Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor
By Peter Immaculate Ogochukwu
Former Chairman of Ika North East Local Government Council, Dr. Festus Goziem Okubor, will chair the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba.
The conference, which begins at 11:00 a.m., is themed “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.” The event is expected to bring together media professionals, political leaders, government officials, academics and other stakeholders to deliberate on critical issues affecting Nigeria’s democratic process.
In a letter jointly signed by the Chairman of the Conference Planning Committee, Dn. Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, MNIPR, and the Committee Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, DOPF said, Dr. Okubor was chosen to chair the conference in recognition of his vast experience in politics, public administration, governance and public policy.
According to the organisers, Dr. Okubor will also deliver the opening address, where he is expected to provide insights into electoral integrity, security challenges and media accountability, with particular emphasis on the responsibilities of political institutions, the media and other stakeholders in strengthening democratic values and restoring public confidence in governance.
Dr. Okubor has enjoyed a distinguished career in public service. He served as the first Director of Protocol at the Delta State Government House in 2003 and later held several key positions, including Commissioner for Special Duties, Commissioner for Information, Commissioner for Health, Chief of Staff, Government House, Asaba, and Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku.
Over the years, he has also served as Chief Strategist to successive Delta State administrations, including the current administration of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, making significant contributions to political strategy, executive coordination, public policy and governance.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori will attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour. Other expected guests include senior government officials, political leaders, security chiefs, media executives, and leaders of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as students of Political Science, Mass Communication and other related disciplines.
The DOPF Annual Conference and Lecture Series has become a leading platform for robust discussions on democracy, governance and media responsibility. This year’s edition is expected to focus on the role of credible journalism, electoral accountability and strong institutions in addressing the growing pressures confronting Nigeria’s democracy.