The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is set to hold its 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) at the International Conference Centre in Enugu on September 24 and 25.
The two-day event is expected to attract more than 500 editors from across Nigeria, alongside prominent figures who will discuss major national and international issues affecting the country’s political, economic and social development.
According to a statement signed by NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the conference will take place ahead of the 2027 general elections, making discussions around journalism, democracy and electoral credibility particularly important.
The theme of the conference is “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” while its sub-theme focuses on “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will serve as chairman of the conference.
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, is scheduled to deliver the keynote address during the opening ceremony on September 24 at 2pm.
Other speakers on the first day include Prof. Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, who will examine public trust, electoral justice and democratic stability. Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, is also expected to address participants.
Veteran journalist and civil rights activist Owei Lakemfa, alongside Ombudsman and Public Protector, ThisDay Newspapers, Kayode Komolafe, will discuss the challenges of reporting terrorism without inadvertently serving the interests of terrorist groups.
Activities on September 25 will begin with a presentation by former Nigerian Bar Association President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, who will speak on election petitions in the digital era, with particular attention to independence, evidence, BVAS and the courts.
Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, will focus on neutrality, professionalism and election security in democratic governance.
The conference will also address the welfare of journalists, with Dr. Richard Okoye, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital in Port Harcourt, speaking on managing stress, demanding deadlines and personal wellbeing in journalism.
Professor Farooq A. Kperogi of Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, will lead discussions on identifying and countering AI-generated disinformation before, during and after elections.
An executive session scheduled for 12:30pm on the second day will bring editors together with governors, political party leaders and heads of government agencies to discuss issues of national significance.
The NGE said the conference is designed to encourage responsible journalism, strengthen democratic institutions and explore ways the media can contribute to national development and credible elections.
It added that the gathering would give media leaders and other stakeholders an opportunity to critically assess threats facing democracy while reinforcing the media’s role in promoting public trust and democratic values.