The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has inducted Verity News publisher, Zainab Suleiman Okino and 15 other online publishers as new members.
The event took place in Lokoja, Kogi state capital at GOCOP’s 8th Annual Conference, also witnessed oath taking and pledges of allegiance by the publishers to abide by the rules of GOCOP and promote ethical journalism.
The newly inducted publishers are: Zainab Suleiman Okino ( Verity News), Kelechi Ogbamgba (CenturyPost), Martin Ayankola (AF24News), Mohammed Shosanya (PremiumNews), Rasheed Komalafe (GreatTribunetvnews), Nasiru L Abubakar (Dateline Nigeria), Okereke Sylvester (SylvaNews), Olugbemiga Olamikan (GeeTV Africa), Rommy Imah (Digital Times).
Others include :Abdulateef Abubakar Jos (SolaceBase), Ayodele Ojo (The Star), Ehi Braimoh (Naija Times), Emmanuel Aziken (Green White Green), Ikechukwu Amaechi (TheNiche), Jaafar Jaafar (Daily Nigerian), and Kayode Ogunbunmi (CityVoiceNG).
Maureen Chigbo, President of GOCOP, congratulated the new members for joining the group, and admonished on the essence of good and ethical journalism.
She revealed that the GOCOP received 50 applications but only considered 16 after intense screening due to GOCOP’s commitment to thoroughness and excellence.
She informed that the association’s membership comes with discipline, increased commitment, and responsibilities, adding GOCOP is like the SME of journalism that should be nurtured professionally .
Zainab Suleiman Okino, a syndicated columnist, currently serves as Chairman, Blueprint Editorial Board and Vice Chairman of the company, having been an editor at Daily Trust, Leadership and The Sun at different times.