NGE-Jakande Lecture 2026: All roads lead to Sheraton - ITREALMS

All roads lead to the Sheraton Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, today, July 23, 2026, as media executives, policymakers, civil society leaders, and academia converge for the 4th Lateef Jakande Memorial Lecture organized by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), reports ITREALMS.

Starting at 11:00 AM, this prestigious annual event honors the enduring legacy of the late Alhaji Lateef Jakande; pioneer NGE President, former Lagos State Governor, and former Minister of Works, while tackling critical national discourse on governance and the role of the press.

Press freedom under siege: NGE slams NBC over ‘dangerous’ threats to sanction broadcasters - ITREALMS Online

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has raised a red flag over the latest regulatory maneuver by the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), describing the Commission’s recent threat to sanction broadcast presenters as a "direct assault" on the foundations of democracy and media independence, reports ITREALMS.

In a strongly worded press release issued on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, the NGE warned that the NBC’s move to penalize journalists for alleged "bullying" of guests or presenting opinions as facts is a standard prerequisite for state-sponsored censorship.

NGE pushes for tax exemptions to save Nigerian media's watchdog role - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has yet to secure a formal policy action or legal instrument on its request for corporate tax relief and VAT exemptions for the media industry, but President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has publicly "endorsed" and committed to "consider" the comprehensive proposals for fiscal incentives and other interventions, reports ITREALMS.

During the opening of the 21st All Nigerian Editors Conference (ANEC) in Abuja, NGE President Mr. Eze Anaba passionately pleaded for a 5–10 year tax holiday and VAT exemption on essential inputs to save the media’s struggling business model and ensure its constitutional watchdog function, noting that the inability to pay salaries due to soaring production costs, with newsprint alone rising to 1.3$ million to 1.4$ million per tonne, threatens the very existence of many newsrooms.

Badeggi FM closure: SERAP, NGE sue Niger State governor, NBC - ITREALMS

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) and Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) have filed a lawsuit against Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State and the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) over intimidation of Minna-based radio station, Badeggi FM, and the threat to shut and crack down on the station using law enforcement.

Governor Bago recently directed security operatives to seal Badeggi FM, with threat to revoked its license, demolish the station’s premises, and profiling the station's owner, Shuiabu Badeggi.

Press Freedom Under Siege: NGE slams Niger State Governor over Badeggi Radio closure - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has sounded the alarm over what it describes as a brazen attack on press freedom, condemning the abrupt closure of Badeggi Radio by Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, reports ITREALMS.

In a strongly-worded press statement available to ITREALMS on Sunday night, the NGE expressed deep concern over the governor's actions, which they say undermine the fundamental principles of democracy and the role of the media in holding those in power accountable.

Fake News: NGE tasks media houses on setting up fact-checking desks - ITREALMS

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The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged media houses to set up fact-checking desks to combat the spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, reports ITREALMS.

This call was made at a one-day workshop organized by the European Union (EU) in collaboration with the NGE in Lagos.

NGE warns Police: Stop spate of journalists' abduction - ITREALMS

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*Say Cyber Crimes Act not enacted to persecute journalists

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has condemned the spate of abduction and arrest of journalists in the country by security agencies, especially the Nigeria Police Force, under the guise of enforcing the Cyber Security Act, and warned of the consequence of such illegal actions on press freedom, reports ITREALMS.

The professional body of media executives and senior editors also warned of the dangers of allowing certain territories of the Nigerian states falling into the hands of terrorists and bandits, and expressed optimism that the federal government has all it takes to flush out these enemies of the country, and guarantee peace and security of the country and its people.

GOCOP, NUJ, NGE, NPO, IPI, CSOs demand investigation into Segun Olatunji’s Detention and Prosecution of Perpetrators - ITREALMS

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Notable professional media entities comprising the Nigeria Press Organisations, Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Nigerian Guild of Editors, International Press Institute alongside some media based civil society organisations (CSOs) have demanded for immediate investigation into the recent unlawful arrest, detention and torture of the Editor of FirstNews newspapers, Mr. Segun Olatunji by military personnel, reports ITREALMS.

The group in a joint Press statement available to ITREALMS signed by leadership of these media organisations, media associations and professional bodies as well as civil society organisations expressed deep concern and strong condemnation regarding the recent unlawful arrest, detention, brutalisation and torture of Mr. Segun Olatunji, Editor of FirstNews newspapers, by military personnel in response to stories published by the media outlet.

Sustainability & professionalism: NGE to launch media trust fund - ITREALMS

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In fulfillment of the resolution of the All Nigeria Editors Conference (ANEC), recently held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) plans to launch Nigerian Editors Trust Fund, which is designed to address the professional/welfare needs of media houses and editors in Nigeria.

At the ANEC in Akwa Ibom State, publishers, media executives and editors harped on the urgent need by the Guild to initiate strategic move that will focus on the professional cum welfare needs of media houses and editors in Nigeria - as part of several efforts to help them to continue to discharge their constitutional and social responsibility to the society without necessarily compromising their ethical standards.

Communique: NPAN, NGE, NUJ, GOCOP, BON to deepen professionalism via co-regulation - ITREALMS

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COMMUNIQUE OF THE ROUNDTABLE ON DEEPENING 

MEDIA PROFESSIONALISM THROUGH CO-REGULATION 

HELD ON MONDAY NOVEMBER 14, 2022, AT PROTEA HOTEL 

IKEJA SELECT, ALAUSA, IKEJA, LAGOS

Introduction:

The roundtable on deepening media professionalism through co-regulation was convened by the Newspaper Proprietors’ Association of Nigeria (NPAN) in conjunction with the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria (BON), and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). 

2023 loading: Atiku promises inclusive government of national unity, if elected - ITREALMS

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The Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has revealed plans to run an inclusive government of national unity, if elected next year, reports ITREALMS.

Speaking at Editors' Forum hosted by the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) in Lagos on Wednesday, Atiku who commended the guild for making efforts at ensuring that the meeting held, noted that media roles in democratic restoration cannot be over-emphasised.

NGE urges INEC to address electoral lapses - ITREALMS

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to address the lapses observed during the elections to ensure a better exercise in future, reports ITREALMS.

NGE in a communique issued at the end of the first quarterly meeting of the standing committee of the Nigerian Guild last Friday in Lagos and signed by the due of NGE president, Funke Egbemode and Victoria Ibanga and made available to ITREALMS.

”There is a compelling and urgent need to take steps to address the lapses observed during the elections to ensure a better exercise in future, particularly the coming Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections,” NGE said.
They were particular about the Presidential and National Assembly elections held on February 23, 2019.

They also condemned the violence that characterised the elections in many parts of the country, which led to loss of lives and burning of several electoral materials.

Government, security agencies, INEC and politicians, NGE said, must live above board and avoid every action that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in future elections.

The Guild equally implored aggrieved parties to follow due process in seeking redress for any perceived injustice arising from the polls.

Maintaining that to ensure better organised elections in future, the new administration should, as a matter of urgency, set up machinery to carry out electoral reforms, stressing that this will guarantee a more credible and acceptable process.

Uboshe Uboshe/Editor

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NGE mourns Tukur Abdularahman

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has expressed deep sense of loss and sadness over the death of a quintessential and amiable Nigerian Journalist, Alhaji Tukur Abdulrahman, Managing Director, New Nigerian Newspapers Limited, who passed on after a brief illness, reports ITRealms.

Late Abdularahman, ITRealms gathered, died last Thursday, May 17, 2018 and was buried in his home town of Daura, Katsina State on Friday, May 18, according to Islamic rites, aged 58.

The President of NGE, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and General-Secretary, Victoria Ibanga in a joint press statement made available to ITRealms, said the Guild is greatly saddened.

“We are greatly saddened by his untimely passing and sincerely convey deep sympathies to members of his family, professional colleagues and friends who are devastated by his demise.

Alhaji Abdulrahman until his sudden exit was an invaluable and respected Member of our prestigious association who contributed immensely to the growth of the Guild and development of the media industry in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world.

He joined the NGE in 2000 and was elected as the Vice President-North in 2005 and again as Deputy President in 2008. He gave meritorious and impeccable service in both capacities.

Loved and respected by all, he was amiable, jovial and kind-hearted. To others who worked closely with him, he was a true leader, a fine gentleman and a reliable and supportive friend indeed.

 Born on December 12, 1960 in Daura, Katsina State, North-west Nigeria, the late Abdulrahman attended Government College, Kaduna, graduating in the Class of 1977. He then proceeded to Bayero University, Kano, for his tertiary education and graduated in 1981.

In 1983, he joined the New Nigerian Newspapers as a proofreader, then became a reporter and was assigned as the paper's State House Correspondent in 1997.

His proficiency in that task saw him elevated and appointed in January 2000 to the position of Editor of Gaskia Tafi Kwabo, a Hausa paper from the NNN stable.

Six years later in March 2006, he was named the Editor of Daily New Nigerian and in March 2011, he was appointed the Managing Director of the New Nigerian Newspapers Limited, a position he occupied until his death.

The NGE joins the entire community of Editors in Nigeria to mourn one of its own and commiserates with his family, friends and colleagues in the New Nigerian Newspapers.

Undoubtedly, Alhaji Abdulrahman will be greatly missed but we take solace in the knowledge that he has gone to a better place, to the maker of all and to whom all must return. May Allah grant him forgiveness, mercy and a place of honour in Jannatul Firdaus
He is survived by his wife, Jamila, and children.

“To the beloved family he left behind, please accept our sincere condolences,” NGE leadership said.

Ahmed Isah/GEE

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NGE condemns mace whisking @Nigerian Senate

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The Nigeria Guild of Editor (NGE) has condemned the mace whisking at the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja, Wednesday, reports ITRealms.

NGE recalls that on Wednesday, April 18, 2018, Nigerians watched in shock as yet another charade unfolded in the Senate with the snatching of the Mace in the Senate, the symbol of authority from the Red Chamber, by alleged thugs.

A press statement endorsed by the NGE president and general secretary, Messrs Funke Egbemode and Victoria Ibanga, and made available to ITRealms, the Guild described as even more reprehensible is the confirmation by the Nigerian Senate that this dastardly act was perpetrated on the instruction of an elected representative of the people.

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) condemns in very strong terms, any and every act that constitutes an affront to or assault on our fledgling democracy!

They also said, such brigandage and acts akin to hooliganism, as was witnessed on Wednesday, run contrary to the concepts and tenets of the democracy that the Fourth Estate of the Realm struggled to enshrine in our country!

The NGE, like other law-abiding organisations, agencies and persons across all strata, demand that the perpetrators be tracked, arrested and tried in accordance with the country's constitutional provisions.

The NGE notes and commends the Nigeria Police for swiftly responding to the emergent crisis. However, all security agencies are again enjoined to as a matter of urgency, renew their commitment and restrategise to forestall a recurrence, not only in the National Assembly but throughout the country.

The NGE also reminds all officials, elected or appointed and across all tiers of government, to remember their oath of office, as well as the confidence and trust reposed in them by the Nigerian people.

At all times, their words and deeds must exemplify the highest level of decency, decorum, responsibility and stewardship, in order to remain worthy of the people's faith and trust.

The NGE restates it's commitment to promote issues that will deepen sustainable democracy in Nigeria. In this regard, NGE calls on all other constitutional realms to diligently and selflessly play their parts to achieve this goal for our fatherland.

Nenye Dom/ED, Ops

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NGE begs Niger Delta Avengers, FG to dialogue

ITREALMS:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has begged the Niger Delta Avengers not to resume attacks on oil facilities in the oil-rich region, reports ITRealms.

The President, Funke Egbemode and General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga in a press statement made available to ITRealms, the Guild expressed worry over the threat by the Niger Delta Avengers to resume attacks on oil facilities in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.

Also, the Guild called on the Avengers to drop the threat and embrace dialogue in resolving their grievances, urging the Federal Government not to resort to the use of force in resolving the matter, stressing that the use of force has never solved any problem.

“As stakeholders in the task of nation-building, the Guild is worried by the recent show of military force in the quest to neutralise the threat of the militants. This move has done little to calm the tension, instead it has aggravated it. We urge caution and restraint,” they said.

Equally, the Guild urged the government to dialogue with all stakeholders, including the aggrieved militants to resolve the problems in the region, insisting that the only path to peace is dialogue.

Further, the Guild noted that renewed hostilities in the Niger Delta will reduce Nigeria’s daily oil output, which will in turn deny the country the benefits of the current marginal increase in the price of crude. Anything that's capable of returning Nigeria to economic recession should be avoided.

“We seize this opportunity to appeal to traditional rulers in the region to use their offices and goodwill to call the Avengers and any other militant group in the region to order. As royal fathers and leaders of thought, we urge them to play a leading role in the resolution of any breakdown in communication between the Federal Government, oil majors and the militants. We cannot afford another bout of force majeure by oil majors on account of insecurity in the region,” the Guild said.

The Guild noted the increasing crime rate in the country, especially kidnappings and communal clashes and calls on security agencies to rise to the occasion, enjoining the Federal Government to deploy the relevant security agencies to check the pervasiveness of these crimes.

“The widening spread and growing frequency of kidnappings and allied criminal acts do not only threaten the nation’s socio-political stability, they also rob Nigeria of income as potential investors are scared of coming into the country while in some instances, existing investors are being forced to leave the country. Either way, the nation loses,” the Guild said.

On the 2018 budget proposal currently before the National Assembly, the Guild is concerned about the size of the recurrent as against the capital expenditures. This trend,  which is inimical to any country's development, has continued for so long.  We urge prudence and innovative budgeting in order to achieve a reversal in the nearest future.

On the state of the media, the Guild is worried that in spite of the country exiting economic recession, the media industry is mired in distress.

“We recommend that stakeholders should come together to seek the way forward,” the Guild declared.

                                         

Ayo Midele/GEE 

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Nigerian Guild of Editors lament state-of-the-nation, elevates Egbemode to acting president

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) concluded its 2nd quarterly Standing Committee Meeting of the year on Friday, July 8, 2016 in Abuja with songs of lamentations, just as they elected Mrs Funke Egbemode, the Managing Director/Editor in Chief, Telegraph Newspaper, as the Acting President, reports ITRealms.

Egbemode’s elevation follows the recent appointment of else-while president, Garba Deen Muhammad as the Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

ITRealms also reports that NGE in a six point communique noted with dismay that the economy is largely in a bad shape showing signs of recession, as statistics of unemployment is worsening while the future looks bleak. It therefore urges the Federal Government to take urgent steps to revitalise the economy in the area of job and wealth creation in order to alleviate the suffering of the masses.

The Guild equally condemned in strong terms the vandalism of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region and called for dialogue by creating avenues to engage the various agitators in order to address their concerns and urged the agitators to embrace dialogue.

The Guild also noted with concern the increasing spate of kidnapping across the country and calls on the new Inspector-General of Police to come up with more proactive measures to curb the menace.

“It, however, commends the gallantry of the Nigerian military in its fight against terrorism in the north east and the recovery of territories from the insurgents and urges government to pursue the anti-terrorism fight with more vigour until peace is fully restored to the troubled area,” the statement signed by the duo of acting president, Funke Egbemode and General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga, decried.

Further, the Guild expressed concern over the pathetic living condition of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and called on government, corporate organisations, individuals and international agencies to come to their aid.

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Guild of Editors want FG to protect girl-child, condemns rising abuse of minors

ITRealms:

Concluding its first quarterly Standing Committee meeting at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja at the weekend, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has urged the Federal Government to introduce strong policies to protect rights of children, especially the girl-child, reports ITRealms.

This is coming as NGE also condemned unequivocally the increasing case of abductions and abuse of minors across the country.

In a communique made available to ITRealms at the end of meeting and endorsed by the outing President Garba Deen Mohammad and assistant general secretary, Mary Atolagbe, the Guild in a five-point statement, noted that the current economic challenges facing the country has made the need to diversify the Nigerian economy more compelling and urges government to quickly evolve very clear and productive policies on mining, as well as make agriculture more attractive through the provision of soft loans and other incentives that would facilitate the development of the agricultural sector.

ITRealms also reports that the Guild expressed disappointment over the poor conduct of the last JAMB computer-based examinations, describing it as a national embarrassment capable of truncating the destinies of future leaders.

“The Guild, therefore, implores government to immediately halt the approval of centres that lack the capacity to ensure seamless conduct of such examinations,” part of the communique read.

NGE further notes that with concern that the media industry, like most other sectors, is suffocating under the prevailing economic challenges, which poses a threat to the survival of traditional media in particular and credible information dissemination. It therefore asks the government to review policies that impede the operations of the media in order to sustain democracy and avoid job losses.

The Guild also acknowledged the recent changes in the status of its leadership and unanimously agrees on a handover plan that will culminate in a change of baton at its next Standing Committee Meeting.

+Remmy Nweke (ITRealms) 
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Frivolous Petitions Bill 2015: NGE says Senate undermines Nigerian Constitution

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has demanded unconditionally, the suspension by the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria all proceedings with respect to a proposed Bill, "Frivolous Petitions (Prohibitions etc) Bill 2015," reports ITRealms.

President, NGE, Garba Deen Muhammad, told ITRealms, that broad objective of this curiously accelerated Bill is to outlaw the freedom of expression of all Nigerian citizens and freedom of speech of all media organizations operating in print, electronic and on-line platforms in Nigeria and beyond.

“Appallingly, the Bill has also included as its target very personal and private means of communication such as SMS or text messages and WhatsApp, among others,” NGE lamented.

NGE President also stressed that the freedom of speech and expression is guaranteed in section 22 and 39(1) of the 1999 Nigerian constitution respectively. Stressing that to enact any kind of law under any guise that will contradict these fundamental provisions is to deliberately seek to undermine the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We are, therefore, concerned that a group of persons elected by Nigerians to ensure that their rights, privileges and interests are protected, should gleefully misuse the mandate given to them to the detriment of the same people that elected them,” Guild President said.

He pointed out that there are already existing laws in our Constitution that can accommodate all the concerns, real or imagined, that the proposed Bill is expected to address. These laws include the Cyber Crime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, the Libel law etc.

According to press statement personally endorsed by NGE president, its n view of this and the glaring danger posed by the proposed Bill, the NGE is strongly advising the Senate to drop all proceedings on the proposed Bill and turn its attention instead to critical areas in need of urgent intervention.

NGE believes the Senate has a right both individually and collectively to express their concerns about the abuse of the cyberspace by unscrupulous people and organizations, they should consolidate or strengthen the existing laws and enforce implementation.

“We call on all Nigerians that are justifiably peeved by the very consideration of enacting such obnoxious law to remain calm and express their opposition through lawful means,” he said, maintaining that NGE frowns at on-line fraudsters who take advantage of the vulnerable cyber space to carry out cyber bullying, stealing, stalking and all manner of cybercrimes.

 

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Pix: Senate president, Abubakar Saraki

Guild of Editors mourns late Hajiya Bilkisu

ITRealms:

The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), has expressed deep sense of loss and sadness over the death of a Hajiya Bilkisu Yusuf, (FNGE), who died during a stampede in Mina, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday, September 24, 2015, reports ITRealms.

NGE General Secretary, Victoria Ibanga in a press statement made available to ITRealms, described Hajiya Bilkisu as trailblazer, quintessential, and indefatigable Nigerian Journalist who was invaluable and respected fellow of our prestigious association.

“We are greatly saddened by her untimely passing and sincerely convey deep sympathies in this difficult time to members of her family who painfully bear the brunt of her sudden exit,” she said.

According to NGE, Hajiya Bilkisu broke the glass ceiling to edit two national newspapers and a magazine namely, The Triumph in Kano, The New Nigerian, and Citizen (both in Kaduna). 

“Besides being the first female Editor from Northern Nigeria, she scored many other firsts in the course of her sojourn here on earth. She was the founding member of Women in Nigeria (WIN), the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association (FOMWAN), a columnist for Daily Trust and Leadership newspapers, and the Executive Director of Advocacy Nigeria, a movement for the reduction of maternal and child mortality,” NGE noted.

Further, the Guild said that in a journalism carrier, which spanned over three decades, Hajiya Bilkisu, carved a niche for herself, contributing immensely to the growth of the Guild and development of the media industry in Nigeria, Africa and the whole world.

“This feat had made her a great citizen of the world,” NGE said.

Bilkisu, the NGE said, through her work touched many lives, united families, states and the nation in general and was fondly called was also a brilliant voice for the voiceless Nigerian Girl Child.

“We also convey our heartfelt sympathies to the families of other victims of the tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with their families,” NGE prayed, stressing the need for the organizers of the pilgrimage to take precautionary measures to avoid future occurrences.

+ITRealms DSA 

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