The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has announced its biennial national convention, which holds in Enugu from 26 to 29. The event is themed, ‘’Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion and the Media”.
Officers who will lead the NGE for two years will also be elected.
In a statement by its President, Mr Eze Anaba; and General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the NGE said that the convention will bring together over 400 editors, including prominent figures such as the Publisher of Vanguard newspapers, Prince Sam Amuka-Pemu; former presidential spokesman; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Chairman/Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay/Arise News, Prince Nduka Obaigbena; and Chairman of Channels Television, Dr. John Momoh.
The convention will be declared open by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris Malagi.
Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah will serve as the Chief Host, while Momoh will chair the convention. Amuka-Pemu, Chief Olusegun Osoba, and Ugochukwu have been assigned roles as Fathers of the Day.
The Director-General of the State Security Services, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi will deliver the keynote address titled, ‘’Nation’s Security Future: Harnessing Diversity for Peace/Stability and the Media’s Role”.’
The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, will also be at the national convention as Special Guest.
On the importance of the theme, the NGE ememphasised at a nation’s security and stability can be enhanced by leveraging its diversity, and that the media plays a crucial role in promoting this goal.
The NGE noted that diversity is a source of strength, creativity, and innovation, and that inclusive governance ensures that all segments of society are represented and included in decision-making processes.
The Guild highlighted the media’s social responsibility in promoting diversity, tolerance, and understanding, while also highlighting the importance of national security and stability.
‘The media can achieve this by highlighting diverse perspectives and experiences, combating hate speech, misinformation, and stereotypes, and fostering dialogue and understanding among different groups’, the statement added.
