Speaking at the launch of GOCOP’s maiden publication, “Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing,” and a fundraising event for the GOCOP Media Center in Abuja.

Chigbo emphasized the need for collaboration with stakeholders to achieve this goal.

As a group of professional journalists with over two decades of experience in mainstream media, GOCOP is committed to promoting ethical online publishing practices.

Chigbo noted that the organization’s members are dedicated to upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and balanced reporting, and have introduced a self-regulatory mechanism to ensure compliance.

To maintain high standards, GOCOP has established several committees, including a Disciplinary Committee/Ombudsman to address public complaints and ensure accountability.

Chigbo stressed that the organization takes its self-regulation responsibility seriously and is committed to weeding out unprofessional conduct.

The GOCOP President acknowledged the contributions of members, contributors, and supporters, including Mr. Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of PREMIUM TIMES, who wrote the foreword to the book as well as the reviewer, and president, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Dr Ike Neliaku.

She also expressed gratitude to the Federal Government, state governments, institutions, and corporate organizations for their support.

Chigbo appealed for generous donations to strengthen GOCOP and build the Guild’s Media Centre, which will empower members to run their businesses profitably.

She also urged public relations practitioners, advertisers, governments, and civil society organizations to support GOCOP businesses, emphasizing the critical role that online media plays in building a society where justice, peace, and individual rights are respected.

By promoting ethical online publishing practices and collaborating with stakeholders, GOCOP aims to establish itself as a leading voice in the online media industry and contribute to the growth and development of the sector.

“A Leader is one, who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way” – John C. Maxwell.

Maureen Chigbo, the publisher and Editor of Realnews Magazine, Nigeria’s pioneer online Magazine is the first female and 4th President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

She assumed office on the 3rd of October 2021 after a keenly contested election during the Guild’s 4th Annual General Meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

GOCOP was established to ensure that Online Publishers upheld the tenets of journalism, and the association now boasts more than 104 members.

The Guild’s Founding members and Emeritus Presidents include Malachi Agbo of TheCitizen, Musikilu Mojeed of Premium Times and Dotun Oladipo of the Eagle Online.

In an acceptance speech after her election, Maureen had promised to reposition the association and promote the interests of its members.

She has demonstrated that she is a good manager and a leader with a vision who values and nurtures human relationships.

One of the innovations introduced by Maureen is celebrating Guild members on their birthdays and presenting them with cakes, no matter their location.

She would follow up with a telephone call to the celebrant and extend best wishes to their families.

This annual gesture has gone a long way in building love, trust, confidence and strong relationships among Guild members.

Before Maureen’s tenure, the Guild had functioned without an office, but under her watch, the association now has a befitting office accommodation in Lagos.

The Guild’s membership has also increased from 80 to more than 104 and counting, with prospective members going through rigorous vetting before admission.

The Association also has an active website, while GOCOP members have continued to acquit themselves creditably, with some bagging international, federal and state government appointments/positions, thereby raising its public profile.

The Guild’s Pioneer President, Malachi Agbo is now the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication in Enugu State, and his successor at GOCOP, Musikilu Mojeed is the President of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Similarly, Femi Soneye, Publisher of online Per Seconds News has landed an appointment as Chief of Corporate Communications, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Rasheed Olawale of Sahel Standard is the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun state Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and this writer, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim of August24news.com, has been appointed Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the Chairman of the Lagos Island East Council.

The Maureen-led GOCOP Executive has continued to secure advertisements and partnership support from multinational companies and federal government agencies for association members.

There have also been increased partnership collaborations between GOCOP and public and private sector organisations, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, the NNPCL, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Many who have interacted with Maureen describe her as a good listener, a strategist, an astute administrator, a motivational speaker, a mentor and an unassuming great thinker, who treats others with love, respect, dignity and honour.

Maureen’s exemplary leadership has positively impacted the operations of the Guild, especially in accountability and financial management.

In an interview with this writer, the soft-spoken GOCOP President insisted that all achievements by the association during her tenure could not have been possible without the guidance of God, her family, past leaders of the association and the cooperation of association members.

Commenting on Maureen’s achievements as GOCOP President, Mr Musbau Rasak, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of The Gazzelle News.com, said Maureen’s “leadership and management style,” qualifies her for higher responsibilities including federal appointments.

“She will perform excellently wherever she finds herself. Her records and achievements as GOCOP President are indications that she is a good administrator and a leader worthy of emulation,” declared Rasak, a former Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Another Guild member, Mr. Idumonza Isidahomhen, Publisher of Openlife Magazine said Maureen has brought “a motherly disposition to the GOCOP presidency.”

“She identifies with everyone in times of joy and pain. She prays and supports everyone in all seasons,” Isidahomhen said, adding: “History will be kind to her as a leader, patriot and a Sweet Mother.”

Echoing Isidahomhen’s sentiment, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Founder of Penpushing Media said he first came in contact with Maureen during her first term inauguration as GOCOP President, describing her as “a man in a woman’s skin,” who has illustrated the saying that what a man can do a woman can do better.

Kayode-Adedeji listed Maureen’s leadership qualities as “her proactive nature, commitment to getting results and providing food on the table for association members through her reliable contacts and integrity.”

Continuing he said “She (Maureen) is not power-drunk, but always believes in the peaceful resolution of issues. Honestly, if our (GOCOP), constitution allows 3rd term, I would have sponsored Maureen because she is a responsible and reliable leader. I pray we get a successor of her qualities.”

For his part, the Editor-in-chief and Publisher of Sliver News, Mr Ignatius Chukwu, said: I joined (GOCOP) a few years ago and I have watched (Maureen) carry on with a lot of energy for welfare, ethics, and aspiration for building a body of journalists that would be different.”

“Another amazing and unique attitude I found about our president was the day she stepped out to dance in a competition last year…”

“She also stepped in for me when my wife was dying last year. I will encourage her to conclude the medical scheme for GOCOP members and explore the possibility of getting gadgets such as recorders and laptops for members to facilitate their work,” Chukwu added.

Maureen’s colleagues on the GOCOP Executive Committee have nothing but commendation for the president.

Mallam Danlami Nmodu, the Association Deputy President and Chairman of the 2024 Conference Planning Committee said: “Maureen is passionate about GOCOP and its members. She has been keen to see that things work well within the Guild, she deserves encouragement, commendation and support.”

Another member, who wishes to remain anonymous said:

“Maureen would win her Leadership Personality of the Year if she and her Exco members could use their good offices to procure a new bus for the Association and set up a support scheme for late members of the Guild.”

Membership of the Guild is a collection of editors and senior journalists who have distinguished themselves in the print and electronic media.

It is a non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organisation for the highest level of media professionals in online publishing.

Maureen, a devout Christian, loves to render humanitarian services and relates with others irrespective of age, gender, tribe, faith, creed or ethnicity.

On behalf of myself, the Management and staff of August24news.com and its sister YouTube channel August24news TV, we wish Maureen success in her future endeavours after GOCOP presidency.

Maureen’s steadfast commitment to seeking justice and transformational changes in Nigeria’s online media is inspirational.

Her work resonates with many who aspire to foster transparency and equitable society. Her voice is crucial, especially at this critical stage, when quacks are trying hard to hijack online publishing space in the country.

Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, a Senior Special Assistant to Lagos Island East Council Chairman on Media and Digital Communications,also a member of GOCOP and Publisher of August24news.com

Ochefu, the Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), said that the current state of the economy requires elite consensus; a phenomenon which most developed social formations have in common.

He was speaking as a panelist at the 7th annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), held in Abuja, stressing a need to address the issue of elite consensus if the country must talk about economic growth and sustainable development.

Speaking further on the elite consensus concept, Ochefu said that the character and lifestyle of the elites play significant role in shaping the country’s development trajectory.

The panelist further advised the government to improve it investment in education noting that Nigeria is currently doing 9% in terms of space for higher education as “over 200 Universities we have are not enough to cater for large number of Nigerians seeking tertiary education”.

He decried a situation where those in position of leadership amass wealth more than they need to the detriment of the economy and the Nigerian people.

Other panelist include Hadiza Bala Usman whereas the keynote address on ‘Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability’ was presented by Prof Uche Uwaleke, a professor of capital market and the Special Adviser to the Senate Committee Chairman on Capital Market.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, the president of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, said security was important as there can be no investment without security and underscored the purpose of the conference theme.

“There is a new administration in town, so there is need to assist them with professional information to build sound roadmap.”

Giving a background on GOCOP, and the choice of Abuja, the president, who is the publisher of RealNews online, noted the group is made up of mediapreneurs who are seasoned practitioners.

GOCOP, she said, has created mechanisms to control and discipline any erring members to ensure credibility in online journalism.

The 2023 conference was chaired by the chief executive officer and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof Ishaq Oloyede, whereas the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris led the Federal Government delegation to the annual conference.

The indication was revealed at the 7th annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online  Publishers (GOCOP) by Uche Uwaleke, a professor of capital market,.

The expert from the Nasarawa State University, Lafia, who is also the Special Adviser to the Senate Committee Chairman on Capital Market, told online publishers that the moment Nigeria can stop fuel import, about 54 per cent of the cost of fuel ought to drop.

This, he said, is because fuel importation accounts for 54 per cent of the fuel price, saying local refining alone ought to shed off this size of cost.

He said this should automatically reduce the bleeding of the naira and reduce inflation because fuel pushes prices of all other things up.

His advice thus is that the FG should intensify all strategies to get the refineries working, then naira will firm up.

On the refineries, the expert urged the FG to sell or privatise government assets only at the Capital Market to ensure transparency, due process, corporate governance, and spread of equity to interested Nigerians.

“The NNPCL should be taken to the Capital Market, even if it’s a small percentage that is to be sold. This is because they will be under obligation to publish their records. Nigerians will take up equity in it. Saudi Arabia did so with Aramco where 5% was sold. Do part privatization of the refineries at the Capital Market,” he said.

He also said states and regions should cooperate and build joint ventures in businesses peculiar to their areas and on which they hold comparative advantage.

Uwaleke harped on the highly cherished One-State-One-Product (OSOP) concept and build industries in the products they have adopted.

“It is a pity that what they put in the OSOP project is N1m per year. Why not pump huge sums especially from the surplus to it and boost industrial ventures in states.”

The professor pointed to what he called ‘Productive-Base Expansion/Diversification’, saying changing the structure of the economy from mono product to a multi-product one having capacity for multiple sources of forex is the way out.

In addition, he said it will be a boost to primary products to intermediate & finished products; and shift from import-dependency to export-led economy.

“Promoting industrial parks and Privatization of state-owned businesses such as NNPCL through the capital market for inclusive economic growth.”

In her welcome remarks, Maureen Chigbo, the president of GOCOP, said security was important as there can be no investment without security.

She explained the reason for the conference; “There is a new administration in town, so there is the need to assist them with professional information to build sound roadmap.”

Giving a background on GOCOP, and the choice of Abuja, the president, who is the publisher of RealNews online media outfit, noted the group is made up of mediapreneurs who she described as seasoned practitioners that have gone through it all.

She assured that GOCOP has created mechanisms to control and discipline any erring members to ensure credibility in online journalism.

The chairman of the conference, Prof Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar, Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), agreed with GOCOP leadership, saying it is a right time to set agenda for the new governments at the national and sub-national levels, thus the choice of your theme for this conference “Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-economic Recovery and Sustainability” is apt and relevant.

He said the Nigerian state is undergoing tremendous pressure under an excruciating socio-economic environment. “The country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) though positive, has been growing at a declining rate over time. GDP growth was 5.01 per cent during Q2, 2021 compared with a growth of 2.51 per cent during Q2, 2023. Similarly, inflation rate worsened, as it increased from 19.64 per cent in July 2022 to 24 per cent by July 2023. “Much more worrisome is the value of the Naira. It has now depreciated to above N700/$1.00 in the official market and above N1,000/$1.00 at the parallel market. These economic phenomenal have further put pressure on the well-being of Nigerians.”

Uwaleke, Oloyede and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris at 2023 GOCOP annual conference in Abuja