Stakeholders have called for stronger online media as a key driver of Nigeria’s national development during the third anniversary of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE), the event at the Nicon Luxury Hotel, Abuja. themed “Strengthening Corporate Online Media For National Development”,marked with an Investiture, the induction of new members, presentation of excellence awards, goodwill messages from government institutions, and a keynote address that set the tone for deeper collaboration between media and national development stakeholders
The event brought together senior government officials, media executives, technocrats, and national reform advocates to celebrate excellence in digital journalism and reaffirmed the sector’s critical role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic and development agenda.
Describing the gathering as a constitutional ceremony of reflection, the Chairman of ACOE, Mr. Sola Akingboye, in his welcome address emphasized professionalism, speed, accuracy, and truth in online journalism. He urged members to move beyond sensationalism and misinformation, noted that ethical and responsible digital engagement is essential for national cohesion and progress.
Delivering the keynote,Director-General of the Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR),Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, represented by Chukwuemeka I. Mbah, Deputy Director, Office of the DG ,highlighted the power of online platforms in fostering public trust, societal stability, and national development. He called for greater gender sensitivity in professional spaces and urged inclusive representation of women in leadership, stressed that online media can serve as a critical tool for peace, unity, and national transformation.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Olakunle Nafiu, represented by his Media Officer,Mr.Femi Adetunji, and the Director-General of the National Productivity Centre (NPC), represented by Director of Special Duties, Mrs. Apia, among others, all commended ACOE for promoting ethical online journalism and professional standards.
The ceremony honoured Public Office holders whose reforms have advanced national development. Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General of NIMC; Engr. Gbenga Komolafe, CEO of NUPRC; Shehu Mohammed, Corps Marshal of FRSC; the DG IPCR,Dr. Joseph Ochogwu, and DG NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu and also the Managing Director of NEPZA,Engr Olufemi Sule Ogunyemi received awards for contributions to digital infrastructure, regulatory excellence, civic engagement, and economic development.
A posthumous award was also presented to Nigeria’s fallen heroes from 2010 to 2025, earning a standing ovation.
The event concluded with the cutting of the anniversary cake, induction of new members, and networking among participants, reinforcing ACOE’s role as a central platform for credible, ethical, and development-focused online media in Nigeria.
