Information Minister to chair launch of GOCOP’s “Nigeria Media Renaissance”

The Honourable Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, will preside over the public presentation of Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a newly released publication by the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

The event is set to take place at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at the Continental Hotel in Abuja.

In a statement this week, GOCOP President Maureen Chigbo confirmed that the launch will be attended by a cross-section of stakeholders, including federal government officials, industry captains, media practitioners, representatives of international organizations, directors of non-governmental organizations, and other professionals.

Alhaji Mohammed Idris was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

With over three decades of experience spanning broadcasting, newspaper publishing, public relations, and advertising, Idris brings a wealth of expertise to his ministerial portfolio. He holds degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano.

As a media entrepreneur, he founded the Blueprint newspaper, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is also a prominent member of professional associations, including the National Institute of Public Relations, the African Public Relations Association, the Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and the Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.

Through his consultancy, Bifocal Communications, Idris has provided public relations and communications services to both local and international corporations.

READ ALSO: GOCOP to unveil Book on online publishing, lunches N2.3bn media centre fundraiser

He is also known for his philanthropic work via the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation and holds the traditional title “Kaakaki Nupe” conferred by the Etsu Nupe in recognition of his community contributions.

During the launch, Maureen Chigbo will explain that proceeds from the sale of Nigeria Media Renaissance will be channeled directly into GOCOP’s ambitious N2.3 billion MEDIA CENTRE project.

Located in Abuja, the planned multi-purpose resource center will house the GOCOP secretariat, a modern 21st-century library, and event halls designed to support the professional development of online publishers and journalists nationwide.

In a press release issued by GOCOP Publicity Secretary Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, Chigbo emphasized that the Guild was established to promote professionalism and high editorial standards in online publishing.

“Our members—seasoned editors and senior journalists from print and electronic media—recognize the pivotal role of digital platforms in shaping journalism’s future,” Chigbo said.

Currently, GOCOP consists of 120 corporate publishers who are committed to upholding the fundamental principles of journalism while adapting to evolving technological landscapes.

Nweke reiterated that Nigeria Media Renaissance not only chronicles the achievements and challenges of online publishing in Nigeria but also serves as a fundraising vehicle to realize the GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE.

“With the creation of this center, we aim to provide a collaborative hub where online publishers can access resources, receive training, and host industry events,” Nweke explained. “The facility will strengthen the capacity of Nigerian journalists to produce credible, high-quality content that meets global benchmarks.”

The event’s agenda begins with an opening prayer at 10:45 a.m., followed by a welcome address from Maureen Chigbo at 11:00 a.m. Alhaji Idris will deliver a keynote address outlining the Federal Government’s vision for digital media growth and the role of online publishers in national development.

This will be followed by a formal unveiling of the book and a panel discussion featuring select authors who contributed chapters to Nigeria Media Renaissance. The panel will explore themes such as “Ethics in Online Journalism,” “Monetization Strategies for Digital Media,” and “Leveraging AI and Data Analytics in Newsroom Operations.”