The president of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, Ms. Maureen Chigbo, has stated that the organisation’s primary objective is to sanitize the online media space and establish standards for the industry.
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 organisation’s members were dedicated to upholding the principles of truth, fairness, and balanced reporting, and had introduced a self-regulatory mechanism to ensure compliance.
To maintain high standards, GOCOP had established several committees, including a Disciplinary Committee/Ombudsman to address public complaints and ensure accountability.
Chigbo stressed that the organisation took its self-regulation responsibility seriously and was committed to weeding out unprofessional conduct.
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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 organisations for their support.
Chigbo appealed for generous donations to strengthen GOCOP and build the Guild’s Media Centre, which would empower members to run their businesses profitably.
She also urged public relations practitioners, advertisers, governments, and civil society organisations to support GOCOP businesses, emphasizing the critical role that online media played in building a society where justice, peace, and individual rights were 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.
