The Nigerian Guild of Editors has inducted 39 new members and installed 14 fellows during its recent conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. The fellows were installed during a gala night organized by the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, while the new members were inducted the following day.
Ray Ekpu, a veteran journalist and publisher of Newswatch Magazine, spoke during the induction, urging the new members to be good editors. He emphasized the significant role editors play in setting the agenda for the government and the public through the stories they publish.
Ekpu stated, “The editor is the most important person in terms of decision-making in our industry. The editor decides what people must read and what they consider important. They are the people who set the agenda for the government and the people of Nigeria by the choices of stories and the placement of those stories.”
He highlighted the critical role of editors, especially during the current stage of the nation’s history, emphasizing the responsibility editors have for the survival of the nation.
Eze Anaba, the President of the NGE and Editor of Vanguard Newspapers, urged the new members to actively contribute to the growth of the guild. He emphasized the delicate situation the country and the journalism profession are facing, expressing the need for the experience and expertise of new members in charting the way forward.
Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Secretary of the Guild, revealed that over 90 people applied for membership, but only 39 were recommended by the Screening Committee. He highlighted the importance of the inducted members to the Guild.
The induction ceremony was conducted by Gbenga Adefaye, a former President of the Guild.