By Wilbet Ijeoma
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) celebrates the 2026 International Women’s Day with the theme: Give to Gain: Empowering Women Through Digital Storytelling, as a reflection of the body’s hallmark and belief in using digital stories and online publications to reshapening the fortunes of women in the society.
The event which took place on 11th March 2026 at DOPF Secretariat, Asaba was roundly attended by women representations from both government and private organizations as well as gentlemen of the press.
In a goodwill message, the Delta State Director of National Orientation Agency, Comrade Mrs Tracy Omamode Ikolomi underscored the importance of storytelling as one of the most powerful tools for reshaping public perception, preserving our shared values, and inspiring social transformation. She also underscored the invaluable role the Delta Online Publishers Forum plays in digital storytelling, which is strategic in influencing attitudes, promoting responsible citizenship, and amplifying voices particularly that of women, that contribute to national development.
Ikolomi, who was the former Secretary of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Delta State, assured that the National Orientation Agency remains committed to promoting values that encourage equity, responsible communication, and social cohesion. She appreciated the role of Delta online publishers in writing and publishing stories, fostering constructive criticism and dialogue as well as using media platforms to advance development-oriented narratives.
“The focus on empowering women through storytelling is both timely and commendable. When women’s experiences, achievements, and challenges are shared, they inspire confidence, promote inclusiveness, and encourage greater participation of women in leadership, community development, and nation building”: the former NAWOJ Secretary submitted.
Guest Speaker for the event, Mrs Patricia Gbemudu, did justice to the theme #GiveToGain, by highlighting three consequences of giving, which are visibility for women, preservation of experience and confidence building/opportunity.
Gbemudu, who was a former Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) Delta State Chapter, charged women to use digital platforms to showcase their skills, talents and achievements, while giving their businesses visibility. “But empowering women through digital storytelling requires something important – intentional giving”: the former NAWOJ Chairperson submitted, as she urged online media practitioners to give space for women’s voice to be heard, organizations to organize trainings on digital tools and media for women, as well as mentorship for younger women in digital media journalism.
Speaking further, Gbemudu highlighted that the spirit behind #GiveToGain portends that we must give to encourage and support one another especially women, and to engender a stronger and informed society. “Do not hide your story; your journey may inspire someone you’ve never met; use digital tools to learn, share and grow “: Gbemudu exhorted women as she charged leaders, organizations and partners to invest in digital literacy, training and platforms that help women tell their stories.
The Secretary to the National Council for Women Society of Nigeria, Mrs Nzemeka Juniana, speaking in the voice of the State President of the Council, Comrade Mrs Margaret Jeku Amuyiwa, salutes the resilience and brilliance of the women of Delta State and across the nation. She affirms that when you give birth to or train a girl-child, you’ve trained a nation, noting that every opportunity given to a woman is a seed that grows into stronger and resilient families, striving communities and a more progressive world. “When we invest in the education of a girl-child, we equip her with knowledge and confidence to secure a future, ensuring her safety and protection, creating an enabling environment where her potential can flourish.
Speaking further, the State President harped on women supporting women instead of pulling one another down, adding that women should be a voice of their fellow women. She reiterated her Council’s commitment to advocating for and assisting women, supporting and protecting the girl-child, and strengthening families across Delta State, while calling on government, private institutions and community leaders to join hands in this mission of protection and leadership of women which should echo from generation to generation.
The Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, while applauding DOPF for organizing this significant event, deemed the theme #GiveToGain as inspiring, reminding women that meaningful progress in the society comes when individuals, institutions and communities are willing to invest in others, especially in women and the girlchild. She added that in a world where women face peculiar challenges in leadership, economic empowerment and equal representation, the principle of giving becomes imperative amongst women.
The now two 2-term NAWOJ Chairperson commended DOPF for using its digital platforms to amplifying important conversations that promote gender equality and social progress in Delta State, adding that the media remains veritable and powerful tool to sharpening narratives, initiating and influencing policy discussions as well as ensuring that the voices of women are heard. She urged journalists and publishers to continue telling the stories without let, exposing barriers to equality, and inspiring actions towards a more inclusive society.
Earlier in the event, the Chairperson of the Organizing Committee of 2026 International Women’s Day Celebration of DOPF, Mrs Josephine Omodior, in her opening remarks, highlighted that the theme #GiveToGain adopted reflects the forums belief that storytelling has power to amplifying voices, inspiring changes, changing gender stereotype, and highlighting achievements and struggles of women in our society. “When we give sincerely, the impact multiplies, strengthening families, communities and the society at large “, Omodior enthused.
The Chairman of Delta Online Publishers Forum DOPF, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli applauded the celebration of International Women’s Day by DOPF, which he hinged on the reasonable presence of female journalists and publishers in DOPF. Enebeli thanked the organizing committee for the epoch-making event, while recognizing and thanking the Directors, Chairpersons and Representatives of organizations present. He also thanked the audience for coming and assured a better outing in subsequent years.
Highpoints of the event were goodwill messages, keynote address, question and answer session, entertainment of guests and group photographs.
