By JKNewsMedia
EDITORS OF print, broadcast, online media, and news agencies under the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) will converge on the the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for their 2025 annual conference scheduled for November 12 and 13.
The two-day event is expected to draw over 500 participants, including government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, business leaders, and stakeholders from various sectors.
According to a statement jointly signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, President Bola Tinubu will declare the conference open at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall, Abuja, on November 12.
The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar, and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of Arise News and ThisDay Newspaper, will serve as Chairmen of the conference.
The Guild disclosed that the second day of proceedings, holding at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, Jahi, Abuja, will feature high-level panel discussions and an executive session where editors will engage directly with political leaders, policymakers, and members of the business community.
The conference will explore the theme “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” with a sub-theme, “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027.”
The NGE described these themes as timely, reflecting the challenges and opportunities facing Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the media’s responsibility in strengthening national unity.
The statement confirmed that Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will deliver the keynote address, focusing on the evolving expectations of governance, electoral transparency, and media responsibility as the country prepares for future elections.
Highlighting the lineup of speakers, the Guild announced that Professor Awa Kalu, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Managing Partner at Awa Kalu & Partners, will deliver a paper on “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics.”
His presentation is expected to examine the role of the judiciary in electoral adjudication and its implications for democratic stability.
Following him, Professor Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Head of the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, will address “State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in a Challenged Nation.”
His contribution will provide a policy-oriented analysis of Nigeria’s governance landscape and the urgent need for systemic reforms to ensure sustainable development.
The second day will feature former Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor (rtd), speaking on “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities.”
His paper will focus on the intricate relationship between national security and responsible journalism, particularly in conflict-sensitive reporting.
Dean of the School of Post-Graduate Studies at Baze University, Professor Abiodun Adeniyi, will also deliver a session titled “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap.”
The session will assess the influence of artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and the growing challenge of misinformation on media credibility and public trust.
The NGE emphasised that the conference serves as a credible platform for editors to deliberate on national issues with significant social, economic, and political implications.
According to the Guild, speakers and topics have been carefully selected to provide practical insights and solutions relevant to Nigeria’s current realities.
The statement noted that the Annual Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) remains a key fixture on the national media calendar, providing editors with an opportunity to exchange ideas, evaluate professional standards, and engage with policy frameworks that affect press freedom and national cohesion.
The organisers explained that the Executive Session scheduled for the closing day will provide a forum for direct engagement between editors and top government officials, business executives, and diplomatic representatives.
The session aims to promote dialogue on governance, accountability, and sustainable national development.
The NGE reaffirmed its commitment to promoting credible journalism and professional excellence across media platforms.
The Guild also restated its readiness to continue playing a constructive role in national discourse by ensuring that journalism remains a pillar of democracy and an instrument for societal progress.
