- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has re-elected Eze Anaba, Editor of Vanguard newspaper, as its President.
Anaba who returned unopposed will be leading a new executive committee of the organisation for the next two years.
The election took place during the Guild’s Biennial National Convention held on Friday at the International Conference Centre, Enugu, with 400 editors in attendance.
Anaba will be deputised by Dr. Abu Mohammed of Nigerian Standard newspaper (Jos) who beat Mohammed Jubrin with 175 votes to emerge as the Deputy President.
Onuoha Ukeh, Managing Director of The Sun newspaper, was elected General Secretary after defeating Mr. Wole Sogunle of the News Agency of Nigeria and Dr. Qasim Akinreti of Voice of Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Dr. Kabir Alabi Garba of The Guardian (West) and Mr. Sheddy Ozoene of Peoples & Politics (East), both returned unopposed as Vice Presidents, while Mr. Hamza Idris, Acting Managing Editor of Daily Trust, was elected Vice President (North).
Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren of ThisDay was elected Treasurer, replacing Mr. Steve Nwosu of Nigerian Xpress, who completed two terms.
Mr. Gabriel Akinadewo of Freedom Online was returned unopposed as Assistant Secretary, while Mr. Charles Kalu of People 105.5 FM also retained his position as Social/Publicity Secretary unopposed.
Elected into the Standing Committee were Dr. Olabisi Deji-Folutile, Editor-in-Chief of FrankTalkNow (FTN), Rose Moses of Newsmart Online, and Juliet Bumah of New Telegraph to represent the West Zone.
For the North Zone, Umoru Ibrahim of Triumph and Paulyn Ugbodaga of New Ultra 360 Media & Allied Services were elected, while Chinedu Max Egere of Newscorneronline and Ikpong Essien-Udom of Newsfront emerged from the East Zone.
According to report, the convention featured a powerful keynote address delivered by Dr. John Momoh (OON, NPOM), Chairman of Channels Media Group, who chaired the convention and urged editors to use the media as a tool for healing, national dialogue, and inclusive development.
Speaking on the theme, “Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion and the Media,” Momoh said the media must go beyond mere reporting and actively shape public opinion, inspire trust, and promote national cohesion.
He described Enugu as the historical heart of Eastern Nigerian journalism, recalling its significance during the anti-colonial movement and the Biafran war, and paid tribute to journalism pioneers like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, M.C.K. Ajuluchukwu, Uche Chukwumerije, and the anonymous voices behind Radio Biafra.
Momoh emphasised that Nigeria’s current challenges—ranging from insecurity to ethnic division—require honest dialogue, empathetic storytelling, and true representation of all citizens.
“There can be no security without justice. No unity without fairness. And no progress without inclusion,” he stated.
Momoh said the role of the journalist must include creating platforms real conversations and ensuring marginalised voices are heard, including women, youths, ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities.
“Inclusion is not about ticking boxes; it’s about real representation,” Momoh said, urging editors to raise their standards, pursue truth over clicks, and mentor the next generation of journalists with courage and integrity.
He called on editors to see themselves not just as gatekeepers but as “builders of national conscience,” who must play a frontline role in healing and rebuilding Nigeria.
“Nigeria is a work in progress, but it is also a land of promise. If we come together, speak honestly, and commit to inclusion and justice — there’s no limit to what this nation can achieve,” he concluded.
The convention was attended by several prominent figures including Dr. John Momoh, Chief Segun Osoba, former Ogun State Governor; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, former Chairman of the NDDC; and Mr. Femi Adesina, former presidential spokesman.