Online Publishers Urged to Lead Nigeria Toward Global Financial Inclusion
…GOCOP President Calls on New Members to Combat Fake News
Nigeria must embrace global financial inclusion, and the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has been urged to spearhead efforts to create awareness about this crucial issue.
This call was made by Yusuf Mamman, Nigeria’s former ambassador to Spain and the chairman of the 2024 Annual General Conference of GOCOP, which is currently underway at Reverton Hotel in Lokoja, Kogi State’s capital.
In addition, GOCOP President Maureen Chigbo emphasized the need for new members to actively participate in fighting the spread of fake news within the online media space. This was part of her opening remarks during the 8th annual conference themed “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy.” Former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke delivered the keynote address, while Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo served as the chief host.
During his address, Mamman shed light on Nigeria’s struggle with the limited international recognition of its banking system. He noted that this has created difficulties for many Nigerians abroad, especially as the global financial ecosystem shifts toward a cashless model. Failure to integrate into this system, he warned, could lead to “cyber balkanization.”
Mamman also questioned whether the high spending on data by Nigerian youths is translating into meaningful knowledge acquisition. He encouraged the youth to use digital platforms, such as the “University of YouTube,” to improve themselves, noting the transformative impact of digital tools on fields like telecommunications and photography.
However, Mamman expressed concern about the rise of misinformation in the digital age. He urged Nigerian publishers to uphold societal values while reducing sensationalism. He also emphasized the importance of media convergence, urging GOCOP to adapt to multiple platforms like YouTube, which has become an influential medium in modern journalism.
In his concluding remarks, Mamman underscored that the online space cannot be avoided and that the digital media landscape is now defined by “like, comment, and share” culture. He praised GOCOP members for sustaining their efforts over the past eight years, pointing to the challenges and opportunities posed by the evolving new media landscape.
In her welcome remarks, GOCOP President Maureen Chigbo highlighted the Guild’s strict membership screening and adherence to an ombudsman system in its fight against fake news. She mentioned GOCOP’s commitment to joining national efforts to escalate media-related cases beyond the Guild’s purview.
Several GOCOP partners delivered goodwill messages, including representatives from the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Teleola Oyeleke, of NCDMB’s Corporate Communications Division, commended GOCOP for its professionalism, underscoring the Guild’s role in promoting local content development.
Meanwhile, Dr. Omoniyi Ibietan, Head of Media Relations at the NCC, conveyed the Commission’s appreciation for GOCOP’s contributions to expanding Nigeria’s democratic space and its positive impact on national productivity.
Ibietan noted that the digital space is now integral to public communication, and constructive engagement with platforms like GOCOP will further improve Nigeria’s digital economy.
