All is set for the 18th All Nigeria Editors’ Conference, starting on Thursday, with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo expected to declare the event open.

National Security Adviser (NSA), Gen. Babagana Monguno (rtd), former Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Nnia John Nwodo, and Chairman, of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, will lead discussions at the three-day conference holding in Owerri, the Imo State capital.

The conference is being supported by the Imo State government and some corporate organisations, including Nigeria National Petroleum Company Limited, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), United Bank for Africa (UBA), Glo, Zenith Bank, Access Bank, Air Peace and Nigeria Deposit Insurance Company (NDIC).

Others are the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) among others.

In a statement issued, yesterday, by the President, Mustapha Isah, and General Secretary, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), said Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, will be the guest of honour, while a former Special Adviser (Media and Publicity) to the President of Nigeria, Dr. Reuben Abati, will deliver the keynote address, with the theme: ‘2023: Political Landscape, Credible Elections and The Role of Editors.’

The first female professor of Mass Communication in Africa and Deputy Vice Chancellor, Paul University, Awka, Prof. Stella Chinyere Okunna, will chair the opening ceremony.

The statement reads: ‘’Besides the opening session, the conference will have three others: the second session for Day 1 of the conference has a paper titled, ‘Mobilising Citizens for Sustainable Democracy in Nigeria’, to be presented by former Minister of Information and Culture, Chief Nwodo.

“The morning session of Day 2, Friday, November 11, will have the NSA, Gen. Monguno, presenting a paper, ‘2023: General Election and Security – What Editors Need to Know.’”

According to the statement, the afternoon second session, with the theme, ‘Preparation for 2023 General Election: How Far, How Well’, will be delivered by the INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu.

The third session (executive) will feature invited state governors, the Group Chief Executive Officer of NNPCL, Mele Kolo Kyari, and other chief executive officers from both private and public sectors.

The statement adds: “The conference will be rounded off on Saturday evening with a gala night, where new Fellows and Members of the Guild, will be inducted.

“Over 400 editors and media owners – from print, broadcast stations and online newspapers have registered for this year’s conference.’’

Meanwhile, the Imo State Government has assured the editors of a great conference in Owerri.

Commissioner for Information, Declan Mbadiwe, said: “We know that the editors will have a good conference. Our state is hospitable, and a good location for conferences. That’s why we have hosted many conferences this year. The editors are welcome to the Eastern Heartland.”