- Sanwo-Olu, Oyebanji, Obi, others greet Vanguard Editor on election as NGE president
Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his Ekiti State counterpart, Biodun Oyebanji, have congratulated the Editor of Vanguard newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba, on his election as the new Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE) President.
They urged him to wage war against unethical journalism practices among practitioners and the prevalence of fake news.
In a statement yesterday, Sanwo-Olu urged Anaba to wage war against fake news, which he said threatens the social fabric of the society.
The governor described the election of Anaba as a testament to the trust and belief his colleagues have in him.
“The election of Anaba as NGE president is deserving, considering his experience, commitment, and long years of service in the media industry and NGE in particular.
“He is a seasoned journalist and media manager with a proven track record of excellence in journalism. I believe his election will contribute positively to the media industry.
“I want to urge him and other executive members of the NGE to bring their wealth of experience to bear in strengthening the media industry, particularly the journalism profession.
“They should work with other stakeholders to wage war against fake news, which is threatening the social fabric of our society today.
“I also want to appeal to the new NGE executives to see their new leadership positions as a crucial assignment for the press to be more circumspect and developmental in its role as the watchdog of society,” he said.
Also, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, Governor Oyebanji said Anaba’s election has offered him an opportunity to build on the achievements of his predecessors who worked hard to take the guild to great heights.
He also congratulated the guild for conducting a rancour-free election.
Describing Anaba as a thoroughbred professional with extensive experience and contact, Oyebanji urged the new NGE president to deploy his wealth of experience in strengthening the guild and taking it to greater heights.
Oyebanji also congratulated other NGE executive members elected at the convention, stressing that their election has placed them in good stead to make history for themselves and contribute to the growth of the media industry as one of the pillars of democracy in Nigeria.
The governor urged the new NGE leadership to collaborate with other media bodies to ensure adherence to the code of ethics of the media profession.
Oyebanji also enjoined the new NGE boss and his team to use the guild to continue to serve as a rallying point for editorial leaders in the media profession to chart a stronger path to the growth of the industry especially in the area of better welfare for journalists, training and survival of media organisations in the country.
Also, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 election, Mr. Peter Obi, has congratulated Anaba and other successful contestants in the NGE poll.
In a statement yesterday in Lagos, Obi said the transparency of the processes leading to the new NGE officials aligned with his dream of a Nigeria where the electorate are allowed to vote for candidates of their choice and their votes would count.
“By the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections, the NGE has shown that a new Nigeria, free from manipulations and vote rigging, is possible.
“The keenness of the competition among the contestants and ability to stick to the issues while campaigning is a lesson to politicians and all Nigerians seeking elective offices.
“Every Nigerian of good conscience should be proud of the marks of true statesmanship demonstrated by the entire members of the NGE in the election.
“I congratulate the elected officials and others who contested with them for the nobility of their efforts. The victory in the election is a victory for all NGE members and victory for democracy.”