The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Ms. Maureen Chigbo, says the organization’s primary objective is to sanitize the online media space and establish standards for the industry.
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, on Tuesday, Chigbo emphasized the need for partnership with stakeholders to achieve this goal.
She said, as a group of professional journalists with over two decades of experience in mainstream media, GOCOP is committed to promoting ethical online publishing practices.
She 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.
According to her, to maintain high standards, GOCOP has established several committees, including a Disciplinary Committee/Ombudsman to address public complaints and ensure accountability.
Chigbo emphasized that the organization takes its self-regulation responsibility seriously and is committed to weeding out unprofessional conduct.
She 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 implired 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.
