The Association of Corporate Online Editors, ACOE has announced its plans to celebrate its fourth anniversary with a three-day program that includes a fitness workout, humanitarian visits, professional training and its second annual lecture and awards.
The Chairman of ACOE, Shola Akingboye announced this at an international press conference on Thursday to unveil events for the occasion.
“The program is designed to promote professional development, humanitarian service and responsible journalism, especially ahead of the 2027 general elections in the country,” he stated.
On the first day of the anniversary, he said, physical fitness training for members and visits to motherless homes to give support to children and other vulnerable persons.
He said the project was borne out of the belief that journalists should not only expose the difficulties in the community but also identify with the weak in the society.
The second day would concentrate on professional growth with members getting training on ethical digital journalism in the era of Artificial Intelligence, the ACOE chairman stated.
The training would encompass the opportunities and challenges that come with AI like misinformation, deepfakes, made-up content, copyright issues and manipulation, he said.
“Journalists should ensure that technology is used to complement and not replace professional judgement and ethical responsibility,” Akingboye said.
He stated the training would be themed on “What the AI will not do.”
On the third day, the association would hold its second annual lecture and awards, the chairman stated.
The lecture will take place on Thursday 19th November 2026 at 10am at the Army Resources Center, Asokoro Hall A, Mambilla Barracks, Abuja.
The lecture is on the theme, “Roadmap to 2027: Enhancing Electoral Security Through Collaboration Among INEC, the Media and Political Parties for Credible and Hitch-Free Elections.”
He said the theme was apt in view of the preparations for the 2027 general elections and stressed the need for collaboration between the Independent National Electoral Commission, political parties, security forces, the media and citizens for legitimate and peaceful elections.
He stated the media in particular had a very significant role to play. “As online journalism becomes more widespread and powerful, we have to ensure that information reaching the public is properly checked, accurate, balanced and responsibly presented.”
He also asked political parties and their followers to engage in issue-based campaigns and avoid words or acts that could overheat the polity.
He said the lecture is meant to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to discuss difficulties and come up with practical solutions toward safer and more credible elections.
The Chairman of Planning Committee, Chux Ukwuatu, said the event was expected to attract over 100 attendees including ministers, top government officials, lawmakers and leaders of the informal sector.
He said the INEC Chairman was also picked to be the speaker for the yearly lecture.
He added the Army Resources Center was picked because of its capacity, security preparations and sufficient parking facilities.
The program will also include the ACOE Annual Awards, honouring exceptional individuals and organisations for their achievements to media, democracy, public accountability, electoral progress and national service.
Akingboye said the awards were to encourage individuals and organisations making great contributions to the society.
He said ACOE would continue to support professionalism, ethical journalism, credibility, responsibility and responsible digital media activity.
“As we move into 2027, we believe the media must be part of the solution. Nigerians need to be educated on the electoral process. We need to supply good information. “We have to allow space for different voices,” he remarked.
The chairman asked the media and the public to participate in the three-day anniversary celebration.
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