Information Minister Hails Danlami Nmodu’s Emergence as GOCOP President, Calls for Stronger Media-Government Collaboration
“A new chapter for Nigerian online journalism,” says Mohammed Idris as GOCOP ushers in fresh leadership
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has congratulated veteran journalist and publisher of Newsdiary Online, Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, on his election as President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Nmodu’s emergence, following a keenly contested election held in Lagos, marks a defining moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s online journalism ecosystem. His election, according to industry watchers, reflects a renewed confidence in leadership built on professionalism, ethics, and a commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s rapidly expanding digital media landscape.
A Veteran for the Digital Age
In a statement released on Monday, the Information Minister described Danlami Nmodu as a “thorough journalist, a man of integrity and vision,” noting that his election was well-deserved.
“Mr. Nmodu, with whom I have shared a personal and professional relationship for many years, has proved his mettle in journalism and is deserving of such commanding heights,” Idris said.
A founding member of Nigeria’s modern online journalism movement, Nmodu is widely respected for his balanced reportage, editorial courage, and advocacy for responsible media practice. His online platform, Newsdiary Online, has become a reference point for credible reporting and investigative journalism in Nigeria’s digital media sphere.
The Minister also commended the outgoing GOCOP President, Dr. Maureen Chigbo, publisher of RealNews Online, for her “vibrant leadership, integrity, and service to the Guild.” Idris described her tenure as a “period of steady growth, unity, and rising credibility” that has positioned GOCOP as one of Nigeria’s most respected professional media associations.
“Mrs. Chigbo bequeaths a legacy of honour, dignity, and professionalism to a galaxy of over 100 online publishers nationwide,” he said.
Strengthening GOCOP’s Institutional Unity
While congratulating Danlami Nmodu and the newly inaugurated executive committee, Idris urged the team to prioritize the unity, credibility, and inclusivity of the Guild.
“I urge Mr. Nmodu to run an inclusive leadership that guarantees participation of all GOCOP members in sustaining the collective aspirations of the Guild,” Idris said.
According to him, building a harmonious internal culture and fostering collaboration among diverse publishers is key to maintaining GOCOP’s relevance in Nigeria’s evolving information space. The Guild, established in 2017, has become an influential voice in shaping media ethics and digital journalism standards, especially at a time when misinformation and unverified online content pose global challenges.
The Battle Against Disinformation and the Future of Media Credibility
The Minister used the occasion to restate the Federal Government’s position on combating fake news, misinformation, and disinformation, warning that these vices threaten both national stability and the integrity of the media profession.
“It is critical that GOCOP remains vigilant in the face of the atrocious effects of fake news and disinformation threatening journalism’s credibility,” Idris cautioned.
He explained that the Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation is spearheading a national media literacy campaign, designed to strengthen fact-checking, improve citizens’ ability to discern credible information, and promote accountability in digital communication.
“I trust Mr. Nmodu, whose career is built on integrity, accountability, courage, and resilience, to collaborate with government in advancing media fidelity and literacy, especially in today’s fluid digital space,” Idris added.
GOCOP: From Watchdog to Digital Powerhouse
Industry analysts say Nmodu’s election could not have come at a more critical time. With over 100 corporate online publishers as members, GOCOP plays a pivotal role in redefining journalism in Nigeria’s digital age. The Guild has built a strong reputation for its annual conferences that tackle high-level policy issues around governance, democracy, and responsible reporting.
Under Chigbo’s leadership, GOCOP successfully positioned itself as a partner in national development — engaging with government, civil society, and the private sector on issues ranging from electoral transparency to digital safety and press freedom.
Nmodu, who brings over three decades of experience across print, broadcast, and online journalism, is expected to consolidate those gains by deepening digital transformation, ethical compliance, and collaborative partnerships across Nigeria’s media ecosystem.
“This new leadership transition signals a generational shift from analog journalism to a future defined by data, innovation, and professional credibility,” said a BRANDECONOMY analyst.
Government and Media: Toward Constructive Engagement
Minister Idris emphasized that the Tinubu administration recognizes the media as a critical pillar of democracy and nation-building. He reiterated that the government’s goal is not to control the media, but to foster a mutually respectful, transparent, and development-driven relationship with the press.
“We see journalists as partners in progress, not adversaries,” he said. “Our focus is to ensure that credible information reaches Nigerians and that responsible journalism continues to thrive in an era dominated by social media distortions.”
The Minister further urged media houses to invest in training and digital innovation to keep pace with changing audience consumption patterns. He assured that the Federal Government will continue supporting professional organizations like GOCOP, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in capacity-building and public enlightenment.
Looking Ahead: Leadership Rooted in Integrity
For GOCOP members and the broader media industry, Nmodu’s presidency represents both continuity and renewal — a blend of experience, foresight, and the passion to reimagine journalism as a catalyst for national progress.
His track record as a newsroom manager, editor, and digital innovator positions him to lead GOCOP into an era where credibility, accountability, and digital inclusion will define the future of news publishing in Nigeria.
As Idris put it:
“I am confident that under Mr. Nmodu’s leadership, GOCOP will continue to champion the highest ideals of journalism — truth, fairness, and national cohesion. The Ministry stands ready to collaborate on every initiative that promotes media literacy, professionalism, and social responsibility.”
