DOPF 2026 Confab: Online Publishers, Journalists, Stakeholders to Converge in Asaba

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) is set to host its 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series on Wednesday, October 21, in Asaba, Delta State, with journalists, online publishers, government officials, political leaders, lawmakers, security agencies, academics and business stakeholders expected to attend.

The conference, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, will focus on democracy, electoral integrity, security and media accountability in Nigeria.

The theme of the conference is: “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

In a joint statement, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Dn. Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, and Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, said the theme was chosen to promote informed and constructive discussions on challenges confronting Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

They said participants would examine the credibility of electoral processes, emerging security challenges, misinformation and disinformation, political communication, public trust and the safety and professional responsibilities of journalists.

The organisers also stressed the growing influence of online and digital media in shaping public opinion, informing citizens and promoting accountability, noting that the changing information environment requires greater commitment to accuracy, professionalism, ethics and responsible journalism.

According to the committee, the conference is expected to attract representatives of the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alongside political leaders, academics, lawmakers, captains of industry and media professionals.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected as Special Guest of Honour, while a highly regarded professional and politician is scheduled to chair the occasion.

A prominent academician has also been selected as the Distinguished Guest Lecturer for the 6th Annual Lecture.

The organisers said the broad participation is intended to provide a multi-sectoral platform for examining the relationship between democracy, elections, security and the media from political, professional, academic and institutional perspectives.

DOPF said its 2026 conference is designed to go beyond an annual media gathering by creating a platform for the exchange of ideas and practical perspectives capable of contributing to democratic development, public trust, national security and accountable journalism.

The Planning Committee expressed confidence that the event would generate meaningful conversations and reinforce the media’s responsibility to provide accurate, ethical and credible information in Nigeria’s democratic space.