OOPA Reaffirms Unity, Professional Identity, Leadership In Osun Online Journalism

The Osun Online Publishers Association (OOPA) has reaffirmed its unity, professional identity and position as the umbrella association of recognised online journalists and publishers in Osun State, stressing that the association remains committed to ethical journalism, professionalism, press freedom and responsible reporting.

The association, in a statement jointly signed by its Chairman, Comrade Abioye Tosin Lawrence; Secretary, Adekale Babatunde; and Assistant Publicity Secretary, Babatunde Raji, said OOPA remains one united professional body and will continue to protect the integrity and interests of its members.

OOPA explained that the association was established in response to the rapid growth of online journalism and the need to provide a credible professional platform through which online publishers and journalists in Osun State could collaborate, develop their professional capacity, promote ethical standards and contribute meaningfully to the growth of journalism in the digital age.

According to the association, for nearly a decade, OOPA has remained at the forefront of the development of online journalism in Osun State through capacity-building programmes, professional engagements, workshops, media advocacy and other initiatives designed to improve the quality of journalism and strengthen the credibility of online publications.

The association stated that its growth and continued relevance were products of the foresight of its founding members, who recognised early that journalism was rapidly moving into an online environment and that there was a need for a professional body that would 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.

OOPA stressed that it is a professional association of online journalists and publishers, and not simply an association of people involved in “digital media.”

It explained that the term digital media is broad and can encompass virtually anyone who uses social media or other digital platforms to disseminate information, whereas 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.

The association further disclosed that OOPA is a duly registered association incorporated with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), stressing that its activities are guided by its constitution and professional objectives.

OOPA also made it clear that the association is non-political and non-partisan, saying 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 therefore urged government agencies, corporate organisations, institutions, political organisations and members of the public to always verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent OOPA before engaging such a person on behalf of the association.

It warned that 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 became necessary to prevent individuals from taking advantage of the popularity and reputation of online journalism in Osun State by falsely presenting themselves as members or representatives of the association.

The association maintained that while it welcomes healthy competition and the emergence of new online platforms, such development must 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 aimed at strengthening 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 to support the association and uphold 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.