The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, has disclosed plans to establish a journalism prize in honour of its late former President, Dotun Oladipo, in recognition of his contributions to the development of online journalism in Nigeria.
The proposed Dotun Oladipo Prize for Online Journalism was announced by GOCOP Deputy President, Olumide Iyanda, during a service of songs held for the late journalist and publisher at Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos.
Iyanda, who represented GOCOP at the ceremony, said the initiative was part of efforts to preserve Oladipo’s legacy and ensure that his contributions to the guild and Nigeria’s media industry continued to be remembered.
He expressed appreciation to Oladipo’s family for the years the late publisher devoted to the guild, his colleagues and the wider journalism community.
Oladipo, who founded and published The Eagle Online, died on August 25, 2026, at the age of 56. He was the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Premium Eagle Media Limited, the parent company of the online publication.
The late journalist was a founding member of GOCOP and served as its president from 2017 to 2021, helping to shape the organization during a period of rapid growth in Nigeria’s digital media sector.
Also Read:Â NUJ mourns death of Eagle Online Publisher, Dotun Oladipo
The organization said he brought extensive experience from traditional journalism into digital publishing and advocated collaboration among online publishers as the sector developed.
During his four-year tenure as president, Oladipo represented the guild at various engagements and worked with members as online publishing faced the opportunities and challenges associated with the rapid expansion of digital media in Nigeria.
GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, had described his death as a significant loss to the organization and the wider media community, noting that Oladipo played an important role in establishing online publishers as a recognized part of Nigeria’s media landscape.
Beyond his work with GOCOP, Oladipo had a journalism career spanning nearly three decades. He worked with several Nigerian newspapers, including the Nigerian Tribune, Nigerian Compass, The Sun and PUNCH Newspapers, where he served as Politics Editor before moving fully into digital publishing.
He later established The Eagle Online, where he combined his newsroom experience with digital publishing. His death drew tributes from journalists, media organizations and public officials, including President Bola Tinubu and Information and National Orientation Minister Mohammed Idris, who acknowledged his contributions to journalism, political reporting and digital media.
The announcement of the proposed prize came as colleagues, friends, family members and associates gathered to honour Oladipo at the service of songs ahead of his burial on Friday, September 11.
The initiative is expected to provide a lasting platform for recognizing excellence in online journalism while keeping alive the professional values and commitment to digital publishing associated with the late GOCOP leader.
The Conclave
