members of the association for their resilience and dedication to independent journalism, describing them as “the voice of the people and the pride of our region.”
He concluded by urging political leaders, business stakeholders and civil society organisations to deepen collaboration in building a South-West that is economically prosperous, peaceful and united
