GOCOP Conference: NOA tasks media on accountability, substance over sensational reportage

*Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency urges Nigerian media professionals to make political manifestos central to election coverage by holding politicians accountable to their electoral campaign promises

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), has urged Nigerian journalists to make political manifestos central to election coverage.

Issa-Onilu emphasised the said the need to hold politicians accountable to their campaign promises.

He stated this while speaking at a panel session during the recent two-day 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), held in Lagos.

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The theme of this year’s conference was: “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities – Challenges and Prospects”.

Decrying the media’s somewhat tilted focus on “sensationalism” over substance in news reportage, Issa-Onilu also noted that political manifestos shape governance and democratic outcomes.

He disclosed how President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s campaign manifesto, in particular, took several months to craft, reflecting his reform-driven vision anchored on application of technology in governance.

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Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, the keynote speaker at the event, urged sincerity of purpose and strategic planning in bridging campaign promises with governance realities, while Chief Bode George, ex-Peoples Democratic Party’s Deputy National Chairman, advised leaders to utilise national resources for the benefit of all Nigerians.

In her submissions also, Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism and Director of Institute of Continuing Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Aokoa-Yaba, in Lagos State, commended journalists for promoting accountability.

L-R: Ofonime Umamah (TNN); Adedapo Falade (Newscoven); Olayinka Agboola (PMParrot & ParrotXtra Magazine); Olugbenga Kayode (ConsumerConnect); Olumuyiwa Akintunde (BreezyNewsNG); and Tola Akinmutimi (BRTNews), During the Induction of New Members of the Guild at the 9th GOCOP Annual Conference, in Lagos

Ogwezzy-Ndisika emphasised the role of the social media in demanding transparency and accountability in the political space.

Earlier, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers October 9, 2025, had inaugurated a new Executive Council on the second day of its 9th Annual Conference.

The conference swore-in Danlami Nmodu, mni, Publisher of Newsdiaryonline, as the new President along with other members of the Executive, following a keenly contested election conducted October 8.

Other newly-elected officers include Mr. Olumide Iyanda, Deputy President; Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo, General Secretary; Mr. Akeem Oyetunji, Deputy General Secretary; Ms. Ngozi Onyeakusi, Treasurer; Mr. Moses Ebosele, Financial Secretary; and Ms. Kemi Yesufu as the Publicity Secretary.

The Presidency of GOCOP was the only contested position during the election between Mr. Danlami Nmodu and Mr. Segun Adeleye, his challenger.

The other officers were returned unopposed.

Dr. Maureen Chigbo, outgoing GOCOP President, in her valedictory address on the occasion, expressed gratitude for members’ support, highlighting the Guild’s growth and professionalism over the years.

She, therefore, urged the new Executive Council members to sustain GOCOP’s credibility and uphold journalistic ethics in the online news ecosystem.

Guild inaugurates new members

Likewise, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers on the second day of this year’s conference Thursday also inducted eight new members into the Guild.

The inaugurated members as Publishers and Chief Executives of online news publications are: Adedapo Falade (Newscoven); Olayinka Agboola (PMParrot & ParrotXtra Magazine); Olugbenga Kayode (ConsumerConnect); Olumuyiwa Akintunde (BreezyNewsNG); Tola Akinmutimi (BRTNewsNG); Tony Amokeodo (The Ideal News); Ofonime Umamah (TNN); and Wilson Aderibigbe (Maritime First).

Nmodu unveils leadership agenda

Expressing appreciation in his acceptance speech, Nmodu thanked members of GOCOP for finding him worthy of the office of President.

The new President also pledged to abide by the ideals, rules and regulations of the Guild towards taking GOCOP to a higher level of growth within the online publishing community in Nigeria.

He also stated: “I take the responsibility of the office seriously. Our members shall come first.

“I promise to work harmoniously with other Exco officers and members to take GOCOP to a higher level of growth.”

Nmodu as well assured members of creating more human capital and business opportunities for them all.

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