Agbakoba to chair GOCOP’s 2026 Conference in Lagos

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has accepted to chair the 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), scheduled to hold on Thursday, October 8, 2026, in Lagos.

Chairman of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, Mr. Olumide Iyanda, announced this in a statement issued on Monday by GOCOP’s Publicity Secretary, Ms. Kemi Yesufu.

According to Iyanda, the conference, with the theme, “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities,” comes at a critical time as political activities gather momentum ahead of Nigeria’s next general elections.

He said the theme underscores the need for credible institutions, responsible political leadership, an informed electorate and a vigilant media to strengthen public confidence in the country’s democratic process.

“The conference will provide a platform for meaningful discussions on how government, political actors, the media and civil society can work together to promote transparency and safeguard the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process,” Iyanda said.

He described Agbakoba as a fitting choice to chair the conference, noting that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria has made significant contributions to Nigeria’s democratic development, the rule of law and institutional reforms.

Iyanda added that the 2026 conference is particularly significant as it marks the 10th edition of GOCOP’s annual gathering, which has become a major platform for discussions on governance, public policy, media practice and national development.

He also noted that GOCOP was established to promote ethical standards, professionalism and credibility in online journalism.

The Guild comprises 127 leading online publishing organisations, with members drawn from experienced editors and senior journalists who distinguished themselves in print and broadcast journalism before establishing independent online news platforms.

According to him, the Guild has continued to champion responsible journalism, media self-regulation and professional excellence while contributing meaningfully to public discourse and democratic development in Nigeria.