The Nigerian Guild of Editors ON Friday inducted 39 new members and installed 14 fellows during its just-concluded conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.
Speaking while inducting the new members, publisher of Newswatch Magazine, Ray Ekpu, urged the inductees to be good editors, adding that as editors they are important personalities who set the agenda for the government through the stories they publish.
Ekpu said, “The editor is the most important person in terms of decision-making in our industry. The editor decides what people must read, and what they consider important. They are the people who set the agenda for the government and the people of Nigeria by the choices of stories and the placement of those stories.
“Whether you decide you will publish or kill the story that is agenda setting. So the people we are going to inaugurate today are going to be joining a privileged elite group in our industry. My advice to them is when you join the club, take it as a serious responsibility to be a good editor.”
He added that the role of the editor has increased tremendously, especially at this critical time of the nation’s history, adding that the editor’s role is very critical for the survival of the nation.
Eze Anaba, President of the NGE and Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers, encouraged the new members to actively contribute to the growth of the guild, considering the delicate state of the nation and the profession.
“Those of us that will be inducted this night, I am to tell you that for the past three days, we’ve been here discussing the state of the nation and the state of our profession. After tonight, do well to be involved and help us to grow the Guild.
Secretary of the Guild, Iyobosa Uwugiaren, revealed that out of the 90 applications received, only 39 were recommended for membership, underscoring the significance of those inducted into the Guild.
The induction ceremony was presided over by former Guild President, Mr. Gbenga Adefaye.
