New Prize for Online Journalism to Honor Dotun Oladipo

The Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) has revealed plans to create the Dotun Oladipo Prize for Online Journalism. This is in memory of its late president, Dotun Oladipo.

GOCOP Deputy President Olumide Iyanda shared this news on Thursday. He spoke at the service of songs for Oladipo held at Regal Hall, Daystar Christian Centre, Oregun, Lagos.

"I wish to announce, on behalf of our President, the Executive Committee and all members of GOCOP, our plan to set up the Dotun Oladipo Prize for Online Journalism."

"The prize will honor excellent online journalism in Nigeria and keep alive the values Dotun stood for as a journalist, publisher, and leader. We will work out the details soon," he said.

Oladipo passed away on 25 August at the age of 56. He was one of the founding members of GOCOP and served as its president from 2017 to 2021.

He was also the publisher of The Eagle Online, a role he maintained until his death.

Iyanda noted that Oladipo was still active in GOCOP after his presidency ended. He was chairing the GOCOP Constitution Review Committee at the time of his death.

Oladipo was also making arrangements for members traveling from outside Lagos for the Guild’s annual conference in October.

"When he died, he was Chairman of the GOCOP Constitution Review Committee and was organizing accommodation for members coming from outside Lagos for our annual conference in October.

"That was Dotun for you. He could handle major decisions and still care about where a colleague would sleep," Iyanda said.

Iyanda remembered that on the morning of his death, Oladipo was set to sign a guarantor’s form for a GOCOP member traveling abroad.

"On the morning he died, he told me he was going to the office partly to sign a guarantor’s form for a GOCOP member traveling out of the country. He never got to sign it.

"Even on his last day, Dotun was thinking about what he could do for someone else," he said.

Iyanda described Oladipo as a key figure in GOCOP. He played many roles in supporting members and solving problems.

"He was a major part of GOCOP. He was our dealmaker, our peacemaker, and our joy giver," he said.

On behalf of GOCOP President Danlami Nmodu, the Executive Committee, and all members, Iyanda sent condolences to Oladipo’s wife, Taiwo, their children, and the entire family.

"To Taiwo and the children, thank you for sharing Dotun with us all these years. We know that the time he gave to GOCOP, his friends, and many others was also time that belonged to you," he said.

Iyanda said GOCOP would always remember Oladipo for his dedication to the Guild and support for its members.

"We cannot replace him. We can only remember him and try to help others the way he helped us.

"Dotun cared a lot. And he took on a lot. Sometimes too much. We will miss our President Emeritus dearly," he said.