By AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

?A Leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way? ? John C. Maxwell.

Maureen Chigbo, Publisher and Editor of Realnews Magazine, Nigeria?s pioneer online magazine, is the first female and 4th President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP). She assumed office on the 3rd of October 2021 after a keenly contested election during the Guild?s 4th Annual General Meeting held at the Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

GOCOP was established to ensure that Online Publishers upheld the tenets of journalism, and the association now boasts more than 104 members.

The Guild?s founding members and Emeritus Presidents include Malachi Agbo of TheCitizen, Musikilu Mojeed of Premium Times and Dotun Oladipo of the Eagle Online.

In an acceptance speech after her election, Maureen had promised to reposition the association and promote the interests of its members.

She has demonstrated that she is a good manager and a leader with a vision who values and nurtures human relationships.

One of the innovations introduced by Maureen is celebrating Guild members on their birthdays and presenting them with cakes, no matter their location. She would follow up with a telephone call to the celebrant and extend best wishes to their families.

This annual gesture has gone a long way in building love, trust, confidence and strong relationships among Guild members.

Before Maureen?s tenure, the Guild had functioned without an office, but under her watch, the association now has a befitting office accommodation in Lagos.

The Guild?s membership has also increased from 80 to more than 104 and counting, with prospective members going through rigorous vetting before admission.

The Association also has an active website, while GOCOP members have continued to acquit themselves creditably, with some bagging international, federal and state government appointments/positions, thereby raising its public profile.

The Guild?s Pioneer President, Malachi Agbo is now the Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication in Enugu State, and his successor at GOCOP, Musikilu Mojeed is the President of the International Press Institute (IPI).

Similarly, Femi Soneye, Publisher of online Per Seconds News, has landed an appointment as Chief of Corporate Communications, at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).

Rasheed Olawale of Sahel Standard is the Chief Press Secretary to the Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, and this writer, Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim of August24news.com, has been appointed Senior Special Assistant on Media and Digital Communications to the Chairman of the Lagos Island East Council.

The Maureen-led GOCOP Executive has continued to secure advertisements and partnership support from multinational companies and federal government agencies for association members.

There have also been increased partnership collaborations between GOCOP and public and private sector organisations, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board, the NNPCL, the Nigerian Ports Authority, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

Many who have interacted with Maureen describe her as a good listener, a strategist, an astute administrator, a motivational speaker, a mentor and an unassuming great thinker, who treats others with love, respect, dignity and honour.

Maureen?s exemplary leadership has positively impacted the operations of the Guild, especially in accountability and financial management.

In an interview with this writer, the soft-spoken GOCOP President insisted that all achievements by the association during her tenure could not have been possible without the guidance of God, her family, past leaders of the association and the cooperation of association members.

Commenting on Maureen?s achievements as GOCOP President, Mr Musbau Rasak, Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of The Gazzelle News.com, said Maureen?s ?leadership and management style,? qualifies her for higher responsibilities including federal appointments.

"She will perform excellently wherever she finds herself. Her records and achievements as GOCOP President are indications that she is a good administrator and a leader worthy of emulation," declared Rasak, a former Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Another Guild member, Mr. Idumonza Isidahomhen, Publisher of Openlife Magazine, said Maureen has brought ?a motherly disposition to the GOCOP presidency.?

?She identifies with everyone in times of joy and pain. She prays and supports everyone in all seasons,? Isidahomhen said, adding: ?History will be kind to her as a leader, patriot and a Sweet Mother."

Echoing Isidahomhen?s sentiment, Prince Dimeji Kayode-Adedeji, Founder of Penpushing Media, said he first came in contact with Maureen during her first term inauguration as GOCOP President, describing her as ?a man in a woman's skin,? who has illustrated the saying that what a man can do a woman can do better.

Kayode-Adedeji listed Maureen?s leadership qualities as ?her proactive nature, commitment to getting results and providing food on the table for association members through her reliable contacts and integrity.?

Continuing, he said: ?She (Maureen) is not power-drunk, but always believes in the peaceful resolution of issues. Honestly, if our (GOCOP), constitution allows 3rd term, I would have sponsored Maureen because she is a responsible and reliable leader. I pray we get a successor of her qualities.?

For his part, the Editor-in-chief and Publisher of Sliver News, Mr Ignatius Chukwu, said: ?I joined (GOCOP) a few years ago and I have watched (Maureen) carry on with a lot of energy for welfare, ethics, and aspiration for building a body of journalists that would be different.?

?Another amazing and unique attitude I found about our president was the day she stepped out to dance in a competition last year??

?She also stepped in for me when my wife was dying last year. I will encourage her to conclude the medical scheme for GOCOP members and explore the possibility of getting gadgets such as recorders and laptops for members to facilitate their work,? Chukwu added.

Maureen's colleagues on the GOCOP Executive Committee have nothing but commendation for the president.

Mallam Danlami Nmodu, the Association Deputy President and Chairman of the 2024 Conference Planning Committee, said: "Maureen is passionate about GOCOP and its members. She has been keen to see that things work well within the Guild, she deserves encouragement, commendation and support.?

Another member, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: ?Maureen would win her Leadership Personality of the Year if she and her EXCO members could use their good offices to procure a new bus for the Association and set up a support scheme for late members of the Guild.?

Membership of the Guild is a collection of editors and senior journalists who have distinguished themselves in the print and electronic media.

It is a non-governmental, non-partisan, and non-profit organisation for the highest level of media professionals in online publishing.

Maureen, a devout Christian, loves to render humanitarian services and relates with others irrespective of age, gender, tribe, faith, creed or ethnicity.

On behalf of myself, the Management and staff of August24news.com and its sister YouTube channel August24news TV, we wish Maureen success in her future endeavours after GOCOP presidency.

Maureen?s steadfast commitment to seeking justice and transformational changes in Nigeria's online media is inspirational. Her work resonates with many who aspire to foster transparency and equitable society. Her voice is crucial, especially at this critical stage, when quacks are trying hard to hijack online publishing space in the country.

?Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim, a Senior Special Assistant to Lagos Island East Council Chairman on Media and Digital Communications,also a member of GOCOP and Publisher of August24news.com

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