GOMEP-NG Honours Senator Dafinone, Seeks Strategic Media Partnership to Deepen Professional Journalism
The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) has honoured the Senator representing Delta Central Senatorial District, Distinguished Senator Ede Dafinone, with its Award of Excellence, while seeking a strategic partnership aimed at promoting media professionalism, ethical journalism and greater visibility for quality legislative representation.
The honour was conferred during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Council of GOMEP-NG, led by its National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, to the senator’s office at the National Assembly, Abuja.
The visit, according to GOMEP-NG, was designed to formally introduce the Guild to the lawmaker, explore areas of strategic collaboration, seek support for its programmes and present the Award of Excellence in recognition of Senator Dafinone’s outstanding legislative performance, exemplary leadership and contributions to national development.
Speaking during the visit, GOMEP-NG National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, described the Guild as a professional body dedicated to promoting ethical journalism, responsible online publishing, media professionalism and good governance in Nigeria.
He disclosed that GOMEP-NG currently has more than 270 members across the 36 states of the federation, with its National Executive Council representing all six geopolitical zones, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to national unity, inclusiveness and professionalism.
Otiti commended Senator Dafinone for what he described as his quality representation of Delta Central Senatorial District and his contributions to legislative debates and national development.
He explained that beyond identifying with the senator’s achievements, the Guild was also interested in building a mutually beneficial relationship capable of strengthening democratic governance through responsible media engagement.
According to him, sustaining a credible professional media organisation requires the support of patriotic Nigerians who believe in strengthening democratic institutions and promoting ethical journalism.
The National Organising Secretary of GOMEP-NG, Comrade Ikechi Enwereji, stressed the need for a strategic media partnership between the senator’s office and the Guild.
He observed that despite Senator Dafinone’s numerous legislative activities and constituency interventions, many Nigerians were yet to fully appreciate the extent of his contributions because of inadequate media visibility.
Enwereji explained that GOMEP-NG’s nationwide network of online publishers could help project the senator’s activities more effectively across the country.
“We believe your achievements deserve stronger visibility. Through our nationwide network of media professionals, we can help project your activities more effectively so Nigerians, particularly your constituents, can appreciate the work you are doing,” he said.
Responding, Senator Dafinone expressed appreciation to the delegation for the visit and congratulated the newly elected leadership of GOMEP-NG.
He expressed confidence that the Guild would achieve remarkable milestones under its current leadership and urged members to continue promoting professionalism, credibility and responsible journalism.
“I am sure you will bring value and credibility to the organisation. This should mark the beginning of a productive era for GOMEP-NG and also the beginning of a fruitful partnership with my office,” the senator stated.
On the Guild’s appeal for financial support towards the renewal of its National Secretariat, Senator Dafinone assured the delegation that the request would receive due consideration.
He, however, explained that the nation was gradually entering another election cycle, making fundraising and financial commitments increasingly demanding for political office holders.
“We will examine your request and see what we can do. We are also entering a period where election activities require significant funding, but we will certainly consider your appeal,” he assured.
The senator also encouraged GOMEP-NG to identify practical areas of collaboration that would not necessarily require substantial financial commitments.
“I would be happy to support initiatives that strengthen your organisation, especially practical partnerships that add value without involving substantial funding,” he added.
On the Guild’s proposal seeking legislative recognition, Senator Dafinone disclosed that he had received a copy of the proposal advocating legal recognition for GOMEP-NG and promised to study it carefully.
He assured the delegation that after consulting with his legislative and communications advisers, he would determine appropriate steps towards supporting the initiative.
“If necessary, we can have another meeting to discuss the proposal in greater detail after I have completed my review,” he said.
During an interactive session, Senator Dafinone reflected on his three years in the National Assembly, saying his legislative agenda had consistently focused on human capital development, youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion and employment generation.
He explained that dwindling public resources made it necessary to prioritise programmes capable of directly improving the lives of constituents.
The senator said he deliberately positioned himself as a political mentor and accessible leader for the people of Delta Central, encouraging constituents seeking employment opportunities, political appointments and career advancement to approach his office.
“I have always maintained that my office should open doors for our people. Every qualified son and daughter of Delta Central deserves an opportunity,” he stated.
He revealed that his recent appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character had significantly expanded his capacity to facilitate employment opportunities for qualified constituents, disclosing that several youths from Delta Central had already secured federal jobs through his intervention.
Looking beyond the current legislative term, Senator Dafinone said he intended to complement his human capital development initiatives with landmark infrastructure projects across Delta Central.
He identified unemployment and poverty as major challenges confronting young people and urged Nigerian youths to embrace entrepreneurship, vocational skills acquisition and commercial agriculture alongside the pursuit of white-collar jobs.
According to him, entrepreneurship has become indispensable for sustainable economic growth and job creation.
Commenting on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the senator described the President as a courageous reformer who had implemented difficult but necessary economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, electricity sector reforms, tax reforms and local government autonomy.
He acknowledged that many Nigerians were yet to fully experience the expected benefits of the reforms but expressed optimism that their long-term impact would improve the country’s economy and citizens’ welfare.
“What matters to Nigerians is not statistics alone but whether they can afford food, pay school fees, meet their daily needs and improve their standard of living,” he observed.
Speaking on local government autonomy, Senator Dafinone explained that although the legal framework had been established, effective implementation would require time as democratic institutions continued to mature.
The senator also underscored the importance of constructive criticism, saying he welcomed sincere observations from constituents because they helped him improve his performance.
He disclosed that he had acted on several public concerns, including interventions aimed at revitalising the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) station in Sapele after receiving complaints from residents.
“I listen carefully whenever people point out genuine concerns. Leadership demands humility and the willingness to improve,” he said.
He advised public office holders to remain focused on service delivery rather than political distractions and misinformation, while reaffirming his accessibility to constituents despite the demands of public office.
Members of the GOMEP-NG delegation commended Senator Dafinone’s humility, accessibility, legislative productivity and commitment to quality representation, describing him as a people-oriented leader whose calm disposition distinguishes him among contemporary public office holders.
The highpoint of the visit was the presentation of the GOMEP-NG Award of Excellence to Distinguished Senator Ede Dafinone in recognition of his outstanding legislative performance, exemplary leadership and selfless service to Nigeria.
Receiving the award, Senator Dafinone expressed profound appreciation to the Guild, describing the recognition as both humbling and motivating.
“This award encourages me to do even more for my constituents and for Nigeria. The responsibility before us is enormous, but with God’s guidance and the support of our people, we will continue working towards building a better and more prosperous nation,” the senator said.
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