Vice President Kashim Shettima is expected to declare open the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Enugu on Thursday, September 24, 2026.
The two day conference, which is the flagship annual gathering of the Guild, will hold at The Dome, International Conference Centre, Opara Square Road, Enugu, from 2pm on Thursday and continue on Friday, September 25.
The conference is themed “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” with the sub theme, “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
According to a statement signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, Vice President Shettima is expected to address editors and other participants on democracy, elections, press freedom and national development.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, is also expected to address the conference, which is expected to attract more than 500 editors from across the country, alongside government officials, academics, civil society representatives and other stakeholders.
The conference will feature discussions on electoral justice, election petitions, media professionalism, election security, terrorism reporting, artificial intelligence and disinformation, as well as the wellbeing of journalists.
His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, is scheduled to chair the conference, while former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address.
Professor Auwal Yadudu of Bayero University, Kano, will speak on “Public Trust, Electoral Justice and Democratic Stability,” while immediate past President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, will address “Election Petitions in the Digital Age: Independence, Evidence, BVAS and the Courts.”
Other speakers include Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Paul University, Awka, Professor Chinyere Okunna, who will examine neutrality, professionalism and election security in democratic governance.
Veteran journalist Martins Oloja and journalist and columnist Owei Lakemfa are also scheduled to discuss reporting terrorism without becoming a tool for terrorists.
Professor Farooq A. Kperogi of Kennesaw State University, Georgia, United States, will focus on artificial intelligence and the detection and debunking of disinformation before, during and after elections.
Dr. Richard Okoye, Founder and Chief Medical Director of Save A Life Hospital, Port Harcourt, will address the human side of journalism, including stress, deadlines and personal wellbeing.
The second day will also feature an Executive Session at 12:30pm, during which editors are expected to engage governors, political party leaders and heads of government agencies and parastatals on issues of national importance.
The NGE said the conference would provide a platform for media leaders and other stakeholders to examine the role of journalism in strengthening democratic governance, promoting national development, safeguarding credible elections and rebuilding public trust.
The Guild added that the conference would also examine emerging challenges facing the media, particularly the impact of artificial intelligence-generated disinformation on public information and electoral processes.
The 2026 ANEC is supported by the Enugu State Government, UNESCO, Craneburg, NNPC, Zenith Bank, NCC and other partners.
By Enitan Mudashiru | MUK TV News
