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Mr. Magic: Dotun Oladipo @ 55

By: Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim

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Dotun Oladipo
*Dotun Oladipo

The true quality of a leader reflects on the standard they set for themselves and their followers – Ray Kroc

“An Adage from my village says ”Asesile nla bowaba” meaning “good deeds begot favour” and probably that is what we are all enjoying today in the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) family and The Eagle Online, where Mr. Dotun Oladipo is the Publisher; having shown and exhibited quality leadership both in season and out of season.

It will be recalled that Maureen Chigbo, Publisher of Realnews Magazine Online who is the president of GOCOP took over the office from Mr. Oladipupo of the EagleOnline who led the Guild successfully from 2018 till 2021.

I recalled that Dotun took over from Musikilu Mojeed of the Premium Times who is the current President of the International Press Institute (IPI), while Mojeed took the mantle from the pioneer GOCOP President, Dr. Malachi Agbo of The Citizen News who is serving presently as the Honourable Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication under Governor Emeka Mbah of Enugu State.

As at the time of filing-in this report, GOCOP has over 119 online professional publishers who have excelled in their past field as journalists and editors before establishing their own online platforms.

The key purpose of establishing the Guild is to ensure that members uphold the tenets of online journalism.

History has it that the much talked, anticipated, reliable and respected GOCOP of today started directly inside Oladipo office in Ogba Lagos which was situated on 27, Joseph Odunlami Street, off Thomas Salako Street, which eventually became the registered address of GOCOP.

Another great selfless service Oladipo rendered the Guild, include the building of GOCOP official website, among others.

Not only that, Oladipo as a team builder, a successful career counsellor and foremost touch bearer of digital journalism in Nigeria.

For instance, during one of the lecture he delivered at the GOCOP 6th Annual conference in Sheraton Hotel, Lagos, he shared insights with members on how to spread their ‘site wings.’

No doubt, Oladipo is one of the few GOCOP members who have a verified Google adsense website and another 2 Google accredited YouTube Channel, which are EagleOnline TV and Pop News with its trending regular ‘Erotic Monday night with Tiwa.’

Oladipo did not just find himself at the top of affairs of the Guild, he has really paid his dues and that is why many would attest that he also served as the chief scribe of the Guild during Musikilu Mojeed tenure. His excellent performance then made all members of the Guild to vote him in to continued to steer the wheel of the association.

Many will be asking where I came up with the name Dotun (Mr. Magic) Mr. Magic was not fabricated by the writer but was given to him publicly on the GOCOP Loop when Mr. Olumide Iyanda of QEDNG commended him for the great role he played during the successful outcome of the Kogi Conference.

Oladipo, a handsome, ebony, huge, clean shave father of three is no doubt a silent achiever, an orator with clear and loud voice is a leader, with open door policy to his media colleagues and any body that comes his way.

Recently, Oladipo was elected as the President of Innovative Media Partners Cooperative Multipurpose Society (IMPCMS), which beckons on him to bring his wealth of experience to bear on the group.

Permit me to state my personal experience with Oladipo, starting with the popular saying that behind every successful man there must be a woman and the woman beside Oladipo’s success story is Ayanba to those who know him very well .

Some of his close associates who can testify to Ayaaba humility and humanitarian services are Mallam Sakibu Olokojobi of Frontpage Online and our own legal luminary, Ayo Odeyemi of YouNews will quickly grab that name, the woman is truly a woman of substance, a caring and highly supportive wife.

My experience started the day we were asked to converge at Oladipo’s office for the just concluded Kogi conference, I got to the venue as a visitor getting to the area for the first time, the respect and accolades the woman was earning from both young and old on that building and street was what prompted my curiosity to ask the security man who is this beautiful woman? and he quickly told me joyfully, “habaa, walai that naa oga wife oo, her name na Ayabaoo” adding that her humility is second to none, I started given her close marking so as to truly know her very well but she was busy looking after us, her husband’s GOCOP guests because our then Coordinator who was Sakibu Olokojobi of Frontpage Online came late from his Ijoko Ogun State resident due to traffic and the poor stage of roads.

So when Sakibu arrived, he quickly put a call straight to Ayaba and she drove down immediately from Oladipo house and took us home, during the ride home the fun and comic between Sakibu and Ayaba was overwhelmed as the woman inculcated us into the discussion, but that is a story for another day.

On getting home, Immediately, we were served chill table water, she called out all her 3 beauty queen to come and honor the visitors which they all did politely, the air condition was switch on to reduce the stress we had gone through ,she also switched on the plasma TV for our relaxation asking what channel we would like to watch either sport or News due to our profession.

As that was going on, a delicious meal full of chicken and wine was served. in spite of her three grown up girls Ayaba still took it up upon her self to serve us in a proper way of a well culture Yoruba woman setting and manner, asking if we still care for more, after the dinner, she went into the visitors room to bring out mattress to the parlour for us to sleep and some souvenir of her hubby’s 50th birthday stressing it was kept for us since we did not show up during the celebration, she now engage us in a well constructive discussion before we all departed to bed, the most surprising thing was that at around 11:45 pm another GOCOP member, Mr. Felix Douglas of Energy Focus called to be at the gate when Ayaba had Already slept off.

hmmmmm, The ever energetic Ayaaba still stood up with enthusiasm to go down and received her husband guest simply because he is a GOCOP member, at around 5.am the following day as we were set for the trip Ayaaba had woke up and still drove us to the office where the Luxurious bus that would pick us to the kogi conference. (kudos to you Ayaaba).

Oladipo, is just a man full of blessings and unique styles, let us also look at the good character, simplicity, honesty, Love and Respect he Portrait during the mixed up of luggages between his humble self and Our 2006 Award winning CNN Journalist who is the publisher of Crestng.com Mr. Shola Oshunkeye after our return from the kogi conference, Honestly Oladipo worth celebrating.

Dotun Oladipo is an enigma that whenever he talks everybody cares to listen, he is a cynosure of all eyes on every occasion, he is truly a prince of hope many would want to associate with due to his humility and ability to serve humanity.

Even the Writer of the piece Mr. Ajagbe Adeyemi Teslim of August24news.com got the news about GOCOP during Oladipo tenure as president and eventually got inducted thereafter.

Having said all this, kindly join me to celebrate a senior Colleague, a mentor, a a professional media icon, a strategist, as every 19th day of December remains your day sir, Mr. Dotun Oladipo a.k.a Mr. Magic.

Felicitating with Dotun is his predecessor and Editor of Premium Times, Mr. Musikilu Mojeed “I have always known you to be a loving, hardworking and resilient person who is ever focused on achieving desirable results in everything. As you add another year today, I pray that God in his infinite mercy guides and elevates you to a greater height and makes you someone that successful people will always be eager to associate with.

On the heels of celebrating Dotun 55th Birthday, over 200 publishers across the globe both from GOCOP, NUJ, NGE, IMPCMS and  beyond sent congratulatory greetings to him on different notes which cannot be published on this edition alone.

First on the list is Dotun’s successor, the incumbent president of GOCOP and publisher of of Realnews magazine Online, Ms Maureen Chigbo, who said Oladipo is just a gift to GOCOP and Nigeria media.

Second is the Publisher of Freedom Online, Mr. Gabriel Akindewon describe Dotun as a phenomenon in the journalism world, an achiever, whose footprints in the digital media space and GOCOP cannot be erased. he is a friend, a brother, an ally you can call at midnight over any issue who will reliably and confidently tell you ‘I will fix it’.

He is also a professional in the media confraternity who is, forever, breaking new grounds due to his creativity and boldness, More decades in the land of the living.

Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, the publisher of ITREALMS said Dotun is a silent achiever, a complete gentleman and one whose open arms have forged friendship across the industry and the nation.

Alhaji Tajudeen Kareem who publishes Credible News, said Dotun is a compassionate fellow who sees GOCOP as a Nigeria Projects that must succeed and its currently succeeding.

Hassan Gimba, the publisher of Neptune online, described Dotun as a cool headed colleague, a great supporter of his platform who helps to publish his Weekly editorial feature since inception.

Speaking from another angle is one of the Oldest Publisher in GOCOP and Publisher of Greenbarge Report, Chief Yussuf Ozi-Usman npri described DOTUN in an acronym, viz “D stands for Dogged, O represents Originality, T for Talent, while U goes for Uplifting and N connotes Navigating.”

Dotun Oladipo showcases a remarkable set of qualities, values, and traits that embody exceptional leadership and character. These are words that align with the qualities of DOTUN says Ozi-Usman

Speaking further, he said Dotun is a Divine Opportunity Topics Under Nigeria and a blessing to any group who have the privilege of his membership.

In his own remarks, Tunde Abatan, the Publisher of Newdawnngr.com described him as a humble, selfless and devoted colleagues always ready to offer his service to all.

Crowning the birthday greetings is the President of the federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the Presidential spokesman,  Mr. Bayo Onanuga, in a statement available to August24news.com, said Dotun unwavering contributions to online journalism in the country cannot be forgotten.

On behalf of my self, my loving and dashing wife, my resourceful children and the entire management of August24news.com and it’s sisters YouTube Channel August24news TV, we are all very proud to join other millions of Nigerians to celebrate and to felicitate with your humble personality as you just add another feather to your wing today sir.

hip!
hip!!
hip!!!
hurrayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy

kindly, keep the ball rolling sir!!!(Uncle D.O)

Ajagbe is the Publisher of August24news.com, a Senior Special Assistant to Lagos Island East Council Chairman on Media and Digital Communications and a bonafide member of GOCOP writes from Lagos

GrassRoots.ng is on a critical mission; to objectively and honestly represent the voice of ‘grassrooters’ in International, Federal, State and Local Government fora; heralding the achievements of political and other leaders and investors alike, without discrimination. This daily, digital news publication platform serves as the leading source of up-to-date information on how people and events reflect on the global community. The pragmatic articles reflect on the life of the community people, covering news/current affairs, business, technology, culture and fashion, entertainment, sports, State, National and International issues that directly impact the locals.

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MTN’s Dr. Goodluck Named Among Nigeria’s Top PR Changemakers

Nigerian PR Must Adopt Customer Service Principles Says MTN’s PR Manager | Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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MTN’s PR Manager - Lakinbofa Goodluck
L-R: Segun McMedal, Lead Partner at Upticomm Marketing Company, and Former Chairman of the Lagos NIPR; Jimmie Akinsola, TV host and Actor, and Founder, Lagos Athletics; Dr. Olubukola George-Taylor, Managing Director, Robert Taylor Media; and Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, Public Relations Manager, MTN Nigeria, during the Lagos World PR Day Soiree and Power List Presentation where Dr. Goodluck was recognised as one of Nigeria’s top PR Changemakers, held at the Alliance Française, Ikoyi, Lagos.

Dr. Lakinbofa Goodluck, MTN Nigeria’s Public Relations Manager, has been recognised in the ‘Changemakers’ category as one of the leading voices advocating for a shift in how Nigerian PR professionals approach their craft.

Speaking at the recent 2025 PR Power List event at the Alliance Français, Ikoyi, Lagos, he drew compelling parallels between customer service excellence and effective public relations strategy.

“PR has progressed from that period when the speech was one company to everyone, now we do one company-to-one person engagement. It’s the same principle that is applied in customer relations,” Dr. Goodluck explained during a panel session. His approach centres on the principle that successful brands speak to one customer at a time, designing products and messages for individual satisfaction, knowing that others within similar demographics will naturally follow suit.

At the corporate level, managing communications for Africa’s largest telecommunications company requires a delicate balance between authenticity and appropriateness. Goodluck emphasised the critical importance of understanding media consumption behaviour as part of audience analysis, a component he believes many PR professionals overlook. “If you understand the media consumption behaviour, then you’ll be able to tailor your message to the audience properly,” he stated.

The communications expert referenced Marshall McLuhan’s famous theory that “the medium is the message,” explaining how platforms dictate communication formats and styles. This insight becomes particularly crucial for Nigerian brands navigating diverse media landscapes, from traditional outlets to rapidly evolving social media platforms like TikTok, where content format fundamentally shapes message delivery.

His customer service-inspired approach to PR represents a strategic evolution for Nigeria’s communications industry, moving away from broad, generic messaging toward precision-targeted, individually-focused communication that creates ripple effects across larger audience segments.

Others present on the panel session titled “The PR Hustle: Breaking In, Staying In, and Standing Out” were Segun McMedal, Lead Partner at Upticomm Marketing Company and Former Chairman of the Lagos NIPR; Jimmie Akinsola, TV host and Actor, and Founder of Lagos Athletics; and Dr. Olubukola George-Taylor, Managing Director of Robert Taylor Media.

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At 59, Irona Celebrated as a Steadfast, Trusted Leader

Reporter: SANDRA ANI

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Engr. Gerald Irona,
Engr. Gerald Irona

It was a moment of heartfelt tributes and celebration on Friday, as family, friends, political allies, and well-wishers gathered at the Abuja residence of former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Engr. Gerald Irona, to mark his 59th birthday.

Speakers hailed Irona as a principled, dependable, and courageous leader whose legacy continues to inspire trust and admiration.

The atmosphere brimmed with admiration as speaker after speaker paid glowing tributes to Engr. Irona, describing him as a dependable, courageous, and principled leader whose legacy continues to inspire across political and social divides.

Engr. Gerald Irona and the wife
Engr. Gerald Irona and the wife

In their separate remarks, three former members of the House of Representatives – Hon. Ikenga Mayor Eze, Hon. Jeff Ojinika, and Hon. ThankGod Ezeani, praised Irona’s unwavering commitment to justice and fairness, describing him as a relentless crusader for equity and good governance.

“Irona is dependable. He does not tolerate injustice in any form,” they affirmed. “He is steadfast and upright, always willing to stand for what is right, even in the face of adversity.”

Echoing similar sentiments, former Secretary to the Government of Imo State and ex-federal lawmaker, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, hailed Irona as “a man of truth who consistently chooses the path of justice, regardless of whose ox is gored.”

Also lending his voice, former Director of Public Affairs at the Nigeria Agip Oil Company, Barry Nwibani, reflected on over two decades of personal friendship and professional admiration. “Engr. Irona’s consistency, integrity, and lifestyle remain exemplary. He represents the kind of leadership Nigeria yearns for – credible, courageous, and selfless.”

In a heartfelt tribute posted on his verified Facebook page, former Governor of Imo State, Chief Emeka Ihedioha, described Irona as “a trusted pillar of steadfast loyalty.” The former Governor used the opportunity to also celebrate the Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, Dr. Vin Udokwu, who marked his 68th birthday on the same day.

Engr. Gerald Irona
Chike Walter Duru, Ph.D, Associate Professor of Mass Communication, and Communication Consultant to the Former Deputy Governor of Imo State, Hon. Engr. Gerald Irona, greeting the celebrant and the wife

The message, titled “Honouring Two Steadfast Allies,” read in part:

“To the glory of God, I celebrate two exceptional men – Rt. Hon. Gerald Irona, my trusted Deputy in Imo, as he turns 59, and Dr. Vin Udokwu, our devoted Director General of the Rebuild Imo Movement, marking 68 remarkable years.

Over time, these two gentlemen have proven to be trusted pillars of steadfast loyalty, exemplary character, and resolute commitment. Their dedication to service and the shared vision for Imo has inspired confidence and hope across the state and beyond.”

In his remarks during a virtual chat, former lawmaker representing Oguta State Constituency at the Imo State House of Assembly, Hon. Frank Ugboma stressed that

“His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Gerald A. Irona is not just a leader but an inspiration to many of us who look up to his courage and commitment to service. Celebrating him at 59 is celebrating excellence, resilience, and uncommon grace.”

Irona’s wife, Ogbuefi Vivian Irona, in a special birthday message, described Irona as a selfless leader. Her message reads in part – “today, I celebrate not just your birth, but the man you are- strong, yet gentle, visionary, yet humble, courageous, yet compassionate.”

“Your life of service, both to your family and to the people of Imo State speaks volumes of your character – selfless, noble, and deeply inspiring.”

Adding his voice, former Chairman of Oru West Local Government Area of Imo State, Ken Akunnakwe stressed that “in Hon. Gerald Irona, I found a humble, loyal, consistent, and practical politician. He is a man of few words who leads by example. Beyond his kindness, Irona is deeply grateful to those who have contributed to his journey.

Engr. Gerald Irona birthday in Abuja

Beyond Abuja, the 59th birthday of Engr. Irona was also celebrated by associates and supporters at various locations in Imo State, including the ‘Rebuild Imo movement’, reflecting the wide-reaching admiration he enjoys for his leadership, integrity, and principled politics.

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From Humble Roots To Heroic Heights: A Celebration Of Chief Richard Ikpe’s Life Of Purpose

Writer: ROMMY IMAH

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Chief Richard Ikpe
Chief Richard Ikpe

“The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively.” – Bob Marley

Sunday, July 20, 2025, was not just another birthday, it was a grand testimony to a life well-lived, a journey of impact, and a legacy still unfolding. The occasion marked the birthday of a distinguished son of Umukparo Mbala Isuochi, a man whose name evokes admiration and reverence: Chief (Sir) Richard Ikpe, KJW, Nwazuoro Oha 1 of Isuochi.

In an era where selflessness is scarce and true leadership is defined by service, Chief Ikpe stands tall as an embodiment of philanthropy, excellence, humility, and tireless community spirit.

From modest beginnings, he has risen through the ranks to become a business magnate, a committed mentor, and a pillar of his community. Yet, through it all, he has worn his achievements with a humility that only true greatness can afford.

Like Muhammad Ali would say, “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth.”

Chief Ikpe’s life is a shining reflection of this eternal truth. Known far and wide as Nwazuoro Oha 1, a chieftaincy title conferred upon him at a relatively young age in recognition of his extraordinary kindness and service to humanity, he has indeed lived up to that name, the one who gives freely to the multitude. It is not just a title; it is his very essence. Whether in times of joy or distress, he is the first to show up, to give, to support, to build, to counsel.

An uncommon philanthropist, Chief Ikpe does not give for applause or prestige; he gives because it is in his nature to uplift others. Scores of men and women, once struggling to find their feet, are today standing tall in their various vocations because Chief Ikpe believed in them, invested in them, and mentored them, quietly, deliberately, and effectively. They are entrepreneurs, professionals, and contributors to society today because one man decided their destiny must not be tied to poverty.

Tom Peters, a famous researcher, consultant, writer and management guru in the area of successful business management practices once said, “True leaders don’t create followers. They create more leaders.”

Indeed, leadership for Chief Richard Ikpe is not about position or pomp, it is about purpose. It is this same drive that compels him to remain deeply invested in the affairs and development of his beloved Mbala Isuochi.

From youth empowerment to infrastructure initiatives, from community health drives to educational support schemes, Chief Ikpe is ever at the forefront, mobilizing resources and galvanizing people towards a better tomorrow for Mbala and Isuochi. His love for the land of his birth is not a mere sentiment; it is an active mission.

As a Knight of John Wesley in the Methodist Church, Chief Ikpe brings his faith to bear not only in the church pews but in the marketplace, in boardrooms, and on the dusty roads of Mbala. His Christianity is not loud, but it is loud enough to be felt by the widows he has helped, the church he has helped to build, and the lives he has transformed through silent generosity. This is further corroborated by Prophet Muhammad’s statement that “A man’s true wealth is the good he does in this world.”

Nwazuoro Oha’s birthday celebration on July 20, 2025, was more than an occasion of joy. It was a festival of gratitude, a gallery of glowing tributes from family, friends, protégés, and admirers. Testimonies poured in, of school fees paid without asking, of businesses funded without conditions, of advice given in humility, of open doors and shoulders offered in times of sorrow.

What strikes everyone who encounters Chief Ikpe is his gentle strength. He is humble but firm, approachable but principled, generous but disciplined. There is a serenity about him that commands respect, and a warmth that invites you in. Even in circles of influence and affluence, he remains down-to-earth, unassuming, and always relatable.

His life story is a profound inspiration to the younger generation: that one can rise from the depths of struggle to the heights of influence, not by cutting corners, but by hard work, integrity, and compassion. He stands today as a reminder that background does not determine destiny, and that success without service is empty.

As the candles were lit and the songs were sung on his birthday, one thing became clear: Chief (Sir) Richard Ikpe is not just growing in age; he is growing in legacy. His is a life that calls others to service, to excellence, and to the higher ideals of humanity.

May his days be long, his strength be renewed, and his impact multiplied. And like someone once charged, “Let us not seek to be great, but to do great things.”

Chief Ikpe, Nwazuoro Oha 1 of Isuochi, is doing great things—and the world is better for it.

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