FIC Report (Lagos State) – A former Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Dr Dakuku Peterside, is expected to lead a major conversation on the intersection of politics, maritime development and the public interest when journalists in Lagos converge for the 2026 Press Week of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ.
Peterside will deliver the keynote lecture at the week-long programme organised by the NUJ Lagos State Council, scheduled for Monday, September 28 to Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Radio Lagos/Eko FM Multipurpose Hall, Ikeja, Lagos.
The Press Week is being held under the theme, “Politics, Ports and the Public Interest: The Media’s Catalytic Role in Driving Economic Growth.”
The choice of the theme is expected to place the media’s watchdog and agenda-setting roles at the centre of discussions on Nigeria’s economic development, particularly the politics surrounding critical sectors such as ports, maritime transportation and trade.
The public lecture, scheduled for Wednesday, is expected to attract maritime experts, journalists, journalism students, policymakers, port and industry operators, as well as other stakeholders interested in the relationship between effective media scrutiny and economic growth.
The programme will open on Monday, September 28, with a Health and Awareness Walk, setting the tone for a week of professional, social and spiritual activities designed to bring journalists across different media organisations together.
Chairman of the NUJ Lagos State Council, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, described the Press Week as a significant annual platform for journalists to interact, strengthen professional relationships and reflect on the responsibilities and challenges of the profession.
Ajayi noted that journalists spend much of their time reporting the activities and challenges of other sectors of society, making it equally important for practitioners to create opportunities to interact, exchange ideas and strengthen their professional bonds.
He said,“This is a yearly event that brings journalists from different media houses under one roof.
As journalists, we go the extra mile to report issues affecting other people and society at large. Therefore, coming together to interact, fraternise and strengthen our bond is not out of place”.
“The Press Week is an event journalists always look forward to, and we must do all within our reach to ensure that this year’s edition remains one of the best.”
Other activities will include the Chapel Rendezvous on Thursday, October 1, at the LTV premises from 4:00 p.m., followed by a Juma’at Service at the Lagos State Secretariat Mosque, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, on Friday, October 2, by 1:00 p.m.
A Gala and Awards Night will also hold at the BOS Hall, LTV Complex, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja, at 4:00 p.m.
The Press Week will climax on Sunday, October 4, with a Thanksgiving Service at the Chapel of Christ the Light (Interdenominational), CBD, Alausa, Ikeja, beginning at 10:00 a.m.
The Lagos NUJ Council has called on journalists across the state to participate actively in the programmes, stressing that the annual gathering provides an avenue for practitioners to network, exchange professional ideas and strengthen relationships across media organisations.
Beyond the festivities, the 2026 Press Week is expected to provide an important platform for journalists and stakeholders to examine the media’s responsibility in shaping public debate, demanding accountability and drawing attention to policies capable of driving investment, trade and sustainable economic development.
Dimaka Chioma
(Deputy Director)
Information/ Public Relations.
12 /09 /2026
