The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference took place in Enugu from September 23 to 27, 2026, at The Dome, International Conference Centre. Organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, the event drew over 300 top editors, media owners, academics, and civic leaders. The conference theme, ‘The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,’ highlighted the crucial role of the press in sustaining democracy.
The event's chairman, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, challenged the audience to rethink African governance. He noted that traditional African communities relied on open dialogue and public accountability, long before Western ballot boxes were introduced. Achebe called on editors to hold public officials accountable to the public, reinforcing the idea that modern journalism is a natural continuation of traditional accountability.
Keynote speaker, Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, examined the failures of democracy in meeting the basic needs of ordinary Nigerians. He described the press's role in sustaining democracy as irreplaceable and called on media practitioners to continue exposing corruption and demanding better leadership. Onaiyekan enumerated the challenges in evolving an effective electoral process and urged Nigerians to demand greater efficiency.
Onaiyekan rejected arguments that Nigerians should wait for democracy to mature over generations. He emphasized that Nigerians must continue pushing for a government of the people, by the people, for the people. The cleric's remarks resonated with the conference theme, underscoring the importance of the media in deepening democracy.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon Mohammed Idris, congratulated the editors on holding the conference as the nation prepared for the 2027 polls. He advised the media to publish only verifiable information, enabling Nigerians to be properly informed. Idris highlighted the present regime's achievements, including the withdrawal of the fuel subsidy and provision of loans to tertiary institutions.
The conference addressed urgent political debates, high-tech media ethics discussions, and local governance. The event showed that the press remains essential to holding power accountable. With over 300 participants, the conference provided a platform for critical discussions on the role of the media in sustaining democracy.
The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to protecting Nigeria's democracy and promoting accountability. The event demonstrated the crucial role of the media in shaping the nation's democratic trajectory. As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 polls, the conference's outcomes are expected to have a lasting impact on the country's media landscape.
Key points
- The conference focused on pressing threats to modern journalism and the role of the media in sustaining democracy.
- The event drew over 300 top editors, media owners, academics, and civic leaders.
- The conference theme highlighted the importance of the press in keeping democracy alive.
