SWEGOP’s 9th Anniversary: A Call to Action for Better Leadership

By Oluronke Kuku

The Southwest Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP) has held its 9th anniversary, lecture and award Ceremony at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre, bringing together media professionals, industry leaders, policymakers, and distinguished guests.

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The event featured notable speakers, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group, and Professor Adeolu Akande, former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission.

Delivering the keynote address on behalf of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, his media aide, Mr. Francis Brown, emphasized the importance of online publishers in promoting youth engagement and breaking the cycle of recycling the same political figures in the Country.

Brown urged online publishers to track campaign promises, counter hate speeches, and advocate for issue-based campaigns to promote peace and national unity in the Country.

Dr. Idowu Johnson delivered the guest lecture on behalf of Professor Adeolu Akande, highlighting the need for good governance and accountability in Nigeria.

Johnson emphasized that the country’s nature and character have been captured by the bourgeoisie, making genuine governance and leadership difficult to achieve.

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He identified corruption, embezzlement, and maladministration as major obstacles to good governance, criticizing the lack of accountability on the part of the past leaders.

Johnson stressed the importance of citizen participation and transparency in government, advocating for institutional reforms and effective institutions like the EFCC and ICPC by holding those at the helms of affairs in the Country accountable at all times.

He also proposed electoral reforms, particularly electronic transmission of results, to ensure transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

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The event honored three distinguished personalities with awards, recognizing their significant contributions to journalism, governance, and national development.

The awardees includes, the Honourable Commissioner for Information in Oyo State, Mr. Dotun Oyelade; Mogaji Wole Arisekola, businessman and media entrepreneur and Mr. Babatunde Olumi, Customs Area Controller of the Nigeria Customs Service.

Earlier at the event, the Chairman of the Southwest Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), Pastor Bisi Oladele highlighted the guild’s mission to include the promotion of professionalism, self-regulation, and good governance.

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He emphasized SWEGOP’s commitment to encouraging ethical standards and best practices among online publishers, fostering a culture of self-regulation, and holding the government accountable.

The event provided a platform for industry leaders and policymakers to discuss Nigeria’s political landscape and propose pathways for a more accountable and responsive future.

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