By SHU’AIBU USMAN LEMAN

The election of Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, as the new President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) marks another important milestone in the evolution of Nigeria’s online media landscape.

His emergence, after a transparent and competitive process, reflects the confidence of his peers in his capacity to provide visionary leadership at a critical time in the life of the Guild.

GOCOP has grown steadily over the years as a credible platform for professional online publishers who are committed to ethical journalism and the defence of public interest in the digital age.

Mr. Nmodu’s long and distinguished career in journalism, coupled with his calm but firm leadership style, makes him eminently qualified for this new responsibility.

He has over the years demonstrated a strong commitment to media integrity, capacity development, and innovation — qualities that are indispensable in today’s fast-evolving online information ecosystem.

As a founding member and respected publisher of Newsdiary Online, Mr. Nmodu has consistently upheld the values of accuracy, balance, and accountability — values that must continue to guide GOCOP’s institutional culture.

I congratulate him wholeheartedly on this well-deserved victory and commend his readiness, as stated in his acceptance speech, to place members’ interests first while deepening professional and business opportunities for all.

This promise reflects a clear understanding of the realities facing digital media practitioners in Nigeria — the struggle for sustainability, credibility, and audience trust in a crowded online space.

The incoming executive committee under his leadership will need to consolidate the achievements of the outgoing team led by Ms. Maureen Chigbo, whose tenure elevated GOCOP’s visibility and credibility within the larger media community.

Ms. Chigbo deserves commendation for her selfless service, steady leadership, and her commitment to strengthening internal governance within the Guild. Her legacy provides a solid foundation on which the new EXCO can build.

I am also pleased that the election process itself was transparent and democratic, reaffirming GOCOP’s reputation as a model professional body that leads by example.

In a period where misinformation and unregulated content threaten public trust, GOCOP’s role in promoting ethical online journalism has become more important than ever before.

Therefore, under Mr. Nmodu’s leadership, the Guild must prioritise training, mentorship, and professional self-regulation to ensure that members continue to distinguish themselves through quality reporting and responsible digital publishing.

Equally vital will be the strengthening of collaboration with traditional media institutions, regulatory bodies, and development partners in promoting media literacy and responsible content creation.

GOCOP should also engage more robustly with government and the private sector to expand legitimate business models for online publishers, ensuring sustainability without compromising editorial independence.

With his experience as a media manager, administrator, and policy thinker, Mr. Nmodu is well positioned to steer these conversations in a manner that benefits the entire industry.

As the Guild moves forward, unity among members will be key. GOCOP must remain a family bound by shared values rather than competing interests. Diversity of views should strengthen, not divide, the organisation.

Once again, I extend my warm congratulations to Mr. Danlami Nmodu, mni, and his entire executive team. May their tenure usher in a new era of growth, professionalism, and collective pride for Nigeria’s online publishing sector.

And to Ms. Maureen Chigbo and her outgoing team, I say thank you for your commitment and leadership. You have served well, and your contributions will continue to inspire the next generation of digital journalists.

•Shu’aibu Usman Leman is former National Secretary of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ).