GOMEP-NG Honours Senator Dafinone, Seeks Strategic Media Partnership to Promote Ethical Journalism

Recognition, credibility and strategic partnerships took centre stage at the National Assembly as GOMEP-NG honoured Senator Ede Dafinone with its Award of Excellence while opening discussions on a collaboration aimed at strengthening ethical journalism, responsible online publishing and democratic governance in Nigeria.

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The Guild of Online Media Editors and Publishers of Nigeria (GOMEP-NG) honoured Senator Ede Dafinone with its Award of Excellence during a courtesy visit to the National Assembly. The Guild also sought a strategic media partnership to promote ethical journalism, improve visibility for legislative activities and strengthen democratic governance in Nigeria.

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 ethical journalism, media professionalism and greater visibility for quality legislative representation.

The honour was presented during a courtesy visit by the National Executive Council of GOMEP-NG, led by its National President, Comrade Akpovoke Otiti, to Senator Dafinone’s office at the National Assembly in Abuja.

According to the Guild, the visit was designed to formally introduce GOMEP-NG to the lawmaker, explore areas of collaboration, seek support for its programmes and present the Award of Excellence in recognition of his outstanding legislative performance, exemplary leadership and contributions to national development.

Speaking during the visit, Otiti described GOMEP-NG as a professional body committed to promoting ethical journalism, responsible online publishing, media professionalism and good governance across Nigeria.

He disclosed that the Guild currently has over 270 members spread across the 36 states of the federation, while its National Executive Council reflects representation from all six geopolitical zones, underscoring the organisation’s commitment to national unity, inclusiveness and professionalism.

Otiti commended Senator Dafinone for what he described as a quality representation of Delta Central Senatorial District and his impactful contributions to legislative debates and national development.

According to him, GOMEP-NG is not only celebrating the senator’s achievements but also seeking to establish a mutually beneficial relationship that would strengthen democratic governance through responsible media engagement.

He stressed that sustaining a credible professional media organisation requires the support of patriotic Nigerians who are committed to strengthening democratic institutions and promoting ethical journalism.

The Guild’s National Organising Secretary, Comrade Ikechi Enwereji, also advocated a strategic media partnership between Senator Dafinone’s office and GOMEP-NG.

Enwereji observed that despite the senator’s numerous legislative initiatives and constituency interventions, many Nigerians were yet to fully appreciate the extent of his contributions due to inadequate media visibility.

He explained that the Guild’s nationwide network of online publishers could significantly improve public awareness of the senator’s activities.

“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,” Enwereji 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 record remarkable achievements 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 said.

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.

However, he explained that Nigeria 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 further encouraged the Guild to identify practical areas of collaboration that would strengthen the organisation without necessarily requiring 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.

Speaking on the Guild’s proposal for legislative recognition, Senator Dafinone disclosed that he had received the document advocating legal recognition for GOMEP-NG and promised to study it carefully.

He assured the delegation that after consultations with his legislative and communications advisers, appropriate steps would be taken to support the initiative where necessary.

“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, the senator reflected on his three years in the National Assembly, noting that his legislative agenda has consistently focused on human capital development, youth empowerment, women’s economic inclusion and employment generation.

He explained that dwindling public resources make it necessary to prioritise programmes that directly improve the lives of constituents.
Senator Dafinone also described himself as an accessible leader committed to creating opportunities for the people of Delta Central.

“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.

The lawmaker revealed that his recent appointment as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Federal Character has expanded his capacity to facilitate employment opportunities for qualified constituents.
According to him, several youths from Delta Central have already secured federal jobs through his intervention.

Looking beyond the current legislative term, Senator Dafinone said he plans to complement his human capital development programmes with landmark infrastructure projects across Delta Central.

He identified unemployment and poverty as major challenges confronting Nigerian youths and urged them to embrace entrepreneurship, vocational skills acquisition and commercial agriculture alongside the pursuit of white-collar jobs.

According to him, entrepreneurship remains essential 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 has implemented difficult but necessary economic policies, including fuel subsidy removal, exchange rate reforms, electricity sector reforms, tax reforms and local government autonomy.

Although he acknowledged that many Nigerians are yet to fully experience the benefits of the reforms, he expressed optimism that their long-term impact would strengthen the economy and improve 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.

On local government autonomy, Senator Dafinone explained that while the legal framework has been established, effective implementation would take time as democratic institutions continue to evolve.

He also underscored the importance of constructive criticism, noting that he welcomes genuine observations from constituents because they help improve his performance.
The senator disclosed that he had acted on several public concerns, including efforts to revitalise 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 urged public office holders to remain focused on service delivery rather than political distractions and misinformation while reaffirming his accessibility to constituents.

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 highlight 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 gratitude 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,” he said.