Presidency Assures Online Editors Of Collaboration

By Ignatius Ushie

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Mr. Bayo Onanuga,
has confirmed the presidency’s support for the formation of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in Nigeria to develop ethical journalism and regulate the proliferation of the online media space, adding that the Federal government will collaborate with the association in the near future to effectively communicate the governments policies to its Citizens through its various Online platforms.

He made the assertion during a courtesy call on him by the delegation of the Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) in Abuja on Friday.

The Presidential spokesman said the presidency is interested in working with the association due to its ethical direction, as earlier presented by the Chairman of the Association, Martins Odiete.

According to him, “There are social media platforms like TikTok, Snapchat, and others. If you shift away from traditional media, you’ll find that numerous individuals own online media outlets. The information system is so diverse, but we are ready to to work with everyone that operates with world best practices churning out content.

“From the caliber of people i see here, we shall work with you for information dissemination”.

The media guru emphasized the importance of collaboration and in-depth reporting for online platforms, urging online platforms to work together to improve the quality of news and information.

Expressing unwavering loyalty to the job he was appointed to do, the Media aide to the President assured of his commitment to President Tinubu’s vision to alleviate Nigerians from the current economic setback facing the country.

He called on Nigerians to be more patient with the administration while pledging necessary media support for the visiting Editors, the ACOE.

Earlier, in his speech, the Chairman of the Association of Online Editors (ACOE), Mr. Martins Odiete, expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the SA Information and Strategy to the President, regarding the meeting with the body of online editors.

During the presentation titled: “Collaborating for a Stronger Online Media Landscape in Nigeria,” Mr. Odiete highlighted ACOE’s modus operandi and emphasized the importance of working with the Presidency’s media team for media collaboration.

“Meanwhile, all areas of the above collaboration demands have been properly summarized for further perusal by your office as listed.

“And in times of major national announcements or crises, coordination between online media Editors and the government is vital. You can provide timely and accurate information to online media editors, ensuring that the public receives clear and coherent messages. This collaboration helps prevent misinformation and fosters public trust.

“Constructive feedback is essential for growth and improvement. Establishing a system where online media editors can provide feedback to you —and vice versa—helps in refining our approaches. This feedback loop ensures that both parties remain responsive to the needs and concerns of the public.

“Meanwhile, our Association conducted a nationwide Public Perception Opinion Poll to mark President Tinubu’s one year in office. With better collaboration, we can cover more ground to make your job easier by promoting Transparency and Accountability.

“On a final note, our collaboration should be rooted in transparency and accountability. By demonstrating a commitment to these principles, we can foster a more trusting and informed public.

“Regular reports on our collaborative efforts and outcomes can be shared with the public to maintain this trust.” Odiete stressed.

The Chairman of ACOE concluded by outlining the upcoming projects to mark the association’s second anniversary and public presentation.

He said “Our Association will turn two years old in February next year, and we are planning to celebrate with an Investiture programme. We will be seeking the support of your office in organizing this event.

“It is important to emphasize that the collaboration between online media editors and your office as the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the President is not just beneficial but essential in today’s digital age. By working together, we can ensure that the information reaching the public is accurate, responsible, and serves the greater good of society.

“Thank you, and we look forward to the fruitful collaborations that lie ahead,” Martin Odiete concluded.

Representing ACOE at the meeting include Martins Odiete (Chairman), Ignatius Ushie (Vice Chairman), Sola Akingboye (Secretary), Ebelechukwu Ibeneme (Treasurer) and Khadijat Ibrahim (Financial Secretary).

Others members include Nnamdi Okosieme, Fred Idehai, Queen Kunde, Saminu Ibrahim and Moses Okorie.