By Reportcircle Abuja
The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) on Tuesday turned its third-anniversary investiture into a national moment of reflection and recognition, rolling out prestigious honours for public servants whose work, according to the body, is reshaping governance, safety, and unity in Nigeria.
Held in Abuja, the ceremony blended celebration with a fiery call for stronger ethical standards in Nigeria’s fast-evolving digital media space.
ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, set the tone early declaring that the honours were strictly merit-based and aligned with the association’s core mission: to elevate national development by promoting professionalism, accountability, and public-oriented journalism.
A major highlight of the evening was the recognition of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), described by ACOE as one of Nigeria’s boldest reformers in the digital public sector.
Though represented by NIMC’s Director of Media, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Odusote’s citation drew sustained applause as ACOE chronicled her sweeping reforms clearing legacy enrollment backlogs, expanding the national identity database to over 250 million records, deploying mobile enrollment kits across the country, harmonising data with more than 20 federal agencies, and introducing advanced verification systems with two-factor authentication.
ACOE said her work has “empowered millions through digital identity, strengthened national planning, and modernised Nigeria’s identity infrastructure,” placing her among the nation’s most consequential public managers.
Also honoured was Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), whose leadership the association described as transformative for national road safety.
His citation spotlighted the FRSC’s ISO 9001:2015 certification, expansion of nationwide rescue operations, deployment of 36,000 personnel and 750 patrol vehicles, launch of FRSC Traffic Radio 107.1FM, and several technological upgrades in driver licensing and crash analytics.
ACOE painted Mohammed as “a visionary whose mission is simple and urgent: ensuring every Nigerian journey ends safely.”
The ceremony further honoured the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Dr. Lanre Issa-Onilu; the Chief Executive of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe; and Nigeria’s fallen military heroes who lost their lives between 2010 and 2025.
The tribute to the fallen troops delivered with a sombre roll call drew emotional standing ovations as ACOE reaffirmed its commitment to national unity, remembrance, and respect for sacrifice.
In a stirring address, Akingboye reminded members that ACOE’s journey marked by perseverance through registration setbacks and organisational hurdles was rooted in the values of “Speed, Accuracy & Truth.”
He urged editors to recommit to ethical media practice, stressing that Nigeria’s digital ecosystem needs disciplined, accountable professionals to counter misinformation and rebuild public trust.
“Today’s gathering is not merely ceremonial,” he declared. “It is a re-commitment to excellence and professionalism. Our awardees remind us of what is possible when passion meets purpose.”
He emphasised this year’s theme Strengthening Corporate Online Media for National Development as the association’s resolve to champion professionalism, digital innovation, and responsible reporting.
The event closed with group photographs, networking sessions among industry stakeholders, and the cutting of the anniversary cake signifying ACOE’s growth and renewed commitment to shaping a credible, development-driven digital media environment.
For ACOE, it was more than an anniversary, it was a declaration that Nigeria’s online editors will remain central to national development, public accountability, and the country’s democratic future.
