FG commits to free, vibrant press at
GOCOP book launch, ₦2.3 billion fundraising event (Pictures)
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has launched its inaugural book: “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing,” alongside a ₦2.3 billion fundraising campaign for the construction of GOCOP media centre, held at the Abuja Continental Hotel on Tuesday.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who was the chairman of the occasion, reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu to a free, responsible, and vibrant journalism.
He underscored the media’s pivotal role in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy and national development.
The Minister commended the leadership of GOCOP for authoring the publication and for its foresight in championing ethical standards and innovation in online journalism.
To bolster the fight against fake news and misinformation as well as support professional development in media, the Minister announced that the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute will commence operations in Abuja by November 2025.
“This initiative will position Nigeria as a global leader in the responsible use of media and information in the digital era.
“To this end, I urge GOCOP to fully embrace the emerging MIL Institute for its academic and experiential values, and also use the outcomes towards enhancing fact-checking mechanisms,” he said.
The event successfully raised funds for the construction of the GOCOP Media Centre, a multipurpose facility to house a 21st-century library, event halls, and a secretariat.
Earlier in her welcome address, GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, gave an overview of the book describing it as a masterpiece that will introduce GOCOP and its dedicated mission to fight fake news in the media space.
She said GOCOP is out to tackle the rising menace of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, describing them as serious threats to public peace, national security, and ethical journalism.
Ms Chigbo acknowledged the invaluable contribution of the federal government through President Tinubu, Minister of Information Idris, state governments, public and private agencies, Neptune Prime CEO/Publisher, Dr Hassan Gimba; deputy president of GOCOP and Editor-in-Chief of NewsDiary Online, Danlami Nmodu, among many others.
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The event was attended by media experts, representatives of security agencies, and representatives of private and public organisations.
Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, was represented by Commissioner of Information, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego; the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, was represented by police spokesman, Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
Also present is the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, Bayo Onanuga. The Customs Service’s National Public Relations Officer, Assistant Comptroller Abdullahi Maiwada, PhD, represented the service at the event.
The book explores the enduring core values of journalism, truth, fairness, and accountability and a conscious effort to reset the tone, ethics, and values that underpin journalism in the digital age.
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