By GGabriel Ameh
The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) has unveiled a three-day programme for its 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards, with a focus on artificial intelligence (AI), ethical digital journalism, humanitarian service and electoral security ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The programme will combine physical fitness activities, humanitarian outreach, professional training and a public lecture expected to bring together media practitioners, government officials and other stakeholders.
Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chux Ukwuatu, said the activities were designed to promote professional development, knowledge sharing, networking and recognition of outstanding contributions to society and the media industry.
According to him, the first day will feature a fitness exercise and humanitarian visits to motherless homes, where members are expected to support vulnerable children.
Ukwuatu said the fitness activity reflects the importance of journalists’ physical and mental wellbeing in carrying out their responsibilities to society.
He added that the humanitarian outreach underscores ACOE’s commitment to extending its social responsibility beyond journalism by identifying with vulnerable communities.
ACOE to Train Journalists on AI and Digital Ethics
The second day will focus on professional development and members’ welfare, particularly the challenges and opportunities emerging from the rapid growth of AI in digital media.
The association plans to organise an on-the-job training seminar on ethical digital journalism under the theme, “What the AI Will Not Do.”
The training is expected to equip online editors and journalists with the skills to use AI responsibly while upholding accuracy, verification, fairness, accountability and professional ethics.
Ukwuatu noted that although AI offers opportunities to improve journalistic work, its growing use also raises concerns about misinformation, deepfakes, fabricated content, copyright violations and declining public trust.
He stressed that technology should support journalism rather than replace professional judgement and ethical responsibility.
INEC Chairman to Lead Discussion on 2027 Electoral Security
The third day will feature ACOE’s second Annual Lecture and Awards, which will serve as the climax of the anniversary programme.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been selected as the keynote speaker.
The lecture will focus on “Roadmap to 2027: Strengthening Electoral Security Through Collaboration Among INEC, the Media, and Political Parties for Credible and Hitch-Free Elections.”
The discussion is expected to examine how collaboration among the electoral commission, media organisations and political parties can strengthen electoral security and support credible elections in 2027.
The organisers expect the public lecture to attract ministers, senior government officials, politicians, media practitioners and representatives of the informal sector, alongside other invited guests.
The event is scheduled to hold on November 19, 2026, at the Army Resources Centre. The organisers said the venue was selected for its security, space and parking facilities.
Close to 100 participants are expected to attend activities across the three-day programme.
Ukwuatu said the planning committee was working to deliver a professionally organised event that builds on previous editions and creates opportunities for meaningful engagement among stakeholders.
He added that the programme would provide a platform to reflect on the future of journalism, responsible AI adoption and the media’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Credit: Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), based on information provided by the association’s 2026 Annual Lecture and Awards Planning Committee.
