Chief Simon Eze, a respected stakeholder from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area, has commended Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah for his transformative governance, describing Enugu as now “habitable and secure enough” to host one of Nigeria’s most prestigious media gatherings — the 22nd All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC).
The high-profile event, organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), opens today, Thursday, September 24, 2026, at The Dome International Conference Centre, Opara Square Road, Enugu. Vice President Kashim Shettima is billed to formally declare the two-day conference open.
With more than 500 editors, government officials, academics, civil society leaders, and stakeholders expected, the conference will explore pressing national and global issues under the theme: “The Ballot, the Media and the Task of Keeping Democracy Alive.” A key sub-theme will address the growing challenge of artificial intelligence and disinformation: “When Lies Look Real: Detecting and Debunking AI Disinformation Before, During and After Election.”
The gathering will feature an impressive lineup of speakers, including His Royal Majesty, Igwe Nnaemeka Alfred Achebe, Obi of Onitsha, who chairs the conference; John Cardinal Onaiyekan, delivering the keynote; Professor Auwal Yadudu on electoral justice; Afam Osigwe, SAN, on digital-age election petitions; Martins Oloja and Owei Lakemfa on terrorism reporting; Professor Chinyere Okunna on professionalism and election security; Dr. Richard Okoye on journalists’ wellbeing; and Professor Farooq Kperogi on AI disinformation.
Governor Mbah is also scheduled to address the editors, while an executive session will allow direct engagement between media leaders and political stakeholders.
Chief Eze, who owns Golden Tree Hotel and Suites and Seamark Electric Plc in Lagos, emphasized that the successful hosting of ANEC in Enugu validates the widespread endorsement of Governor Mbah across the state’s three senatorial districts.
He noted that Mbah’s reelection campaign would be anchored on performance rather than promises.
“Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah is today the poster boy for good sub-national governance in Nigeria. Like him or not, his record speaks for itself, and we are proud of him,” Eze declared.
The NGE confirmed that the conference enjoys support from the Enugu State Government, UNESCO, Craneburg, NNPC, Zenith Bank, NCC, and other partners.
