VP Kashim Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima will on Thursday declare open the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference in Enugu, where media leaders, government officials and experts will deliberate on the future of democracy, elections and the growing threat of artificial intelligence (AI)-driven disinformation.
The two-day conference, organised by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), is expected to attract more than 500 editors from across the country alongside government officials, academics, civil society organisations and other key stakeholders.
According to a statement jointly signed by the President of the Guild, Eze Anaba, and the General Secretary, Onuoha Ukeh, the conference has as its theme, “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive,” with a sub-theme, “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
The statement said Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State will welcome participants and address the gathering, while the Obi of Onitsha, His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, will serve as chairman of the conference.
It added that former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, will deliver the keynote address.
According to the Guild, the conference will provide a platform for discussions on the role of the media in protecting democracy, promoting credible elections and defending press freedom in an era of rapidly evolving digital technologies.
The organisers also said participants will examine the growing influence of artificial intelligence on information sharing, especially the challenge of fake content and manipulated information during election periods.
Beyond identifying the threats posed by AI-generated disinformation, the conference will explore practical strategies for detecting false information, strengthening ethical journalism and promoting responsible media practice before, during and after elections.
The annual All Nigeria Editors Conference is one of the country’s biggest gatherings of senior newsroom leaders. It provides an opportunity for editors and other stakeholders to review developments in the media industry, exchange ideas and recommend policies aimed at strengthening journalism and democratic governance in Nigeria.
This year’s conference comes at a time when concerns are increasing over the use of artificial intelligence to spread misinformation, making the role of professional journalism more critical in safeguarding public trust and protecting the integrity of the electoral process.
