November 07, (THEWILL) – The Nigeria Guild of Editors held its annual conference at the DSP Alamieyeseigha Banquet Hall, Government House, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.
The conference attracted high-profile attendees including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who was represented by the Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris.
In his address, President Tinubu underscored the pivotal role of both government and media in fostering a functional democracy, emphasizing the need for their efforts to align with the public interest.
He remarked, “Our roles are most effective when they are not adversarial but cooperative, seeing each other as allies in nation-building.”
The conference theme, “Economic Growth and Development Strategies in a Resource-Rich Country,” set the tone for discussions on the media’s role in holding leaders accountable and promoting transparency.
Tinubu highlighted the importance of a media-government collaboration to advance shared national goals.
Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State, in his remarks, affirmed the historical relevance of the press, calling it democracy’s “fourth pillar” since the 17th century.
He stressed that the media’s role in educating and informing the public is integral to democratic governance, particularly in a country as diverse as Nigeria.
“Integrity is the cornerstone of your profession,” Diri noted, urging editors to build public trust as a foundation for democracy.
Diri also echoed Martin Luther King Jr., stating, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and encouraged the media to spotlight injustices across Nigeria, reaffirming its role as a watchdog.
Eze Anaba, President of the NGE, addressed the conference on the economic pressures facing media organizations.
Anaba expressed concern over limited resources, which he said posed a significant threat to journalism in Nigeria.
He urged media houses to adopt innovative strategies for financial survival while maintaining journalistic integrity.
“Sustainability is not just about economic survival; it’s about preserving the values and principles that make our profession a pillar of democracy,” Anaba asserted.
Former Ogun State Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba, also spoke, urging the editors to address a brewing crisis within the Nigeria Union of Journalists concerning leadership tenure disputes. Osoba called on the NGE to mediate and bring unity to the NUJ, emphasizing the importance of a strong, unified media front.
Editor-in-Chief of ThisDay Newspaper and Chairman of Arise Group, Nduka Obaigbena, delivered a keynote urging the Nigerian government to revive the country’s four refineries to counter oil monopolies.
“If you want to end monopolies, make sure our four refineries compete with the Dangote Refinery,” Obaigbena said.
He added that a functioning refinery sector could alleviate economic pressures and benefit citizens.
He further advised journalists to persevere through current hardships, expressing optimism for Nigeria’s future under Tinubu’s reforms but urged that vulnerable groups remain protected.
The conference underscored the vital role of the media in democracy, reaffirming its commitment to upholding accountability, transparency, and public trust amid Nigeria’s evolving economic landscape.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
