Guild of Corporate Online Publishers calls for balanced regulatory framework for digital content in Nigeria

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has called for a balanced regulatory framework for digital content produced by Nigerian creatives, and commended the Minister of Art, Culture and the Creative Economy, Hannatu Musawa, for her support of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) under the leadership of Dr Shaibu Husseini

Penpushing reports that Deputy General Secretary of the Guild Olumide Iyanda made the call on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the opening ceremony of the 4th Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Nigeria Digital Content Regulation Conference (NDCRC) organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) in Lagos.

The Deputy General Secretary of the Online Publishers at the two-day conference with the theme “Film and Video Regulation in the Digital Age, Balancing Creativity and Responsibility’, pointed out that the conference not only serves as a tribute to the visionary contributions of the late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe but also as an essential forum for collaboration, learning and strategising to shape the future of digital content responsibly.

“The NFVCB’s commitment to creating a balanced regulatory framework that respects creativity while upholding societal values is commendable and deeply aligns with our mission at GOCOP which was established to promote professionalism among online publishers and uphold the ethical standards of journalism in the digital space’, he said.

Penpushing further reports that Iyanda added that Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) as a member of the Nigeria Press Organisation (NPO) and one of the drivers of the National Media Complaints Commission (NMCC), also known as the media Ombudsman, plays a crucial role in ensuring that online publications maintain high standards of integrity and professionalism, thereby contributing positively to the media landscape in Nigeria.

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) emphasized that the legacy of Peace Anyiam-Osigwe is a reminder to all of the transformative power of content that respects cultural heritage and inspires positive change.

Penpushing also reports that Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) Dr Husseini earlier in his welcome address said the conference was aimed to exchange ideas and forge new partnership

“As we gather to exchange ideas, forge new partnerships, and chart a course for Nigeria’s digital content regulation future, I want to emphasise the importance of collaboration and cooperation in our shared goal of promoting a vibrant and responsible creative sector’, Iyanda stated.

“The whole idea of the digital content regulation conference was named after the late iconic writer, filmmaker and producer, Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, and which I must credit my predecessor, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas’, he added

The Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) noted that since the industry had the power to shape minds and influence culture, stakeholders needed to balance artistic expression with sensitivity and respect for the audience.

Penpushing reports that the Executive Director of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) boss explained that by doing so, we are not only upholding the integrity of the industry but also contributing to a more informed and empathetic society.

The Founder of EbonyLife Group, Mo Abudu,in her keynote address  emphasised the importance of changing the narrative about Africa through content, stressing the need to understand that with great power comes great responsibility.

“As creatives, we must understand that with great power comes great responsibility. We must balance our creative freedom with the need to protect our audiences, particularly children, from harmful or inappropriate content. We can change the narrative about Africa with content. We must create stories that resonate with global audiences, stories that showcase our unique perspectives and experiences as Africans,” she said.

Penpushing further reports that, General Manager of the National Theatre, Tola Akerele, represented by Hannatu Musawa that commended National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) for organising the conference.

‘I commend the NFVCB for organising this conference, which is a vital platform for discussing pressing issues in the digital space. It’s a great opportunity for stakeholders to come together and explore ways to promote the growth and development of the creative industry in Nigeria,” Musawa said.

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