Echoes Of Enugu 2025 NGE Elective Convention
By Abdullahi Yusuf
On Wednesday,June 26,2025, about 400 Editors from media organizations across the country under the aegis of the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE) converged on Enugu, Enugu State capital, for the 2025 Biennial Convention to elect new officials to run the affairs of the Guild for the next two years.
The Editors arrived the Coal City amidst intense campaigns and consultations among dozens of candidates and their supporters ahead of balloting which took place the next day,Thursday.
The elective convention with the theme:”Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion, and the Media,” which took place at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, was declared open by Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, amid thunderous ovations from Editors and invited guests.
Mbah, while opening the convention, canvassed for greater trust and cooperation between governments at all levels and the media to drive democracy and development, describing the two parties as “co-authors of the nation’s future.”
He also advocated for more synergy between governments and the media to build a society “where progress is protected, justice is pursued, and every citizen feels seen and heard.”
“We know that the relationship of trust has sometimes frayed between the press and governments. Too often, our engagements are shaped by suspicion or cynicism.
“Let us change that. Let us return to a shared recognition that we are co-authors of Nigeria’s future. Democratic governance cannot succeed without the participation, and interrogation of an informed public. And the public relies on a press that is fair and fearless.
“Let us replace the distance with dialogue. Let us see intelligent critique as public service instead of hostility,” he said.
The Governor then charged the Guild to ensure that journalism remains a space where truth is not compromised for sensation or political ends where rigorous reporting triumphs.
“We need a media that is inclusive, that gives voice to the margins, that reflects the diversity of Nigerian people – not one that dilutes or silences dissent, a press that excludes and weakens democracy itself.
“And secondly, we believe accountability strengthens governance. That is why here in Enugu, we welcome scrutiny. We have opened our books, our processes, and our policies to public examination,” he further said.
Mbah equally cited inclusion and innovation as pillars of a more just, progressive and prosperous society, hence his administration’s adoption distribution of democracy dividends such as the 260 Smart Green Schools, 260 Type 2 Primary Healthcare Centres, 260 Farm Estates,on the basis of the 260 wards in the state to ensure that no part or segment of the state was left behind.
“Enugu is not just building roads, schools, and hospitals. We are restoring public trust. We are expanding the civic space and fostering robust dialogue, because we know governance without inclusion is fragile, and democracy without scrutiny is hollow.
“Since assuming office, inclusion has underpinned our policies. Enugu’s transformation is not confined to our urban centres. Every one of our 260 political wards is home to projects that reflect our core belief: no community is too remote, no citizen too marginal, to deserve dignity and opportunity.
“Our vision is bold: a $30 billion economy driven by enterprise and accountable leadership,” he said.
In his remarks at the event,media mogul, Mr. John Momoh, urged the Federal Government to take proactive steps to include the South-East in the affairs of the country.
Momoh,who is the Chairman of Channels Television,stressed that the South East, especially Enugu, still bears the scars of historical exclusion, particularly the lingering effects of the Biafran experience, adding that the state must be brought into inclusion as a form of national healing.
“We must bring them to inclusion as a form of national healing,”he further requested.
Momoh also underscored the importance of justice in achieving security and national cohesion.
“As media professionals, we shape opinions, and that power comes with responsibility. Let us not only report conflict, but be bridge builders of national conscience,” he said.
Veteran journalist and former Governor of Ogun State, Aremu Segun Osoba,in his address,commended Nigerian editors for their professionalism in reporting issues and events in the country.
Osoba, then advocated for neighborhood and state policing as part of a broader strategy to decentralize and strengthen Nigeria’s security system.
He recalled that in the past,even minor incidents of insecurity were unacceptable among citizens, regardless of the presence of security agents.
Earlier 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?,” the President further asked.
He said the convention aimed to “interrogate” these questions and more, as esteemed stakeholders in security matters led the discussions.
The election of new leadership for the Guild came immediately after the opening session.The process saw the emergence of new officials mandated to lead the union for the next two years.
During the tension-soaked election,Mr Eze Anaba, who is the Editor-In-Chief of Vanguard Newspaper, was returned unopposed for a second term.
Also elected was the Managing Director of The Sun newspaper, Onuoha Ukoh, who got the post of General Secretary, polling 218 votes to defeat Wole Sogunle of the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN),and Qasim Akinreti, who got 45 and 30 votes respectively.
The post of Deputy President went to Sabastine Abu who polled 175 votes to defeat Mohammed Sunusi Jubrin of AMMASCO Radio,Kano,who got 110 votes.
Others elected at the colourful event included Kabir Alabi,Hamza Idris and Sheddy Ozoene, whom got the posts of Vice Presidents.
For the post of Treasurer, Mr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren formerly the General Secretary of the Guild,was elected, while Gabriel Fulajimi Akinadewo Got the post of Assistant Secretary, and Charles Kalu was returned as Publicity Secretary.
Members elected into the Standing Committee from the various zones in the country were:Umoru Ibrahim, also known as DPO in media circles, Rose Moses, Ejiro Umukoro, Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Juliet Bumah, Paulyn Ugbodaga, Chinedu Max Egere and Ikpong Essien-Udoh.
As part of the convention, the Editors were led on a tour of projects executed by the Peter Mbah administration, including roads, schools and hospitals.
Notable among the projects was a security facility known as the Command and Control Centre located right inside the Government House, Enugu.
The centre is linked to cameras mounted on masts across Enugu city and the neighbouring local governments which catch movements of people and vehicles with the aim of spotting any security breaches and dealing with them decisively.
During the guided projects tour, some Editors were treated for fatigue and exhaustion, especially at the Coal City Garden Estate Primary Healthcare Clinic, Enugu, after which they recuperated ahead of the upcoming Gala Night.
The convention formally came to a conclusive end with the Gala Night hosted by Governor Peter Mbah at the Government House, Enugu, during which the Editors were treated to a sumptuous dinner and cultural performances eliciting deafening ovations from the guests.
By now, the Editors would have returned to their respective bases and reunited with their families, remembering the hospitality of the Enugu State Government.