By Boluwatife Adedokun
The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) has restated its unity, professional identity and status as the umbrella body for recognised online journalists and publishers in Osun State, reaffirming its commitment to ethical journalism, professionalism, press freedom and responsible reporting.
In a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence; Secretary, Adekale Babatunde; and Assistant Publicity Secretary, Babatunde Raji, the association said it remains a united professional body committed to protecting the integrity and interests of its members.
OOPA said the association was established in response to the rapid expansion of online journalism and the need for a credible professional platform where online publishers and journalists in Osun State could work together, strengthen their professional capacity, promote ethical standards and contribute to the advancement of journalism in the digital age.
According to the association, OOPA has, for nearly a decade, played an active role in the development of online journalism in Osun State through capacity-building programmes, professional engagements, workshops, media advocacy and other initiatives aimed at improving the quality of journalism and enhancing the credibility of online publications.
It said the association’s growth and continued relevance reflected the foresight of its founding members, who recognised the growing shift of journalism to the online space and the need for a professional body to bring genuine online publishers and journalists together under a common platform.
“Professionalism thrives on unity, mutual respect, collaboration and adherence to ethical standards. OOPA was established to provide a credible professional platform for online publishers and journalists and to ensure that the growth of online journalism is guided by responsibility, accuracy and integrity,” the statement said.
The association also clarified that OOPA is a professional body for online journalists and publishers and should not simply be viewed as an association of people involved in “digital media.”
It explained that digital media is a broad term that may include virtually anyone who uses social media or other digital platforms to share information, while OOPA specifically represents recognised online journalists and publishers operating professional news platforms.
“Anyone can describe himself or herself as a digital media practitioner simply because he or she operates a social media account or uses a digital platform. OOPA, however, is different. We are a professional association of online journalists and publishers. Our identity is rooted in journalism, publishing, professional ethics and responsible news reporting,” the association stated.
OOPA further disclosed that it is a duly registered association incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), with its activities guided by its constitution and professional objectives.
It also reaffirmed its non-political and non-partisan status, stating that it does not belong to, represent or operate as a platform for any political party or political interest.
“We are a professional association and not a political organisation. OOPA is not affiliated with any political party, and our platform is not established to advance the political interests of any individual or group. Our primary responsibility is to promote professional journalism, ethical reporting and the interests of our members,” the statement added.
The association urged government agencies, corporate organisations, institutions, political organisations and members of the public to verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent OOPA before engaging such a person on behalf of the association.
It said individuals who are not recognised members of OOPA or who do not have the authority of the association to speak on its behalf should not be regarded as representatives of the Osun Online Publishers Association.
“Anyone who wishes to deal with the Osun Online Publishers Association should do so through the recognised leadership or duly authorised representatives of the association. If you are dealing with an individual who is not known to us and who has no mandate from OOPA, such an individual does not represent OOPA,” the association stated.
OOPA said the clarification was aimed at preventing confusion and ensuring that the reputation and identity of the association are not misrepresented by individuals presenting themselves as its members or representatives without authorisation.
The association maintained that it welcomes healthy competition and the emergence of new online platforms, but stressed that such growth should be accompanied by professionalism, responsibility and respect for established professional structures.
It also reaffirmed its commitment to combating misinformation, disinformation, fake news and unethical journalism, while encouraging members to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and accountability in their reportage.
“OOPA remains one. We are united by a common professional purpose and a shared commitment to the advancement of journalism. We will continue to work together to protect the integrity of the association and promote the growth of responsible online journalism in Osun State and beyond,” the statement said.
The association assured its members and the general public that it would continue to pursue initiatives focused on professional development, press freedom, ethical journalism and innovation in the online media space.
It called on genuine online publishers and journalists in the state to continue supporting the association and upholding the values upon which it was founded.
“While we welcome every legitimate initiative aimed at advancing journalism and strengthening the media profession, OOPA shall remain steadfast in its commitment to professional ethics, press freedom, capacity development and responsible journalism for the benefit of society,” the statement concluded.
