The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has called on state governments in the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones to collaborate in addressing security challenges affecting their regions. This appeal came during a two-day conference themed “The Media as Partners in Regional Development,” held in Owerri, Imo State.
In a communiqué signed by NGE President Eze Anaba and General Secretary Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the guild emphasized the need for editors to refrain from disseminating information from self-serving groups that promote insecurity and violence within the zones.
The conference, organized in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Imo State government, brought together 54 editors and media executives from the two regions. Participants stressed the importance of active media engagement to foster regional development, advocating for investigative and development journalism and constructive dialogue to rebuild unity in the zones.
Key points from the conference included:
- Media Innovation: The guild urged the media to embrace continuous innovation and position themselves at the forefront of digital transformation rather than resisting it.
- Governor Synergy: It called on governors in the regions to restore the synergy, cohesion, and unity that previously supported critical infrastructure development.
- Children’s Welfare: The NGE emphasized the importance of prioritizing children’s welfare in reporting, holding states accountable that have not domesticated the Child Rights Act. They urged adherence to UNICEF protocols in reporting on children’s issues and condemned superstitions like witchcraft beliefs that stigmatize children in some areas.
The conference also highlighted the lack of data available to development agencies in the South-East and South-South zones. Editors and media executives resolved to focus on generating necessary data to attract developmental partners and address the pressing challenges faced by these regions.