Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has commiserated with the Okonjo family of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, Aniocha South Local Government Area, over the death of their matriarch, Prof. Kamene Okonjo, who passed on Friday at the age of 96.

Oborevwori, in a condolence message issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, described the late professor as a distinguished scholar whose contributions to academia, women’s empowerment and society would remain indelible.

Kamene is the mother of the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, and wife of the late Prof. Chukwuka Okonjo.

While expressing grief over her demise, the governor acknowledged the deceased’s remarkable life and enduring contributions to humanity.

He noted that her achievements in scholarship and advocacy for women’s rights had earned her recognition beyond Nigeria, while her humility, compassion and commitment to service distinguished her as a woman of exceptional character.

Oborevwori also acknowledged her invaluable role as a mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, noting that her values and accomplishments would continue to inspire generations.

He extended his condolences to the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; the Obi of Ogwashi-Uku Kingdom, HRM Obi Ifechukwude Okonjo II; and other members of the immediate, extended Okonjo family and the kingdom, praying God to grant them the strength to bear the loss.

The governor prayed for the peaceful repose of the deceased’s soul, describing her passing at 96 as the end of a life marked by scholarship, service and dedication to family and humanity.

The Ndokwa Media Professionals Forum (NMPF), the umbrella body of Ndokwa journalists, has congratulated Hon. Charles Emetulu, member representing Ndokwa West Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, on his 60th birthday.

In a statement made available to journalists and signed by the forum’s Chairman and Secretary, Comrades Barth Inneh-Ozah and Odili Ogochukwu, respectively, the NMPF described Emetulu as a consummate lawmaker and committed leader whose exemplary character serves as a model for others to emulate.

The forum commended the lawmaker for his leadership qualities and wished him good health, greater wisdom and continued success as he celebrates the milestone.

The NMPF also expressed its best wishes to Emetulu, praying that his new age would usher in more fruitful years of service to his constituents and Delta State.

The Delta State Executive Council has approved the reconstruction and rehabilitation of several roads across the state, including the first phase of the Warri Ring Road, the Ugbolu-Illah Road and major roads in Warri and Effurun.

The approvals were granted at the council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed the decisions while briefing journalists after the meeting. He was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

Among the major approvals is the reconstruction of the first phase of the Warri Ring Road, covering the stretch from First Marine Gates to Port Gate. The council also approved the rehabilitation of the road from Old Port Gate to the NPA Expressway.

Other approved works include rapid rehabilitation and asphalt overlay on Airport Road, Warri, Jakpa Road in Effurun and Refinery Road, Effurun.

Aniagwu said the projects were aimed at improving road conditions, easing traffic movement and addressing infrastructure challenges in the Warri-Effurun axis.

He said the rehabilitation of Refinery Road had become urgent because of its deteriorating condition and the difficulties it posed to motorists and residents.

According to him, Governor Oborevwori directed the relevant Ministry of Works to assess the road and submit a proposal to the council for approval.

The council also approved an extension of the ongoing flyover project at Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli, as well as additional works on the adjoining road corridor. A similar extension was approved for the project towards College Junction in Agbor.

In Oshimili North Local Government Area, the council approved the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the Ugbolu-Illah Road. It also approved the construction of Dr Sunday Okonji Drive, Opone Street and Dr and Mrs Ojogho Street.

The completion of Chief Patrick Ukah Way in Okpanam, leading towards Okotomi Quarters, was also approved.

In Udu Local Government Area, the council approved the construction of A.I. Mofo Street in Otor-Udu, while the construction of Iwezue Street in Boji-Boji was also listed among the projects.

The reconstruction of Emede Internal Road in Isoko South Local Government Area was approved in two phases.

At Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area, the council approved the construction of Eziokpor Road Phase II, including a spur to Odalonu Street.
Other approved projects in Okpe Local Government Area are Eyimofe Street in Orerokpe, Guest House Road in Ugbokodo and Zion Street in Ughoton.

In Asaba, the council approved the construction of Paul Enebeli Close, Opene Street, Waterholic Street and Flourish Garden Apartment Lane, including a spur to Princess Ajudua Extension. The construction of Oyemike Street, with another spur off Ralph Uwhechue Road, was also approved.

Beyond road infrastructure, the council approved the construction of permanent office buildings for the Delta State Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Rural Development Agency.

Aniagwu said the electricity regulatory commission’s office would support the state’s efforts to develop its electricity market following reforms that have expanded the role of state governments in the power sector.

He said the state was working to take advantage of the new regulatory framework to strengthen its electricity sector.

The council also approved an ultra-modern MBA lecture theatre at Delta State University, Abraka, and a clubhouse for civil servants at the State Secretariat in Asaba.

Aniagwu said the government remained focused on implementing its development plans and delivering projects across the state, adding that preparations for the 2027 general elections would not distract the administration from its responsibilities.

Governor’s MORE Agenda Entitles Every Community No Matter The Location – Commissioner

Empowerment in tandem with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, – says Coordinator

By Wilbet Ijeoma (NewsView)

The sounds of singing and celebration echoed through Okolovu community in Okpe Local Government Area, Delta State as the D-CARES/FADAMA team led by the Honourable Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr Sonny Ekedayen, empowers 70 farmers with agricultural inputs in the ongoing social intervention programme of the Delta State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government and World Bank.

The event which took place on 24th October 2026 brought together beneficiaries comprising 30 poultry farmers, 20 pumpkin farmers, 10 pepper farmers and 10 fish farmers drawn evenly from across the community, marking a historic turning point of the economic fortunes of the people.

The Commissioner who spoke in the voice of the Governor of Delta State, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, congratulated the beneficiaries, while urging them to make the best use of this opportunity to improve their means of livelihood.

Ekedayen, who doubles as the Chairman of D-CARES State Steering Committee, noted that the government is very intentional in empowering the people. “Sometimes the government would give cash empowerment which is not sustainable but this one is what would bring food to your table and put money in your pockets at all times;” the Commissioner stated.

Speaking further, Ekedayen expressed confidence that these agricultural inputs when judiciously utilized would grow the local economy. According to him, poultry farmers especially stand the chance of becoming millionaires when they sell each chicken, say N25,000, on maturity, having been empowered with 50 birds and 7bags of feeds per beneficiary. This he deemed feasible considering the popular demand of protein, especially chicken and fish during the yuletide season.
. He urged them to extend the Governor’s gesture by sharing with other members of Okolovu community.

The State Coordinator of D-CARES, Lady Dr. Patience Ogbewe, fondly called “Mama-Cares” informed beneficiaries of the essence of the empowerment which was to strengthen the hands of farmers, boost their farms for surplus food, more money, good nutrition and better life. “This is in tandem with the Sustainable Development Goal SDG 1 which is “No poverty”” Ogbewe stated.

She therefore thanked the Governor who made the empowerment possible in line with his MORE Agenda and also the Commissioner for Economic Planning for standing with FADAMA everywhere they go and at all times.

Earlier in the opening remarks, the State Project Coordinator FADAMA/Technical Head D-CARES RA2, Therese Omame congratulated the joyful beneficiaries of Okolovu community while acknowledging that 14 communities so far have been reached in Okpe LGA which includes Amua-idiemo, Okuovo and Osubi amongst others. She expressed joy in this first-time empowerment for Okolovu community believing that the Governor’s “Ukodo” has eventually reached the good people of Okolovu.

Hon. Ileleji Wilfred, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Political Matters, congratulated the beneficiaries, while thanking the Commissioner for leading his team for this empowerment. The SSA was full of praises to the Governor for reaching out to his people and assured massive support for the Governor and all APC candidates come 2027 general elections.

In a goodwill message, Comrade John Akareko commended the Governor of Delta State Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for this one of its kind empowerment. According to him, this is the first time empowerment is materializing in Okolovu community. He also thanked the Commissioner, the Coordinator and their retinues for carrying out the empowerment effectively as assigned by the Governor, while assuring them of his people’s support for the governor’s reelection.

“One good turn deserves another”; the Commissioner’ concluded, as he charged the beneficiaries’ and in general the good people of Okolovu community to reciprocate the kind gesture of the Governor by voting for him, Mr President and all APC candidates in the forthcoming general elections.

Some beneficiaries who spoke to journalists admitted that D-CARES empowerment is the first of its kind in Okolovu community, and thanked the Governor for remembering them while assuring their total support for his reelection bid.

The Commissioner led the presentation of the inputs to the beneficiaries, and charged them to put the seeds to.good use. 50 birds and 7bags of feeds were given to each poultry farmer, 50 fingerlings and 7bags of feeds to each fishery farmer, and bags of highbreed pepper and pumpkin seeds with bags of fertilizer and 15bags of organic manure to each vegetable farmer.

Comrade John Akareko representing Omorhode Fish Farmers, Princess Happy Eda representing Eda Pumpkin Vegetable Farmers, Felix Oromayire representing Okayogbane Poultry Farmers, and Monday Adivore representing Progress Pepper Farmers, took turns to receive their respective inputs on behalf of their groups while assuring the judicious use of the inputs to uplift themselves and their families.
Beneficiaries further extolled the Governor for his care and assured their full support for his reelection bid.

Also present in the event were Head of Operations D-CARES Coordinating Unit Mr. Christopher Oyenike, SSA to the Governor on Political Matters, Hon Ileleji Wilfred, the Head of Okolovu community Pa Peter Akporo Okegbe, Community Chairman Noah Akareko, Inspector Adivore, as well as staff of the D-CARES office.

Highpoints of the event were opening remarks, State Coordinator’s and Commissioner’s addresses, presentation of inputs vouchers and the agric inputs to beneficiaries, presentation of kolanuts from the community, press interview and group photograph.

The Delta State Government has approved N4 billion to empower 15,000 indigent residents to support small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship and ease economic hardship across the state.

The beneficiaries will be drawn from the 25 local government areas under an initiative designed to improve livelihoods and strengthen the purchasing power of vulnerable residents.

Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the end of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori at Government House, Asaba. He was accompanied by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon.

Aniagwu said the intervention would be implemented through the Delta State Social Investment Programme in the coming weeks, adding that the governor had directed that the selection process be guided by clear eligibility criteria.

According to him, priority will be given to indigent persons who already operate small businesses, those seeking to establish micro-enterprises and vulnerable residents who require financial support to improve their circumstances.

He said the grant was intended to help existing businesses overcome economic challenges, provide start-up capital for aspiring entrepreneurs and enable beneficiaries to meet pressing needs.

The commissioner explained that the initiative was part of the government’s efforts to ensure that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms translated into tangible improvements in the lives of ordinary Deltans.

Beyond the empowerment programme, the Executive Council approved compensation for land acquired in the central senatorial district for agricultural purpose.

Aniagwu said the decision followed discussions at the last economic summits, where the need to make land available for large-scale farming and agricultural investment was identified as a priority.

He said the government was taking deliberate steps to create an environment that would attract commercial farmers from within and outside Nigeria while giving local farmers opportunities to expand their operations.

The move, he added, was expected to make the state’s agricultural land bank more accessible and valuable to investors, with the potential to stimulate production, create jobs and expand economic opportunities.

In preparation for the 2027 fiscal year, the council also approved the Economic and Fiscal Updates, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Paper to guide the preparation of the state’s next budget.

Aniagwu said the documents would provide the economic assumptions, revenue projections and policy direction required for realistic budget planning.

He noted that anticipated stability in the naira would help government planning, although possible fluctuations in international crude oil prices could affect revenue expectations from the Federation Account.

The council also directed the Ministry of Health to explore the expansion of free medical outreach services in riverine communities.

The initiative followed a recent medical outreach in communities affected by oil spillage, which was organised after the governor visited the affected areas and directed the state to provide medical assistance.

According to Aniagwu, the response to the exercise was encouraging, with residents travelling from other areas to access the services after hearing about the programme.

He said the governor had therefore asked the ministry to consider making such outreach programmes more regular to improve access to healthcare in riverine communities.

In another decision aimed at improving workers’ welfare, the council approved the construction of a clubhouse for civil servants at the State Secretariat in Asaba.

Aniagwu clarified that the facility was intended to provide civil servants with a place to meet, socialise and relax outside working hours.

The approvals, he said, reflected the administration’s continued focus on social investment, agriculture, public service welfare and human development alongside its infrastructure programme.

By Dr Festus Goziem Okubor

There comes a time in the political history of a state when one man ceases to be merely a candidate and becomes the political currency by which other candidates are valued. When his name becomes an endorsement, his presence an advantage, and his absence a frightening political liability.
That moment has arrived in Delta State. And that man is Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State!
Let us shock a few sensibilities with a proposition that may offend political egos but deserves serious consideration: In Delta 2027, Governor Oborevwori may not merely be campaigning for re-election. He may become the principal political electricity powering virtually every other electoral contest in the state!
From the presidential campaign to the Senate, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly elections, the Governor’s political influence promises to be the lightning rod that attracts attention, mobilises support and ignites electoral possibilities.
And here is the uncomfortable truth: The political torch he lights may glow towards victory, while the one he declines to light may struggle desperately against electoral darkness!
This is no ordinary political compliment. It is an emerging reality that ambitious politicians would be unwise to dismiss.
For nearly three and a half years, Oborevwori has pursued governance with a combination of political humility, administrative steadiness and visible infrastructural ambition. From the ambitious flyover projects in Warri and Effurun to road construction, urban renewal and interventions across the state, his administration has provided tangible projects around which a formidable political narrative can be constructed.
While some politicians manufacture popularity through billboards, others acquire it through performance. One rents applause; the other earns recognition.
Oborevwori’s greatest political asset may therefore be neither his office nor his party machinery, but the growing perception that his government has delivered results.
And performance, when sufficiently visible, becomes a powerful electoral argument.
Consider the implications.
A senatorial candidate standing beside a popular Governor does not merely receive an endorsement; he potentially inherits a reservoir of goodwill. A House of Representatives candidate campaigning on the Governor’s achievements acquires a ready-made conversation with the electorate. A House of Assembly hopeful identified with a successful administration enjoys an advantage that political posters and expensive jingles cannot automatically purchase.
Even the presidential campaign in Delta State may discover that the Governor’s local credibility offers a more persuasive bridge to voters than distant national political rhetoric.
In other words, Oborevwori may become the candidate whose political capital other candidates must borrow to improve their electoral fortunes!
Of course, elections are not coronations. The people retain their sovereign right to choose, and no Governor possesses the magical power to manufacture victory for an undeserving candidate. But political influence is real, incumbency matters, organisational strength counts, and demonstrated performance can substantially alter electoral calculations.
That is precisely why the emerging Oborevwori factor deserves attention.
The political equation of 2027 may no longer be simply about which party presents the most attractive candidate. It may increasingly become a question of who can credibly connect with the Governor’s achievements, political network and reservoir of public goodwill.
Some political aspirants may find this proposition offensive. They will insist that they possess independent popularity, formidable structures and personal electoral value.
Excellent!
But there is a difference between owning a lantern and having electricity to power an entire city!
The Governor need not personally determine every political outcome for his influence to become decisive in many of them. Indeed, his greatest strength may lie in the capacity to make an already credible candidate considerably more electable.
The ultimate irony of Delta 2027 may be that politicians seeking different offices will discover that they are all, in varying degrees, campaigning on the performance of one Governor!
That is how political leadership evolves into electoral influence. That is how governance becomes political capital. And that is how one man’s record can reshape the fortunes of an entire political generation.
So, let the aspirants assemble. Let the campaign offices open. Let the billboards rise and the slogans multiply.
But let nobody mistake the political weather.
Sheriff Oborevwori may be contesting only one office in 2027, but his performance could become the most consequential issue in nearly every electoral contest across Delta State.
He is not the owner of the people’s votes. Nobody is.
But he may well become the most influential custodian of the political goodwill that helps determine where those votes go.
And when the electoral lights come on in 2027, many candidates may discover that the most important question was never how brightly their own bulbs could shine, but whether they had connected themselves to the Oborevwori political grid!
The political electricity is gathering.
The lightning rod is standing.
DELTA 2027: LET THERE BE LIGHT!

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has charged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Council to take the party’s message to the grassroots and mobilise voters across units, and wards ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Oborevwori gave the charge on Thursday in Asaba during the inauguration of the Delta State APC Campaign Council, where he unveiled “MORE Plus” as the theme of his re-election campaign.

He described membership of the council as a call to service, urging members to work with unity, discipline and dedication to secure victory for President Bola Tinubu, himself and other APC candidates.

The governor said the party must go beyond rallies and political meetings to engage ordinary citizens, including market women, youths, workers, farmers and traders, through door-to-door campaigns and direct interaction with voters.

He urged campaign coordinators at the local government and ward levels to strengthen their structures, work with support groups and ensure that the party’s message reached every polling unit.

Oborevwori said the APC should campaign on its record in government, pointing to the Federal Government’s policies and his administration’s M.O.R.E Agenda, which focuses on infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, youth empowerment and security.

“Our achievements must speak for us, but we must also be prepared to explain them convincingly,” he said, urging party members to communicate the impact of government policies to the electorate.

He assured Deltans that political activities would not distract his administration from delivering on its promises, adding that ongoing projects and development programmes would continue during the campaign period.

The governor also appealed to politicians and their supporters to preserve peace, avoid hate speech and ensure that political differences did not divide the state.

Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, in his remarks, commended Oborevwori for aligning Delta State with the Federal Government, urging APC members to consolidate the gains by working towards victory in 2027.

Onyeme called on party faithful to publicise Tinubu’s achievements in areas such as local government autonomy, education funding, grassroots development, security, electricity and road infrastructure.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, defended Tinubu’s economic reforms, arguing that difficult decisions were necessary to address the country’s economic challenges.

Keyamo said the reforms had caused temporary hardship but maintained that they were intended to address underlying problems, including the unsustainable cost of fuel subsidies.

In his welcome address, Delta APC Chairman, Chief Solomon Arenyeka, said the inauguration demonstrated the party’s readiness to contest and win elections at all levels in 2027.

Arenyeka urged members of the council to work together, mobilise voters peacefully and translate the achievements of the APC-led governments into electoral support.

Former Governor of the State, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, who spoke on behalf of Delta North Senatorial District, said expectations were high following their state’s mass defection from PDP to the APC in April 2025.

Okowa urged the campaign council to demonstrate the party’s strength through an impressive electoral performance, stressing the need to reach voters directly rather than rely solely on rallies.

Speaking for Delta Central Senatorial District, Olorogun O’tega Emerhor expressed delight that the APC was now the ruling party in Delta State, pledging support for the re-election of Tinubu and Oborevwori.

Former Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozourie Macaulay, who spoke for Delta South Senatorial District, said the Oborevwori administration’s achievements would help the party’s campaign, assuring that the district would work towards delivering substantial votes for the APC.

Former APC National Woman Leader and Executive Director of the Nigerian Export-Import Bank, Stella Okotete, urged women to intensify mobilisation, setting a target of at least 75 per cent of the votes for Tinubu and other APC candidates.

Responding, Director-General of the campaign council, Senator James Manager, pledged to work with party leaders and members to secure victory for the APC, describing the assignment as an onerous task requiring collective effort and sustained grassroots mobilisation.

The campaign council is made up of Governor Oborevwori as chairman, Senator Manager as Director-General, Mr Chiedu Ebie, as Deputy Director-General and a host of others.

Barth Ozah

The G100 Coalition has disclosed that opposition political parties are making significant progress towards selecting a consensus presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.

The coalition, which brings together stakeholders from the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and other parties, expressed optimism that ongoing negotiations would produce a united opposition candidate.

Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of the coalition’s legal and media committees, its chairman, Prof. Sadiq Gombe, said discussions involving major opposition figures had reached an advanced stage.

Among those involved in the consultations are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke and SDP presidential candidate Adewale Adebayo.

Gombe said the coalition was determined to present a formidable candidate capable of defeating the ruling APC in the presidential election scheduled for January 16, 2027.

“Our ambition is to present a candidate that can defeat APC and form the next government, and we’re making very good progress,” he stated.

He explained that the newly inaugurated committees would strengthen negotiations, address legal concerns and coordinate communication among participating political parties.

According to him, the legal committee will examine constitutional issues, outstanding legal disputes, relevant Supreme Court judgments and the actions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The media and publicity committee will coordinate public communication, joint statements and media engagements to promote unity among coalition members.

Gombe warned that unresolved legal issues could undermine the alliance, stressing the need for careful negotiations and effective dispute-resolution mechanisms.

Meanwhile, the presidential candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP), Peter Agada, has expressed willingness to collaborate with Atiku and Obi ahead of the election.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show, Agada said he was awaiting engagement with the two opposition leaders, provided they shared his vision for Nigeria.

He disclosed that his campaign was targeting between two million and 10 million votes, claiming that his support base was expanding through consultations and grassroots mobilisation.

Agada, who said he was previously associated with the Obidient Movement, maintained that his political ambition was focused on building a broad national coalition beyond party affiliations.

The G100 Coalition expressed confidence that continued dialogue and cooperation among opposition parties would pave the way for a consensus candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Delta State Governor, Rt Hon (Elder) Sheriff Francis Oborevwori has called for credible elections, responsible journalism and stronger institutional accountability as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections.

The call was made at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Annual Lecture Series, held on Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State, under the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

In his message Governor Oborevwori, represented by Dr. ifeanyi Osuoza, Hon Commissioner for Special Duties (Govt House) urged journalists and online publishers to uphold accuracy, fairness, balance and professional integrity, warning that misinformation and hate speech could erode public trust and threaten democratic stability. He emphasised the importance of credible elections, accountable institutions and responsible communication in strengthening democracy.

On his part, the Chairman of the occasion and Chief Strategist to the Governor, Dr Festus Goziem Okubor, followed with an address titled “Democracy Under Pressure: When the Ballot, the Bullet and the Phone Compete for Power!”
Okubor argued that electoral technologies, including the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) and INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV), could not, on their own, guarantee credible elections without transparency, integrity and public confidence in the electoral process.

The former Delta State Commissioner for Health and Information warned against hasty publication as a means of news breaking and alarm manufacturing, urging publishers to purse, verify before forwarding.

He identified insecurity and its impact on voter participation as major concerns, while warning about the growing influence of social media and artificial intelligence-generated content in shaping political narratives. He called for rigorous verification, responsible digital communication and professional media standards, alongside greater commitment by political actors to democratic principles.

Guest lecturer, Professor Dode Robert Oghenedoro, Professor of Political Science at Dennis Osadebay University and former Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics), examined the relationship between electoral integrity, security and media accountability.
He emphasised the need for independent electoral institutions, impartial security operations and a professional media capable of holding public officials accountable. He also underscored the importance of protecting journalists and ensuring citizens could participate in elections without intimidation.

Earlier in the event, the DOPF Chairman, Emmanuel Enebeli, set the stage rolling by welcoming all participants to another yet promising annual lecture series. He reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical and accountable digital journalism, urging publishers to verify information before publication, preserve editorial independence and take responsibility for the content they disseminate.

He stressed that the credibility of online media depended on accuracy, fairness and public trust, particularly during politically sensitive periods when unverified reports could inflame tensions and misleadà I’ll citizens.

In their goodwill messages, Senator Ede Dafinone, the Delta State Commissioner of Police, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, the Delta State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Sir Etekamba Udo Umoren, and the Delta State Government’s Executive Assistant on Public Enlightenment, Olisa Ifeajika, reinforced the need for peaceful elections, institutional cooperation and responsible communication.
Dafinone, who represents Delta Central Senatorial District, described the media as a vital pillar of democracy and urged journalists to promote accountability, counter misinformation and uphold truth and fairness. He commended DOPF for providing a platform for discussions on governance and democratic development.

The Commissioner of Police, represented by SP Aliyu Mairiga, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting voters and securing elections. He said the police were strengthening intelligence-led, technology-driven and community-centred policing to tackle kidnapping, cultism, farmer-herder conflicts and cybercrime.
He called for cooperation among security agencies, political actors, the media and citizens, while urging political stakeholders to avoid violence and online publishers to verify information and shun sensational reporting capable of breaching public peace.

Umoren, represented by INEC’s Director/Administrative Secretary in Delta State, Mr Davis Eldred, reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to conducting elections in accordance with the Constitution and Electoral Act. He described electoral security as a shared responsibility and highlighted the importance of transparency, voter education, inclusivity and public confidence.

Ifeajika urged political actors to prioritise national interest and peace, warning that misinformation and manipulation of public opinion could threaten national security and democratic stability. He also challenged journalists to deepen their knowledge of the Constitution and Electoral Act to improve public understanding of electoral processes and citizens’ rights.

The panel session moderated by Prof Kemi Emina featured Dr Patrick Edema, who examined media accountability; Dr Norbert Chiazor, who addressed credible elections, voter apathy, insecurity and the media’s responsibilities; CSP Gladys Enoho Imegu, who highlighted police professionalism and stakeholder cooperation; and legal practitioner Godswill Umahi Esq, advocated electoral reforms, stronger institutional independence, campaign-finance regulation and digital literacy.
The conference brought together stakeholders from the political, security, media and public sectors, including representatives of the Delta State Police Command, INEC and the Delta State Government.

The speakers and discussants agreed that credible elections could not be secured by technology or security agencies alone. They called for collective commitment by political parties, candidates, public institutions, journalists and citizens to uphold the law, reject violence, counter misinformation and protect the integrity of the electoral process ahead of the 2027 general elections.