ACOE to hold 2nd annual lecture, awards November 19
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Association of Corporate Online Editors, ACOE has announced plans to mark its fourth anniversary with a three-day programme featuring a fitness exercise, humanitarian visits, professional training and its second annual lecture and awards.
The Chairman of ACOE, Shola Akingboye, disclosed this on Thursday at a world press conference held to unveil activities for the anniversary.
Akingboye said the programme was designed to promote professional development, humanitarian service and responsible journalism, particularly as the country approaches the 2027 general elections.
According to him, the first day of the anniversary will begin with a physical fitness exercise for members, followed by visits to motherless homes to provide support to children and other vulnerable persons.
He said the initiative was informed by the belief that journalists should not only report societal challenges but should also identify with vulnerable members of society.
The ACOE chairman said the second day would focus on professional development, with members undergoing training on ethical digital journalism in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
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He said the training would address the opportunities and challenges associated with AI, including misinformation, deepfakes, fabricated content, copyright issues and manipulation.
Akingboye said journalists must ensure that technology complemented rather than replaced professional judgment and ethical responsibility.
He said the training would be held under the theme, “What the AI Will Not Do.”
The chairman said the third day would feature the association’s second annual lecture and awards.
The lecture, scheduled for Thursday, November 19, 2026, at 10am, will be held at the Army Resources Centre, Asokoro, Hall A, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.
The theme of the lecture is, “Roadmap to 2027: Strengthening Electoral Security Through Collaboration Among INEC, the Media, and Political Parties for Credible and Hitch-Free Elections.”
Akingboye said the theme was timely given the preparations for the 2027 general elections, stressing that credible and peaceful elections required collaboration among the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, security agencies, the media and citizens.
He said, “The media, in particular, has a very important role to play. As online journalism continues to expand its reach and influence, we must ensure that information reaching the public is properly verified, accurate, balanced and responsibly presented.”
He also urged political parties and their supporters to embrace issue-based campaigns and avoid statements or actions capable of heating up the polity.
According to him, the lecture is expected to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to examine challenges and develop practical solutions towards safer and more credible elections.
The Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chux Ukwuatu, said the event was expected to attract about 100 participants, including ministers, senior government officials, politicians and representatives of the informal sector.
Ukwuatu also disclosed that the INEC Chairman had been selected as the keynote speaker for the annual lecture.
He said the Army Resources Centre was selected because of its capacity, security arrangements and adequate parking facilities.
The programme will also feature the ACOE Annual Awards, through which outstanding individuals and organisations will be recognised for contributions to journalism, democracy, public accountability, electoral development and national service.
Akingboye said the awards were intended to encourage individuals and organisations making positive contributions to society.
He added that ACOE would continue to promote professionalism, ethical journalism, credibility, accountability and responsible digital media practice.
“As we approach 2027, we believe that the media must be part of the solution. We must help Nigerians understand the electoral process. We must provide credible information. We must give room for diverse voices,” he said.
The chairman urged the media and members of the public to participate in the three-day anniversary activities.
