ADDRESS BY MR. EZE ANABA, PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS (NGE)
ADDRESS BY MR. EZE ANABA, PRESIDENT, NIGERIAN GUILD OF EDITORS (NGE),
AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE 21ST ALL NIGERIAN EDITORS CONFERENCE (ANEC)
HELD IN ABUJA, NOVEMBER 11–14, 2025, DECLARED OPEN BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR
Protocol
Your Excellency, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,
Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR;
Your Excellencies, the Governors of various States here present;
Your Excellencies, former Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria;
Distinguished Members of the National Assembly;
Honourable Members of the Federal Executive Council;
Our Royal Fathers;
The Chairman of this Occasion;
Past Presidents and Fellows of the Nigerian Guild of Editors;
Distinguished Editors and Senior Media Executives;
Our Esteemed Partners and Sponsors;
Ladies and Gentlemen.
Introduction
It is with profound honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I welcome you all to the 21st Annual All Nigerian Editors Conference — the largest annual gathering of editors, media leaders, and thought influencers in our nation.
For more than two decades, this conference has served as a platform for national reflection, dialogue, and professional renewal within the Nigerian media landscape.
We are particularly delighted that His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, graciously accepted to declare this conference open.
Mr. President, your presence underscores your administration’s recognition of the strategic importance of the media in nation-building and in deepening democratic governance.
On behalf of the entire Guild, I say a heartfelt thank you.
Indeed, this gathering reflects our collective resolve to ensure that the media remains a cornerstone of Nigeria’s democracy.
Historical Reflection and Appreciation:
As we gather once again under the banner of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, it is fitting that we pay tribute to those whose foresight birthed this noble initiative.
Permit me to make special mention of Malam Baba Dantiye, MON, mni, FNGE, who, as President of the Guild in 2004, initiated the first All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) at Ada, Osun State.
What began as a modest idea in 2004 has now grown into a national institution — a vital forum where editors from across the country converge to exchange ideas, examine issues of governance, and contribute to shaping the direction of our great nation.
I wish to acknowledge, with deep gratitude, all past Presidents of our Guild who have sustained this tradition of annual reflection and engagement.
I would also like to give special recognition to our leaders who have dedicated their lives to the growth and development of the media in Nigeria and beyond — Uncle Sam Amuka, Aremo Segun Osoba, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, and Dr. John Momoh, to mention just a few.
Their vision continues to inspire us all.
Theme: Democratic Governance and National Cohesion — The Role of Editors:
The theme of this year’s conference, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” could not have been more timely.
Our democracy, though resilient, continues to be tested — by insecurity, economic hardship, misinformation, and declining public trust in institutions and government officials’ intolerance, sometimes, to freedom of the press.
In such times, the role of editors becomes even more critical.
As custodians of information and interpreters of events, editors shape public opinion and set the tone of national conversation.
Our decisions — what we publish, how we frame stories, and the voices we amplify — have far-reaching implications for democracy and unity.
Democratic governance flourishes only when citizens are well-informed and when the media acts as a credible, independent watchdog.
Editors must therefore defend the sanctity of truth, insist on transparency, and hold power to account — not as adversaries of government, but as constructive partners in the pursuit of national progress.
Similarly, national cohesion requires that we rise above divisions and use our platforms to promote understanding, tolerance, and shared values.
The pen must never become an instrument of division or hate, but a tool for healing and bridge-building.
Our editorial judgment must always reflect balance, fairness, and patriotism.
The Media as the Fourth Estate:
The media is constitutionally recognized as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.
Chapter 2, Section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution empowers the media to uphold the fundamental objectives of state principles and hold government accountable to the people.
The media is also a veritable development partner.
But for it to effectively perform these roles, it must survive as a business.
Without economic sustainability, our constitutional and social responsibilities become ineffectual.
Therefore, we seek legislative and executive assistance to help balance our business viability with our public duty.
Policy Recommendations for Media Sustainability:
1. Corporate Tax Relief
Temporary tax relief (for 5–10 years) will enable media houses to stabilize, meet operating costs, and sustain their watchdog role.
2. VAT Exemption on Media Inputs
In recognition of its social responsibility, the media should be exempt from VAT on essential tools and equipment — a practice already in place in countries like Canada, India, and South Africa.
3. Tax Deductions for Media Advertisers
Incentivize large corporations to advertise in verified Nigerian media outlets through tax credits.
This will redirect revenue to local journalism, strengthening investigative reporting and reducing reliance on foreign grants.
4. Access to Affordable Financing
We call for the establishment of a low-interest loan scheme through the Bank of Industry or the Development Bank of Nigeria, to help media organizations upgrade equipment, expand reach, and create jobs.
5. Digital Transition & Innovation Grants
A Media Development Fund should be established to support the digital transformation of Nigerian media — promoting corpirate online platforms, data journalism, and multimedia storytelling.
To avoid political interference, such a fund should be managed by an independent board.
Legal and Regulatory Protection:
For effective performance of our constitutional duties, we call for the repeal of laws that inhibit press freedom. We had already undertaken an exercise to identify these laws and we had also presented a proposal to the Minister of Information and National Orientation, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Constitution Review Committee of the House of Representatives in this regard.
We also seek state-sanctioned protection of journalists carrying out legitimate work from arbitrary arrests or misuse of cybercrime laws.
Towards this end, we propose the establishment of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter — endorsed by the Presidency, approved by the Legislature, and upheld by the Judiciary and the NGE.
Furthermore, development of Nigeria’s rural communities is key to our national growth.
We must bring the underserved rural areas and conflict zones into our daily news narrative — to balance our currently urban-centred reporting.
Appeal to the President:
Mr. President, as a committed advocate of the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the NGE respectfully requests that your administration recognize journalism as a public good deserving of targeted fiscal incentives, legal protection, and developmental support — not for patronage, but to strengthen the foundations of our democracy.
Partnership and Collaboration:
Building a cohesive, democratic Nigeria is a shared responsibility.
It requires constructive engagement among the media, government, civil society, and the private sector.
Your Excellency, we appeal to your administration — and indeed to all tiers of government — to see the media as partners in progress, not adversaries.
A free, responsible, and vibrant press remains the lifeblood of democracy.
When the press thrives, democracy breathes.
When it is stifled, democracy suffocates.
When journalists are respected, protected, and granted access to information, governance becomes more transparent and citizens better informed.
The Guild also acknowledges our partners and sponsors who continue to support our work.
Your collaboration sustains this conference and strengthens our shared mission of national development.
The Responsibility Before Us:
This year’s conference offers us a timely opportunity to reflect on and interrogate the role of the media in shaping a stable, just, and united Nigeria.
We must ask ourselves:
• How can editors contribute to credible elections, national dialogue, peace-building, and inclusive governance?
• How can we adapt to new technologies and evolving newsroom realities without compromising ethical standards?
These are the questions that must guide our deliberations in the days ahead.
The Nigerian Guild of Editors remains steadfast in its commitment to ethical journalism, continuous professional development, and the defence of press freedom.
Through training, advocacy, and collaboration, we will continue to empower editors to excel as thought leaders and defenders of democracy.
Conclusion:
As we open the 21st Annual All Nigeria Editors Conference here in Abuja, let us recommit ourselves to the ideals of accuracy, fairness, and patriotism.
Let our deliberations over the coming days generate practical ideas — ideas that guide policy, rebuild public trust, and fortify our democracy.
Together, let us continue to wield the power of words — responsibly, truthfully, and in service of our great nation.
On behalf of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, I thank all our delegates, panelists, and invited guests.
May our discussions be enriching, our friendships stronger, and our country greater.
Thank you, and God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
