By Itoro Bassey
After an impressive eight-year tenure as Chancellor of the Conference of Online Publishers in Akwa Ibom State (COOPA), Ifreke Nseowo is preparing to pass the baton to a successor on Saturday, September 30, 2023.
But this is no ordinary handover; Nseowo plans to leave office in a blaze of glory. As part of his “finishing strong” agenda, he will conclude his term with a capacity development seminar and conference, during which his successor will be elected for a fresh four-year term.
Nseowo’s achievements over the past eight years have set a benchmark for other online communities, both within and outside the state. Recognizing the importance of capacity-building, Nseowo, at the formation of COOPA in 2015, wasted no time in bringing together online publishers, reporters, and bloggers under one umbrella. This platform has enabled members to collaborate, identify strengths and weaknesses, and develop strategies to enhance their performance.
One of Nseowo’s crowning achievements was ensuring that COOPA members attended the prestigious Social Media Week (SMW) in Lagos in 2020. This world-renowned conference and festival, considered Africa’s largest tech and innovation event, provided attendees with invaluable insights into various fields, including media, education, business, entertainment, and technology. The knowledge and trends gathered from this weeklong event have empowered COOPA members to leverage technology and transform their businesses and communities, and make money too.
Nseowo’s impact on his colleagues cannot be overstated. Through his visionary leadership, he has organised robust knowledge-sharing sessions for professionals to enhance their skills and profitability. Today, membership sites and creator platforms such as wetinhappen.ng, talentbanknigeria.com, propellerng.com, ibomtelegraph.com, themail.com.ng, straightnewsng.com, peculiareads.blogspot.com, gistpadi.com, arsenalnigeriaconverge.com, franknews.com/ng, hillsidereporters.com, realnewsn.blogspot.com, Lupi9ja.com.ng, akwaibomdaily.com.ng, Noisemakerng.com, Thinkverified.com, ekondo.com.ng, mfreke.blogspot.com, ascend tv Ng, LYRICAL4CES, eReachng.com, Asuk Aka TV, and Ibommobile.com, among others, have become instrumental in disseminating news and facilitating the exchange of information, content, and products across cities, countries, and even continents.
Nseowo’s leadership style has revolutionised the online media landscape, equipping journalists and tech enthusiasts with the necessary skills to thrive in a dynamic industry. His commitment to engaging the public through captivating stories has elevated the standard of reportage and fostered a strong bond between COOPA and netizens.
As Nseowo prepares to step down, his legacy of innovation and excellence will continue to inspire future leaders. His laudable programs and administrative model have not only elevated COOPA’s reputation but also benefited the online community as a whole.
Ifreke Nseowo’s tenure as Chancellor of COOPA has been marked by visionary leadership, impactful programs, and a commitment to excellence. His grand exit will undoubtedly leave an indelible impression on his colleagues, as they continue to build upon the strong foundation he has laid. Nseowo’s legacy at COOPA will forever be synonymous with innovation, collaboration, and the relentless pursuit of professional growth.
Itoro Bassey is journalist & member of COOPA.
