Shettima to Declare 2026 Editors’ Conference Open in Enugu

Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to declare open the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Enugu on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

The two-day conference will take place at The Dome, International Conference Centre, Opara Square Road, Enugu, from September 24 to 25, with more than 500 editors from across Nigeria expected to participate.

The conference will focus on the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” while its sub-theme is “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.” The focus comes ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

In a statement signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said Shettima would address participants on democracy, elections, press freedom and national development.

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, is also expected to address the gathering, while His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, will chair the conference.

Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address.

Other speakers include Professor Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, who will examine “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability,” and immediate past Nigerian Bar Association President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who will discuss “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.”

The programme will also feature discussions on the media’s role in reporting terrorism, with veteran journalists Martins Oloja and Owei Lakemfa scheduled to speak on “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”

Professor Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, will address “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance,” while Dr Richard Okoye, founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will discuss journalists’ wellbeing, including stress, deadlines and personal pressures.

Professor Farooq A. Kperogi of Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, will focus on the conference’s AI-related sub-theme, examining how journalists can detect and debunk false information before, during and after elections.

The second day will also feature an executive session at 12:30pm, during which editors are expected to engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government agencies and parastatals on issues of national importance.

The Guild said the conference would provide an opportunity for editors and other stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening democratic governance, promoting national development and advancing nation-building through responsible journalism.

It will also examine the challenges facing democracy and the media, including credible elections, public trust, press freedom and the protection of democratic values. The conference is being supported by the Enugu State Government, UNESCO, Craneburg, NNPC, Zenith Bank, NCC and others.

The NGE has recently highlighted press freedom, professional standards and the need for a level playing field ahead of the 2027 elections, making the Enugu conference part of a broader discussion by the Guild on the media’s role in Nigeria’s democratic process.