The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has announced activities for its fourth anniversary celebration, which will culminate in its 2nd Annual Lecture and Awards focusing on strengthening electoral security ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Speaking at a world press conference in Abuja, ACOE Chairman, Comrade Shola Akingboye, said the association had designed a three-day programme that reflects its commitment to professional journalism, public service and democratic development.
According to him, the anniversary celebration will begin with a fitness exercise for members, followed by humanitarian visits to motherless homes as part of efforts to support vulnerable members of society.
“We believe that a healthy journalist is better positioned to serve society effectively,” Akingboye said, adding that journalism should go beyond reporting societal challenges to identifying with and supporting those in need.
The second day of the programme will focus on professional development, particularly in response to the growing influence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in journalism and media practice.
Akingboye said ACOE would organise a training seminar on ethical digital journalism in the era of AI to equip members with skills needed to navigate emerging opportunities and challenges while upholding the core principles of accuracy, fairness, verification and accountability.
He noted that while AI offers significant benefits to journalism, it also poses risks, including misinformation, deepfakes, fabricated content, copyright concerns and erosion of public trust.
“As digital journalists, we must ensure that technology serves journalism and does not replace the professional judgment and ethical responsibility of the journalist,” he said.
The highlight of the celebration will be ACOE’s 2nd Annual Lecture and Awards scheduled for November 19, 2026, at the Army Resources Centre, Asokoro, Abuja.
The lecture, themed “Roadmap to 2027: Strengthening Electoral Security Through Collaboration Between INEC, the Media, and Political Parties for Credible and Hitch-Free Elections,” is expected to bring together key stakeholders to discuss measures for ensuring peaceful and credible elections.
Akingboye said the theme was timely as the country gradually prepares for the next general elections, stressing that credible elections require cooperation among electoral authorities, political parties, security agencies, the media and citizens.
He expressed concern over the growing impact of misinformation, disinformation, fake news, hate speech and AI-generated deceptive content, warning that such trends could undermine public confidence in the electoral process.
“The media must be part of the solution. We must help Nigerians understand the electoral process, provide credible information and hold institutions and political actors accountable,” he said.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chux Ukwuatu, disclosed that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman has been selected as the keynote speaker for the annual lecture.
Ukwuatu said the event is expected to attract ministers, senior government officials, politicians, media professionals and other stakeholders from across the country.
He added that the annual awards segment would recognise individuals and organisations that have made significant contributions to journalism, democracy, electoral development, public accountability and national service.
Akingboye reaffirmed ACOE’s commitment to promoting professionalism, ethical journalism and responsible digital media practice, saying the association would continue to encourage its members to prioritise truth, accuracy and public interest in their work.
He also called on INEC, political parties, security agencies, civil society organisations, development partners, media practitioners and members of the public to participate in the three-day programme and contribute to discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy ahead of the 2027 elections.
