Vice President Shettima Opens 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu

The 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), was officially opened today by Vice President Kashim Shettima in Enugu. This flagship annual gathering, taking place at The Dome, International Conference Centre, will run for two days, with more than 500 editors, government officials, academics, and civil society representatives expected to participate.

The conference theme, "The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive," aims to address vital issues surrounding the media's role in upholding democratic values, particularly in the context of the upcoming elections. A notable sub-theme, "When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election," highlights the pressing challenge of misinformation fueled by artificial intelligence.

In his address, Vice President Shettima is anticipated to discuss the importance of press freedom, the integrity of elections, and the broader implications for national development. Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, is also scheduled to speak, contributing to the discourse on media ethics and responsibility.

“Our role as editors is pivotal in shaping public opinion and ensuring that democracy thrives,” stated Eze Anaba, President of the NGE, emphasizing the conference's significance.

His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, will chair the conference, which promises to deliver critical insights and strategies for media professionals navigating an increasingly complex information landscape.