By Chimezie Godfrey
Former Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr Dakuku Peterside, is expected to interrogate the role of the media in Nigeria’s quest for a trillion-dollar economy at the 2026 Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council Annual Lecture.
Peterside, a leadership architect, management turnaround expert and public policy advocate, will deliver the lecture as part of activities marking the council’s 2026 Press Week.
The lecture, titled “Politics, Ports and the Public Interest: The Media’s Catalytic Role in Driving Economic Growth,” will examine the relationship between ports, politics and the media in advancing national economic development.
According to the organisers, Peterside is expected to challenge media practitioners and other stakeholders to reflect on whether the media can play a catalytic role in propelling Nigeria towards a trillion-dollar economy.
The former NIMASA boss, who is regarded as a leading voice on the blue economy and public policy, is expected to bring his experience in leadership, governance, public policy and organisational transformation to the discourse.
The NUJ Lagos State Council 2026 Press Week is scheduled to hold from Monday, September 28, to Sunday, October 4, 2026. The annual lecture will take place by 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 30, at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos.
Other activities lined up for the week include the Chapel Rendezvous on Thursday, October 1, by 4:00 p.m. within the LTV premises; Juma’at Service on Friday, October 2, by 1:00 p.m. at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja; and the Gala and Awards Night scheduled for 4:00 p.m. the same day at the BOS Hall, LTV Complex, Agidingbi, Ikeja.
The programme will end with a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, October 4, by 10:00 a.m. at the Chapel of Christ the Light (Interdenominational), CBD, Alausa, Ikeja.
In a statement signed by the Chairman of the Press Week Committee, Adewale Akodu, and the committee’s Secretary, Moses Omorogieva, the NUJ Lagos State Council urged journalists across the state to participate actively in the activities.
The council said the Press Week would provide media practitioners with an opportunity to network, exchange ideas, strengthen professional relationships and celebrate the contributions of journalists to the growth and development of society.
It added that the 2026 Press Week was expected to bring together media professionals and stakeholders to promote unity, reaffirm shared values and renew commitment to the ideals of responsible and professional journalism.