The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has congratulated veteran journalist Danlami Nmodu on his election as the new President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.
Nmodu, publisher of Newsdiary Online, emerged victorious in a keenly contested election held in Lagos, marking a new chapter for the influential body that represents more than 100 leading digital media publishers in Nigeria.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, the Minister described Nmodu as “a thorough journalist” whose professionalism, integrity, and long-standing commitment to ethical reporting make him eminently qualified for the role.
“Mr Nmodu, with whom I have had a personal and professional relationship for many years, has proved his mettle in journalism and is deserving of such commanding heights,” Idris said.
The Minister also commended the immediate past GOCOP President, Mrs Maureen Chigbo, publisher of RealNews Online, for her exemplary leadership and lasting contributions to the growth of the Guild. He lauded her for “providing vibrant leadership to a galaxy of online publishers and bequeathing a legacy of honour, dignity, credibility, and remarkable growth.”
While congratulating Nmodu, Idris urged him and his executive committee to build on that legacy by fostering unity and inclusivity within the Guild.
“As I congratulate Nmodu, it pleases me to urge him to run an inclusive leadership that guarantees the participation of all GOCOP members in sustaining the collective aspirations of the Guild,” the Minister said.
He also charged the new leadership to strengthen GOCOP’s role in combating fake news and misinformation, which he described as major threats to the credibility of journalism in the digital era.
Idris emphasized that collaboration between the Guild and the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is vital to advancing media and information literacy nationwide.
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“It is important for the Guild to remain vigilant in the face of the atrocious effects of fake news, misinformation and disinformation threatening the credibility of the journalism profession,” he said.
The Minister expressed confidence in Nmodu’s ability to steer the Guild responsibly, citing his distinguished career built on integrity, accountability, and resilience.
“I am trusting Mr Nmodu, who has built a career molded in integrity, accountability, courage, and resilience, to bring the same to bear in collaborating with government to uphold the values of media fidelity and literacy, especially in the fluid digital media space,” Idris added.
The Minister concluded by reiterating the government’s commitment to supporting credible journalism, ethical media practices, and professional standards that foster trust between the media and the public.
Crediblenewsng.com
