GOCOP 8th Annual Conference Tackles Insecurity, Power Deficit, Digital Economy

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) successfully held its 8th Annual Conference from October 2nd to 3rd, 2024, at Reverton Hotel, Lokoja, Kogi State. The event was graced by His Excellency, the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, as the Chief Host, with over 100 GOCOP members and several notable guests from across Nigeria in attendance.

This year’s conference, themed “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy,” was chaired by Ambassador Mamman Yusuf, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Spain. The keynote address was delivered by Senator Liyel Imoke, a former Governor of Cross River State. Guest speakers included former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida.

A panel discussion featuring Prof. Rotimi Ajayi of the Federal University Lokoja and veteran broadcaster Ms. Debrah Ogazuma provided further insights into the nation’s challenges.

Day One Highlights

The first day commenced with a capacity-building session focusing on website visibility and revenue generation for GOCOP members. President Emeritus, Dotun Oladipo, presented strategies on website optimization, while Dr. Max Amuchie discussed opportunities in advertising. Publisher Olumide Iyanda’s presentation emphasized the need for digital marketing and social media engagement.

In the afternoon, the Annual General Meeting (AGM) was held, during which GOCOP President, Maureen Chigbo, reported on key developments, including the Guild’s membership in the National Media Complaints Commission (Media Ombudsman) and efforts toward Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). As part of its CSR, GOCOP visited two orphanages in Lokoja to make donations.

Day Two Communiqué: Addressing National Challenges

On the final day, GOCOP issued a communiqué addressing the major issues discussed, including insecurity, power deficits, and transitioning to a digital economy.

Tackling Insecurity

The conference acknowledged Nigeria's persistent insecurity challenges, citing the Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, and kidnapping as major threats. It highlighted poverty, unemployment, and weak governance as contributing factors. GOCOP advocated for the decentralization of security, recommending that state governments take more control over local security forces, and called for the adoption of community policing and increased funding for security agencies.

Power Deficit

The conference lamented Nigeria’s electricity woes despite significant investment in the sector. GOCOP recommended diversifying the nation’s energy mix by investing in renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, while also advocating for private-sector involvement to improve the transmission system and encourage stable power supply.

Transitioning to a Digital Economy

GOCOP recognized the untapped potential of Nigeria’s digital economy but noted the challenges of broadband penetration and low digital literacy. The Guild emphasized the need for infrastructure development and government policies that promote digital literacy and indigenous innovation. The conference encouraged publishers to utilize social media platforms to enhance engagement and revenue generation.

GOCOP expressed gratitude to Governor Usman Ododo and the people of Kogi State for their hospitality and pledged continued efforts to promote ethical journalism and foster growth in Nigeria’s online publishing industry.