NIGERIA’S TOP EDITORS CONVENE IN ABUJA TO ADDRESS DEMOCRACY, NATIONAL COHESION AND 2027 ELECTIONS

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is set to host its 2025 Annual Editors’ Conference on November 12 and 13 in the Federal Capital Territory, gathering the nation’s leading media minds. The event is anticipated to be a major media gathering of the year, bringing together over 500 editors from print, broadcast, and digital platforms across Nigeria.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will officially declare the conference open on November 12 at the Presidential Villa Banquet Hall. The second day of activities will shift to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre in Jahi, Abuja. The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of ThisDay and Arise News, will serve as Chairmen for the event.

This year’s conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” is designed to underscore the media’s crucial responsibility in promoting democracy, unity, and credible governance. A key sub-theme will address “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,” highlighting the urgent need to restore public confidence in the electoral process.

In a joint statement, NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh said, “The 2025 Editors’ Conference comes at a critical time when Nigeria faces economic, political, and social challenges. Editors must help shape public discourse in a way that promotes peace, inclusion, and good governance.”

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State will deliver the keynote address, focusing on how the media can promote peace, accountability, and responsible governance. The conference will feature several other prominent speakers. Renowned lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prof. Awa Kalu, will speak on “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics.” Prof. Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, Head of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Abuja, will discuss “State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in a Challenged Nation.”

Day two of the conference will feature discussions on security and technology. Former Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor (rtd), will present a paper on “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities.” Prof. Abiodun Adeniyi, Dean of Postgraduate Studies at Baze University, will explore “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and the Credibility Gap.”

An Executive Session on the second day will provide editors a unique opportunity to engage directly with government officials, business leaders, and policymakers. The NGE stated that discussions during this session would focus on strengthening press freedom, enhancing accountability, and promoting policies that support national development. The Guild expressed confidence that the conference will inspire stronger partnerships between journalists and institutions, ensuring the media continues to play its role as the watchdog of society.