Media
THE International Press Centre (IPC), Lagos, has paid tribute to Mr. Dotun Oladipo, former President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), who was laid to rest on Friday.
The centre, in a statement issued by its Communications Officer, Olutoyin Ayoade, expressed condolences to Oladipo’s family, GOCOP, professional colleagues, friends and the Nigerian media community.
It described Oladipo as a committed journalism professional, media development advocate and supporter of initiatives promoting ethical journalism, professional standards and democratic accountability.
According to the IPC, his years of service to the Nigerian media were characterised by active engagement, mobilisation and commitment to strengthening the profession.
The centre said Oladipo’s presidency of GOCOP brought him into sustained engagement with IPC, particularly on media professionalism, electoral reporting and the development of standards for responsible journalism.
It said he played a key role in securing GOCOP’s position as one of the first umbrella media professional bodies to formally support and endorse the Nigerian Media Code of Election Coverage introduced by IPC in 2018.
The code provides a professional framework aimed at promoting accuracy, fairness, balance, accountability and conflict-sensitive reporting throughout the electoral cycle.
IPC said Oladipo also encouraged individual members of GOCOP to subscribe to the code and uphold its principles.
The centre said this demonstrated his personal commitment to professional standards and responsible journalism.
It added that Oladipo was a regular participant at major media industry gatherings, including conferences of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, media leadership summits and other forums involving media professionals and stakeholders.
The centre said he recognised the importance of professional networks, dialogue and collective action in strengthening the Nigerian media.
Mr. Lanre Arogundade, Executive Director of IPC, described Oladipo’s leadership of GOCOP and engagement with the wider media community as evidence of his commitment to professional standards and responsible journalism.
“Oladipo’s leadership of GOCOP and his engagement with the wider media community reflected a strong commitment to professional standards, responsible journalism, and the collective advancement of the Nigerian media.
“His efforts contributed meaningfully to strengthening professional engagement and the media’s role in democratic development,” Arogundade said.
The IPC prayed for the peaceful repose of Oladipo’s soul and expressed condolences to his family, GOCOP, colleagues and the wider Nigerian media community.
It said his contributions to media professionalism and responsible journalism would continue to inspire members of the Nigerian media community.
M.P
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