The Association of Corporate Online Editors (ACOE) on Tuesday transformed its third-anniversary investiture into a moment of national reflection and recognition, honouring distinguished public servants whose work is reshaping governance, safety, and unity across Nigeria.

Held in Abuja, the ceremony combined celebration with a resounding call for higher ethical standards in the rapidly evolving digital media landscape.

ACOE Chairman, Shola Akingboye, opened the event by affirming that the honours were merit-based and aligned with the association’s mission to enhance national development through professionalism, accountability, and public-oriented journalism.

NIMC Boss Odusote Receives Standout Honour

A major highlight was the recognition of Engr. Abisoye Coker-Odusote, Director-General/CEO of the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), hailed as one of Nigeria’s boldest digital public-sector reformers.

Represented by NIMC Director of Media, Dr. Kayode Adegoke, Odusote received sustained applause as ACOE outlined her sweeping reforms, including clearing legacy enrollment backlogs, expanding the national identity database to over 250 million records, deploying mobile enrollment kits nationwide, harmonising data across more than 20 federal agencies, and introducing advanced verification systems with two-factor authentication.

ACOE said her efforts have “empowered millions through digital identity, strengthened national planning, and modernised Nigeria’s identity infrastructure.”

FRSC Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed Also Honoured

The association also celebrated Corps Marshal Shehu Mohammed of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), describing his leadership as transformative for national road safety.

His citation highlighted the FRSC’s ISO 9001:2015 certification, expanded rescue operations, deployment of 36,000 personnel and 750 patrol vehicles, launch of FRSC Traffic Radio 107.1FM, and digital upgrades in driver licensing and crash analytics.

ACOE described him as “a visionary whose mission is simple and urgent: ensuring every Nigerian journey ends safely.”

Other Key Honourees

Additional awards went to:

Dr. Lanre Issa-Onilu, Director-General, National Orientation Agency.

Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive, Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).

Nigeria’s fallen military heroes (2010–2025), honoured through a solemn tribute and roll call that drew emotional standing ovations.

A Call to Uphold “Speed, Accuracy & Truth”

In a stirring address, Akingboye reflected on ACOE’s journey marked by early registration setbacks and organisational hurdles, anchored on the values of Speed, Accuracy and Truth.

He urged members to recommit to ethical journalism, stressing the urgent need for disciplined and accountable professionals to counter misinformation and rebuild public trust in Nigeria’s digital media space.

“Today’s gathering is not merely ceremonial,” he said. “It is a re-commitment to excellence and professionalism. Our awardees remind us of what is possible when passion meets purpose.”

Strengthening Corporate Online Media

This year’s theme, Strengthening Corporate Online Media for National Development, underscored ACOE’s drive to champion professionalism, innovation, and responsible reporting across the digital ecosystem.

The event concluded with group photographs, networking among industry stakeholders, and the cutting of an anniversary cake symbolising ACOE’s growth and renewed commitment to a credible and development-focused digital media environment.

For ACOE, the anniversary served not just as a celebration, but as a declaration that Nigeria’s corporate online editors remain central to national development, public accountability, and democratic growth.