Yobe Govt Seeks More Partnership With Online Publishers

October 8, 2023

The Yobe State Government has sought for more robust partnership with the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), to further boost information dissemination about the programmes and activities of the state government across the online media platforms.

The State Commissioner for Information, Home Affairs and Culture, Alhaji Abdullahi Bego, who represented Governor Mai Mala Buni at the 7th Annual Conference of GOCOP in Abuja on Thursday, said that very little is being reported on activities in Yobe State despite the various strides by the Buni administration on good governance and democracy dividends.

“Governor Mai Mala Buni is doing a great job in all key sectors of Yobe’s economy under very tight fiscal circumstances, including in healthcare, roads construction, water supply and sanitation, electrification, education, humanitarian intervention, amongst others.

“Yobe state government is extending a hand of fellowship and partnership to the Guild to ensure that, through GOCOP as well as through other channels, the people of Yobe State and the rest of the country get to know more about what the governor is doing on behalf of the people of the state.”

The Commissioner described the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers as a credible and experienced association of seasoned and career journalists who have had decades of experience in the print and broadcast sectors of the media industry before they ventured into online publishing.

Responding, the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, expressed delight for the participation by the Yobe state government pledging their support for the development of the state under Governor Mai Mala Buni.

Other dignitaries who attended the conference include the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Secretary General, Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Prof. Yakubu A. Ochefu; Special Adviser to the President (Policy Coordination), Hajia Hadiza Bala-Usman, and Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Join Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede who presided over the conference.

The Commissioner was accompanied by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Communication and Strategy, Yusuf Ali and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media and Public Engagement, Ibrahim Baba Saleh.

Ajaokuta Steel Project To Commence Operation Soon, To Generate .5 Million Jobs – Federal Govt

Editorial staff

October 8, 2023

The Nigeria Federal Government has given indication that the abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Complex will soon be completed and become operational with capacity to employ 500,000 Nigerians once designated as a free trade zone.

The government promised to fully harness the potentials of the Complex once it is completed, as it would boost Nigeria’s foreign direct investment and provide avenue for the creation of the much-needed conducive business environment for all sectors to thrive.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, who spoke as representative of President Bola Tinubu at the flag-off of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, said that the government is also committed to completing the constructions of the River Niger, the Kabba-Lokoja and the Abuja-Lokoja roads.

He said that the government is determined to reposition the nation to its rightful place, especially as it borders on restructuring and stimulating the Nigerian economy.

“Given Mr. President’s commitment to the development of Kogi State and indeed the entirety of Nigeria, Kogi in particular being a confluence state, cannot afford to have a governor who is hostile to the center. We must be partners in progress and work hand in hand to develop this great nation,” the Vice President said.

He gave a hint of plans by the Tinubu administration to make the Itakpe crop processing project a dream come true, just as he promised jobs and affordable education under the present government.

He made it clear that the welfare of the citizenry would never be willfully compromised, even as he called on Kogi citizens to come out en masse on November 11 to vote for the candidate of the APC, Ahmed Usman Ododo, in order to consolidate on the achievements of the APC government in the state.

He said that the natural endowments of Kogi State would be harnessed for the development of the state and the nation at large, adding that President Tinubu had further given his nod for the rehabilitation of Obajana-Okene road in Kogi State.

Earlier, the State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello thanked President Tinubu for accepting to flag off the governorship campaign in his state, disclosing that his administration has achieved a lot, and it is time for consolidation in order to move the state forward.

“We have done a lot in the area of security, education and health, among others. We want to consolidate on that. I am, therefore, calling on the people of our dear state to vote for our candidate in order to move Kogi State forward.”

The APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje said that because Governor Yahaya Bello has provided good governance to the people of Kogi, the state cannot afford to be left behind by giving power to another party different from the one at the center.

Also, the Chairman of the APC Campaign Council for Kogi State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, enjoined the people of Kogi State to clean up their voter cards and turn out in numbers to vote for the candidate of the APC in the November 11 governorship election.

The Kogi State APC governorship candidate, Ahmed Ododo, promised to carry the people of the state along if elected, saying he remained committed to the development agenda of Kogi State.

“We will build on the legacies of my mentor, Governor Yahaya Bello. We will give attention to security, education, agriculture and health. Our women will also be empowered.”

Other dignitaries at the campaign rally were the Chairman of Nigeria Governors Forum, Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq; Minister of Steel Development, Shuaibu Abubakar Audu, and members of the National Working Committee of the APC, among others.

Organized Online Publishers Re-Elects Maureen Chigbo As President, 14 Others

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has re-elected Maureen Chigbo, the publisher of Realnews as president, alongside 14 other members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) for another two years.
Chigbo was initially elected in 2021 and took over from the publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, who completed his two terms of four years in office as President.
Maureen Chigbo has become the fifth President of GOCOP after a successful 7th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on October 4, in Abuja.
Also re-elected were Danlami Nmodu, mni as the Deputy President, Ken Ugbechie as Vice President, South and Tom Chaiheman as the Vice President, North even as Collins Edomaruse returned as General Secretary, while Olumide Iyanda was re-elected Deputy General-Secretary.
Re-elected also were Remmy Nweke as Publicity Secretary, Azuh Arinze as Financial Secretary and Mrs Yemisi Izuora as the Treasurer.
At the AGM, Messrs Max Amuchie, Horatius Egua, James Ume, Akeem Oyetunji, Raymond Ukaegbu and Tony Edike were elected Zonal Coordinators for the North Central, North East, North West, South West, South-South and South East in that order.
Speaking after being re-elected unopposed on behalf of her NEC, Maureen Chigbo appreciated GOCOP members for the confidence on her team, pledging that they would strive to deliberately position GOCOP for continuous growth and recognition in the market place.
The 2023 GOCOP Election Committee was chaired by Yusuf Ozi-Usman, Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, while Victoria Ibanga of NewEdition was the Secretary. Other members of the electoral committee include Dr. Monday Ashibogwu of QuickNews, Kemi Yesufu of Frontline News Online, and Barr. Afolabi Odeyemi of YouNews as Legal Adviser.
GOCOP, a registered non-governmental, non-partisan, non-profit organisation, comprises owners of online publications.
The newly re-elected members of NEC were sworn-in on October 5, 2023 in Abuja at the ceremony witnessed by the chairman of this year’s conference, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, who is the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

Lack Of Media Support For Air Force Endangers National Security – Air Chief

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, has complained that the lack of empathy and support for the Air Force by both the new and traditional media is dangerous to the national security.
More dangerous, he said, is the misuse of the social media on matters that bordered on security.
The Air Chief spoke at the 7th Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) in Abuja.
He said: “Social media, which incidentally has become the medium of choice for online publishers, is now an avenue where fake news thrives and information is weaponized, hence the need to guard against such through stringent measures to erring publishers.”
Represented by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, Air Marshal Abubakar commended GOCOP for choosing the theme of the Conference: “Roadmap for socio-economic recovery and sustainability.”
According to him, the theme can be achieved only when investors are convinced that the security of lives and properties are assured.
The Air Chief buttressed his point by quoting Peter Singer and Emerson Brooking in their book: “LikeWar: The Weaponization of the Social Media,” that, “Social media has created a new environment for conflict as it has transformed the speed, spread, and accessibility of information, thereby changing the very nature of secrecy. Yet, while the truth is more widely available, it can be buried in a sea of “likes” and lies.”
Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar described online publishers as critical elements in the fight against all forms of criminality in Nigeria by virtue of their advantage of reach, penetration, speed and resilience narrated his philosophy and developmental plans for the NAF.

Yobe Gov, Buni, Approves Scholarship Payment To 15, 503 Students

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved the outstanding payment of domestic scholarships for 15,503 students who did not receive their payment in the first phase of the exercise.
A statement by Tijjani Chiroma, the Public Relations Officer of the Yobe State Scholarship Board, Tijjani Chiroma said that the payments will be made to the following institutions; University of Maiduguri (UNIMAID), Federal College Education Technical Potiskum (FCE-TP), Umar Suleiman College of Education Gashua (USCOEGA), Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Bauchi (ATBU), Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (ABU) and all other schools that were not paid.
He said that the exercise will commence tomorrow, October 9, with the University of Maiduguri.
According to him, another team will be at FCE (Tech) Potiskum from Thursday 13th October.
“Simultaneously, all the schools will be reached and paid from now till end of October this year Insha Allah.
“A calendar of schedules and stations will be released on the Board’s media page, over the weekend.
“As it was done with other schools, the names, ID number and other relevant details of all beneficiaries will be shared on the Boards’ media pages and on notice boards across the schools prior to the beginning of the exercise.”

Senate President, Akpabio, Congratulates Elected GOCOP President, Chigbo, Other Leaders

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

The President of the 10th Senate, Godswill Akpabio has congratulated Maureen Chigbo on her election as President of the Guild of Corporate online Publishers (GOCOP) and other elected Executive members of the Guild at its 7th National Conference in Abuja on October 5, 2023.
In a message, signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, the Senate President said: “I congratulate the new national executive of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).”
Senator Akpabio said that his leadership of the 10th Senate is a creation and creature of a transparent and Credible elections, and expressed satisfaction that GOCOP had replicated the same spirit of electing leaders.
He wished the Guild the best, even as he promised to cooperate with it for the development of the nation’s democracy to the benefit of the common man.
“I urge you all to invest your expertise and experience in the general public perception and reputation management of the 10th Senate and its leadership.”
At an election conducted by a five-member electoral committee, led by the Editor-in-chief of Greenbarge Reporters online newspaper, Yusuf Ozi-Usman, Danlami Modu, mni of the newsdiary online was elected Deputy President while Collins Edomaruse became Secretary General.

Others who were elected for two-year tenure are: Tom Chiahemen as Vice President (North); Ken Ugbechie as Vice President (South); Remmy Nweke as Publicity Secretary; Olumide Iyanda, Deputy Secretary General; Yemisi Izuora as Treasurer and Azuh Arinze as Financial Secretary.
James Umeh was elected as North East Coordinator while Max Amuchie was elected for North Central and Horatius Egua North West. Tony Edike and Akeem Oyetunji were elected zonal coordinators for Southeast and South West respectively.

3 Professionals Exchanging Pleasantries At GOCOP Confab

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

From left: Yobe State Commissioner of information, Abdullahi Bego; Special Adviser to Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh and President of the Guild of Corporate online Publishers (GOCOP), Maureen Chigbo (all of them professional journalists), exchanging pleasantries at the Annual Conference of the Guild, held at the Continental (formerly Sheraton) Hotel, Abuja, from October 4 to 5, 2023.

How Akpabio Displayed Compassionate Leadership During Ministerial Screening Crisis, By Mustafa Ahmed Tijani

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

In the world of politics, where power dynamics often take precedence over humanity, it is truly remarkable when a leader’s compassionate approach rises above the fray. Such an exceptional moment unfolded two days ago during the ministerial screening in Nigeria when Senate President Godswill Akpabio demonstrated a level of empathy and concern that left the nation in awe.
During the screening process for ministerial nominee from Kaduna State, an unexpected and distressing incident occurred when Malam Balarabe Abbas, the nominee, slumped. What could have been a chaotic and disheartening scene quickly turned into a testament to compassionate leadership.
Godswill Akpabio, known for his seasoned political career and leadership, immediately sprang into action. Instead of merely continuing with the proceedings, he showed genuine concern for Abbas’ well-being. Akpabio, a former Governor and distinguished politician, exhibited a deeply human response in the face of crisis.
One could argue that in the fast-paced world of politics, where agendas are often prioritized over individuals, leaders tend to forget the human element. However, Akpabio’s actions reminded us all of the importance of empathy in leadership. He was seen proffering first aid solutions, reassuring those in attendance that the welfare of a fellow countryman was paramount.
“Bring sugar, bring water,” give him sugar, give him water,” ” sugar, sugar, sugar,” “where’s Dr. Wale?” Akpabio intervened spontaneously during during the crisis. This intervention smacks of a heart imbued with thick milk of love.
But his compassionate approach did not stop at immediate medical attention. Understanding the gravity of the situation, Akpabio proposed that the Senate go into a closed-door session until further notice. This decision, though unconventional in such circumstances, showcased his unwavering commitment to the well-being of not just one man but the entire assembly.
In a world where leaders are frequently criticized for their detachment from the struggles of ordinary citizens, Godswill Akpabio’s actions during that critical moment spoke volumes. He exemplified a brand of leadership that prioritizes humanity over politics, demonstrating what many leaders might hesitate to do in similar situations.
His willingness to put the ministerial screening on hold and offer assistance without hesitation sets a powerful example for leaders across the nation. It is a reminder that, regardless of political affiliations or agendas, our shared humanity should always come first.
In conclusion, Senate President Godswill Akpabio’s compassionate approach during the ministerial screening crisis serves as an inspiring example of leadership that puts people before politics. His actions remind us all that true leadership is not just about wielding power; it is about showing genuine concern for the well-being of those we serve. In a world that often craves such displays of empathy, Akpabio’s actions shine as a beacon of hope and a testament to the power of compassionate and uncommon leadership.
Ahmed Tijani wrote in from Abuja.

Nigeria’s Economy Can Only Grow Fast With Consensus Of Its Elite, Prof Ochefu Insists

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

The Secretary-General of the Committee of Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (CVCNU), Professor Yakubu Ochefu has submitted that Nigeria’s economy can develop fast only if the elite in the country are in consensus and are unanimous about the fundamentals of the economy, including the norms of the social system.
Professor Ochefu made it clear that the current state of the economy need to follow the universal phenomenon which most developed social formations have in common.
He spoke as a panelist at the 7th annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), in Abuja, during the week.
The Prof stressed the need to address the issue of elite consensus if the country must talk about economic growth and sustainable development.
According to Professor Ochefu, the character and lifestyle of the elites play significant role in shaping the country’s development trajectory.
The panelist further advised the government to improve it investment in education noting that Nigeria is currently doing 9% in terms of space for higher education as “over 200 Universities we have are not enough to cater for large number of Nigerians seeking tertiary education.”
He decried a situation where those in position of leadership amass wealth more than they need to the detriment of the economy and the Nigerian people.

Other panelist include Hajiya Hadiza Bala Usman, with the keynote address on ‘Nigeria: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability’ delivered by Professor Uche Uwaleke, a professor of capital market and the Special Adviser to the Senate Committee Chairman on Capital Market.
The president of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, had stressed the importance of security for investment to flourish, even as she underscored the purposeof the conference theme.
“There is a new administration in town, so there is need to assist them with professional information to build sound roadmap.”

Maureen Chigbo, who is the publisher of RealNews online, said the Guild is made up of mediapreneurs who are seasoned journalists.
According to the GOCOP President, the body has created mechanisms to control and discipline any erring members to ensure credibility in online journalism.
The 2023 conference was chaired by the chief executive officer and Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Professor Ishaq Oloyede, whereas the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris led the Federal Government delegation to the annual conference.

IT Expert, Nweke, Stresses Importance Of Web Strategy To Grow Online publishing

Greenbarge Reporters

October 8, 2023

The Group Executive Editor (GEE) of ITREALMS Media group, Remmy Nweke has suggested to online publishers in Nigeria to have operational web analytical strategy to grow their businesses.
Speaking at the pre-conference business session of the 2023 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) held at the Abuja during the week, Nweke said that by developing web analytical strategy, mediapreneurs under GOCOP will be propelling their websites for healthy growth.
According to Nweke, who spoke on ‘How to GROW your website: The Fundamentals’ at the per-conference session of the 7th annual conference of GOCOP, noted that such a growth strategy must include making out time to check the personal health of the strategists themselves, especially the chief executive officers.
This, he said, is imperative due to the level of stress and obvious distractions associated with managing a burgeoning media concern in this digital era.
He said that this is prerequisite to having a healthy website because health is wealth, with profitable return on investment as the bottom-line.
“Above all, make out time to check your personal health, which is prerequisite to checking your website healthiness; health is wealth,” he declared.
In developing growth scheme for their businesses, Nweke who also is the lead consulting strategist at ITREALMS, advised the online mediapreneurs to come up with two approach tools, which comprise strategic and technical components.
The strategic component, he said, would afford them to organize their websites to reflect business goals by ensuring they are aligned.
“That way, you could know what to measure going forward,” he said.
On the technical component, Nweke pointed out that it would enable them to examine everything from site architecture and page loading speeds to the quality of the user experience; all the moving parts contributing to your goals while supporting your specific customer digital footprint on a given website.
Nweke cited an instance of using the Google PageSpeed Insight (PSI) to deepen web analytics and search engine optimisation (SEO), underscoring that any anticipated growth must have a ‘GROW’ model alignment.
Stages of a ‘GROW’ model, he said revolves around the goal, realty, obstacles cum options and way forward.
“The goal is the end point, where the Publisher wants to be and must be clearly stated, so that when achieved its noticeable.”
On the reality, he said, is where the Publishers and or the websites are now, taking cognizance of what are the issues, the challenges, how far are they away from their goal?
“The obstacles stopping the Publishers/websites getting from where they are now to where they want to be, need to be properly identified as well as available options to find ways of dealing with them if they are to make progress and grow.
On the way forward, Nweke said it involves converting the options into actionable steps which will take the Publisher to anticipated goal built on commitment and willingness to advance further the growth.
In advancing the growth goal, publishers, he advised should do everything possible to make their websites more users, readers and search engine friendly.
He suggested in addition to establishing content authority, perfecting website technical SEO via multivariate testing in order to create a seamless mobile experience, by use of
Google PageSpeed Insights (PSI) which is a popular, but free tool that analyzes the page speed of a website on mobile and desktop devices.
Nweke canvassed for deployment of latest image compressor formats to improve website growth like the use of WebP created by Google since 2010 and AVIF developed by Alliance for Open Media, a non-profit organization since 2019 which translates to faster downloads and less data consumption.
WebP for instance, he said, makes online images less bulky by significantly reducing photo and graphic sizes, websites loading faster and giving users a better experience.
“WebP is estimated to reduce JPEG/PNG formats by 25-35% compression,” he asserted, reiterating that these are some of the things needed to be incorporated into the strategy for web analytics by online mediapreneurs, so as to grow their businesses.

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