APPMEN Postpones Obudu Retreat Over Security Concerns, Fixes Abuja Conference for September 24

The Association of Proprietors of Private Media Establishment of Nigeria (APPMEN) has postponed its planned 2026 APPMEN/Content Creators Two-Day Retreat earlier scheduled to hold at the Obudu Cattle Ranch Resort in Cross River State, citing prevailing security concerns in parts of the country.

The association announced that the retreat, originally billed for July 9 to 11, 2026, has now been rescheduled as a one-day national conference to be held in Abuja on Thursday, September 24, 2026.

According to APPMEN, the decision followed a careful assessment of the nation’s security situation, with the safety of members, participants and stakeholders taking precedence.

The conference, themed “APPMEN: Voice, Vision, Purpose,” will be hosted by the APPMEN FCT Abuja Council and is expected to bring together media proprietors, content creators and key stakeholders to discuss responsible media practice and nation-building.

Among the major highlights of the conference are the Investiture Ceremony for the Grand Patron, Honorary National Patrons and The Nigeria We Want (TNWW) Ambassadors, as well as the presentation of National Recognition Awards to distinguished Nigerians who have made significant contributions to national development across critical sectors of the economy.

The event will also feature strategic engagements aimed at equipping media owners and content creators with the tools to shape national narratives with responsibility, vision and purpose.

The planning committee is chaired by the FCT Council Coordinator, Mr. Felix Onuah, with Pastor Bossey Edward Idogho serving as Secretary and Elder David Omoru as a member of the committee.

APPMEN disclosed that the National Secretariat will oversee the planning and execution of the conference to ensure a successful outing, while the newly appointed committee members have pledged to deliver a well-organised event.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s private media industry, promoting responsible journalism and advancing patriotic communication that supports national development.

It further assured members that all registrations, partnerships and other arrangements already made for the postponed Obudu Retreat would automatically be transferred to the Abuja conference.

The association added that details on the venue, accreditation process and participation guidelines would be announced by the planning committee in due course.

In the statement signed by Mr. Felix Onuah, APPMEN expressed regret over any inconvenience caused by the postponement and thanked members and stakeholders for their understanding and continued support.