By PHILIP YATAI

No fewer than 500 editors from across Nigeria and other distinguished guests are expected at the 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday.

The annual conference is scheduled for September 24 and September 25 at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.

The conference comes ahead of the 2027 general elections and will focus on strengthening democracy through responsible journalism.

NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, signed the statement announcing the conference and its planned activities.

Anaba said participants would deliberate on critical national and global issues with far-reaching social, economic and political implications.

According to him, the gathering will enable editors and stakeholders to examine pathways for advancing democratic governance and national development.

He said the conference would also promote nation-building through responsible and responsive journalism across the country.

Anaba said media leaders would interrogate challenges confronting democracy and the media’s responsibility for safeguarding credible elections.

He added that discussions would address public trust, democratic values and the media’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s electoral process.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the theme is, ‘The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive’.

Its sub-theme is, ‘When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.’

The Obi of Onitsha, Igwe Achebe, will chair the conference, while former Abuja Catholic Archbishop, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address.

On September 24, Prof. Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University’s Faculty of Law will speak on public trust and electoral justice.

His presentation is titled, ‘Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability’, while Enugu State Governor, Mr Peter Mbah, will also address participants.

ThisDay Ombudsman and Public Protector, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist, Owei Lakemfa, will jointly examine reporting terrorism responsibly.

Their presentation is titled, ‘Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists’.

Anaba said the second day’s programme would feature discussions on electoral litigation and journalism’s professional responsibilities.

The immediate past Nigerian Bar Association President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, will speak on election petitions in the digital age.

His presentation will examine independence, evidence, BVAS and the courts in resolving electoral disputes.

Prof. Chinyere Okunna, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, will discuss neutrality, professionalism and election security.

Her presentation will focus on the media’s responsibilities in democratic governance and maintaining professional standards during elections.

Dr Richard Okoye, founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will address journalists’ wellbeing.

He will speak on, ‘The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing’.

Prof. Farooq Kperogi of Kennesaw State University, Georgia, USA, will examine the conference’s sub-theme on artificial intelligence disinformation.

His presentation will focus on detecting and debunking deceptive information before, during and after elections.

Anaba said the second day would also feature an executive session involving editors, governors and political party leaders.

Heads of government parastatals would equally participate in discussions on issues considered important to national development.

The NGE president said the conference would provide an important platform for media leaders to exchange ideas and strengthen democratic institutions.

He stressed the need for journalism to remain responsible, responsive and capable of protecting public trust during Nigeria’s electoral process. (NAN)

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