Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book LaunchThe Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is to chair the public presentation of the book Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a publication of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). The event is scheduled for 110am on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.

President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who confirmed this development said the book presentation will be graced  by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations. 

Alhaji 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 in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations, and advertising, Idris has brought a wealth of expertise to the role.

His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.

As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Idris has served both local and transnational corporations. Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred "Kaakaki Nupe" on him.

A press statement by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the GOCOP president as saying that the proceeds of the book will be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.

Nweke further noted that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism. 

Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP's membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism.

Lagos Island Lawmaker, Afinni Picks Patient Surgery Bill

Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim

sponsored by: H&H

“May you never experience such, May God be with you and your household, may you never fall sick, your enemies will never overcome you, These are the prayers from the heart of a resident of Lagos Island constituency ll, Mr. Abiola Shuab when favour falls on him during and aftermart of his successful surgery Operation been sponsored by Lagos Lawmaker, Hon. Lanre Afinni.

August24news.com gathered that Mr. Abiola Shuab was suffering from a premium Nasal Nose Blockage and as been placed under drugs and treatment before his doctor prescribed him for a Surgery Operation.

The surgery Operation was carried out successfully by a team of medical expert at the Ilorin General Hospital last Friday.

Upon reaching the Lawmaker for Financial support for the surgery, Hon. Lanre Afinni who represent the good people of Lagos Island Constituency ll at the Lagos State house of Assembly quickly reacted to the request and ask his Committee on Health to rally round Abiola and carry out all the necessary action claiming the bill should be credited on his account.

Commenting on the Goodwill done by Hon. Lanre Afinni is the Apex Leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Lagos Island Constituency ll, Chief Babajide Damasio commended Affini for the prompt and good act describing him as a lawmaker of the people who is always at alert for the good gesture.

On his own Part Hon. Lanre Afinni who doubles as the Chairman house committee on Environment at the Lagos State House of Assembly told Our Correspondent that “health is wealth, “we remain committed to our constituents members healthcare, their health is Paramount to us and that is why we have to come to their aid when needed.

According to Afinni, When we came into Office in 2023, we inaugurated several committees to look into the needs of our consistency members in different capacity and appoint professional to head the team in various offices such as Education, Sport, Security, Empowerment, Job Creation and Health.

“On our Health Committee desk, we have been able to organize series of medical talks, we also help with medical bills of our constituency members, We have done 3 editions of the medical outreach program, which includes dentals and distributions of free eye glasses with over 2,000 Two thousand in every edition and the 4th edition will be held in December this year. Afinni Stated.

Mr. Abiola Shuab is an Higher National Diploma holder in Banking and Finance from the prestigious Ibadan Polytechnic, Oyo State and resident of Number 17 Ajanaku Street, Lagos Island East LCDA.

GOCOP to Launch Book, raise Fund for Media Center

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced the public presentation of its book, Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing, on Tuesday, June 17th at Abuja Continental Hotel, at 10.00am.

According to a press statement by GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, this highly anticipated event promises to be a significant milestone in the literary and publishing landscape.

He quoted GOCOP President, Ms Maureen Chigbo, to have said that the event will feature a Fundraiser for the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.

Chigbo further said that “this landmark publication chronicled the transformative journey of Nigeria’s media landscape, highlighting the pivotal role of online publishing in shaping public discourse, enhancing transparency and fostering national development.

“It is a testament to the resilience and innovation of Nigerian media practitioners in the digital age,” she said.

The event, she said, will bring together distinguished personalities from government, media, private sector, academia and civil society to reflect on the challenges and opportunities in online publishing and its critical role in nation-building.
GOCOP which currently has 120 members was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism in doing their jobs. Its membership is a constellation of editors and senior journalists, whom, having distinguished themselves in their various stations in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally.
The book aside tracing the historical trajectory of online journalism in Nigeria is also a veritable contribution towards enriching the discourse on civil liberties, press freedom and the role of the media in the sustenance of democracy, the statement added.