GOCOP 2025 conference set to tackle Nigeria’s governance realities

The 2025 Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) is scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

This year’s edition, the ninth since inception, will focus on the theme: “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects.”

In a statement signed by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee and GOCOP Deputy President, Danlami Nmodu, mni, confirmed that all arrangements have been finalized to ensure a successful and impactful event.

Nmodu said the 2025 conference aims to generate actionable insights and practical strategies for bridging the gap between political campaign promises and the realities of governance in Nigeria and across Africa.

According to him, the conference will feature a keynote address to be delivered by the former Speaker of the House of Representatives and immediate past Governor of Katsina State, Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, while the session will be chaired by Chief Bode George, former Governor of Old Ondo State and former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Other speakers include the Director of the Institute of Continuing Education, University of Lagos (UNILAG), Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, and the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Lanre Issa-Onilu, who will serve as panel discussants.

Nmodu noted that over the years, the GOCOP Annual Conference has evolved into a credible platform for robust dialogue between media professionals, policymakers, and industry leaders, in line with the Guild’s commitment to promoting responsible and ethical journalism in the digital space.

He recalled that previous editions featured prominent Nigerians such as Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, Mr. Boss Mustapha, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Prof. Uche Uwaleke, and former Governor Liyel Imoke, who provided deep perspectives on issues of national importance ranging from security and governance to the economy and digital transformation.

With over 120 member organizations comprising online publishers, editors, and senior journalists from traditional and new media, GOCOP continues to uphold the principles of credibility, accuracy, and professionalism in digital journalism.

Nmodu added that the 2025 conference also offers strategic sponsorship and partnership opportunities for brands and organizations seeking to connect with influential media leaders, policymakers, and corporate decision-makers.

The Guild reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining conversations that strengthen governance, accountability, and national development.