LAGOS/Nigeria: The Nigerian online publishing community is mourning the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo, who died on Tuesday, August 25, at the age of 56.
In a statement signed by Kemi Yesufu, Publicity Secretary of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), the organisation described Oladipo’s death as a major loss to the Guild and the wider Nigerian media community.
Oladipo led GOCOP as president from 2017 to 2021, a period when online publishing was expanding rapidly and publishers were increasingly seeking ways to establish professional standards and strengthen collaboration within the emerging digital media sector.
The Guild said his contribution to the organisation went beyond occupying the presidency, noting that he was among the publishers involved in shaping GOCOP during its formative years.
Before establishing himself in digital publishing, Oladipo built a career in mainstream journalism, gaining experience in reporting, editing and newsroom management. He subsequently brought that background to The Eagle Online, which became his principal publishing platform.
His move into online journalism coincided with a major transformation in the Nigerian media industry as news consumption increasingly shifted towards digital platforms and social media.
GOCOP said Oladipo was among the practitioners who recognised the importance of creating a professional community for online publishers at a time when the sector was still developing.
During his four-year tenure as president, he represented the Guild at various engagements and participated in efforts to strengthen the organisation as online publishing gained greater visibility within Nigeria’s media landscape.
Current GOCOP President, Danlami Nmodu, described Oladipo’s death as painful, recalling the role he played in the development of the organisation.
Nmodu said the late publisher combined journalistic experience with an understanding of the business side of publishing and brought both to his leadership of the Guild.
According to him, Oladipo was passionate about the development of online media in Nigeria and committed his time to advancing the interests of the Guild.
The GOCOP president also noted that Oladipo remained interested in the affairs of the organisation after leaving office and maintained relationships with publishers across the country.
The Guild said his professional journey reflected the changes that have taken place in Nigerian journalism, from the dominance of traditional newsrooms to the emergence of online platforms as an important channel for news distribution.
It described his contribution against the backdrop of the rapid expansion of digital publishing, when publishers were confronted with new opportunities as well as questions around professionalism, credibility and sustainability.
GOCOP extended its condolences to Oladipo’s family, the management and staff of The Eagle Online, as well as his friends, colleagues and associates across the media industry.
The organisation said it would work with his family and associates on plans to honour his memory and recognise his contribution to journalism and online publishing.
