The city of Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, was treated to an evening of glitz and glamour on Thursday, November 13, 2025. It was the day that Daily Open News, a new online news platform, was officially launched at the Press Centre, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Iyaganku Quarters, Ibadan.
The event, which brought together journalists, editors, media executives, and other stakeholders in the media industry, was a grand affair. One of the news platform’s consultants, Mr. Seye Ojo, a National Trustee of the NUJ, in his welcome address, described Daily Open News as an online news platform that aims to provide accurate, timely, and credible news to its readers. The platform, according to him, is committed to upholding the highest standards of journalism, and it is dedicated to promoting professionalism and excellence in the media industry.
“The launch of Daily Open News is a bold step in the right direction, and it is hoped that it will serve as a model for other online news platforms to follow,” Ojo said. The Chairman, South West Guild of Online Publishers (SWEGOP), Pastor Bisi Oladele, who delivered a keynote address on the topic: ‘Online News Publishing and National Development’, congratulated the management of Daily Open News for joining the fold of digital publishers, describing the new platform as “a welcome addition that must see collaboration as its backbone.”
He emphasised the importance of collaboration and professionalism in the digital media landscape. He also enjoined online news publishers to shun the temptation of shortcuts as they prioritise accuracy, fairness, and national interest. Oladele, who is the Chairman of Newspeak Media, stated: “I’m happy to welcome Daily Open News onto the online news publishing fold, and I pray that as you launch out today, your sailing will be smooth and you will arrive at your destination.
“The era of partnership and collaboration is here. The era of succeeding in isolation is gone. No matter how good or experienced you are as a journalist, you cannot build a sustainable media platform alone.” Oladele enjoined online journalists in Nigeria to uphold professionalism and credibility in their reporting, warning that the industry faces a credibility crisis due to the proliferation of fake news and unverified content. He noted the rapid digital transformation that has made it easier for journalists to gather and disseminate information, but also lamented the growing erosion of professionalism and credibility in the online media landscape.
“Gone were the days when journalists would visit physical libraries, search old newspapers or books for hours before getting data to back up their stories. Today, all of that is available at the press of a button,” he said. Oladele, who noted that digital publishing has created opportunities for journalists to become entrepreneurs, also criticised the “multiplication without impact” phenomenon, where online platforms repost press releases and news from mainstream media without producing original content. He urged the Federal Government to establish a specific regulatory body for online news publishing, while also encouraging online publishers to form self-regulatory associations.
“Online news publishing has promoted media entrepreneurship among journalists. However, we are in an era of clickbait and headline tyranny, where many online publishers violate journalism ethics, serving half-truths and fake stories.” But he was quick to say that the Federal Government should collaborate with the NUJ, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and other relevant bodies in order to ensure that the right things are done. He added that the Cybercrime Act could not regulate the online news publishing platforms because it was drafted with the aim of apprending suspected criminals.
Oladele emphasised the importance of collaboration among media professionals, advising journalists to form partnerships that combine experience, expertise, resources, and contacts to strengthen their media businesses. “If five or ten professionals come together to start a platform, they will build something stronger, employ more people, and make greater impact,” he said.
The launch of Daily Open News was marked by a series of goodwill messages from stakeholders in the media industry, who commended the platform’s vision and commitment to credible journalism. They praised the launch of Daily Open News as a significant milestone in the Nigerian media landscape. As the evening drew to a close, guests were treated to sumptuous light refreshments and gifts to mark the commencement of a new chapter in the history of Daily Open News.