Yemisi Izuora
Former Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt. General Buratai, rtd, has reminded Online proprietors that it has a duty to significantly contribute to national unity and growth of the country through properly skillfully informing, educating, and entertaining the general public.
The former army Chief said all that is required is an Android phone and access to the internet as days are long gone when individuals needed to physically purchase newspapers in order to be informed.
Speaking during the 2023 annual conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, in Abuja, Buratai, said while the society appreciates the versatility of the Online Media, certain unwanted trends, like widespread use of propaganda, half-truths, invented lies, and fake news in online media, is a regrettable unintended consequences of this advancement.
“I however have confidence with this August body – Guild of Corporate Online Publishers to checkmate those who practice deviations from its corporate objectives.
“Here is where GCOP needs to take a stand and ensure that ethical standards and professionalism are respected by all practitioners in the online media. I have a firm conviction that the online media is a genuine instrument for the consolidation of our nation’s social fabric, the promotion of forward movement, the maintenance of peace and security, and the growth of our economy.” he advised.
He called on the GOCOP to continue to assist in sanitizing and standardizing the online media space to make it healthier and more effective, adding, This vital domain will not be ceded to fifth columnists, bigots, and blackmailers. This does not preclude the use of online media to expose corruption and injustice and advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged.”
He applauded the organizers for their hard work in putting together this conference.