The Nigerian Government has called on Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) to help sanitize and get rid of fake news carriers through online, adding that the body should in same vein sustain its peer review system and disciplinary measures against erring members.
Penpushing reports that the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris made the call on Thursday at the 7th Annual Conference of the Guild with the theme: Roadmap for Socio-Economic Recovery and Sustainability’, held in Abuja, Federal Capital Territory (FCT)
The Minister equally charged the online publishers to promote positive reports on Nigeria on social media, pointing out that it is crucial to the Socio-Economic growth and development of the country, explaining that one strategic component of the roadmap for socio-economic recovery and sustainability should be the projection of the country in a good light.
Penpushing further reports that Idris emphasized that by so doing, foreign direct investment and other developmental plans of the country would be achieved, hence, they must be prepared to project their country, as nobody will do it for them
“If you say you want foreign direct investment, you want Nigeria to grow, and you want every good thing that happens to all great countries in the world to happen in this country, you must be prepared to project your own country; nobody else will do it for us”.
The Minister urged the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) to carry out its responsibility with patriotism and professionalism, noting that the good things happening in the country far outweigh the bad things, and they should be projected.
‘As Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, you have this great responsibility to ensure that you report only the truth and to help government officials to also tell the truth; it is your responsibility and you have to uphold it.”
Penpushing also reports that he reiterated the government’s commitment to return credibility to the business of government in the country while urging Nigerians to be optimistic with the present administration which he said is working assiduously to chart a roadmap for the socio-economic recovery and sustainability of the country.
The Minister stated that Nigerians should trust the person they have elected, stressing that, that was the only way they can hold the elected officials responsible when they go overboard or fond wanting in what they are doing.
Penpushing reports that the President of the Guild, Maureen Chigbo in her welcome speech said the body will continue to ensure that it upholds professionalism which its members are known for, adding that not all online publishers are members of the Guild due to its insistence on a mechanism to check and sanction erring members who do not play by the rules.
The President of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) who was re-elected for a second term of two years assured that the Guild will continue to work towards making sure that members are professionals, stressing that professionalism is the watchword.
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