The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has announced four prominent professionals as panellists for its 10th annual conference scheduled for October 8, 2026, in Lagos.
The panellists are Dr Abayomi Shogunle, Commissioner of Police in charge of Election Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation at the Force Headquarters, Abuja; Prof Tayo Popoola, Head of the Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos; Adaora Onyechere Sydney-Jack, Creative Director of Gender Agenda and Founder of WEWE Network Afrique; and Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of the International Press Centre.
They are expected to examine the conference theme, “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities,” with particular focus on the roles of electoral institutions, political actors, security agencies, the media and citizens in strengthening confidence in Nigeria’s electoral process.
GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Kemi Yesufu, announced the panellists in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, saying their selection reflected their experience in election security, journalism, media development, civic engagement and public communication.
According to her, the panel will provide a platform for stakeholders to examine the challenges and responsibilities surrounding the 2027 general elections and identify practical measures for promoting transparency, accountability and public trust.
The Guild had earlier announced that the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof Joash Ojo Amupitan, SAN, will deliver the keynote address, while former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba, SAN, will chair the conference.
The conference is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. at the Radisson Blu Hotel, 38–40 Isaac John Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
The 2026 gathering marks the 10th edition of the GOCOP annual conference, which brings together media executives, policymakers, academics, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to deliberate on issues of national importance.
GOCOP is a business membership organisation comprising 127 online publications operating across Nigeria. The Guild promotes professional and ethical standards in online publishing while advancing the collective interests and sustainability of digital media practitioners in the country.
