Vice President Kashim Shettima will declare open the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) in Enugu on Thursday, September 24, 2026. The two-day conference, themed "The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive," will bring together over 500 editors, government officials, academics, and civil society representatives. The event is organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) and will feature discussions on democracy, elections, press freedom, and national development.
The conference will address the growing challenge of artificial intelligence-driven disinformation, with a sub-theme "When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election." Professor Farooq A. Kperogi of Kennesaw State University, Georgia, will lead discussions on detecting and debunking AI-generated disinformation. Other speakers include Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, and former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, who will deliver the keynote address.
The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will chair the event, while notable scholars and experts will speak on various topics. Professor Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, will discuss "Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability," and Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, will examine "Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts."
Veteran journalists Martins Oloja and Owei Lakemfa will discuss "Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists," and Professor Chinyere Okunna of Paul University, Awka, will address "Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance." Dr. Richard Okoye of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will focus on the human side of journalism, discussing stress, deadlines, and personal wellbeing.
The conference is designed to provide a platform for editors and stakeholders to examine ways of strengthening democratic governance, credible elections, public trust, and national development through responsible and responsive journalism. The event is supported by the Enugu State Government, UNESCO, Craneburg, NNPC, Zenith Bank, NCC, and other partners.
On the second day of the conference, an executive session will feature editors engaging with governors, political party leaders, and heads of government agencies and parastatals on issues affecting national development. This session, starting at 12:30 pm, aims to foster dialogue and collaboration between editors and stakeholders.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, signed a statement confirming the conference details. The event will take place at The Dome, International Conference Centre, Opara Square Road, Enugu, from 2 pm on Thursday, September 24, to Friday, September 25, 2026.
Key points
- Over 500 editors to gather in Enugu for the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference
- Conference to address democracy, elections, and AI-driven disinformation
- Event supported by Enugu State Government, UNESCO, and other partners
