THE STAGE is set for the 2025 Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), which will convene tomorrow to critically examine the perennial divide between political campaign promises and the practical realities of governance in Nigeria.
The 9th edition of the conference, scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 9, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos, will operate under the theme: “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”
In a press statement on Wednesday, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee and GOCOP Deputy President, Danlami Nmodu, mni, confirmed that all arrangements have been finalised for a high-impact and well-attended event.
Nmodu stated that the conference aims to generate practical insights and strategies for bridging the governance gap not only in Nigeria but across the African continent.
The conference will be chaired by a prominent political figure, Chief Bode George, former Governor of the old Ondo State and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Delivering the keynote address will be Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, the immediate past Governor of Katsina State and former Speaker of the House of Representatives.
Following the keynote, a high-level panel discussion will feature seasoned experts from academia and public policy.
The discussants include Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, Director of the Institute of Continuing Education at the University of Lagos (UNILAG), and Alhaji Lanre Issa-Onilu, the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA).
Nmodu highlighted the evolution of the GOCOP Conference into a credible platform for dialogue among online publishers, policymakers, and industry leaders. He emphasised that the event advances the Guild’s core mission of promoting responsible and ethical journalism in the digital age.
Reflecting on the conference’s pedigree, Nmodu recalled that past editions have featured notable personalities such as Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah; former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha; INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; financial economist Prof. Uche Uwaleke; and former Governor Liyel Imoke.
These figures have previously provided critical perspectives on national issues including security, the economy, elections, and digital transformation.
GOCOP is a professional body comprising over 120 member organisations, including publishers, editors, and senior journalists who have transitioned from traditional media to online platforms while upholding the values of credibility, accuracy, and professionalism.
The Committee Chairman also noted that the conference presents strategic sponsorship and partnership opportunities for brands seeking meaningful engagement with influential media leaders, policymakers, and corporate decision-makers.
