BY HENRIETTA OYAKHILOME
The President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba has decried the increasing and incessant cases of insecurity in the country.
Delivering his welcome address at the opening of the 2025 Biennial National Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors in Enugu, Mr. Anaba noted that insecurity has regrettably become a defining feature of our national discourse.
He stated that the nature of these challenges may differ across the regions, but their severity is felt everywhere, adding that while insurgency persists in the North East and parts of the North West, the Middle Belt continues to reel from inter-ethnic strife, “often resulting in needless bloodshed and mass displacement.”
“The 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?” he queried.
Mr. Anaba stated that how journalists and Editors can contribute constructively to the peace-building process is very important, adding, “This convention aims to interrogate these questions and more. It is a time for introspection – a chance to reaffirm the media’s role not just as chroniclers of crisis, but as builders of bridges and agents of unity.”
According to him, the media, should not be satisfied with simply reporting tragedy, but rise to the responsibility of fostering understanding and national cohesion.
The Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, who declared the convention open, stated that this convention comes at a pivotal moment; just weeks after Nigeria marked 26 years of uninterrupted democratic growth, adding, “This is no small feat. And in that journey, you, the Nigerian press have been a vital companion. You have been the lamp lighting our path.”
Governor Mbah also stated; “Let us return to a shared recognition that we as co-authors of nigeria’s future democratic governance cannot succeed without the participation and interrogation of an informed public and that voting relies on a press that is fair and fearless. Let us replace distance with dialogue let us see intelligent critique a public service instead of hostility let us meet those in common cause to build a society where progress is protected, justice is pursued and every citizen feels seen and heard,” adding, “I sincerely hope for this convention to be truly more than a meeting of professionalised citizens; let it be an affirmation of a relationship and that everyone is not only ready to be seen…we’re ready to be held to the light.”
The Director, Technical Standards and Network Integrity, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Engr. Edoyemi Ogoh, emphasised on the role of dialogue, inclusion, and the media, adding that the theme for the convention, “Building A Secure And Cohesive Nigeria The Role Of Dialogue Inclusion And The Media”, is very apt, because the telephone space, like we all know today, is very critical in our lives and everything we actually do.
“I think there’s no one here that will probably forget your device at home when you leave your house. I’m sure that they will feel like you’ve left something very important at home. And that’s because of the rule.”
He noted that telecommunications happen to be one of the critical national information infrastructures that were declared to have special protection rights due to the criticality of that infrastructure to the social economic well-being of Nigerians.
“As part of that declaration, we are meant to ensure that no negative occurrences actually occur. And we collaborate with different agencies and different stakeholders in assuring the security of those infrastructures.
The Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Ajayi raised questions about how to build a secure and cohesive Nigeria. He laid emphasis on three key areas which he said borders on the danger of the one-sided story, the glorification of criminality, the need to change the narratives.
According to him, no country can survive without citizens and security down to the streets and drew attention to the need to assist security agencies and personnel. Other prominent persons who spoke at the event include former Governor of Ogun State and Fellow of the Guild, Chief Segun Osoba, a former President of the Guild, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu and over 300 members drawn from various media organisations across the country in attendance.
