GOCOP: Danlami Nmodu Elected President, takes over from Chigbo with pledge Deepen Credibility
The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Nigeria’s foremost association of professional digital media owners, has elected veteran journalist Danlami Nmodu, mni, as its new President. The election, held during the 9th Annual General Meeting in Lagos, ushers in a new executive council poised to strengthen ethical standards, professionalism, and sustainability in Nigeria’s fast-evolving online publishing ecosystem.
A New Era of Leadership for Nigeria’s Digital Media Industry
Following a keenly contested election, Nmodu—publisher of Newsdiary Online, takes over from Dr. Maureen Chigbo, publisher of RealNews, who led the Guild with distinction over the past four years.
The newly inaugurated GOCOP Executive Committee also includes:
- Mr. Danlami Nmodu – President
- Mr. Olumide Iyanda – Deputy President
- Mr. Sufuyan Ojeifo – General Secretary
- Mr. Akeem Oyetunji – Deputy General Secretary
- Ms. Ngozi Onyeakusi – Treasurer
- Mr. Moses Ebosele – Financial Secretary
- Ms. Kemi Yesufu – Publicity Secretary
The handover ceremony and inauguration were attended by leading figures in journalism, media regulation, and digital communications—marking a milestone for the Guild as it continues to assert its role as a self-regulatory body for credible online journalism in Nigeria.
“Our Members Will Come First” — Nmodu
In his acceptance speech, Nmodu expressed deep gratitude to members of GOCOP for the trust reposed in him, pledging to uphold the Guild’s founding ideals of ethical journalism, transparency, and professional excellence.
“I take the responsibility of this office seriously. Our members shall come first. I promise to work harmoniously with the new EXCO and the general membership to take GOCOP to a higher level of growth and recognition,” Nmodu declared.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening internal capacity-building, expanding business opportunities for members, and deepening partnerships with government, private sector players, and international media development organizations.
“We will build on the solid foundation laid by our predecessors. Our goal is to empower online publishers not just as journalists, but as sustainable business owners and trusted voices in the public sphere,” he added.
Transparency and Credibility in Action
The 2025 GOCOP election was a model of transparency. According to Mr. Yusuf Ozi-Usman, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, out of 120 registered members, 114 were eligible to vote based on the Guild’s constitution.
Of this number, 80 members attended the congress physically, with 71 casting ballots on-site and 9 voting electronically. Nmodu secured 56 votes, defeating his sole opponent, Mr. Segun Adeleye, publisher of WorldStage Newsonline, in what observers described as a fair and credible contest.
All other positions were filled unopposed, reflecting the Guild’s spirit of unity and professional trust.
The Significance of GOCOP in Nigeria’s Media Ecosystem
Founded to uphold credibility and accountability in digital journalism, GOCOP has become the gold standard for ethical online publishing in Nigeria. Its members include publishers of leading digital news platforms across business, politics, economy, and social affairs.
Under successive leaderships, the Guild has played a critical role in promoting fact-based reporting, combating fake news, and engaging regulators such as the Nigerian Press Council, NITDA, and NBC on policy reforms affecting digital media.
The new leadership is expected to consolidate these achievements by introducing structured professional training, expanding monetization opportunities for members, and fostering collaboration with global press organizations.
Continuity and Renewal
Outgoing President Dr. Maureen Chigbo, who was celebrated for her transformative tenure, congratulated Nmodu and the new executive, describing the leadership transition as “a testament to GOCOP’s maturity, stability, and commitment to internal democracy.”
“Danlami Nmodu’s track record of integrity, mentorship, and excellence speaks for itself. I am confident that the Guild is in capable hands to continue its mission of advancing credible digital journalism in Nigeria,” she said.
BRANDECONOMY INSIGHT: Why This Matters
The election of Danlami Nmodu represents more than a leadership change—it underscores the growing institutionalization of online media governance in Nigeria. In an era where misinformation spreads faster than facts, organizations like GOCOP are essential in defending truth, credibility, and journalistic ethics.
As Nigeria’s media landscape continues to evolve—driven by technology, citizen reporting, and AI-powered content creation—GOCOP’s influence in promoting industry standards and digital trust will remain critical to the survival of responsible online journalism.
Conclusion: Setting a Higher Bar for Digital Journalism
With Nmodu at the helm, GOCOP’s next chapter promises to combine editorial integrity, technological innovation, and economic empowerment for publishers. The Guild’s success will not only elevate its members but also shape the credibility of Nigeria’s digital public sphere in the years ahead.
