The Nigerian Guild of Editors will hold its 2026 All Nigeria Editors Conference at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, on September 24 and 25, bringing together more than 500 editors and other stakeholders to deliberate on critical national and global issues.
The conference, the Guild’s flagship annual gathering, will be held ahead of the 2027 general elections with the theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” and the sub-theme, “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
In a statement signed by the President and General Secretary of the Guild, Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, respectively, the Guild said the conference would provide a platform for media leaders and other stakeholders to examine the challenges confronting democracy and the role of the media in promoting credible elections, public trust and democratic values.
The statement said the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will chair the conference, while former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address at the opening ceremony on September 24.
Other speakers on the first day include Professor Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, who will speak on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability,” and Enugu State Governor, Dr Peter Mbah. Ombudsman and Public Protector of ThisDay Newspapers, Kayode Komolafe, and veteran journalist and civil rights campaigner, Owei Lakemfa, will also make a joint presentation titled “Reporting Terrorism Without Becoming a Tool for Terrorists.”
On the second day, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, will speak on “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts,” while Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Professor Chinyere Okunna, will address “Neutrality, Professionalism and Election Security in Democratic Governance.”
Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, Dr Richard Okoye, will speak on “The Human Side of Journalism: Managing Stress, Deadlines and Personal Wellbeing,” while Professor of Journalism and Emerging Media at Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, Professor Farooq A. Kperogi, will examine the conference sub-theme on AI-driven disinformation.
The Guild said the second day would also feature an Executive Session, during which editors will engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government parastatals on issues of national importance.
According to the Guild, the conference is expected to strengthen responsible and responsive journalism, promote national development, and examine pathways for advancing democratic governance and nation-building.