GOMEP-NG urges government, corporate bodies to recognise online media practitioners

ABUJA – The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has called on government officials, corporate organisations and other stakeholders to accord online media practitioners the recognition and respect they deserve, citing their growing role in timely information dissemination.

Otiti made the appeal while speaking on the increasing relevance of online journalism in Nigeria’s evolving media landscape.

According to him, many government agencies and corporate organisations have complained that stories covered by reporters from some conventional media organisations are sometimes not published despite invitations extended for media coverage.

He explained that, unlike online media platforms where reports are published promptly, stories filed by reporters in some mainstream media organisations often pass through several editorial processes before publication, with editors deciding which reports are eventually published.

The GOMEP-NG president observed that this has, in some cases, left event organisers disappointed after investing resources in media coverage that ultimately receives little or no publicity.

“Online media editors and publishers are committed to ensuring that reports from events they cover are published promptly, thereby giving organisations the visibility they seek,” he said.

Otiti maintained that online media has become an indispensable platform for news dissemination, providing real-time information to millions of Nigerians across digital platforms.

He, therefore, urged government institutions, corporate bodies and private organisations to partner more closely with credible online media organisations in promoting transparency, public awareness and effective communication.

The GOMEP-NG president also reaffirmed the association’s commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism and responsible reporting, stressing that its members would continue to uphold the principles of accuracy, fairness and prompt dissemination of verified information.

He further appealed to Nigerians to support the growth of online journalism, noting that digital media has become a critical component of the country’s democratic and information ecosystem.