It stated that by the death of Mohammed and Agbese, who were among the three surviving co-founders of Newswatch Magazine, Nigerian journalism had lost great and irreplaceable treasures.

In a statement by its president, Eze Anaba, and general secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the NGE said Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, both seasoned journalists and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, NGE, were respected voices in Nigerian media and Nigeria as a whole.

It said their incisive commentaries and commitment to press freedom and democratic values, inspired many.

“These iconic journalists were fearless, professional and brought prestige to journalism by their works.

“They gave investigative journalism in Nigeria impetus and contributed immensely to nation-building.”

The NGE added: “As a mark of respect for Yakubu Mohammed and Dan Agbese, we urged all journalists to set aside one day to rededicate themselves and reflect on the salient points of journalism, with eyes on the cardinal points of good journalism, which are truth, accuracy, fairness, objectivity, independence, integrity, ethical standards, transparency, and accountability.”

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Expected at the two-day conference are President Bola Tinubu, who will declare it open at State House Conference Centre, Aso Villa, Abuja, governors, media leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, the academia and other dignitaries.

According to a press statement by the NGE President, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, no fewer than 500 editors from across the country will attend the conference.

The Guild said that Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Muhammad Saad Abubakar and Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of Arise New and This Day newspaper, will be chairman of conference, while Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, will be keynote speaker.

Governors Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), Caleb Muftwang (Plateau), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), and Abba Kabir Yusuf (Kano), among others, are also billed for the conference.

Media leaders like Chief Segun Osoba, former Governor of Ogun State; Chief Onyema Ugochukwu; Mr. Frmi Adesina, former Special Adviser to the President (Muhammadu Buhari) on Media and Publicity; Mallam Garba Shehu, Special Assistant to the President (Muhammadu Buhari) on Media and Publicity; Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji, Executive Secretary, Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) and the National Coordinator of EITI implementation in Nigeria; and Mr. Ukpe Anietie, Deputy Chief of Staff to the Senate President, among others, are billed to attend the conference.

Publishers/Chairmen, Board of Directors of newspapers, Managing Directors/ Editors-in-Chief from newspaper and broadcast organizations, Chairmen of media organisation’s Editorial Boards, and top editors are already in Abuja for the conference, the Guild said.

With a theme, “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” and sub-theme: “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027,” the conference will examine the role of editors in promoting democratic governance and national cohesion, discuss challenges and opportunities facing editors in promoting democratic values and national cohesion and identify best practices and strategies for editors to promote democratic governance and national cohesion, the Guild said.

The Guild said that Prof Awa Kalu, eminent lawyer, Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and Managing Partner, Awa Kalu & Partners, will address the conference on November 12, 2025, speaking on “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics.”

Prof Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, HOD, Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja, will take the stage thereafter to speak on: ” State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in Challenged Nation.”

On the second day of the conference on November 13, 2025 at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Conference Centre, former Chief of Defence State, Gen Lucky Irabor, will speak on “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities, ” while Prof Abiodun Adeniyi, Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies, Baze University, Prof Abiodun Adeniyi, will talk about “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap.”

The NGE said that there would be an Executive Session on the second day of the conference, where editors will interrogate government officials, political and business leaders.

The media professional body listed corporate organisations who are partners to include Air Peace Airlines, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, as well as the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation.

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The Guild said that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had given his commitment to declare the conference open on November 12, 2025 as Special Guest of Honour in Abuja.

In a press statement by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh,  President and General Secretary respectively, on Friday, the NGE said the change of date was due to circumstances beyond its control.

The media body apologised to its members,  all invited guests and the general public for the inconvenience the change of date might cause them.

The Guild said that the conference venue remains Abuja, while giving assurance that the event will be a veritable platform to dissect issues that would sustain national cohesion and development in the country.

According to the statement, “The Standing Committee of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) regrets to inform members, invited guests and the general public that due to circumstances beyond its control, the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC) 2025 has been shifted to November 12-13, 2025. The venue remains the same (Abuja).

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“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this change of date may cause you.

“We promise that despite the change of date, the ANEC 2025 would be a credible platform to discuss and proffer solutions to issues pertaining to national development and cohesion.

“President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria,  Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, will declare the conference open, while dignitaries from government, academia,  media, organised private sector and diplomatic corps are expected to attend.”

The Guild said that the theme of the conference remains: “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors,” with sub-theme as: “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027.”

The NGE said that there will be a keynote address on the theme and sub-theme, with other engaging papers to be delivered at the two-day conference.

According to the Guild, other papers to be delivered at the conference include: “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics” by Prof Awa Kalu, SAN, Managing Partner, Awa Kalu & Partners, and “State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in Challenged Nation” by Prof Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, HOD, Political Science and International Relations, University of Abuja.

Other papers are “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap” by Prof Abiodun Adeniyi, Dean, School of Post-Graduate Studies, Baze University, Prof Abiodun Adeniyi, and “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities” by General Lucky Irabor (retd), former Chief of Defence Staff.

The NGE said that there would be an Executive Session on the second day of the conference where editors will interrogate government officials, political and business leaders.

The ANEC holds every year for editors to address and discuss national issues that have social, economic and political consequences in Nigeria.

The Guild said that this year’s ANEC would see no fewer than 500 members converging on Abuja and is designed to provide a platform for editors/media executives to explore ways to promote national development and cohesion through responsible and responsive journalism.

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Maduagwu was reported to have died during a robbery incident at her residence on Monday in Abuja.

In a press statement it issued on Tuesday, the NGE expressed sadness over the incident and called upon the government to address the issue of insecurity in Nigeria.

It said those responsible for the death of the journalist must be made to face the full weight of the law.

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The statement signed by the president of the guild, Mr. Eze Anaba, and its secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh, reads:

“The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) is saddened by the death of Somtochukwu Christelle Maduagwu, a talented news anchor and reporter with Arise News, who lost her life in a senseless armed robbery incident at her Katampe, Abuja residence.

“By Somtochukwu’s untimely death, journalism has lost not just a good professional who was committed to shedding light on important issues and giving voice to the voiceless but also one who represented the future of journalism in the country.

“The loss of this dedicated journalist from armed robbery incident is a stark reminder of the dangers Nigerians face daily in their homes and on the street.

“We cannot help but reflect on the issue of insecurity that plagues our nation. The increasing frequency of armed robbery, kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and other violent crimes has created an environment of fear and uncertainty for both citizens and professionals like journalists.

“We demand action from the government to address the root causes of insecurity and take measures to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. We demand that those responsible for Somtochukwu’s death be fished out by security agencies and made to face the full weight of the law.

“At this difficult time, we stand in solidarity with Arise News and the broader journalism community.

“We pray that the memory of this talented young journalist who died at her prime inspire excellence in journalism, even in the face of adversity.

“May the memory of this vibrant journalist be a blessing to all who knew her.”

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According to a press statement on Sunday by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, NGE President and General Secretary respectively, the annual conference, which will be declared open by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has as its theme:  “Democratic Governance and National Cohesion: The Role of Editors.”

The conference’s sub-theme will focus on “Electoral Integrity and Trust Deficit: What Nigerians Expect in 2027.”

The statement said that the conference would examine the role of editors in promoting democratic governance and national cohesion.

The Guild added that the conference would discuss “challenges and opportunities facing editors in promoting democratic values and national cohesion.”

The statement also said that the 2025 ANEC would be “identifying best practices and strategies for editors to promote democratic governance and national cohesion.”

On the background to the conference, the Guild said that President Tinubu, leaders of the opposition political parties in the country and major stakeholders had “consistently emphasized the importance of media support in the promotion of the bonds that unite Nigeria’s diverse populations, fostering a sense of unity, and collective purpose despite political, ethnic, religious, cultural differences.”

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The Guild said that in the face of socio-economic challenges,  “there is need for unity in diversity, shared values, inclusion, dialogue and understanding, which would go a long way in bringing about national cohesion.”

The NGE said that the conference, on the first day, would have an opening ceremony to be attended by President Tinubu; the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barr Nyesom Wike; Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, other ministers, governors, members of the diplomatic corps and the organised private sector.

The conference will also feature a keynote address on the theme and other papers, such as: “Election Disputes and Judicial Integrity: Navigating the Thin Line Between Law and Politics”, and the “State of the Nation: Imperative of Economic and Political Reforms in Challenged Nation.”

Other papers include: “The Evolving Face of Journalism: Battling Misinformation, AI Disruption, and Credibility Gap”; “Media, Terrorism, and National Security: Addressing the Complexities” and “Wealth Beyond the Newsroom: Investment Opportunities for Editors After Call of Duty.”

The statement said that over 500 media professionals from within and outside the country would attend the conference,  which is taking place in the FCT for the second time in 12 years.

According to the Guild, “The ANEC holds every year for editors to address and discuss national issues that have social, economic and political consequences in Nigeria.

“This year’s ANEC is designed to provide a platform for editors/media executives to explore ways to promote national development and cohesion through responsible and responsive journalism, highlighting the importance of unity, diversity, and inclusivity and to hold leaders accountable in this regard,” the statement.

The Guild annual conference is coming four months after its Biennial National Convention, in Enugu State, wherein new executives were elected.

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The NGE expressed the concern on Thursday in a statement issued by its president, Mr. Eze Anaba, and the secretary, Mr. Onuoha Ukeh.

The statement reads in part:

“We strongly condemn the recent killing of five journalists: Husam al-Masri (Reuters), Mariam Dagga (AP freelance journalist), Mohammad Salama (Al Jazeera), Ahmed Abu Aziz (Middle East Eye), and Moaz Abu Taha, through artillery and missile attacks by Israeli forces.

“These heinous acts are a blatant breach of international law, specifically the Geneva Conventions and Additional Protocol I, which provide for the protection of journalists covering wars.

“Targeting and killing journalists in Gaza constitutes a war crime and an unacceptable attempt to impede the work of journalists and conceal the truth from war areas.”

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NGE therefore demanded an immediate cessation of the targeting and killing of journalists in Gaza and other parts of the world, as well as an end to the war in Gaza.

It also called for thorough investigations into the  unfortunate incidents and for those responsible to be held accountable.

It declared that the international community must rise up to protect press freedom and ensure that journalists could carry out their work without fear of violence, reprisal, or death.

It stated further: “We stand in solidarity with our colleagues in Gaza and around the world, who risk their lives to bring the world the truth. We praise the bravery and dedication of journalists who continue to report from war zones and dangerous areas.”

In a related development, the NGE condemned the recent arrest, harassment, and intimidation of Nigerian journalists, including Azuka Ogujiuba, publisher of Media Room Hub, by the Nigeria Police Force over coverage of a court case.

It stated: “This is a clear attempt to silence journalists performing their lawful duties. We demand that the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, halt the harassment and intimidation of journalists and respect their constitutional rights.

“We urge the government and security agencies to uphold press freedom and respect the media’s constitutional right to hold those in authority accountable.

“We stand with journalists facing intimidation in Nigeria, and we will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists and press freedom.”

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NGE said it considered that action of the state governor as a blatant attack on press freedom and democracy in Nigeria.

The condemnation was made on Saturday in a press statement signed by the president, Eze Anaba, and General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh.

The NGE declared that the act of censorship and intimidation undermined the fundamental principles of a democratic society, where free press was essential for holding those in power accountable.

“Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom. Also, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which Nigeria is signatory to, also guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression

The closure of Badeggi Radio, a vital platform for public discourse and information dissemination, is a worrying trend that threatens the very fabric of our democracy. Governor Bago acted outside his powers to order the closure of a radio station. The power to sanction television and radio stations only lies with the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission (NBC) after a thorough investigation of any alleged breach of the Code,” the NGE declared.

It expressed happiness that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, had pointed the fact it stated out.

It said the federal government should order the unsealing of the premises of the radio station, while investigation is carried out.

It argued that government officials should know that “we are in a democracy and therefore, the act of arbitrary order for the sealing off and closure of a radio station is unacceptable. Arbitrary closure of media houses reminds us of the dark days of military rule, which ended 26 years ago.”

It stated that Governor Bago’s allegation of incitement of violence by the radio station was a serious issue, which had to be investigated and proven before any action could be taken.

It urged the media to operate under strict adherence to the code of ethics of journalism, with responsible conduct at the back of the minds of the professionals.

It called on the authorities to take measures to respect the rights of citizens to access information and express themselves freely.

“Badeggi Radio should be reopened while the investigation continues,” NGE said.

It reiterated that a free and independent press was essential for a functioning democracy and demanded that governments at all levels respected and upheld that fundamental right.

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The date of the event was announced on Friday in a press statement signed by Mr. Eze Anaba (President) and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (General Secretary).

The event which will hold at the Edmark D’Podium International Event Centre, Ikeja, Lagos, has as its theme, “Journalism and the Challenge of Nation-Building in a Multi-Ethnic Society.”

The lecture will be delivered by Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed, with Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as chairman.

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, will be the Special Guest of Honour, while the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mallam Mohammed Idris, will be the Guest of Honour.

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This annual lecture series was instituted to honour the late former Governor of Lagos State, outstanding journalist, and former President of NGE, Alhaji Lateef Jakande.

The Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture series aims to celebrate Alhaji Jakande’s remarkable contributions to journalism, public service, and governance.

“His legacy serves as a model for future generations, and we are proud to continue this tradition,” the NGE stated.

The lecture series began in 2023 with a paper delivered by Chief Felix Adenaike, Fellow of NGE, and continued in 2024 with Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Chairman of This Day/Arise TV, delivering on the theme “Rapidly Changing Media Landscape: Survival Strategies.”

The NGE stated that this year’s event would provide another insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities in nation-building through journalism.

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Idris gave the assurance on Wednesday in Abuja when a delegation of NGE led by its General Secretary,  Mr Onuoha Ukeh, paid him a courtesy visit.

During the visit, NGE presented a compilation of laws in the Criminal and Penal Code as well as Cybercrime Act that contradicts other laws in the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The report recommends the harmonisation of conflicting and overlapping laws that relate to media practice in the country.

According to the minister, both the government and media are for the good and benefit of the people.

“I don’t think one should negate the other. What you are doing today is encouraging; instead of putting these on the pages of newspapers, you are here and bringing your inputs.

“I will engage with the Attorney General of the Federation and other stakeholders.  Also, you could engage the National Assembly too.

“I will work with the report, set up a committee and other stakeholders to work on this, so that we can do a good job.”

He encouraged the Guild to always stand on the part of truth and condemn any wrong doings by any of its members.

The minister explained that the National Assembly is currently working on the National Broadcasting Commission Act and the Cybercrime Act, adding that a call for submissions had been made.

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“We are all in this together. We should also understand that we must have a country before having the Nigerian media, meaning, it is the country first.”

Speaking earlier, Ukeh said the Guild was at the ministry to present its media law reports to the minister.

He said he did that because of the concern about some laws regarding media practice and press freedom in Nigeria.

Ukeh stressed the need to review some of the laws, particularly the ones made during colonial and military era that are now outdated and contrary to the constitution.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the NGE’s Media Law Committee, Mr Richard Akinnola, said that a number of countries have gone beyond what Nigeria has today as media laws.

“Take for example the issue of sedition law of Section 50 (1) and Section 51 (1 and 2) of the Criminal Code, they have been nullified by the Court of Appeal in 1982. We believe that the sections should be formally repealed from our books.

“We have the Criminal Defamation Law which has been abused severally. It is contained in Section 373 of the Criminal Code.

“We recommend that the criminal defamation law should be expunged from our law just like Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone did.

“We also have some laws that are overlapping in our Penal and Criminal Code which should be harmonised. We believe that freedom of expression comes with responsibility. Every freedom has its own limitations, ” Akinnola said.

He noted that section 24 of the  Cybercrime law has been abused over time, adding that the Cybercrime law is a good one, but that section ‘b’ of the law which talks about Cyber bullying is vague.

“All these arrests of cyber bullying are illegal. Any person that feel aggrieved by a malicious publication should take recourse to section 59 of the Criminal Code.

“We made a lot of recommendations in the reports which we believe will enhance media practice in the country.

“We also have a plan to engage the Attorney General of the Federation and the National Assembly,” Akinnola said.

Source: NAN

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In a press statement by Mr. Eze Anaba (President) and Mr. Onuoha Ukeh (General Secretary), the Guild stated that there was an agreement that the keynote address delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service, SSS, Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, at its 25th Biennial National Convention in Enugu, was off-the-record and not for publication.

The Guild said that despite announcement of this agreement, “a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.”

The professional body said that it “takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body for one year, effective immediately.

The NGE apologised to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions, while reaffirming its “commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics.”

The NGE said that “Mr. Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.”

The Guild also restated its dedication “to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.”

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The statement by the NGE reads in full:

“At the 25th Biennial National Convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) held in Enugu, a keynote address was delivered by the Director-General of the State Security Service (SSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajayi, under the explicit agreement that his presentation was off-record and not for publication.

“Despite this agreement, a senior journalist and member of the Guild, Mr. Steve Osuji, published an article based on the presentation on his social media platforms, breaching our Code of Ethics on confidentiality.

“The NGE takes this professional misconduct seriously, and has announced the suspension of Mr. Osuji from our professional body, effective immediately.

“Mr Osuji’s action doesn’t represent who we are – as members of a respected professional body in the media landscape.

“Indeed, our investigation confirmed that Mr. Osuji’s actions compromised the integrity of our profession.

“”Off record” conversations are a crucial aspect of journalistic practice, allowing sources to share sensitive information while maintaining confidentiality. A breach of such agreement undermines trust and can have serious consequences.

“We apologize to the Director-General of the SSS and the institution he represents for the embarrassment caused by Mr. Osuji’s actions.

“We reaffirm our commitment to upholding the highest standards of journalism and ensuring that our members adhere to our code of ethics. Mr. Osuji will have the opportunity to appeal this decision.

“The NGE remains dedicated to promoting professional conduct and maintaining public trust in the media.”

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