Ekiti State is set to host some of the nation’s most influential figures as the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Correspondents’ Chapel, Ekiti State Council, stages its 2026 Annual Public Lecture and Award Ceremony.
A statement by the Chairman of the Correspondent chapel Day, Ayodele Adegbuyi, the Ooni will serve as the Royal Father of the Day at the event scheduled for Thursday, September 3, 2026, at the Abacha Hall, Old Governor’s Office, Ado-Ekiti.
The guest lecturer is a former senator, Senator Ayo Arise, while the lecture will focus on the theme, “Internal Democracy, Good Governance, the Media and Future of Nigerian Democracy.”
Expected at the high-profile gathering are the *Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji; and Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele*, alongside other distinguished personalities from government, royalty and the private sector.
Also billed to attend are the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande*; the *Oore of Otun-Ekiti, Oba Adeagbo*; and the Managing Director of the Federal Housing Authority, Oyetunde Ojo
The event, which brings together key stakeholders to deliberate on national issues and honour outstanding Nigerians, is expected to draw journalists, policymakers, traditional rulers, and community leaders from across the country.
The annual lecture is expected to bring together political leaders, policymakers, traditional rulers, media practitioners, academics and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting Nigeria’s democracy and the role of the media in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting good governance.
Adegbuyi explained that the lecture remained one of its flagship programmes and was designed to contribute to the growth and development of Ekiti State and Nigeria.
According to him, the event will also feature an award ceremony to recognise distinguished Nigerians for their contributions to society, as well as a fundraising session for the procurement of digital journalism tools for members of the chapel.
He added that the event would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to engage in meaningful conversations on internal democracy, good governance, media freedom and the future of democratic governance in Nigeria.