Anaba Re-Elected NGE President as Media-Govt Synergy Tops Agenda at Editors’ Convention in Enugu

In a reaffirmation of leadership and continuity, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has re-elected Mr. Eze Anaba as its President for another two-year term. The decision was made at the 2025 Biennial National Convention of the Guild, which held in Enugu on Friday, and brought together the nation’s editorial elite, public officials, and thought leaders under the banner of dialogue, inclusion, and national cohesion.Other officials elected into key positions include Sabastine Abu as Deputy President; Alabi Kabir (Vice President, West); Sheddy Ozonne (Vice President, East); and Hamza Idris (Vice President, North), all of whom emerged unopposed. Onuoha Ukeh was elected Secretary, with Gabriel Akinadewo (Assistant Secretary), Iyobosa Uwugiaren (Treasurer), and Charles Kalu (Publicity Secretary) completing the newly constituted Executive Council. Standing Committee members were also confirmed across the zones.Mbah Pushes for Strategic Media-Government AlignmentIn a powerful keynote address, Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State made a compelling case for renewed trust and strategic collaboration between government and the media, describing both institutions as “co-authors of Nigeria’s future.”Speaking on the theme, “Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion, and the Media”, Mbah challenged the media to become partners in nation-building—not adversaries.“Too often, our engagements are shaped by suspicion or cynicism. Let us change that and return to a shared recognition that we are co-authors of Nigeria’s future,” he said.“Let us replace the distance with dialogue, see intelligent critique as public service instead of hostility.”Mbah further underscored his administration’s strides in infrastructure renewal, digital governance, and urban transformation, noting that Enugu State is positioning itself as a modern hub of economic activity and social stability.Editors Urged to Be Bridge Builders, Not Just StorytellersChairman of the convention, Mr. John Momoh—Founder and Chairman of Channels Television—reminded the editorial community of its dual role: agenda-setting and nation-shaping.“Editors do not just report the news—they influence national mood and shape public opinion,” he said, urging a shift toward solution-driven journalism.“Don’t just report the conflicts. Spotlight the solutions, promote understanding, and become bridge-builders.”He emphasized the imperative of inclusive journalism:“Too many people still feel invisible, too many voices go unheard. We, in the media, must reflect the full picture of Nigeria—not just in narrow snapshots.”Voices of Experience Echo Through the ConventionElder statesman and former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, commended Governor Mbah’s developmental vision—particularly in infrastructure, digitalisation of security, and education. However, he made a strong case for decentralized policing. “We cannot govern security from Abuja alone. We must empower neighborhood and state policing,” he said.Former NGE President, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, praised the Guild for sustaining the tradition of its biennial convention for an unbroken 35 years—despite the nation’s shifting political tides.Eze Anaba Calls for Media-Led Peace ArchitectureIn his acceptance speech, re-elected NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, delivered a sobering reflection on Nigeria’s security landscape and the role of the media in influencing it.“Insecurity has become a defining feature of our national discourse—whether in the insurgency in the North-East, the banditry in the North-West, or the ethnic strife in the Middle Belt.”Anaba raised a poignant question:“Could the media have done more to promote dialogue and inclusion as tools of conflict prevention? Are we sometimes guilty of amplifying fear and sensationalism?”He emphasized the need for self-scrutiny among editors and reporters, challenging them to play a constructive role in building a peaceful, inclusive, and united Nigeria.“We must see ourselves not only as chroniclers of crisis but as agents of unity, bridge builders, and stewards of public trust,” Anaba asserted.He concluded with appreciation for Governor Mbah and the people of Enugu State for hosting the convention and for setting a strong example in governance transformation.—Analysis: Why This MattersIn an era marked by rising public distrust, political polarization, and digital misinformation, the renewed call for a symbiotic relationship between the media and the state is both timely and strategic. As Nigeria wrestles with complex security, economic, and social challenges, the role of editors in shaping narratives, enabling dialogue, and fostering social cohesion cannot be overstated.What happens in editorial boardrooms today may very well determine how the nation navigates tomorrow’s uncertainties.