Abuja: The Federal Government has called on the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) to expose and checkmate the activities of fake news peddlers in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call during his remarks at the book launch and fundraiser for GOCOP Media Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.
Some Guild members wrote the 11-chapter book “Nigeria Media Renaissance, GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing.”
According to Idris, one of the present significant challenges relevant to online publishing is the alarming spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
He explained that these were not harmless errors, adding that they threatened public peace, national security, and democratic governance.
“We have seen how a false report can ignite violence, disrupt markets, or destroy reputations in minutes.
“I am aware that most peddlers of fake news are not members of GOCOP, but it is an additional responsibility on GOCOP to call them out and say, ‘these are not our members.’
“It is not enough to say they are not our members and everything goes. We have to shape the way online platforms operate in Nigeria.
“To address this, the Federal Government has made significant progress toward taking off the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute here in Abuja by November 2025.
“Moreso, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press that aligns with the enduring core values of journalism, truth, fairness, and accountability.
“We want to work with you to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action,” Idris said.
The minister noted that digital and online media play a critical role in nurturing democracy, describing them as “the gatekeepers of information.”
He emphasised that online media shaped public discourse, influenced perceptions, exposed wrongs and held leaders accountable.
“But above all, you are responsible for promoting truth and partnering in nation-building.
“In this context, I welcome the idea of a Media Renaissance, a conscious effort to reset the tone, ethics, and values underpinning journalism in the digital age.
“A renaissance, meaning rebirth, critically suggests innovation, grounded in reflection. It is not just about doing new things but improving things,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the President of GOCOP, Ms Maureen Chigbo, said the event was an opportunity to explain who and what GOCOP was to the world.
“GOCOP is a 120-member group of professional journalists who have worked in the traditional media, both broadcast and print, before transitioning to business owners in the online media community.
“We are determined to entrench professionalism, fight fake news and sanitise the online media space.
“It is à truism that small and profitable businesses are the engine of growth of any economy. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to support our businesses in growing and serving the country better,” Chigbo said.
Meanwhile, the book’s reviewer, Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, said the 11-chapter book revealed seven core elements.
“They include an evidence-based ideographic of online publishing in Nigeria. It underscores the pioneering efforts of online journalists and provides and chronicles the development of online journalism.
“Also, it provides insight into how high-power politicking characterises public institutions and tends to undermine their independence and autonomy.
“It highlights the far-reaching implications of political interference on the activities of public institutions in Nigeria.
“It also provides a clear understanding of what online publishing is and enables readers to understand its distinction with social media platforms and underscores the quality of publishers involved in online publishing,” he said.
Those present at the occasion include the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali; the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace; and many others.
(GOCOP) to expose and checkmate the activities of fake news peddlers in the country.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made the call during his remarks at the book launch and fundraiser for GOCOP Media Centre on Tuesday in Abuja.
Some Guild members wrote the 11-chapter book “Nigeria Media Renaissance, GOCOP Perspectives on Online Publishing. “
According to Idris, one of the present significant challenges relevant to online publishing is the alarming spread of fake news, misinformation, and disinformation.
He explained that these were not harmless errors, adding that they threatened public peace, national security, and democratic governance.
“We have seen how a false report can ignite violence, disrupt markets, or destroy reputations in minutes.
“I am aware that most peddlers of fake news are not members of GOCOP, but it is an additional responsibility on GOCOP to call them out and say, ‘these are not our members.’
“It is not enough to say they are not our members and everything goes. We have to shape the way online platforms operate in Nigeria.
“To address this, the Federal Government has made significant progress toward taking off the UNESCO Category 2 Media and Information Literacy (MIL) Institute here in Abuja by November 2025.
“Moreso, the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu is committed to a free, responsible, and vibrant press that aligns with the enduring core values of journalism, truth, fairness, and accountability.
“We want to work with you to raise standards, promote media literacy, strengthen public communication, and tell the Nigerian story in a way that inspires hope and galvanises action,” Idris said.
The minister noted that digital and online media play a critical role in nurturing democracy, describing them as “the gatekeepers of information.”
He emphasised that online media shaped public discourse, influenced perceptions, exposed wrongs and held leaders accountable.
“But above all, you are responsible for promoting truth and partnering in nation-building.
“In this context, I welcome the idea of a Media Renaissance, a conscious effort to reset the tone, ethics, and values underpinning journalism in the digital age.
“A renaissance, meaning rebirth, critically suggests innovation, grounded in reflection. It is not just about doing new things but improving things,” Idris said.
Also speaking, the President of GOCOP, Ms Maureen Chigbo, said the event was an opportunity to explain who and what GOCOP was to the world.
“GOCOP is a 120-member group of professional journalists who have worked in the traditional media, both broadcast and print, before transitioning to business owners in the online media community.
“We are determined to entrench professionalism, fight fake news and sanitise the online media space.
“It is à truism that small and profitable businesses are the engine of growth of any economy. We, therefore, call on all stakeholders to support our businesses in growing and serving the country better,” Chigbo said.
Meanwhile, the book’s reviewer, Dr Ike Neliaku, President of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, said the 11-chapter book revealed seven core elements.
“They include an evidence-based ideographic of online publishing in Nigeria. It underscores the pioneering efforts of online journalists and provides and chronicles the development of online journalism.
“Also, it provides insight into how high-power politicking characterises public institutions and tends to undermine their independence and autonomy.
“It highlights the far-reaching implications of political interference on the activities of public institutions in Nigeria.
“It also provides a clear understanding of what online publishing is and enables readers to understand its distinction with social media platforms and underscores the quality of publishers involved in online publishing,” he said.
Those present at the occasion include the Managing Director of NAN, Malam Ali M. Ali; the Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, Malam Jibrin Ndace; and many others.