Editors to FG: Equip the military, other security agencies with requisite, modern weapons to fight insecurity

The Nigerian Guild of Editors has urged the Federal Government to equip the Armed Forces and other security agencies with the requisite and modern weapons needed to ensure security in the country.

They, however, challenged the security agencies to step up their intelligence gathering and be proactive in handling security challenges in order to win the current battle against terrorists and other criminal elements.

These were part of an 11-point communiqué of the 2025 Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Biennial Convention held on June 27, 2025 in Enugu signed by Eze Anaba and Onuoha Ukeh, President and Secretary, respectively, issued on Sunday.

Other major resolutions include: “Security is duty of the government and citizens; the media must promote peace, inclusion, and justice by prioritizing peace and stability over breaking news; security agencies and media must collaborate to promote peace and stability; media practices should promote diversity and representation as well as avoid one-sided stories and sensationalism and the media should promote dialogue and consider implications of reporting certain things.

Others are: “The government must see the media as a profession of patriots who have the interest of the nation at heart; government should equip the military and other security agencies with requisite and modern weapons needed to ensure security; security agencies should step up intelligence gathering and be proactive in handling security challenges; the legislature should look into laws that inhibit media practices in the spirit of democracy; the NGE should explore ways to benefit members by working with the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria (NPAN) to establish a Media Trust Fund while the new executives should maintain the cardinal objectives of the Guild – the preservation of the standards of journalism practice, ensure adherence to the code of ethics, defend the rights of its members.

Recall that the NGE 2025 biennial conference had the theme: “Nation’s Security Future: Harnessing Diversity for Peace/Stability and the Media’s Role”.

Also, the convention stressed that a nation’s security and stability can be enhanced by leveraging its diversity, with the media playing a crucial role in promoting this goal.

It further noted that editors and journalists should promote responsible journalism practices, and that the media and government should prioritize peace and inclusion, and work towards building a stronger, more united Nigeria.

Besides, the Guild conducted elections, where the following officials emerged: Eze Anaba – President; Sabastine Abu – Deputy President; Sheddy Ozoene – Vice President (East); Hamza Idris – Vice President (North); Kabir Garba – Vice President (West); Onuoha Ukeh – Secretary; Gabriel Akinadewo- Assistant Secretary; Iyobosa Uwugiaren- Treasurer; Charles Kalu – Social /Publicity Secretary.

Other elected officials are: Rose Moses – Standing Committee member (West); Juliet Bumah – Standing Committee member (West); Olabisi Deji-Folutile – Standing Committee member (West); Umoru Ibrahim- Standing Committee member (North); Paulyn Ugbodaga- Standing Committee member (North); Chinedu Max Egere – Standing Committee member (East); Ikpong Essien-Udom – Standing Committee member (East).

The NGE also commended Governor Peter Mbah for hosting the convention and for his developmental strides in the last two years.