Events

Agbakoba to Chair GOCOP Forum on Transparency Before 2027 Elections

Published

3 months ago

July 21, 2026

Olisa Agbakoba GOCOP 2026 Conference will focus on trust, transparency and shared responsibilities ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections

Former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Dr Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), has accepted an invitation to chair the 10th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), which will take place in Lagos on October 8, 2026, with discussions expected to focus on strengthening public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 general elections.

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The announcement was made on Monday by the Chairman of the 2026 Conference Planning Committee, Mr Olumide Iyanda, in a statement issued by GOCOP’s Publicity Secretary, Ms Kemi Yesufu.

The conference is themed “2027 Elections: Trust, Transparency and Shared Responsibilities”, reflecting growing national conversations around electoral credibility as political activities intensify before the next general election.

Iyanda said the event would bring together policymakers, political leaders, journalists, civil society organisations and other stakeholders to examine how collective action can reinforce the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral system.

“The conference will provide a platform for thoughtful engagement on how government, political actors, the media and civil society can work together to promote transparency and protect the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process,” Iyanda said.

He described Agbakoba as an outstanding choice to chair the landmark event, citing the Senior Advocate of Nigeria’s decades of contributions to constitutional democracy, legal reform and good governance.

According to Iyanda, Agbakoba’s reputation as a respected lawyer, public intellectual and advocate for institutional reforms positions him to guide conversations on accountability, transparency and democratic development at a crucial period in Nigeria’s political calendar.

The conference also marks a significant milestone as the 10th edition of GOCOP’s annual gathering, which has evolved into one of Nigeria’s leading forums for discussions on governance, public policy, media practice and national development.

Founded to promote professionalism, ethical standards and credibility in digital journalism, GOCOP currently comprises 127 online publishing organisations.

Its membership includes editors and senior journalists who built distinguished careers in print and broadcast journalism before establishing independent online news platforms.

Over the past decade, the Guild has consistently used its annual conference to stimulate policy debates on issues affecting governance, the economy, security, media regulation and democratic accountability.

Previous editions have attracted senior government officials, legal practitioners, academics, diplomats and media executives, reinforcing the conference’s reputation as an influential platform for public discourse.

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The choice of Agbakoba to chair this year’s event comes as Nigeria prepares for another election cycle, with increasing calls for transparent institutions, responsible political leadership and a vibrant media capable of sustaining public trust in the democratic process.

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Culture

Crowds Gather for Rare Sunrise at Egypt’s Abu Simbel Temple

Published

1 week ago

October 23, 2026

David Ogunjobi

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple to witness the twice-yearly sunrise ceremony illuminating Pharaoh Ramses II’s statue

Hundreds of tourists gathered at Egypt’s Abu Simbel temple on Thursday to witness a spectacular sunrise phenomenon in which sunlight illuminated the face of the statue of Pharaoh Ramses II, an event that occurs only twice a year.

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The ancient astronomical ceremony drew visitors from different parts of the world to the archaeological site in southern Egypt on October 22, one of two dates associated with the phenomenon.

The second occurrence takes place on February 22, when the rising sun illuminates the temple’s interior.

Egyptian tour guide Yasser Fouad described the occasion as extraordinary, saying some visitors had stayed overnight to secure the opportunity to witness the event.

“Today is an extraordinary day, everyone is keen, there are people who stayed over the night, foreigners who actually spent the night in Abu Simbel to see this phenomenon,” Fouad said.

The Great Temple of Ramses II at Abu Simbel dates back to the 13th century BC and is among Egypt’s most prominent archaeological attractions.

Built during the reign of Ramses II, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs, the temple is renowned for its monumental statues and sophisticated architectural design.

The twice-yearly sunrise phenomenon is a major attraction, drawing visitors eager to witness the interaction between sunlight and the temple’s ancient structure.

The dates have traditionally been associated with significant moments in Ramses II’s life.

October 22 is commonly linked to his birthday, while February 22 is associated with his accession to the throne.

However, the precise historical reasons behind the dates remain debated.

Some archaeologists have proposed alternative explanations, including that they may have marked the pharaoh’s coronation and birthday.

Abu Simbel underwent a major international rescue operation in the 1960s, when archaeologists and engineers relocated the temples to protect them from flooding caused by the construction of the Aswan High Dam.

The monumental structures were cut into large blocks and reassembled at a higher location, preserving the site for future generations.

The relocation was one of the most significant archaeological preservation projects of the 20th century.

Despite the move, the temple continues to attract visitors for its ancient Egyptian art, monumental architecture and remarkable alignment with the rising sun.

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The annual gatherings highlight the enduring appeal of Egypt’s archaeological heritage and the continuing fascination with the astronomical knowledge and engineering achievements of its ancient civilisation.