By Abdullahi Yusuf
The 2025 Biennial Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE) has opened in Enugu on Friday, with about 400 hundred Editors drawn from various media organizations across the country participating.
With the theme:”Building A Secure And Cohesive Nigeria:The Role Of Dialogue, Inclusion And The Media,” the convention is holding at the International Conference Centre, Enugu.
During the 4-day event, a new leadership will be elected to pilot the affairs of the Guild for the next two years.
In his welcome address, the President of the Guild, Eze Anaba, whom had already been returned unopposed for a second term, thanked members of the Guild for electing him to lead the union in the last two years.
“My esteemed colleagues, I thank you for the trust and confidence you reposed in me by electing me to lead this Guild over the past two years.It has been a rare privilege and a responsibility I have carried with pride – one I will cherish for the rest of my life,” Anaba said.
Turning to the theme of the convention, the president said insecurity had “regrettably become a defining feature of our national discourse.The nature of these challenges may differ across the regions, but their severity is felt everywhere.”
“This reality compels us to ask hard questions.Could the media have done more to promote dialogue and inclusion – essential tools for conflict prevention?”
“Are we, perhaps, sometimes guilty of amplifying fear and sensationalism? Are we presenting all sides of the story fairly?
“Most importantly, how can we Journalists and Editors, contribute constructively to the peace building process?,” he further asked.
He said the conversation aims to “interrogate” these questions and more as esteemed stakeholders in security matters lead the discussions.
Meanwhile, preparations are in top gear for the conduct of election of new Executives of the Guild scheduled to hold much later in the day.
The positions being contested for include Deputy President, Vice President(North),Vice President(West), Vice President(East),General Secretary, Treasurer and members of Standing Committees.