Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari headlines GOCOP’s 2025 conference, addressing the gap between campaign promises and governance realities in Nigeria

Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari, former Speaker of the House of Representatives and ex-Governor of Katsina State, will deliver the keynote address at the 9th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).

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The event is scheduled for Thursday, 9 October 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos, and will commence at 10 a.m.

Masari will speak on the theme, “Reconciling Campaign Promises with Governance Realities: Challenges and Prospects,” offering reflections drawn from his distinguished career in public service.

Confirming his participation during a GOCOP courtesy visit in Abuja, Masari welcomed the delegation led by GOCOP Deputy President and Conference Planning Committee Chair, Danlami Nmodu, mni, alongside Vice President (North), Mr Tom Chiahemen.

He also received a copy of the newly published GOCOP book and pledged to read it.

GOCOP’s Publicity Secretary, Remmy Nweke, said Masari’s selection is timely, noting his “sterling leadership record and wealth of experience in bridging the gap between campaign rhetoric and governance outcomes.”

Rt. Hon. Aminu Bello Masari currently serves as Chairman of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and boasts a legacy that spans legislative, executive, and civil service roles.

He served as Speaker of the House of Representatives (2003–2007) and Governor of Katsina State (2015–2023), where his administration was praised for reforms in infrastructure, education, health, and workers’ welfare.

Notably, his government consistently paid salaries without arrears—a rarity in many states.

Masari holds the national honour of Commander of the Federal Republic (CFR), traditional titles such as Dallatun Katsina and Matawallen Hausa, and several honorary degrees.

His international accolades include the U.S. Congressional Commendation Award.

Trained in the UK at Middlesex Polytechnic, Masari began his career at the grassroots level in Katsina’s water sector before rising through the ranks—embodying a blend of diligence, vision, and service.

Past GOCOP conferences have featured prominent speakers like Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah, INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and capital market expert Prof. Uche Uwaleke.

GOCOP, founded by seasoned journalists transitioning from traditional to digital media, comprises 119 member organisations, and is committed to upholding ethics and integrity in journalism.

The annual conference has become a vital platform for policy discourse, brand sponsorship, and high-level engagement with Nigeria’s media and governance stakeholders.

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According to GOCOP, “Partnering with the Guild offers unmatched visibility, influence, and alignment with ethical journalism in Nigeria’s dynamic media space.”

David Okere

David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.