Editors converge Enugu ahead NGE convention to elect new leaders as over 400 members prepare to decide Guild’s future in two-year strategic vote
Editors converge in Enugu ahead of the Nigerian Guild of Editors’ (NGE) National Biennial Convention, where over 400 senior journalists will elect new officers to steer the organisation for another two years.
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The Guild’s Electoral Committee, chaired by renowned journalist and rights advocate Mr Richard Akinnola, on Wednesday evening released the final list of 16 positions open for contest, following a meticulous screening process.
Incumbent President Mr Eze Anaba, Editor of Vanguard, will likely return unopposed, alongside five other officers.
Also without challengers are the three Vice Presidents: Mr Kabir Alabi Garba (West), Mr Sheddy Ozoene (East), and Mr Hamza Idris (North).
Garba is Editor of The Guardian on Sunday, Ozoene is Publisher of Peoples & Politics, while Idris, Editor of Daily Trust, is set for his first term.
Unopposed candidates also include Mr Gabriel Akinadewo (Freedom Online) as Assistant Secretary and Mr Charles Kalu (People 105.5 FM).
The Deputy President seat will be contested by Mr Mohammad Sanusi Jibrin (Ammasco Radio, Kano) and Dr Abu Sabastine Mohammed (Nigerian Standard).
Three candidates—Mr Onuoha Ukeh (The Sun), Mr Oluwole Sogunle (NAN), and Dr Qasim Akinreti (Voice of Nigeria)—will battle for General Secretary.
Outgoing General Secretary Dr Iyobosa Uwugiaren (ThisDay) seeks to become Treasurer, challenged by Mr Boma Nwuke (Port Harcourt Telegraph).
Seven ex-officio positions are up for grabs: three in the West zone, and two each in the East and North zones.
In the West, five contenders include Adebisi Olufemi (Daily Independent), Rose Moses (Newsmart Online), Ejiro Umukoro (Lightray Media), Olabisi Deji-Folutile (Franktalknow\.com), and Juliet Bumah (New Telegraph).
Northern aspirants are Umoru Ibrahim (Triumph), Adeshina Gbenga (Distinguished Nigerian), Paulyn Ugbodaga (New Ultra 360 Media), and Raliat Yusuf (LEADERSHIP).
For the East, candidates include Chinedu Egere (Newscorneronline), Dom Isute (Daily Grand News), Lawrence Mpama (Cross Atlantic), and Ikpong Essien-Udom (Newsfront).
The newly elected officers will serve a two-year tenure, during which they are expected to steer the Guild through key issues affecting press freedom, professional development, and industry ethics.
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With editors converge Enugu ahead of what is expected to be a pivotal leadership transition, attention now turns to the convention floor, where the votes will decide not just the Guild’s immediate direction, but its long-term relevance in Nigeria’s media landscape.
