Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has urged Nigerian editors to embrace their influence responsibly in shaping public trust, national cohesion, and democracy ahead of the 2027 general elections. He delivered the keynote address at the 2025 All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors” with the sub-theme “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027.”

Describing editors as “gatekeepers of truth,” Uzodimma said their decisions shape national perception, public trust, and the very soul of Nigeria’s democracy.

“Without electoral integrity, democracy won’t exist.”

“Electoral integrity begets democracy and democracy begets good governance and good governance fast-tracks the exorcism of trust deficit.”

He emphasized the power editors wield in society:

“You wield the most powerful weapon on earth — the pen. Every editorial choice, every headline and every frame determines how Nigerians see their leaders, their democracy, and their country. The pen is mightier than the sword, and in your hands lies the power to heal or to divide.”

He called on editors to rise above commercial, political, and proprietary pressures, committing to national interest, accuracy, and integrity in reporting.

“Coverage that frames every political disagreement as existential conflict, every policy as failure, trains citizens to see democracy as chaos.”

Reflecting on the 2023 general elections, the Governor said editorial decisions significantly influenced public perception of electoral integrity. While some newsrooms upheld professionalism and provided context, others amplified narratives of systematic fraud. This selective framing, he noted, eroded public confidence, shaped voter attitudes, and, in some cases, undermined the legitimacy of the process.

Citing the 2023 Edelman Trust Barometer, Uzodimma highlighted the gravity of the trust deficit:

Only 51% of Nigerians trust the media, compared with 71% for NGOs and 66% for businesses.

“When citizens distrust the media, democracy itself is endangered.”

He stressed that electoral integrity begins with editorial integrity, noting that editors cannot abdicate responsibility while holding others accountable. The narratives they create shape the nation’s political culture and determine whether Nigerians enter elections in hope or cynicism.

Uzodimma urged editors to promote cohesion, shared values, and confidence in democracy, citing economic growth, foreign investment, and robust market activity as examples of narratives that inspire patriotism.

“You can hold the government accountable while still highlighting progress. Editorial choices can inspire patriotism and confidence ahead of 2027 without compromising professional integrity.”

In his closing remarks, the Governor commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to transparency and national cohesion:

“When a sitting President dedicates time to a gathering of editors and communication professionals, it signals that the battle against disinformation and the project of national cohesion are treated as matters of national importance.”

He reminded attendees of the media’s unique role as the Fourth Estate:

“Let 2027 be the election year when the media became architects of a shared democratic future.”

“The narratives chosen between now and then will determine whether Nigerians approach the polls with trust, unity, and hope.”

“You are the last line standing, the goldfish of our democracy. Your choices matter.”

The conference, which brought together top editors, media executives, and communication professionals from across the nation, continued with panels on electoral reporting, trust restoration, and nation-building through responsible journalism.

The President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr Eze Anaba, has called for fiscal incentives, legal protection, and policy support to strengthen journalism and safeguard press freedom in Nigeria.

‎‎Anaba made the call on Wednesday in his address at the opening of the 21st All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) held at the State House, Abuja, and declared open by President Bola Tinubu.

‎‎He said the conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors”, reflected the editors’ resolve to uphold truth, deepen democracy, and promote unity.

‎‎The NGE President commended Tinubu for attending the conference, describing his presence as a demonstration of his administration’s recognition of the media as a strategic partner in nation-building.

‎‎He paid tribute to the founding leaders of the Guild, including Malam Baba Dantiye, who initiated the first editors’ conference in 2004, and other industry pioneers such as Uncle Sam Amuka, Aremo Segun Osoba, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Malam Kabiru Yusuf, and Dr John Momoh.

‎‎Anaba said Nigerian editors must continue to uphold truth, fairness and balance while resisting divisive narratives and misinformation.

‎‎“Editors must 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,” he said.

‎‎He warned that press freedom remained under threat from economic hardship, insecurity, and repressive laws, calling for reforms to ensure the survival of the media as both a business and a public good.

‎‎The NGE president outlined key policy recommendations, including corporate tax relief for media houses, VAT exemption on media inputs, tax incentives for advertisers, and access to affordable financing for news organizations.

‎‎He also proposed the creation of a Media Development Fund to support digital innovation and newsroom transformation, to be managed by an independent board.

‎‎On legal reforms, Anaba called for the repeal of laws that hinder press freedom and the establishment of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter endorsed by the Presidency, Legislature, and Judiciary.

‎‎“We seek state-sanctioned protection of journalists carrying out legitimate work from arbitrary arrests or misuse of cybercrime laws,” he added.

‎‎Anaba urged editors to use their platforms to foster peace, inclusion, and national understanding, stressing that “the pen must never become an instrument of division or hate, but a tool for healing and bridge-building.”

‎‎He appealed to the President to recognise journalism as a public good deserving of targeted fiscal and legal support “not for patronage, but to strengthen the foundations of democracy.”

‎‎“When the press thrives, democracy breathes. When it is stifled, democracy suffocates,” Anaba said.

‎‎He reaffirmed the Guild’s commitment to ethical journalism, professional development, and collaboration with government and civil society to build a just and united Nigeria.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his commitment to construct the 113-Kilometer Ibadan Circular Road, despite protests by those he described as political merchants hired to discredit a good idea.

He was speaking while inaugurating two Central Bus Terminals at the Iwo Road Interchange in Ibadan.

On the wave of criticisms hurled at him regarding the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road, he said he wouldn’t be deterred from continuing with what would move the state forward.

Makinde emphasised that the 113-kilometre Ibadan Circular Road project was a cornerstone of his administration’s vision for sustainable growth and urban expansion.

According to him, the road, when completed, will ease traffic congestion, open up new economic corridors, and attract more investment to the state.

He said it was unfortunate that some individuals had chosen to politicise a project designed to bring long-term economic and infrastructural benefits to the state.

However, he pledged to engage genuine landowners whose properties were affected by the circular road project in the coming week.

He reiterated his commitment to the state’s development, saying it remained unshaken.

He said the bus terminals fulfilled the promises he made to the people of the state.

Meanwhile, former President Olusegun Obasanjo on Wednesday underscored the importance of a good transportation system in enhancing citizens’ economic activities and convenience.

Obasanjo who together with Governor Makinde, unveiled the terminals,
noted that Ibadan, being a populous city, needed a viable transportation system to ease the movement of its residents.

“If you’re going to make it convenient for people to live in Ibadan, transact business in Ibadan, there must be availability of transportation; that is what these bus terminals are meant for,” Obasanjo said.

He submitted that Ibadan could take the status of the capital of Yorubaland, having been the former capital of the old Western Region.

While commending Makinde for the developmental strides of his administration, he said the benefits of his deeds transcended Oyo State to the entire region.

The former president, therefore, urged the Oyo State governor to remain focused on his vision to bring unprecedented development to the state.

According to him, the governor will be insulted by some people, but he should not relent in doing whatever good work there is to be done.

The construction of the two ultra-modern Ibadan Central Bus Terminals commenced in June 2021.

The newly inaugurated terminals are part of the four bus terminals built in Ibadan by the Makinde-led administration in the last five years.

The two terminals would be expected to accommodate at least 42 parks and attract about 15,000 passengers daily.