On a cool Wednesday morning in Asaba, as the conference hall of the Delta State Ministry of Information slowly filled with voices and anticipation, twelve digital storytellers took their place among the state’s finest online publishers. It was a moment of transition and promise as the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) welcomed its newest members into a community shaping the future of media in Delta State.
The ceremony, held on November 26, 2025, formed a major highlight of DOPF’s annual retreat, which brought together a broad mix of online publishers, media scholars, and communication experts from across the state.
Administering the oath of commitment, the Forum’s Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, reminded the inductees that membership was not merely a badge but a responsibility. He urged them to embrace the discipline and accountability expected of practitioners who operate in a rapidly changing digital news environment.
Welcoming the new members, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, urged them to uphold the organisation’s ideals and maintain high ethical standards. He cautioned that joining the Forum should not be seen as symbolic.
“Do not go home and sleep after joining this Forum because the membership of any website that remains inactive will be reviewed for necessary action,” he warned.
“Do not use your platforms to attack people. Do not publish unverified reports. This is very important. We must work together to promote and grow DOPF.”
Enebeli reaffirmed that ethical conduct and factual accuracy remain the backbone of credible online publishing and emphasized that the Forum would continue to discourage practices that undermine public trust.
Speaking on behalf of the new inductees, the publisher of Eagle News Online and former Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, Mr. Osita Biosa, expressed gratitude for the recognition. He assured the Forum that the new members would contribute positively to strengthening the organisation’s visibility and values.
“For accommodating us, we will do the needful. We will promote DOPF across Delta State and uphold the standards expected of us,” he promised.
The retreat also featured two major lectures delivered by renowned experts — Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu and Prof. Presley Obukoadata.
In his presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria,” Mr. Nwossu examined the growing influence of AI on transparency, policy engagement, and the evolving relationship between citizens and government.
Prof. Obukoadata, speaking on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development,” explored how AI tools are reshaping news production, strengthening investigative journalism, and expanding civic dialogue. He, however, urged caution, noting that AI technologies also carry risks such as misinformation, ethical dilemmas, and algorithmic bias.
Breakout sessions that followed the lectures opened up practical discussions on how to integrate AI into communication systems, governance processes, and development initiatives in Delta State and Nigeria at large. Participants recommended collaborative strategies, including AI-powered fact-checking tools, structured verification systems, and specialized capacity-building programmes for digital journalists.
The induction ceremony closed with a renewed commitment from both longstanding and newly admitted members to defend the principles of responsible online journalism and uphold DOPF’s standing as a model for credible digital publishing within and beyond Delta State.
