The Nigerian Guild of Editors has welcomed 39 new members and conferred the status of fellows upon 14 individuals, during its recently concluded conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The fellows’ installation took place during Thursday night’s gala, hosted by Akwa Ibom State governor, Umo Éno, while the induction of new members occurred at Ibom Icon Hotel.

During the induction ceremony on Friday night, Ray Ekpo, a seasoned journalist and publisher of Newswatch Magazine, urged the newcomers to uphold high editorial standards. He emphasized their significance as editors, highlighting their role in shaping the government’s agenda 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 emphasized that, particularly in this crucial period of the nation’s history, the editor’s responsibility has significantly expanded, underscoring the critical nature of the editor’s role for the nation’s survival.

Mr. Eze Anaba, the President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors and Editor of the Vanguard Newspapers, encouraged the newly inducted members to contribute to the growth of the guild.

“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.”

Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the Secretary of the Guild of Editors, revealed that more than 90 individuals submitted applications for membership, but only 39 were ultimately recommended.

Mr. Gbenga Adefaye, a former President of the Guild, administered the oath to the newly inducted members.