Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori was received in his own Osubi, Okpe local government areas, Delta State during a routine inspection of ongoing infrastructural projects in the area.

The Governor was received on Monday by construction workers at the Julius Berger Nigeria Plc project site with arousing welcome, as he assured them of more job opportunities for the youths.

Oborevwori cited unemployment and economic hardship as a bane in the society, noting that government must continue to initiate projects that improve livelihoods and provide opportunities for young people.

He said; “there are many challenges facing our people today, especially unemployment and economic hardship. Too many of our young people are giving up because opportunities are limited. That is why we must continue to create jobs, empower our youths, and ensure that development reaches every community.”

The governor noted that workers and contractors handling projects across the state are committed to contributing meaningfully to the development of their host communities, adding that genuine efforts toward progress deserve the support of the people.

He assured that his administration would continue to award more projects to Julius Berger as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities and accelerate infrastructural renewal across Warri, Effurun and other parts of the state.

Speaking further, Oborevwori said his administration was yet to inaugurate the completed Trans Warri-Ode Itsekiri Roads and Bridges project, noting that the inauguration would take place after the completion of the Ubeji-Ifie Road.

“We are determined to complete important projects across the state, including roads, bridges and other critical infrastructure. Some of these projects may not yet be completed, but work is ongoing, and when they are completed, the people will enjoy the full benefits,” he said.

The governor expressed appreciation to workers and supporters for their commitment to the development agenda of the state government, assuring that government would remain focused on projects and policies that directly impact lives of the people.

He also prayed for God’s protection over workers, residents and road users across the state, expressing optimism that the ongoing projects would become enduring testimonies of progress and development in Delta State.

PRESS RELEASE

In a world where vision shapes success and determination paves the way, we at Federal Information Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ,  Delta State Council, are by this press release sending a heartfelt birthday felicitation to our Chairman, Comrade Abel Johngold Enitan.

Johngold is a consummate journalist cum leader who inspires others to assume the leadership stage through material and moral support. A staunch believer of equity, freedom and fairness in unionism and a dedicated information and chief orientation and mobilization officer of the National Orientation Agency NOA,  Oshimili South LGA, ceding his geographical scope of work at the state capital territory where the needs are higher.

The exploit of Johngold has transversed institutional borders giving his eminent membership and roles in Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), amongst others.

Johngold is also the. National Publicity Secretary of University of Ibadan Alumni Association, UIAA Worldwide,  with impeccable character and experience in public relations and communications.

A Chief Programme Officer of NOA with the position of Assistant Director (AD) in view.  Sir, we wish you happy birthday and many more bountiful and prosperous years ahead to celebrate. Amen.

Wilbet Ijeoma ,

Secretary, Federal Information Chapel,  NUJ

The political journey of Mr. Victor Chukwuemeke, popularly known as “Mr. Due Process,” received a major boost following his successful screening by the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, as the councillor-turned-federal lawmaker hopeful prepares for the next phase of his political ambition.

Chukwuemeke, who is currently serving as Councillor representing Ward 7 in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State, was screened alongside other aspirants of the party seeking various elective positions under the APC platform.

The successful screening has further heightened political interest within the Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency, especially as Chukwuemeke is widely regarded by supporters as one of the few grassroots politicians seeking to rise from local government legislative service to the National Assembly.

Political observers say his aspiration has continued to attract attention within Delta North political circles because of his background as a serving councillor and his reputation for due process, accountability and grassroots engagement, qualities that earned him the nickname, “Mr. Due Process.”

Speaking shortly after the screening exercise, Chukwuemeke expressed confidence and optimism about the political process, stating that he remains committed to offering purposeful representation and quality leadership to the people of Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency if given the opportunity.

He noted that the successful screening marks another important step in his political journey toward the 2027 elections, while assuring supporters and party faithful of his determination to continue engaging stakeholders across the constituency.

Supporters of the aspirant described the development as a positive signal for grassroots democracy within the APC, expressing hope that his emergence would provide a stronger voice for youths, local communities and underserved areas within the federal constituency.

By Wilbet Ijeoma

In the wake of fear and protests in Nigerian societies nowadays as a result of the unbridled rampage of terrorists and armed bandits against unsuspecting Nigerians, there’s been resonating calls for state policing

Most times, these mayhems were unleashed at home in the twilight and when locals called for help, the nearest federal police unit was often hours and miles away, making the local communities defenceless.

The Nigeria Police Force, centrally controlled from Abuja, was responsible for security across the vast Nigeria territory. Yet with rising threats—banditry in the northwest, insurgency in the northeast, kidnappings, armed robbery, farmer‑herder clashes, and now police brutality against unarmed Nigerians—many communities felt the central policing system has outlived its era.

On April 26, 2026, a 28-year-old upcoming musician and plumber named Mene Ogidi (also known as OG Million) was reported to have been extrajudicially killed by a police officer ASP Usman Nuhu in Effurun, near Warri, Delta State, after which the officer and members of his team were also reported to have been dismissed and facing investigation/prosecution.

Following the uproar and civil unrest sparked by this unprofessional act of the Police in Delta State, 1,332 police officers including 50 senior officers were reported to have been redeployed away from Delta at the behest of the Inspector General of Police. Most of these officers recently deployed have been serving in their former posting for decades, some of whom are locals in the localities while others localized and got acquired with the people.

*The big question is whether the mass exodus or redeployment of police officers in Delta State is the panacea to extrajudicial killing.*

*The exodus of police officers in Delta State was met with criticism, whether it does not ultra vires the Billl for an Act of State Policing already before the National Assembly.*

Officers posted far from their home states often struggled to understand the language, terrain, and local dynamics of the communities they were meant to fight against crimes and protect lives and properties.

Across Nigeria, common conversation is taking place. Scholars, politicians, and civil society groups began discussing a major reform: **state policing**—a system where each state would manage its own police force alongside the federal one. Supporters argued that local authorities could respond faster and address region‑specific crimes more effectively.

The debate soon reached the national stage where President Bola Ahmed Tinubu publicly expressed support for establishing state police as part of efforts to improve national security. Many analysts believed that decentralizing policing could strengthen Nigeria’s federal system and help address growing insecurity across different regions.

On the other hand, critics worried that State Governors might misuse local police forces for political purposes to suppress opponents. Others questioned whether all states had the financial wherewithal and institutional capacity to run their own forces effectively.

However, the call for state policing seems to have a superior argument as regional reviews have been held in 2025 by the National Assembly on the subject matter.

But with the ripples of mass redeployment of officers in Delta State, there seems to be a retrogression to the call and push for state policing, since the redeployed officers would be duty bound to relocate and serve in other states of non-origin where they have to face the burden of learning new culture and a new people.

This superior knock on mass redeployment of police, especially being a retrogression and counterproductive to the call for state policing, entreats a review of the redeployment order.

Against the backdrop of the recent extrajudicial killing in Delta State which was reported to have triggered the redeployment of police, resources, both human and capital, should rather be channeled to training and retraining of officers on police code of conducts and equip them to function effectively in the localities where they have greater comparative advantage.

The journalists in Delta on Thursday celebrated and poured out enconmuim on Mr Benson Iziama, Deputy Director, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on his successful retirement from the Federal service.

Iziama, the Head, NAN Niger Delta Bureau, Asaba.Office, who assumed duty in the bureau in 2021, bowed out after attainment of 60 years from active service to the nation.

Consequently, journalists took their turns to speak on his affection, passion and dedication at a send fortf organised by the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalist((NUJ), a fellowship where he was domiciled.

At the event, journalists, media executives, correspondents’ of various chapels and the NUJ State Council scribes led by its Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, the State Chairman , Delta Online publishers Forum, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli, Ex-Chairma NUJ, Osita Biose, others were in attendance.

In his remarks, the State Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr Churchill Oyowe, urged journalists to embrace retirement as a period of rest and fulfilment after years of active service.

He expressed concern that many journalists continue working beyond retirement due to inadequate welfare and financial support.

“There are professions that have laws guiding their union and their interests are protected by law, but in journalism they work with ethics and not laws,” he said.

Oyowe called for the establishment of a regulatory council to strengthen journalism practice in Nigeria and protect the welfare of practitioners.

He also advocated continuous professional development for journalists beyond university education, noting that additional training would enhance professionalism in the sector.

According to him, “Retirement is not a death sentence, but a time for joy and settlement, a period to unite with friends and relations to fill the void, while wishing the celebrate the best of his new life and God’s divine protection and provision.

Earlier, the Chairman, Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel and the Host, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described retirement as the formal withdrawal of a worker from active service, noting that it represents a natural stage in professional life.

“Retirement is the withdrawal of one’s position from active working life; many workers retire due to age, health challenges, or reduced capacity to function effectively,” he said.

Olannye described Mr Iziama as a “supportive and reliable boss,” commending his leadership style and professional relationship with members of staff.

He noted that despite being subordinate in rank, he enjoyed a respectful working relationship with his retired boss.

According to Olannye, journalism is very calculative and brain-tasking, it is an intellectual property that nobody can actually pay for.

He, therefore, called the authorities concern to considered a better and improved welfare structures for journalists to enable happy life after retirement.

He stressed that practitioners have been compelled to remain active in the field even after retirement due to poor remuneration and pension packages.

“After retirement, no journalist is supposed to continue with conducting interviews, scouting for news everywhere but because of poverty and inadequate remuneration, they find it difficult settlement down after retirement.

“Journalists should be given adequate gratuity and pension at retirement,” he added.

In his response, Mr Iziama expressed deep appreciation to members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel for organising the send-off ceremony in his honour.

He described the gesture as a demonstration of true comradeship, friendship, and professional solidarity.

“The degree of sacrifice, support, presence and availability was unprecedented,” he said.

Iziama thanked the NUJ Chairman, his counterpart in DOPF, and other journalists for celebrating him in a memorable way.

He prayed for continued blessings upon all, noting that he would remain grateful for their support.

The highpoint of the occasion were testimonies, good will messages from journalists and presentation of gifts to the celebrant.

By Austin Ogwuda

... says “there is no limitation of tenure for Legislators in our country’s Constitution”

... the office of the Legislator is not by appointment, nomination or a gift”

“Any attempt to use intimidation, threat or subterfuge to deny Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu his constitutional rights to contest any election should be resisted by all well meaning Nigerians”.

These were the words of a group known as ‘Patani APC VANGUARD’, in a strongly-worded letter to the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), dated 6th May 2027.

It is titled: ‘Position of Patani Local Government APC VANGUARD on the Patani Bomadi House of Representatives Seat’ and signed by Mr. Frank Ebikefe – Convener and Hon. Owhofataro Ejakpovi Justice – Secretary.

It reads in part:

“Mr Chairman,
This letter is written to you because it has become necessary to address a few misconceptions and a display of ignorance by a group of people who desire elective office but are afraid to face the people they want to represent in a party primaries.

“They have,  instead, hired a few people to demonstrate, take the the social media and conventional media to exhibit their ignorance about democratic norms.

“It is on record that Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu has been representing the good people of Patani/ Bomadi federal constituency effectively since 1999 and the evidence abound across the federal constituency.

“At every election, people from Patani local government area contested against Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu either in the primaries or general elections.
There was no time Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu was prevailed upon not to contest in the PDP primaries, because he was an asset to the PDP.

“It is therefore strange that some people are clamouring against his aspiration to seek election and want the leadership of the APC to disqualify him and hand over the ticket to them on a platter of gold.

“Mr Chairman, as stakeholders, we in one voice say that we are in support of Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu submitting himself to the electorates and we will abide by whatever the people will decide.

“We are opposed to any attempt to prevent him from participating in the APC primaries.
We are against any attempt to blackmail Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu out of the APC primaries.
Let everyone interested go before the electorates to test their popularity.

“It will be undemocratic and unconstitutional to prevent Rt Hon Nicholas Ebomo Mutu from participating in the APC primaries .
We are convinced that you (APC National Chairman) will toe the part of constitutionality in this case”, the letter added.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) today commemorates the 2026 World Press Freedom Day with focus on the invaluable role of journalism in conflict prevention and peace building.

The event held on 6th May 2026 at DOPF Secretariat, Asaba and brought together critical stakeholders in the information and media subsector in Delta State.

Dr. Gideon Udechukwu Isika, an Authority in Political Communication and Development Strategic Media, and Associate Professor of Mass Communication in Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, was the Guest Speaker who emphasized on responsible journalism in times of conflict to engender peace in the society.

Isika noted that conflict defines and limits the social condition in which we live, and deeply affects emotions and interest. He further noted that the topic of this year’s edition is apt, given a Nigerian democracy bedeviled with social conflict and insecurity. He however posited that journalists have all it takes as a veritable tool for shaping the society towards the right direction.

“The task before this conference is to find the nexus between factual reporting and societal challenges if the aim of reducing social conflict and competition which is optimizing progress can be realized.”, Isika stated.

The University Don further emphasized that conflict with its associated squabbles and tensions is not entirely bad as it could lead to startling revelations and good outcomes, and this is where responsible and factual journalism is required.
:
He further itemized the Notion of Journalistic Principles: which includes respect for truth, the principles of freedom in reporting, factual reporting, not suppressing essential information or falsifying documents, rectify any published information which is found to be harmfully inaccurate,. amongst others. The scholar further cautioned journalists about grave professional offences like plagiarism; malicious representations; calumny, slander, libel, and unfounded accusations.

On professional integrity, Isika noted that this is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility, and charged journalists to uphold this tenet, avoiding sedition and deliberate distortion, and subscribing to balanced reporting.

Criticising what he described as begging-bowl journalism and the tendency to package political office holders, Dr Isika urged practitioners to act as watchdogs rather than lapdogs of those in power.

Isika cautioned journalists to be careful as election draws closer, so as not to be used as tools to cause crises instead of peace building. “Journalists must resist pseudo-reality, reject manipulation, and refuse to sacrifice truth for personal gain or political convenience,” he said.

As journalists we must adhere strictly to global ethical standards, that includes accuracy, fairness, balance, and respect for diversity, while avoiding discrimination and inflammatory reporting that could escalate tensions.” “We must use our medium to promote dialogue, emphasise shared national values, and encourage and facilitate constructive conversations through talk shows, press engagements, and community forums aimed at reducing tensions.” He said.

“I’m optimistic that projecting the principles of journalism is the way to go and with everyone here acting in good conscience, the course of national rebirth can be a possibility.”: Isika concluded .

.

The event was also graced by Comrade Felix Ofou as Special Guest of Honor. Ofou, who is an Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on News Media and Director Cruze FM, emphasized on financial independence as a proponent of responsible journalism.

“You cannot be a successful journalist if you are not financially independent”: Ofou stated, while recounting the dangers in journalism with reference to his experience in the Okotoko crisis.

Ofou, who’ was the former Chairman of the defunct Punch Chapel of the NUJ, and Human Rights Award winner of the NUJ National Body (Imo State Chapter), charged journalists to imbibe credibility professionalism and regulations in their practices, and engage in continuous training and development for professionalism, aspiring to be not only a journalist but have a medium.

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of Delta State Bureau for Information, Dr. Fred Latimore Esq. expressed appreciation to the Chairman and leadership of DOPF for organizing this memorable event.
He charged journalists to keep reading and studying for more certifications, while soliciting the support of DOPF as election draws closer in news dissemination for a successful election.

The Delta State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of DOPF for their sustained partnership with NOA. She deemed the theme of this year’s edition of press freedom day as apt, noting that without peace and serenity, we cannot have a safe society. She emphasized the importance of journalists, including the so-called “citizen journalists” in unravelling credible news, citing the recent cases of crime in Delta who was covered by the conventional social media.

Ikolomi ceased the opportunity to hail the growth of DOPF in strength and networks,  urging them to continue in the path of progressive growth.

The State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, in his goodwill message, emphasized on creativity and responsibility for balanced reportage.
“Before journalists are entitled to social and economic security, they should play their parts through responsible journalism that makes us citizenship journalists, different from citizen journalists.” Oyowe noted.

He further noted that there is need for a 4-way test, verification and fact-checking for balanced reportage, and urged journalists to be guided by these due diligence.  He mentioned that the Journalism Council of Nigeria is a necessary institution for the stability of journalism which will regulate journalists from the onset in tertiary institutions. He urged members to be up and doing to make the profession a noble one.

Speaking at the event is the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, who commended DOPF for convening the program on behalf of the entire Press family in Delta State.
She applauded DOPF for doing journalism and doing it very well, while encouraging credible and responsible publications in online journalism.

Unobunjo identified the role of NAWOJ as being supportive to other organs of NUJ in Delta State, and assured the DOPF of their continued support in programmes like this.

Earlier in the programme, the Chairman Organizing Committee, Comrade Julius Oweh noted that DOPF was established and operates on the principle of professionalism and responsible journalism for peace building as he set the course of the discussion.

Participants present raised concern on plethora of issues which includes failure of accessing credible source of news and accessing areas with heavy security presence, the snare of paymasters in journalism, citizen journalism, balanced reporting, fear of internal sabotage and power fighting back responsible journalism.

Responding, Dr Isika noted that reporting truth has a lot of danger, but charged journalists to be of good courage and hope in God while being very careful in their practices.

On citizen journalism, DOPF Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli clarified that DOPF members are registered journalists with registered media outfits for public accountability. He decried cases of citizen journalists and Facebook boys who have no media background but are engaged by the political class as their media aides, but emphasized that the requisite qualifications should be met before appointment as public aides.

In a vote of thanks, Enebeli extended the Forum’s profound gratitude to guests present for the event, and acknowledged DOPF responsibility as gatekeepers for public trust.  “As we approach election, the burden of journalism becomes greater with a need to ensuring that our platforms serve for peace instead of unrest.”  he said.

He assured stakeholders that DOPF advocates ethical reportage and publications to prevent crises through strategic communication with the Government and responsible publications to the public.

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) today commemorates the 2026 World Press Freedom Day with focus on the invaluable role of journalism in conflict prevention and peace building.

The event held on 6th May 2026 at DOPF Secretariat, Asaba and brought together critical stakeholders in the information and media subsector in Delta State.

In a goodwill message, the State Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), . Delta State, Comrade Mrs. Tracy Ikolomi, expressed profound appreciation to the leadership of DOPF for their sustained partnership with NOA. She deemed the theme of this year’s edition of press freedom day as apt, noting that without peace and serenity, we cannot have a safe society. She emphasized the importance of journalists, including the so-called “citizen journalists” in unravelling credible news, citing the recent cases of crime in Delta which was covered by the conventional social media.

Ikolomi ceased the opportunity to hail the growth of DOPF in strength and networks, urging them to continue in the path of progressive growth.

The guest speaker of the event, Dr. Gideon Udechukwu Isika, an Authority in Political Communication and Development Strategic Media, and Associate Professor of Mass Communication in Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, emphasized on responsible journalism in times of conflict to engender peace in the society.

Isika noted that conflict defines and limits the social condition in which we live, and deeply affects emotions and interest. He further noted that the topic of this year’s edition is apt, given a Nigerian democracy bedeviled with social conflict and insecurity. He however posited that journalists have all it takes as a veritable tool for shaping the society towards the right direction.

“The task before this conference is to find the nexus between factual reporting and societal challenges if the aim of reducing social conflict and competition which is optimizing progress can be realized.”, Isika stated.

The University Don further emphasized that conflict with its associated squabbles and tensions is not entirely bad as it could lead to startling revelations and good outcomes, and this is where responsible and factual journalism is required.
:
He further itemized the Notion of Journalistic Principles: which includes respect for truth, the principles of freedom in reporting, factual reporting, not suppressing essential information or falsifying documents, rectify any published information which is found to be harmfully inaccurate,. amongst others. The scholar further cautioned journalists about grave professional offences like plagiarism; malicious representations; calumny, slander, libel, and unfounded accusations.

On professional integrity, Isika noted that this is the cornerstone of a journalist’s credibility, and charged journalists to uphold this tenet, avoiding sedition and deliberate distortion, and subscribing to balanced reporting.

Criticising what he described as begging-bowl journalism and the tendency to package political office holders, Dr Isika urged practitioners to act as watchdogs rather than lapdogs of those in power.

Isika cautioned journalists to be careful as election draws closer, so as not to be used as tools to cause crises instead of peace building. “Journalists must resist pseudo-reality, reject manipulation, and refuse to sacrifice truth for personal gain or political convenience,” he said.

As journalists we must adhere strictly to global ethical standards, that includes accuracy, fairness, balance, and respect for diversity, while avoiding discrimination and inflammatory reporting that could escalate tensions.” “We must use our medium to promote dialogue, emphasise shared national values, and encourage and facilitate constructive conversations through talk shows, press engagements, and community forums aimed at reducing tensions.” He said.

“I’m optimistic that projecting the principles of journalism is the way to go and with everyone here acting in good conscience, the course of national rebirth can be a possibility.”: Isika concluded .

The event was also graced by Comrade Felix Ofou as Special Guest of Honor. Ofou, who is an Executive Assistant to Delta State Governor on News Media and Director Cruze FM, emphasized on financial independence as a proponent of responsible journalism.

“You cannot be a successful journalist if you are not financially independent”: Ofou stated, while recounting the dangers in journalism with reference to his experience in the Okotoko crisis.

Ofou, who’ was the former Chairman of the defunct Punch Chapel of the NUJ, and Human Rights Award winner of the NUJ National Body (Imo State Chapter), charged journalists to imbibe credibility professionalism and regulations in their practices, and engage in continuous training and development for professionalism, aspiring to be not only a journalist but have a medium.

In a goodwill message, the Director-General of Delta State Bureau for Information, Dr. Fred Latimore Esq. expressed appreciation to the Chairman and leadership of DOPF for organizing this memorable event.
He charged journalists to keep reading and studying for more certifications, while soliciting the support of DOPF as election draws closer in news dissemination for a successful election.

The State Chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, in his goodwill message, emphasized on creativity and responsibility for balanced reportage.
“Before journalists are entitled to social and economic security, they should play their parts through responsible journalism that makes us citizenship journalists, different from citizen journalists.” Oyowe noted.

He further noted that there is need for a 4-way test, verification and fact-checking for balanced reportage, and urged journalists to be guided by these due diligence. He mentioned that the Journalism Council of Nigeria is a necessary institution for the stability of journalism which will regulate journalists from the onset in tertiary institutions. He urged members to be up and doing to make the profession a noble one.

Speaking at the event is the Chairperson of Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), Delta State Chapter, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo, who commended DOPF for convening the program on behalf of the entire Press family in Delta State.
She applauded DOPF for doing journalism and doing it very well, while encouraging credible and responsible publications in online publishing.

Unobunjo identified the role of NAWOJ as being supportive to other organs of NUJ in Delta State, and assured the DOPF of their continued support in programmes like this.

Earlier in the programme, the Chairman Organizing Committee, Comrade Julius Oweh noted that DOPF was established and operates on the principle of professionalism and responsible journalism for peace building as he set the course of the discussion.

Participants present raised concern on plethora of issues which includes failure of accessing credible source of news and accessing areas with heavy security presence, the snare of paymasters in journalism, citizen journalism, balanced reporting, fear of the internal sabotage or power fighting back.

Responding, Dr Isika noted that reporting truth has a lot of danger, but charged journalists to be of good courage and hope in God while being very careful in their practices.

On citizen journalism, DOPF Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli clarified that DOPF members are registered journalists with registered media outfits for public accountability. He decried cases of citizen journalists and Facebook boys who have no media background but are engaged by the political class as their media aides, but emphasized that the requisite qualifications should be met before appointment as public aides.

In a vote of thanks, Enebeli extended the Forum’s profound gratitude to guests present for the event, and acknowledged DOPF responsibility as gatekeepers for public trust. “As we approach election, the burden of journalism becomes greater with a need to ensuring that our platforms serve for peace instead of unrest.” he said.

He assured stakeholders that DOPF advocates ethical reportage and publications to prevent crises through strategic communication with the Government and responsible publications to the public.