The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced that its 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) will hold at the International Conference Centre (ICC), Enugu, on September 24 and 25.
More than 500 editors from across the country, alongside other distinguished guests, are expected at the annual conference, which is the flagship gathering of the Guild.
The 2026 edition will focus on critical national and global issues, particularly the role of the media in strengthening democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The theme of the conference is “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” while the sub-theme is “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, will chair the conference.
In a statement signed by the NGE President and General Secretary, Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, respectively, the Guild said the conference would provide an opportunity for media leaders and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting democracy and the media’s role in safeguarding credible elections, public trust and democratic values.
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on September 24 at 2pm.
Also on the first day, Prof. Auwal Yadudu of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, will speak on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability,” while Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, will address the conference.
Ombudsman and Public Protector of ThisDay Newspapers, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist and civil rights campaigner, Owei Lakemfa, will jointly present a paper titled “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”
The second day will feature a presentation by the immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, on “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.” His presentation is scheduled for 9am.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, will speak on “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance.”
Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, Dr Richard Okoye, will address the issue of journalists’ welfare and wellbeing in a presentation titled “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”
Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, Prof. Farooq A. Kperogi, will examine the conference’s sub-theme on detecting and debunking artificial intelligence-generated disinformation before, during and after elections.
The second day will also feature an Executive Session at 12:30pm, during which editors will engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government parastatals on issues of national importance.
The Guild said the conference would provide a platform for editors and other stakeholders to explore pathways for advancing democratic governance, promoting national development and strengthening nation-building through responsible and responsive journalism.
It added that the gathering would enable media leaders to interrogate emerging threats to democracy and develop strategies for ensuring that the media continues to play a critical role in promoting credible elections, public accountability and democratic stability.
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