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.

President Bola Tinubu has urged editors across Nigeria not to relent in upholding the highest standards of journalism and to continue to report boldly and truthfully.

The President stated this while speaking at the opening of the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ Annual Conference held at the State House, Abuja, on Wednesday.

The conference, themed “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” brought together editors, senior journalists, and policymakers to reflect on how the media can strengthen unity amid national challenges.

Tinubu tasked the media to continue to act as a stabilising force in a rapidly changing information environment.

“I urge you, therefore, to continue upholding the highest standards of journalism. Report boldly, but do so truthfully. Critique government policy but do so with knowledge and fairness. Your aim must never be to tear down, but to help build a better society,” the President stated.

He urged editors in Nigeria to uphold integrity and fairness in their reportage, noting that responsible journalism remains essential to sustaining democracy and national cohesion.

“The freedom secured through struggle is not self-sustaining. It requires constant vigilance and responsible exercise.

“A democracy is sustained not only by elections and laws, but also by the integrity of public conversation,” he stated.

The president commended the Nigerian press for its historical role in advancing justice and democracy, recalling how journalists “endured intimidation, detention, and personal hardship in defence of the public good.”

He, however, cautioned that the digital age has amplified misinformation, making the editorial function more critical than ever.

The president urged editors to be constructive in their criticism of government policies while maintaining fairness and accuracy.

He urged, “As editors and managers of the national information space, you shape narratives. You influence public understanding. You decide what becomes national focus and how our collective challenges are interpreted. The weight of that responsibility is significant. It must be exercised with wisdom, fairness, and a strong sense of national duty.

“Nigeria is a large and diverse country. Debate and differences are part of our reality. However, disagreement must never translate into the erosion of national cohesion. Criticism, when informed and constructive, is a service to the nation. But cynicism that breeds mistrust and despair can weaken the very foundations of the society we all seek to improve. The national interest must always remain paramount.

“We live in a time when information travels rapidly and widely. Social media has made every citizen a potential publisher. This has benefits, but it also increases the speed and scale of misinformation.

“Falsehood can take root before truth has time to speak. In such an environment, the editorial function is more important than ever. Verification must be your anchor; balance must be your principle, and professional judgement must be your guide.

Tinubu also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to economic reforms aimed at long-term stability and prosperity.

“On our part, this administration remains committed to securing our nation, sustaining economic stability, and widening the circle of opportunity for all citizens.

“The reforms we have undertaken have been challenging, but they are designed to place our economy on a strong and enduring footing.

“We have taken steps to restore macroeconomic balance, encourage investment, and rebuild confidence. The signs of progress are visible in several sectors of the economy. Still, we know there is more work to do, and we remain focused on ensuring that growth translates into real improvements in the daily lives of Nigerians,” he said.

He called for collaboration among the government, the private sector, civil society, and the media to advance national unity.

“However, economic reforms and institutional improvements alone can not build the Nigeria we seek. Nation-building requires cooperation.

” It requires trust. It requires a shared understanding that our future is tied together. The government has its role. The private sector has its role. Civil society has its role. And the media has a distinct responsibility to help shape a climate of reason and unity,” he urged.

He, however, reminded the editors that their influence extends beyond headlines.

He added, “Distinguished Editors, your work matters. The tone you set in your newsrooms, the standards you enforce, and the courage with which you defend the truth will all help shape the direction of our national journey. Let us carry this responsibility with purpose.”

Meanwhile, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors(NGE), Eze Anaba, has tabled a five-point rescue package to the president and lawmakers to adopt fiscal and legal measures to keep the country’s media houses alive.

The NGE president cautioned that a weak media imperils Nigeria’s democracy and national cohesion.

Anaba, made the appeal during his opening address at the 2025 All Nigeria Editors Conference held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Anaba said editors carry a constitutional duty to inform citizens, deepen accountability, and hold power to account, “as constructive partners, not adversaries,” but can only do so if their overcome mounting challenges.

The rescue package include corporate tax reliefs for 5–10 years to help media houses stabilise and meet operating costs; and VAT exemption on essential inputs, such as newsprint, plates and broadcast equipment, “in line with practices in countries like Canada, India and South Africa.”

The Guild also sought tax credits to incentivise large corporations to advertise in credible Nigerian outlets, boosting investigative reporting and reducing reliance on foreign grants, low-interest loans through the Bank of Industry or the Development Bank of Nigeria to modernise equipment and create jobs.

Anaba also called for a media development fund for digital transition, managed by an independent board, to support data journalism and multimedia storytelling while insulating newsrooms from political interference.

“The media today is distressed,” the NGE President said, disclosing that a ton of newsprint now costs roughly N1.3m–N1.4m and lasts “just a day or two” in a typical press cycle.

“If the media can not keep jobs by paying salaries, it can not help our democracy,” he stated.

He called for the repeal of laws that inhibit free expression, submission of the Guild’s review to the Minister of Information and House leadership, and the creation of a Media Freedom and Safety Charter endorsed by the Executive, Legislature and Judiciary to protect journalists from arbitrary arrests and ensure access to information.

Framing the conference theme ‘Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors’ and sub-theme ‘Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027’, Anaba said editors must rise above division, reject hate speech, and centre underserved communities and conflict zones in daily coverage to rebalance “urban-centred” news agendas.

In a move aimed at curtailing spread of videos seen as embarrassing the Federal Capital Territory Administration, officers from Grade Level 14 and below have been banned from coming to work with their mobile phones.

The directive to this effect was contained in an internal memorandum issued by the Head of Abuja Geographic Information Systems (AGIS), Chijioke Nwankwoeze, to all staff of the
AGIS and the Department of Land Administration.

The memorandum which specifically targeted all officers on Salary Grade Level 14 and below, forbidding them from entering office premises with their mobile phones beginning Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

The memo, issued by AGIS Management, reads in part: “There shall be a ban on the use of mobile phones within the office premises for all officers on Salary Grade Level (SGL) 14 and below… affected staff are not permitted to enter the premises with their mobile phones henceforth.”

The Atlantic Bell reports that the directive was issued barely 24 hours after videos of the heated confrontation between the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and a Naval officer, Lt. A. M. Yerima, at a disputed property site in Abuja went viral on WhatsApp. Sources said the videos of the confrontation were suspected to have been recorded and shared by AGIS staff to different group platforms.

“The minister was furious that the videos circulated among staff. He saw it as an act of sabotage. This phone ban is his way of showing anger,” said one source who asked not to be named.

The policy has sparked outrage among workers and civil rights advocates, who condemned it as primitive, draconian, and anti-labour. Critics say it reflects the minister’s growing intolerance for criticism and his penchant for authoritarian control.

“It’s absurd that in 2025, a minister would ban phones in a public agency because of a viral video,” one labour activist fumed. “This is not leadership—it’s paranoia in power.”

As of press time, the FCT Administration had yet to issue any official clarification regarding the controversial directive.

The Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, has urged the traditional rulers in the Niger Delta region to step up their collaboration and support to the Commission in ensuring the sustainable development of the region.

Speaking during the Annual Strategic Consultative Feedback Forum for Traditional Rulers in the Niger Delta Region, the NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, stated that the guidance and support of the traditional rulers were critical to sustainable development.

In a statement signed and issued by Seledi Thompson-Wakama, Director, Corporate Affairs of the NDDC, Ogbuku, who was represented by the NDDC Executive Director, Corporate Governance, Hon. Ifedayo Abegunde, described the traditional rulers as “essential partners” in the development process.

He declared, “You are our essential partners in the quest for sustainable development in the Niger Delta Region. This forum is designed to gather valuable feedback from our traditional institutions, enabling us to understand your communities’ needs and priorities, first-hand. Through this interactive dialogue, we aim to compile community-based needs assessments, pinpoint critical areas for intervention, and enhance our collaboration in fostering inclusive, people-centred development.”

“We understand that we can’t truly develop the Niger Delta without your guidance, support, and input. You, our esteemed traditional rulers, are the genuine voices of your people and the guardians of their hopes and dreams.”

“We genuinely believe that this ongoing collaboration will yield more meaningful outcomes and help us achieve our overarching goals of sustainable development, peace, and prosperity for the region.

He observed: “The traditional institution remains the closest to the people. The institution is trusted, respected, and uniquely positioned to mediate, guide, and reconcile the controversies we experience among ourselves. Today, more than ever, your role is essential in bridging.

“We must therefore strengthen our local conflict resolution mechanisms; reviving traditional councils, promoting inclusive dialogue that engages men, women, and youth, and ensuring that grievances are addressed swiftly and fairly. Let us also encourage collaboration between traditional institutions and government agencies, civil society, and security forces, built on mutual respect and shared purpose.”

“The future of the Niger Delta depends on the peace of its communities. Development cannot thrive amid division. Let this forum renew our collective will to pursue peace, not as a temporary truce, but as a culture and way of life.”

Delivering his address, the National Chairman of the Traditional Rulers of Oil Mineral Producing Communities of Nigeria, TROMPCON, and Chairman, Delta State Council of Traditional Rulers, King Felix Mujakperuo, the Orodje of Okpe described peace as a pre-requisite for development.

The TROMPCON Chairman, represented by the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, and the First Vice Chairman, Delta State Traditional Rulers Council, King Pere Luke Kalanama remarked that peace-building was necessary for sustainable development.

Furthermore, he stated that traditional rulers in contiguous kingdoms should be constituted into conflict management committees for conflict resolution, remarking that conflict resolution is necessary for conflict management.

Speaking on how the Commission could benefit rural communities, the Chairman of the South-South Monarchs Forum and the monarch of Emohua, King Sergeant Awuse, argued that one cannot offer feedback on any programme unless he was carried along from the inception. Decrying a situation in which traditional rulers are not part of project conception, formulation, and execution, he further remarked that this remains inimical to effective project delivery and, by extension, to the sustainable development of the Niger Delta Region.

In his own remarks, the Amayanabo of Twon Brass, King Alfred Diette-Spiff, described peace as the main prerequisite for development. While laying credence to views canvassed by previous speakers, King Spiff said that traditional rulers should be given their pride of place in the Nigerian Constitution. He likened today’s traditional rulers to school children whose names do not appear in the school register, wondering why the Nigerian Constitution denied them the roles hitherto assigned to them in previous constitutions.

“Development, he said, ‘should be technically driven as is the practice in Britain and other Western nations.” He stated that the Niger Delta could be turned into an industrial hub with various areas of specialisation, including the marine industry, construction, agriculture, and fisheries.