From Abdulfatah Babatunde, Enugu
Enugu, June 27, ’25 (TNZ) The Chairman of the Channels Media Group, Dr John Momoh, has charged editors and journalists to create space for real conversations across divides to build a secure and cohesive Nigeria.
TheNewsZenith reports that Momoh gave the charge at the opening of the 2025 national biennial convention of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), on Friday in Enugu.
According to him, the conversation must involve the young, the old, communities and government and the governed.
TheNewsZenith correspondent at the convention reports that the theme for this year is “Building a Secure and Cohesive Nigeria: The Role of Dialogue, Inclusion and the media”.
“As journalists and editors, we must create space for real conversations across divides between the young and the old, between communities, between government and the governed.
“Let’s not only report conflict, let’s also spotlight solutions. Let’s promote understanding, let’s be bridge-builders.
“Now, let’s talk about inclusion. Inclusion is not about ticking boxes.
“It’s about real representation. Too many voices still go unheard. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities – they all deserve a seat at the table,” TheNewsZenith quotes Momoh as saying.
According to him, the media players must reflect the full picture of Nigeria, not just as a narrow slice.
“Let’s raise the standard of our work, let’s be fearless, but fair. We should pursue truth, not clicks, but nurture the next generation of journalists with integrity and courage.
“Let’s remind ourselves that we are not just gatekeepers, we are builders of national conscience.
“As we begin this convention, let’s take a moment to reflect not just on the problems, but on the possibilities.
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“Nigeria is a work in progress, but it is also a land of promise. If we come together, speak honestly, and commit to inclusion and justice, there’s no limit to what this nation can achieve.
“So, from this coal city, may we spark a new energy for dialogue, for inclusion, and for a media that helps rebuild Nigeria.
“As journalists and editors, we must create space for real conversations across divides between the young and the old, between communities, between government and the governed.
“Let’s not only report conflict, let’s also spotlight solutions. Let’s promote understanding, let’s be bridge-builders,” TheNewsZenith further quotes him as saying.
Reflecting on the theme of the convention, the Channel’s boss said the inclusiveness was about real representation.
“Too many voices still go unheard. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and ethnic minorities – they all deserve a seat at the table.
“We, in the media, must reflect the full picture of Nigeria, not just a narrow slice. So, here’s the challenge for all. Let’s raise the standard of our work, let’s be fearless, but fair.
“Let’s pursue truth, not clicks, let’s nurture the next generation of journalists with integrity and courage.”
Momoh also reflected on the historical context of Enugu, the state hosting the Editor’s convention.
“Enugu is not just a city of coal and commerce. It is a city of memory, a city of Journalism. It’s also a city that once gave voice to the aspirations of a region and the soul of a people.
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“This city was the heartbeat of eastern Nigeria. It was home to the bravest voices in the golden age of Nigerian Journalism.
“Those voices used ink and paper to challenge oppression, to demand accountability, and to speak truth to power even in the face of war and uncertainty,” he said.
In his welcome address, NGE President Eze Anaba noted that the biennial national convention was a gathering convened to critically examine the role of the media in building a secure and cohesive Nigeria.
“This is especially in light of the troubling security challenges confronting the nation.
“Insecurity has, regrettably, become a defining feature of our national discourse. The nature of these challenges may differ across the regions, but their security is felt everywhere,” TheNewsZenith quotes Anaba as saying.
The host, Gov. Peter Mbah, remarked that the convention came to the state “at a pivotal moment, just weeks after Nigeria marks her 26 years of uninterrupted democratic rule”.
In that journey, Mbah noted that the press has been the lamp, lighting the democratic path and a mirror, reflecting the nation’s evolving society.
“We are honoured that you have chosen Enugu, a state re-imaging its future, as your host.
“This gathering is a recognition of the progress we are making and the role the press continues to play in shaping Nigeria’s destiny,” TheNewsZenith quotes the governor as saying.
He highlighted some of the achievements of his administration in the last two years and praised the media for playing a supportive role in the government. (TNZ)
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