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Tag: Nigerian Guild of Editors

  • NGE reaffirms commitment to press freedom on World News Day

    NGE reaffirms commitment to press freedom on World News Day

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has joined the international community in marking World News Day, stressing its commitment to fact-based journalism, editorial integrity, and the defense of press freedom.

    In a statement signed by its President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuohe Ukeh, the Guild hailed journalists in Nigeria and across the world who, despite numerous challenges, remain dedicated to bringing truth to the public.

    “As a body, we reaffirm our commitment to promoting high standards of editorial leadership and protecting press freedom. We salute journalists in Nigeria and worldwide who work tirelessly to bring us the truth,” the statement read.

    The Guild, however, expressed concern about the growing attempts to suppress press freedom and freedom of expression in the country, warning that such actions threaten Nigeria’s democracy.

    “We will always stand firm to defend the rights of journalists, promote high ethical standards in our noble profession, and resist any move, in whatever form, to harass and intimidate journalists or impede journalism,” it said.

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    The NGE urged journalists to resist fake news, misinformation, disinformation, and propaganda by upholding the canons of journalism, including accuracy, fairness, objectivity, and fact-based reporting.

    It also called on the government at all levels to stop using repressive laws, including the Cybercrime (Prohibition and Prevention) Act, to harass and intimidate journalists. The Guild further demanded compliance with the Freedom of Information Act, noting that timely access to public information aligns with the United Nations’ Universal Day for Access to Information.

    The editors encouraged Nigerians to embrace truth and support journalism, describing fact-based reporting as the “foundation of a healthy democracy” that enables citizens to make informed decisions.

    “We urge Nigerians to stand with journalists who face challenges in their pursuit of truth. Any success in gagging the media would put in jeopardy democracy and freedom of expression,” the statement added.

    The NGE concluded by wishing Nigerians and media professionals a happy World News Day, while reaffirming its mission to protect press freedom and promote quality journalism in the country.

  • Editors hold conference in Abuja November

    Editors hold conference in Abuja November

    • Tinubu to declare it open

    Issues that have social, economic and political consequences for the people will top discussions at the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) slated for November 3-6 in Abuja.

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare open the conference being held for the second time in 12 years, in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Eze Anaba and General Secretary Onuoha Ukeh, made this known in a statement yesterday.

    According to the statement the theme of the conference is   “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors.”

    The conference’s sub-theme will focus on “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027.”

    The statement said that the conference will examine the role of editors in promoting democratic governance and national cohesion.

    The Guild added that the conference will discuss “challenges and opportunities facing editors in promoting democratic values and national cohesion.”

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    On the background to the conference, the Guild said that President Tinubu, leaders of the opposition political parties in the country and major stakeholders have “consistently emphasized the importance of media support in the promotion of the bonds that unite Nigeria’s diverse populations, fostering a sense of unity, and collective purpose despite political, ethnic, religious, cultural differences.”

    About 500 media professionals from within and outside the country are expected at the conference.

    Expected at the opening ceremony are Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, ministers, governors, members of the diplomatic corps and the organised private sector.

    The conference will also feature a keynote address on the theme and other papers, such as: “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics”, and the “State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in Challenged Nation.”

    Other papers include: “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap”; “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities” and “Wealth Beyond the Newsroom: Investment Opportunities for Editors After Call of Duty.”

    “This year’s ANEC is designed to provide a platform for editors/media executives to explore ways to promote national development and cohesion through responsible and responsive journalism, highlighting the importance of unity, diversity, and inclusivity and to hold leaders accountable in this regard,” the statement said.

    The Guild annual conference is coming four months after its Biennial National Convention, in Enugu State, where new executives were elected.

  • NGE’s media workshop to holdin Owerri October 23

    NGE’s media workshop to holdin Owerri October 23

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), in collaboration with UNICEF and the Imo State government, is organising a two-day workshop to strengthen the media’s role in driving regional development.

    The workshop, with the theme: The Media as Partners in Regional Development, will hold in Owerri, the Imo State capital, between Wednesday, October 23 and Thursday, October 24.

    The organisers said the event underscores the media’s vital role in spotlighting the socio-economic, political and environmental challenges in the Southeast and Southsouth regions, according to a statement by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Iyobosa Uwugiaren.

    The statement said: “The 50 participants (expected) at the workshop are senior editors and media executives drawn from print, electronic, and online media, alongside the guild members employed by governments across the nine states of the Southeast and the Southsouth zones of Nigeria.

    “Faced with a complex set of socio-economic and environmental challenges, including high levels of poverty, infrastructural deficits, environmental degradation, and socio-political conflicts, we strongly believe that the media has the capacity to play a vital role in mitigating the socio-economic and environmental challenges by raising awareness – informing the public about pressing issues, amplifying marginalised voices, and providing information on social services, policies, and programme,” the editors said.

    Praising the Imo State government and the UNICEF for collaborating with the NGE in organising the workshop, the NGE noted that the media’s impact in socio-economic and environmental issues was huge.

    The professional body listed them as influencing public opinion and policy, mobilising community action, providing a platform for marginalised voices, facilitating dialogue and debate and holding power holders accountable.

    “The media can robustly engage the challenges through collaborative reporting, data-driven journalism, social media engagement, Investigative journalism and solutions-focused reporting.

    “By adopting these strategies, the media can effectively contribute to addressing the socio-economic and environmental challenges,” the editors said.

    The statement said the workshop would be chaired by a renowned mass communication scholar and Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul University in Awka, Anambra State, Prof. Stella Okunna, and feature presentations by experts and stakeholders.

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    “The workshop is expected to equip participants with enhanced skills in engaging and reporting on the socio-economic and environmental challenges in the region.

    “It will also empower them to create narratives that address the needs of vulnerable populations- particularly children- and collaborate with UNICEF and other stakeholders to spotlight child-focused issues that when addressed, can improve overall regional development outcomes,” the statement added.

    The editors said Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma will declare the workshop open, while Anaba and the Head of UNICEF Office in Nigeria, Ms. Cristian Munduate, are co-hosts of the event.

  • Editors’ conference gets support from Eno, corporate bodies, others

    Editors’ conference gets support from Eno, corporate bodies, others

    • NDIC, Customs, UBA, Access Bank, Dangote rally support for NGE’s confab

    Few days to its annual conference in Uyo,  The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has secured the support of Akwa Ibom State Governor Umo Eno, corporate bodies, leaders in the economy, among others, ahead of its annual conference in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

    Corporate bodies that have also expressed their support for the conference include the Nigeria Deposit insurance Corporation (NDIC), Nigeria Customs Service (NSC), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), and the Dangote Group.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by its President Eze Anaba and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the NGE said: “We are thrilled by the huge support we are receiving from the governor of the host state, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State, and many corporate organisations. It is an endorsement of the conceived aim and objective of the conference: to rally all the stakeholders in starting a robust conversation aimed at resolving the nation’s current economic challenges.

    “It is also a testament to the fact that the media has the capacity to mobilise all stakeholders in voicing diverse opinions on good governance reform, helping to build public consensus to bring about change in the society. And facilitate trade, conveying ideas and innovation across boundaries.”

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to declare the conference open.

    The editors’ conference, which will hold from November 14 to 18, will also witness the launch of the NGE Media Trust Fund and interrogate the state of nation’s economy and the missing gaps, with a theme: Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media.

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    The NGE said it has invited masters of economy and technocrats from global and local institutions to examine the state of Nigeria’s economy amidst concerns over monetary/fiscal policy, the missing gaps, and the role of the media executives/editors in resolving the challenges.

    “The conference will also examine the Nigerian media sustainability and the existential threat by the Big Tech, and what needs to be done to arrest it.

    “The goal of the conference is to remind editors and media executives that economic actors need accurate, credible, and timely information to allocate resources judiciously.

    “Masters of economy, tech experts and technocrats from both within and outside country have been invited to examine the burning issues – including the role of the editors in shaping the narrative and stemming the challenges,” the statement said. 

    The NGE said the conference would also focus on issues around the need for Nigeria to reduce the dependence on oil for exports and revenues, diversify its foreign exchange sources, close the infrastructure gap, build strong and effective institutions, as well as address governance issues and strengthen public financial management systems.

    The statement added that the gathering would give the participants the opportunity to discuss issues affecting journalism as a profession and proffer solutions to enhance its robust practice in the country.

  • NGE loses deputy president Tundun Wada

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE)  Deputy President Malam Umar Saidu Tudun Wada is dead.

    The ace broadcaster died yesterday in an auto crash on his way from Abuja to Kano.

    Mallam Tudun Wada was the immediate past Managing Director of Kano State Radio Corporation and was at one time a Principal Editor at the then CTV, now Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV).

    President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed sadness over death of Malam Tudunwada.

    In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant (SSA) on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, the President described the late Tudunwada as a gentleman and thoroughbred professional who lived up to the standard of professionalism.

    He said: “Journalism is service to humanity because it serves as a watchdog of society by holding leaders accountable for their actions. I am proud that the late Tudunwada played his role very well, with an unblemished career.

    “Let me use this opportunity to extend my sincere condolences to the Guild of Editors, the Kano State government and family of Tudun Wada. May Allah grant them the fortitude to bear the loss and reward the deceased with al-Jannah (Paradise).”

    Also, the NGE yesterday mourned Tundun Wada, who the guild fondly calls UST.

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    In a statement by its President Funke Egbemode and General Secretary Mary Atolagbe, the guild expressed its deep sense of loss and unquantifiable sadness over the death of Malam Umar Saidu Tudunwada.

    It said: “The depth of our sense of loss is as profound as it is shocking. UST – as we will always refer to him, was a trailblazer, an indefatigable and quintessential journalist/broadcaster.

    “His sudden death following a ghastly car accident on Sunday, June 30, near Kura town in Kura Local Government Area of Kano State, has left us all reeling and at a loss for words.

    “Yet, in all things, we must remember to continue to give gratitude to the Almighty God, who knows best!

    “Our heartfelt and most impassioned condolences go to members of his family, who must have to bear his painful exit.

    “We also extend our deepest sympathies to his friends, colleagues and staff in Kano State Radio Corporation, where UST was Managing Director.

    “His unopposed emergence as the Deputy President of the NGE at the last convention held in Lagos, on May 4, 2019, speaks volumes of the high regard, respect and affection he enjoyed as an invaluable contributor to matters of the guild!

    “UST: We will undoubtedly miss you. Adieu to a goodly human being! We take comfort in the faith that Allah loves you more and will reserve a place for you in Al-Jannatul Firdaus!!”

    A former Principal Editor at the then CTV, now Abubakar Rimi Television (ARTV), UST was also a broadcaster with the Voice of America and freelance correspondent for the Hausa and English services of Deutsche-Welle, as well as Editor of Concern Magazine.

    He served twice as Special Assistant (SA), Media and Publicity to former Governor Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, as well as Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Kano State Council.

  • How to save journalism

    Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Thursday, urged the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) to save journalism from total collapse by enforcing the rules and values of the profession in a goodwill message at the opening of the 14th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference (ANEC) in Asaba, the Delta State capital.

    According to him, most professions, particularly journalism, had been threatened by artificial technologies, adding that social media had virtually taken over the conventional media in terms of readership and followership.

    He noted that apart from the challenges of technology, the professionals remain a challenge to themselves, such that people had lost confidence because most information lacked objectivity and accuracy.

    Journalism is indeed challenged not only in Nigeria but globally as rightly noted by Osinbajo. While journalists used to pride themselves as gatekeepers of information, new media has made it possible for virtually anyone to be involved in information dissemination on various platforms.

    With the least regards for ethics of journalism and professional guidelines for information dissemination, by those Professor Abigail Ogwezzy Ndisikak of Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, calls information traffickers and even some supposed professional journalists, there has been a lot of concern about the future of journalism which was echoed by Osinbajo in Asaba.

    Instead of dismissing Osinbajo’s call as one of the doomsday prophesy about journalism, his advice should be taken seriously, not only by the NGE, but by all stakeholders in the media. The state of the profession is so alarming that we cannot continue to pretend that the situation is not as bad as Osinbajo and others have painted it.

    Not only is the integrity of journalists in the country at stake considering that some professionals are as guilty as the non-professionals engaged in information dissemination, but the future of the business is bleak.

    For too long, the traditional media in Nigeria lived in denial of the threat of the new media until they started playing catch-up to master the technology and become active on the platforms. Having gotten used to all manner of questionable information, it has become hard for the public to separate facts from fiction, partisan views and falsehood.

    In the quest of saving journalism in the country, the real challenge is for editors to lead by example by abiding and enforcing the ethics of the profession which has enough guidelines for journalists to earn necessary public trust.

    To earn and maintain this trust according to the Code of Ethics for Nigerian journalists, it is morally imperative for every journalist and every news medium to observe the highest professional and ethical standards by having a healthy regard for the public interest.

    Unfortunately, the Code is not available to many practising journalists in the country and there are no conscious efforts to enforce it. Every journalist should be given the Code at the point of resuming work and made to undertake to abide by it like in other professions.  Where there is no clearly stated law or ethics, violation cannot be established.

    There is a minimum requirement for anyone to claim to be a journalist in the country, but as it is, too many people with personal agenda are masquerading as one.

    The ball is mainly in the court of NGE and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) to save the profession.

  • Osinbajo urges editors to save journalism from bad eggs

    Nigeria’s Vice-President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo has charged the Nigerian Guild of Editors to make personal sacrifices to save the profession.

    He urged them to act fast to save the profession from bad eggs in the interest of the profession.

    Osinbajo spoke on Thursday in Asaba-the Delta State Capital, at the 14th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference.

    The event with theme:”Credible Elections, Sustainable Democracy and the Nigerian Media” drew media professionals from across the country.

    His words,”The duty of the leaders of the profession is to make the personal sacrifices that would save the profession. What is the point of the executive of the Bar Association or the Guild of Editors if we cannot call out the corrupt and the unethical practices,if we cannot surgically removed the bad eggs in the interest of the profession and in the interest of our earnings.when a threat is existential,the response needs to be radical”.

    According to him,a threat that is existential needs a radical response.

    He said although the advances in technology poses a grave threat to many professions including law, journalism,and accounting, stressing that journalism practitioners are more complicit.

    He said many professions have lost the trust of their respective public’s due to the actions of a few bad eggs.

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    He said the Guild of Editors is a society of gatekeepers to whom belong the “enormous task of defining the ethics,mores, and ethos of your profession, and the burden of setting the acceptable rules,the conventions and practices of the profession”.

    He said it is the duty of the leaders of the profession to ensure that rules are enforced and kept.

    Delta Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa in an address at the occasion said for democracy to flourish,the opposition must be allowed to exist and play its role without let or hindrance.

    He said the PDP played a key role in sustaining Nigeria’ s democracy,adding that it’s loss of the presidency in 2015 was a step taken to deepen democracy.

  • Dufil to hold 10th Indomie Heroes Award

    Dufil to hold 10th Indomie Heroes Award

    The 10th edition of the Indomie Independence Day Award (IIDA) for Heroes of Nigeria is scheduled to hold in the first week of October 2017 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.

    Speaking on the Award, Head of Marketing, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr. Manpreet Singh, 10 winners for the 2017 edition have emerged. “We are very excited to announce the emergence of the winners for the 10th edition of IIDA.  The winners have displayed extraordinary bravery in the different categories and will be rewarded accordingly”.

    He appreciated all the judges for taking out time from their busy schedules for the selection process. The winners emerged after a very thorough selection process carried out by credible Nigerians who constituted the panel of judges.

    The judges were, Mrs. Laja Adedoyin, the founder of Hearts of Gold Children Hospice, the first hospice in Nigeria that caters to children with physical disabilities; The Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, New Telegraph Newspaper and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mrs. Funke Egbemode.

    Others are, Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Managing Partner of Abiola Sanni & Co, Prof. Abiola Sanni; and Founder of Rise Networks, Social Entrepreneur and Human Development Expert, Mrs. Toyosi Akerele Ogunsiji. Ex-Ben TV, London, Director and social analyst, Mr. Gbola Oba; The National Director, SOS Children’s Villages Nigeria, Mr. Eghosa Erhumwunse, and MD/CEO, Rave TV & Trend FM, Mrs. Agatha Amata round up the panel.

    While receiving the list of selected winners from the judges, the Group Public Relations and Event Manager, Dufil Prima Foods Plc, Mr Tope Ashiwaju appreciated the judges for their commitment to the thorough scrutiny of all the top 24 stories pencilled down by the selection committee. Ashiwaju also thanked their partnering agency BD Consult for a seamless and hitch-free coordination.

    The statement revealed that the selection of the ten winners for the 2017 edition is to celebrate a decade of existence of the initiative. IIDA awards which has been running for 9 years, extols the exemplary accomplishments of children who have shown courage and determination in situations that ordinarily would bring fear.

    So far, the awards have impacted positively on the lives of 27 children who have demonstrated remarkable acts of bravery and courage. With the scholarship awards granted to the winners, they have been able to overcome certain constraints which may have adversely affected their educational pursuits and life goals.

    IIDA is the flagship Corporate Social Responsibility initiative of Dufil Prima Foods Plc, makers of Indomie Instant Noodles.

  • TASUED set to host Campus Editors’ Summit ’17

    TASUED set to host Campus Editors’ Summit ’17

    The National Association of Nigerian Campus Editors (NANCE), a body saddled with regulating the activities of campus journalists in Nigeria, is set to host her second Campus Editors Summit at Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

    The Campus Editors Summit is a yearly convention which creates an avenue for all campus journalists and their numerous editors across Nigeria to unite under one umbrella body chaired by NANCE, whilst also sharing experiences and learning from one another.

    This year’s theme tagged “Future of Journalists” is to be hosted by the Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), in Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State for a two day period lasting from the 27th to the 28th of January, 2017.

    In a statement signed and released by the NANCE President, Lukmon Fasasi, the body has promised to ensure that the event lives up to expectation as various key media personalities have been confirmed for the event.

    The statement reads in part: “It is with great joy that the executive council of the National Association of Nigerian Campus Editors wishes to inform all Campus Editors cum Journalists, of this year’s Campus Editors Summit, scheduled to take place at Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.”

    This year’s Campus Editors Summit is themed: “Future of Journalists” and it would run for two days. The first day would involve the arrival of guests and a pre-summit while the next day will consist of the summit proper.

    A keynote address will be delivered by Mrs Funke Egbemode, The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors as well as other highly distinguished media professionals, while the summit will consist of two-panel sessions.

    Key media personalities have also been confirmed to grace the programme.  Those media personalities include; Fisayo Soyombo, Winner of the International World Free Press Prize and Editor of The Cable; Wale Ajetumobi, Editor of the Campus Life section of the Nation’s newspaper; Wuraola Popoola, Content Editor at Naij.com; Hannah Ojo, award winning journalist for the Nation’s newspaper and Dayo Aiyetan, Director for International centre for investigative reporting and a host lot of others.

    The president emphasised the bonding process amongst the participants as the most important aspect of the summit where all campus journalists from across Nigeria will be given a chance to relate amicably with one other at the pre-summit and has therefore enjoined all campus journalists and editors to be present at the mouth-watering event.

  • Bayelsa renews commitment to development

    Bayelsa renews commitment to development

    The Bayelsa Government on Saturday renewed its commitment to develop all parts of the state despite dwindling resources from the federation account.

    Mr Lawrence Erujakpor, the state Commissioner for Works,said this while conducting members of Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) on a tour of projects in the state as part of activities marking the 2015 All Editors Conference in Yenagoa.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the monthly revenue of the state has nosedived from N18 billion in 2012 to N9 billion by July 2015.

    Erujakpor regretted that the revenue drop had adversely affected the pace of construction activities, but added that the government was judiciously deploying the available resources to ensure value for money.

    He explained that the drop in revenue had compelled the government to shift the deadlines for most of the ongoing projects adding that the rainy season had also caused some delays.

    Erujakpor told the NGE members that the state government was implementing a deliberate policy of spreading development projects to all parts of the state to ensure even development.

    Some of the projects sites visited include 3 star hotel projects , the N3.8 bn governor’s office project, the golf course , multi-door court house, Music school and language school.

    Others are the medical diagnostic complex, drug distribution mart , the cargo airport, Ogobiri bridge and Ogbia-Nembe road, among others.

    The editors also visited the abandoned Oloibiri Oil Well 1 in Ogbia local government area.of the state where oil was first struck by Shell Petroleum Development Company in 1956 in commercial quantity.