Democracy Day 2026: GOMEP-NG President Urges Ethical Media Collaboration

By our Reporter

“As Nigerians commemorate Democracy Day, a powerful message has emerged from the media community: democracy cannot thrive without responsible journalism, accountable leadership, and active citizen participation. Against the backdrop of economic hardship, insecurity, and growing public concerns, the President of GOMEP-NG has challenged Nigerians to unite in rebuilding the nation and safeguarding democratic values for future generations.”

“At a time when Nigerians are grappling with insecurity, economic hardship, and growing uncertainty, GOMEP-NG President Comrade Akpovoke Otiti has delivered a compelling Democracy Day message, urging citizens, media practitioners, and leaders to unite in rebuilding trust, strengthening democracy, and securing a brighter future for the nation.”

“Who is calling for ethical media collaboration on Democracy Day?
The National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has called on media practitioners, government institutions, security agencies, civil society organizations, and citizens to work together ethically to strengthen democracy, promote accountability, combat misinformation, and advance national development in Nigeria.*

As Nigeria marks the 2026 Democracy Day celebration, the National President of the Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG), Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, has called for stronger ethical collaboration among media practitioners, government institutions, civil society organizations, security agencies, and citizens as a pathway to deepening democracy and advancing national development.

In a Democracy Day message made available to journalists on Thursday, Otiti urged all stakeholders to play active roles in shaping a better future for the country. He noted that the present realities confronting Nigeria differ significantly from the aspirations of the nation’s founding fathers and democratic heroes.

According to him, Democracy Day provides an opportunity for reflection on the sacrifices made by past leaders and pro-democracy advocates whose struggles helped secure the democratic freedoms Nigerians enjoy today.

“The Nigeria we see today is not the nation our founding fathers envisaged. Rising insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and growing social challenges require urgent and collective action from all sectors of society,” Otiti stated.

He stressed that the media remains one of the most important pillars of democracy and must continue to champion accountability, transparency, good governance, and national cohesion through factual, balanced, and ethical reporting.

Furthermore, the President of GOMEP-NG called for enhanced collaboration between the media, security agencies, government institutions, and members of the public in addressing the country’s security challenges. According to him, accurate information dissemination remains a critical weapon against misinformation, disinformation, and fake news, while also strengthening public trust in democratic institutions.

Otiti also urged political leaders across all levels of government to place the welfare of citizens above partisan interests and demonstrate unwavering commitment to democratic principles, justice, and inclusive governance.

“As we celebrate Democracy Day, let us renew our commitment to building a nation founded on justice, equity, accountability, and respect for the rule of law. Every Nigerian has a role to play in reshaping our country and securing a better future for generations yet unborn,” he said.

He reaffirmed GOMEP-NG’s commitment to promoting responsible journalism, defending media independence, and encouraging constructive civic engagement in Nigeria’s democratic process.

Otiti further called on Nigerians to remain hopeful, resilient, and united despite current challenges, emphasizing that collective action remains essential to achieving sustainable national progress and democratic consolidation.

Nigeria observes Democracy Day annually on June 12 in honour of the democratic struggle and the sacrifices of individuals and groups who championed the nation’s return to democratic governance.