Online Media Professionals (OPM), a new association established to unite online media practitioners, has emerged with a commitment to protecting members’ interests, promoting professionalism and strengthening the role of digital publications in Nigeria’s media landscape.
The association, according to a communiqué issued in Enugu on Sunday, seeks to provide a common platform for online media practitioners to collaborate, exchange ideas, address shared challenges and advance their collective professional interests.
OPM noted that the growing influence of online publications in informing the public, shaping public discourse and holding public officeholders accountable had made it increasingly important for practitioners to organise under a recognised professional body.
The association said it would bring together individuals who own or work with online media platforms, creating opportunities for professional development, cooperation and engagement with relevant institutions and stakeholders.
It also disclosed plans to build relationships with government officials, security agencies, educational institutions, corporate organisations and other bodies whose activities affect the media industry and society at large.
According to the communiqué, such engagements would promote dialogue, collaboration and a better understanding of the contributions of online media practitioners to national development.
Although OPM is commencing its activities in the South-East, the association said its long-term vision was to expand into a national organisation capable of representing online media professionals across Nigeria.
The association expressed its determination to build a credible and effective professional body that would provide members with a collective voice, promote responsible journalism and create opportunities to address issues affecting their work, welfare and professional growth.
It further stressed that the development of online media must be accompanied by professionalism, accountability and respect for the responsibility of providing accurate and reliable information to the public.
OPM said it would encourage cooperation among practitioners and promote standards capable of strengthening public confidence in online publications.
The communiqué also acknowledged that the success of the association would depend on the commitment of its members, a clear sense of purpose and the implementation of programmes that respond to their professional needs.
Membership, it stated, is open to professionals who own or work with online media publication platforms and are willing to contribute to the association’s objectives.
The association consequently called on online media practitioners across the South-East and other parts of the country to identify with the initiative and join efforts to build a stronger professional organisation.
It maintained that the emergence of OPM marked the beginning of a collective effort to strengthen professional identity, deepen collaboration and create new opportunities for growth within Nigeria’s online media sector.
The communiqué was signed by Jude Chinedu and Chukwumerije Aja on behalf of the OPM Communiqué Drafting Committee.
