Media
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Chapel, Lagos, is set to use its 2026 Press Week to examine the impact of politics on Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and the wider economy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The five-day Press Week, scheduled for Sept. 21 to Sept. 25, will bring together journalists, media professionals, policymakers, industry experts, political analysts, economists, and other stakeholders to discuss issues affecting Nigeria’s development.
Mrs Vivian Ihechu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the NUJ-NAN Press Week, said the activities were designed to promote healthy living, cultural awareness, professional engagement, and informed discussions on issues of national importance.
Ihechu noted that the lecture and symposium would focus on the theme: “2027 and Nigeria’s Future: Impact of Politics on Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry and Economy — The Role of the Media.”
According to her, the symposium—scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 at 10:00 a.m., at the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA) Complex, Eko Club Close, off Bode Thomas Road, Surulere—is expected to provide a platform for constructive discussions on Nigeria’s political and economic future.
She said the forum would particularly examine how political developments and decisions could affect the oil and gas industry, government revenue, investment, energy security, employment, and the overall performance of the Nigerian economy.
“The media has a critical responsibility in shaping public understanding of these issues. Journalists must provide accurate, balanced and timely information while holding political leaders, public institutions and other stakeholders accountable,” Ihechu said.
She added that the Press Week would also highlight the importance of responsible journalism in strengthening democratic governance and promoting national development.
Also commenting, Mr Adeyemi Adeleye, Secretary of the NUJ-NAN Chapel, Lagos, said the choice of the symposium theme was informed by the importance of the oil and gas sector to Nigeria’s economy and the need for the media to provide citizens with reliable information as the country approaches the 2027 elections.
Adeleye noted that the media must go beyond reporting political activities to examine how policies, political decisions, and electoral outcomes could influence key sectors of the economy.
“The 2027 elections will have implications for the direction of economic policies and the management of critical sectors such as oil and gas.
“The media, therefore, has a responsibility to deepen public understanding of these issues and ensure that political and economic debates are based on facts,” Adeleye said.
He urged stakeholders and the public to participate actively in the symposium and other activities lined up for the Press Week.
He announced that the week would open on Monday, Sept. 21 with a health walk from Yaba College of Technology to the NAN premises under the theme, “Stride Towards Healthier Workers.”
The LOC said the opening activities would also feature a free medical check-up and outreach, aimed at encouraging journalists and the public to pay greater attention to their health and well-being.
“Tuesday, Sept. 22, has been designated as Cultural Day, with the theme, “Our Culture, Our Pride.” The programme will feature the Kuti Family as part of activities celebrating Felabration, as well as a performance by Fuji music maestro, Dr Adewale Ayuba.
“Other activities planned for the Press Week include visits to orphanages and elderly care homes, alongside other programmes aimed at promoting social responsibility and community engagement.
“The Press Week is expected to strengthen professional bonds among journalists while creating opportunities for meaningful engagement between the media and other sectors of society,” the LOC stated.
Ihechu and Adeleye jointly called on stakeholders, media organisations, government institutions, corporate bodies, and members of the public to support and participate in the activities.
The duo said the event would further demonstrate the commitment of the NUJ-NAN Chapel to promoting informed public discourse, professional journalism, democratic governance, accountability, and sustainable national development. (NAN)www.nannews.ng
A.I
Sept. 1, 2026
Tags: Mrs Vivian Ihechu NUJ