The Deputy Vice Chancellor of Paul’s University, Awka, Anambra State, and Chairman of the 18th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference holding in Owerri, Imo State, Prof Stella Chinyere Okuna, has charged Editors in the country to be courageous in performing their tasks as gatekeepers and agenda setters in the country, especially as the nation moves closer to the 2023 general election.
Okuna, who made the assertion in her opening remarks to the Editors, averred that, as gatekeepers and agenda setters, editors were in better position to dictate and redirect public opinion to either favour or de-market any politician or candidate for election.
According to the chairman of the occasion, who is also a fellow of the Guild, she explained that Editors were very powerful and were the oxygen that gives breath to democracy in the country, stating that without the oxygen, democracy in Nigeria will die.
In his remarks as host governor and guest of honour, Senator Hope Uzodinma, reminded the editors of it critical role in shaping events and activities in the coming election, given the old age adage that “the pen is mighty than the sword”.
He stated that facts are sacred, therefore, editors must verify their facts before publishing.
The governor advised editors to avoid sensational and jaundiced journalism, which heat up the political space, create crisis in the society and criminalises the profession.
He promised to make the job of Journalists easier by creating an aesthetically appealing environment for journalists to practice.
Earlier in his speech, NGE President, Mustapha Isah, said that the 18th edition of ANEC was a landmark because it provided editors opportunity to interrogate the political process, and set agenda for political actors ahead of the 2023 elections.
Isah noted that a litany of incisive lectures would be delivered by experts and professionals to give editors insight into the complex dynamics of the elections, and better prepare them for the tasks ahead.
He further charged them to brace up for the challenges of providing the citizens with reliable information on the elections, while elightening them on the candidates’ prospective programmes and policies to eagle the electorate make informed ad wise decisions on Election Day.
The NGE president also noted that the Imo State Government was the first in the South-East go-political zone to host it’s ANEC, and commended the the Senator Hope Uzodinma-led administration for blazing the trail, and placing the South-East in the history book.
This year’s ANEC, which was declared open at Imo Concord Hotel, Owerri, has as it’s theme: “2023: Political Landscape, Credible Elections And The Role Of Editors”.
Several scholarly papers would be presented by subject-matter experts, including former Special Adviser (Media and Publifity) to the President, Dr Reuben Abati; former Information Minister and President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Chief Nnia Nwodo; Executive Director, International Press Institute, Dr Hussein Abdul; National Security Adviser to the President, Gen Babagana Monguno; Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Mahmood Yakubu, among others.
The conference will climax on Saturday with government projects’ tour and the induction of 35 new members, and 15 fellows, later during gala night/dinner.

By: Nelson Chukwudi