The 22nd All Nigeria Editors' Conference will take place at The Dome, International Conference Centre, Enugu, on Thursday and Friday. Vice President Kashim Shettima will declare the conference open, speaking on the theme "The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive." The conference will also discuss "When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election." Shettima will address democracy, elections, press freedom, and national development.
The two-day conference, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors, will bring together about 500 editors from across Nigeria. Government officials, academics, civil society representatives, and other stakeholders will make inputs on national and global issues. Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah, will make a presentation, while the Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Alfred Achebe, will chair the event. Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address.
Several notable speakers will address the conference on various topics. Prof Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, will speak on "Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability." Afam Osigwe, immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, will address "Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts." Martins Oloja, former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian Newspapers, and Owei Lakemfa, a newspaper columnist and activist, will discuss "Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists."
Other speakers include Prof Chinyere Okunna of Paul University, Awka, who will address "Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance." Dr Richard Okoye, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, will speak on "The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Well-being." Farooq Kperogi, Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, will examine "Artificial Intelligence and Disinformation," focusing on detecting and debunking false information.
The conference aims to provide a platform for editors and stakeholders to strengthen democratic governance, promote national development, and advance nation-building through responsible journalism. The gathering will enable media leaders to discuss challenges confronting democracy and the media's role in safeguarding credible elections and rebuilding public trust.
The conference will also feature interactions between editors, governors, political party leaders, and heads of government agencies and parastatals on national issues. According to the President and General Secretary of the NGE, Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, the conference will facilitate practical pathways for promoting democratic governance and national development.
The event, scheduled for September 22-23, 2026, is expected to enhance the role of the media in democratic processes. With various stakeholders in attendance, the conference will foster dialogue on critical issues affecting Nigeria's democracy and development. Key issues to be addressed include press freedom, electoral justice, and the impact of artificial intelligence on information dissemination.
Key points
- Vice President Kashim Shettima to declare open the 22nd All Nigeria Editors' Conference in Enugu.
- The conference will focus on democracy, elections, press freedom, and national development.
- About 500 editors and stakeholders will attend the two-day conference.
