By Samuel Ogude
The 2025 Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) retreat has come and gone but the memory lingers on. The retreat which took place on the Wednesday 26th and Thursday 27th November 2025 at the Hall of State Ministry of Information and David’s Event Centre Opposite Tempo Clinic Junction, Anwai Road respectively, Asaba, the state capital, was unique as 12 new members were inducted.
The oath of allegiance was administered on the new inductees by the Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, who emphasized the responsibilities associated with joining the reputable body of online media professionals. He charged them to uphold the ethnics of the journalism profession and the great body adding that, they should not drag the image of the association to the mud.
The Chairman of the great body, Mr. Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, welcomed all members especially the inductees and urged them to uphold the ideals of the organisation and maintain the highest standards of digital journalism. He cautioned that membership should not be taken as a symbolic gesture but as an invitation to active participation and professional excellence in the state’s digital media space. His words: “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”.
“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 Do not publish unverified reports.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”, the Chairman added. According to him, the ethical conduct and factual reporting remained the hallmark of credible online publishing, noting that, DOPF would continue to sanction practices that undermine public trust or damage the integrity of the profession.
The joy of being a part of the organization radiated on the faces of the inductees. This was shown in the remarks of the publisher of Eagle News Online and one-time Chairman of the NUJ, Delta State Council, Mr. Osita Biosa, who spoke on behalf of the other inductees. He expressed gratitude to the Forum for having them join the body and pledged that they would contribute positively to strengthen the organization.
His words:” For accommodating us, we will do the needful. We will promote DOPF across Delta State and uphold the standards expected of us”, The programme featured two major lecture sessions led by industry experts; Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu and Prof. Presley Obukoadata. While Mr. Nwossu, presented the topic, entitled: “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria” the growing influence of AI-driven systems on information dissemination, transparency, policy engagement, and citizens’ participation, Prof. Obukoadata focused on: “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development”. Prof. Obukoadata stressed how AI tools were reshaping news production processes, enhancing investigative journalism, and expanding the frontiers of civic dialogue. He however, quickly, cautioned that, while AI had come with enormous opportunities, publishers must be mindful of ethical risks, misinformation, and biases embedded in AI systems.
Breakout sessions that followed the lectures saw participants discuss practical ways Artificial Intelligence (AI) could be deployed to improve communication, governance, and development in Delta State in particular and Nigeria at large. According to the panel of discussants, there is need for collaborative strategies, including capacity-building workshops, AI-powered fact-checking tools, and frameworks for verifying digital content.
At the second day of the programme which featured lectures government’s new tax reforms, the Chairman of Forum,Mr Enebeli charged Government at all levels especially that of Delta State headed by Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori to use the money generated from the new tax policy to better the lives of Deltans. According to him, the whole issue is not just taxation but Nigerians and indeed Deltans expect in return better roads, safer communities, business friendly environment and the society where public resources are effectively and transparently use for the benefit of the people.
His words:” As Nigeria enters this new era of tax reforms, it becomes even more important for government at all levels to demonstrate value for revenue collected through infrastructure, security and social services that directly improve the lives of citizens” According to the DOPF Chairman, taxation and public service delivery must go-hand- and- hand if the new law is to gain public trust and achieved its intended goal. The Chairman of DOPF commended the Delta State Governor, Rt Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for impressive progress made so far on Ughelli -Kwale-Asaba Road and other projects that have been completed and others going on in the state just as he urged the government to effect repairs on Agbor -Asaba- Onitsha Road, which he said, is major Federal route that carries thousand of commuters, traders, transporters,students and business owners daily.
According to him, other roads begging for repairs include Effurun -Sapele- Benin City Road, Agbor through Obiaruku, Abraka, Eku to Sapele, which is a way to economic value to agribusiness,trade and inter community connectivity. His words:” The persistent gridlock and worsening road conditions on this strategic highway have placed immense pressure on multiple connecting roads within Asaba, the state capital, causing unprecedented congestion, economic strain, and avoidable hardship for residents and visitors alike”.
Mr. Enebeli also charged the government at all levels to build on security as it is fundamental pillar of economic growth of any given country. He did not fail to commend the state government for launching the Delta State Security Trust Fund and called on Governor Oborevwori to urgently sign into law the newly passed Delta State Community Security Bill by Delta State House of Assembly. According to him, the implementation of the bill would curb rising insecurity in the state and give visitors and investors development partners to have confidence on the state. The DOPF Chairman also called on corporate organizations, business owners and well-meaning citizens across the state to key into government’s programmes.
The Guest Speaker, Dr Ochuko Emudainohwo who spoke on the lecture titled:” Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications And Opportunities for Businesses And Society” hailed the 2025 tax law as a strategic blueprint for inclusive economic growth, capable of repositioning Nigeria for a more diversified and resilient economic future. He emphasized the importance of tax payment in any country saying that, the new tax policy is meant to reshape the life of Nigerians in the area of business among others. Dr. Emudainohwo, FCA, who is an Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba called on stakeholders—businesses, policymakers, and citizens alike—to embrace the reform and contribute to a more accountable and sustainable fiscal environment for the overall development of the country.
The University Don outlined several key factors that necessitated the reform, including Nigeria’s declining oil revenue capacity, which has become increasingly insufficient to sustain national development; a rising population that continues to exert pressure on public services; and lingering economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the fragility of the nation’s revenue system. According to him, these challenges, compelled the federal government to rethink its fiscal strategy and pursue a more sustainable and inclusive approach to revenue generation, among others. He thanked the body for the programme and wished them to use the pen to better the fortune of the country.
The Delta State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori also discussed the new tax policy. According to Governor Oborevwori who was represented by the Commissioner for Rural Roads and Information, Hon. Charles Aniagwu said the payment of tax is very important as government cannot carry out its programme without money saying that, the revenue is generated through tax. He however said, it is not enough for the government to collect the tax but projects should be executed for people to see what the government does with their money. He expressed gratitude for the DOPF to have organized the programme as it would go a long way enlightening the public of the nature of the proposed tax reforms.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the occasion, Mr Edward Obiefuna Martyns said the new tax policy is aimed at shaping the life of every Nigerian as it would shape the way Nigerians do business, and conduct themselves. According to him, DOPF which its role is to shape the society, would be able to hold government accountable by ensuring that revenue that accrues from the tax is properly utilized.
The programme which was concluded with Social Night activities was adjuged one of the best in recent times as there was a renewed commitment of both old and new members to uphold the values of responsible journalism and ensure that DOPF continues to serve as a model for credible online publishing in the state and beyond.