Shettima to open NGE’s 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu

ENUGU — Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected in Enugu today to formally open the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference, ANEC, of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE.

The annual conference, which serves as the Guild’s flagship gathering, will commence at 2p.m. at The Dome, International Conference Centre, Opara Square Road, Enugu, and run through Friday, September 25.

The NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, disclosed this in a statement, saying the Vice President would address participants on the theme of the conference, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.”

Shettima will also speak on the sub-theme, “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”

The Vice President is expected to discuss broader issues surrounding democracy, elections, press freedom and national development.

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State is also scheduled to address the conference.

The organisers said more than 500 editors from different parts of the country are expected at the event, alongside government officials, academics, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.

The conference will focus on major national and global issues and their social, economic and political implications.

The Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will chair the event, while former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address.

Professor Auwal Yadudu of the Faculty of Law, Bayero University, Kano, is among the speakers and will examine “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability.”

Also expected is immediate past NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, who will speak on “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.”

Journalist and former Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of The Guardian Newspapers, Martins Oloja, will join columnist and activist Owei Lakemfa on the second day to discuss “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”

Professor Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, will speak on “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance.”

Dr Richard Okoye, founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will examine “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing.”

Farooq A. Kperogi, Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, will focus on the conference’s artificial intelligence and disinformation theme.

His presentation will examine how false information can be detected and debunked before, during and after elections.

An executive session is also scheduled for 12:30pm on the second day. During the session, editors will engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government agencies and parastatals on matters of national importance.

The Guild said the conference would enable media leaders and other stakeholders to explore practical approaches to strengthening democratic governance, promoting national development and advancing nation-building through responsible and responsive journalism.

It added that participants would examine the challenges facing democracy and the media’s role in promoting credible elections, rebuilding public confidence and strengthening democratic values.

According to the NGE, the conference is supported by the Enugu State Government, UNESCO, Craneburg, NNPC, Zenith Bank, NCC and other partners.

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