President Bola Tinubu yesterday declared open the 19th All Nigeria Editors Conference holding in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
The President, who was represented by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Muhammed Malagi, charged Editors to engage in positive publicity of the country to attract foreign investment.
Tinubu congratulated the Nigeria Guild of Editors for choosing a relevant theme, Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media”, for the conference.
“I have signed five executive orders so far to stimulate the economy for growth and foreign investment”, Tinubu added.
On his part, the Minister pledged to restore the trust and confidence of the public in information managers and promised to say only what is factual.
Publisher of Vanguard Newspaper speaking at the event while former Ogun State governor, Segun Osoba, and a seasoned journalist Ray Ekpu, seated, look on.
The Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, cautioned Editors to be careful when trying to break the news so as not to ‘break the fabric of the society.’
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Governor Eno stated that Ibom Air has started its flight to Ghana and other west coast countries.
“Soon, we shall take a delivery of a brand new Aircraft to boost our fleet” Akwa Ibom Governor added.
“We came to the office fully prepared and the state government had started building model schools equipped with accommodation for teachers to enhance learning and education.
Governor Eno urged Editors to find time to attend the State’s Cultural Festival from 1st December to January 2024.
Earlier, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Eze Anaba, urged NGE members to do more to promote citizens’ access to information.
He said that access to information would enhance participatory democracy and encourage good governance.
“Without access to information, this form of governance is not possible. Information creates the opportunity to discuss a range of available options and to take part in meaningful public policy discussions and informed political debates.
“Information allows the public to hold a government accountable by creating a public awareness of the government’s conduct.
“It is for this reason that the theme of this year’s annual conference is: “Stimulating Economic Growth, Technological Advancement: Role of the Media,” he said.
Anaba said that about 300 media executives and senior editors gathered for the conference.
He said that the conference would also examine Nigerian media sustainability, the existential threat of big tech, and the way forward.
The NGE president urged editors and other media professionals to continue to ensure balanced, accurate, factual, and timely news reporting, which he described as the hallmark of journalism.
