Onaiyekan, other heavyweights to speak on ‘The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive’ at NGE conference
By Ishaya Ibrahim
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) says its 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) will hold at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on September 24 and 25.
The annual conference, the Guild’s flagship event, is expected to draw more than 500 editors and other distinguished guests to deliberate on national and global issues.
In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the Guild said the conference holds added significance coming ahead of the 2027 general election.
This year’s theme is “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” with the sub-theme “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.” The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will chair the event.
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on September 24 by 2pm.
Also on the first day, Prof. Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, will speak on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability,” while Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, will address the conference. This Day Newspapers’ Ombudsman and Public Protector, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist Owei Lakemfa will jointly close the day’s sessions with a presentation on “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”
On September 25, immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, opens the day at 9am with a talk on “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.” He will be followed by Paul University Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Chinyere Okunna, on “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance,” and Save A Life Hospital founder, Dr Richard Okoye, on “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”
Kennesaw State University journalism professor, Farooq A. Kperogi, will examine the conference sub-theme on AI disinformation.
The second day will also feature a 12:30pm Executive Session, where editors will engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government parastatals on national issues.
The Guild said the conference will provide a platform to examine pathways for advancing democratic governance and interrogate the media’s role in safeguarding credible elections and public trust.
