Bode George, a prominent Peoples Democratic Party chieftain, urged online publishers to lead the charge against fake news and unprofessional practices in journalism. Speaking at the 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers held at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Lagos, he highlighted the need for integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards in online journalism. George praised the Guild for maintaining these standards despite numerous challenges.
The conference, themed “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects,” brought together media, government, and private‑sector stakeholders to discuss governance and the press’s role in democratic accountability. George expressed concern over the growing number of untrained individuals infiltrating the media space and lamented the plight of Nigerian youths, whom he described as victims of poor governance and leadership failure. He called on the government to prioritize the welfare of young citizens and to harness the country’s abundant human and natural resources for sustainable development.
George also warned against calls for military intervention, arguing that such moves would undermine Nigeria’s democratic progress. He advocated for a comprehensive reform of the Independent National Electoral Commission to strengthen democratic institutions and restore citizens’ confidence in the electoral process. Emphasizing that credible journalism remains one of the strongest pillars of democracy and national development, he charged journalists to remain steadfast in truth, ethics, and patriotism.
The event was attended by top dignitaries, including Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Gbenga Omotoso and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors Eze Anaba. GOCOP President Maureen Chigbo reiterated the Guild’s commitment to professionalism and accountability in digital journalism, emphasizing the need for collaboration among credible media platforms to combat misinformation and strengthen public trust. The conference provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to discuss the state of governance and the press’s role in promoting democratic accountability.
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