By Peter Immaculate Ogechukwu
As preparations intensify for the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State, the organisation has unveiled three distinguished professionals who will lead the panel discussion at the event.
The conference, themed “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges, and Media Accountability,” will feature Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, renowned journalist and media scholar Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD, and Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Gladys Imegwu as panellists. The three personalities were selected based on their outstanding professional accomplishments and wealth of experience in academia, journalism and law enforcement.
Professor Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, is an accomplished communication scholar, strategic communication expert and academic administrator. He is Professor of Brand, Strategic and Metacommunication and currently serves as Dean of the Faculty of Communication Technology, having previously pioneered the university’s Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. A graduate of Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, and the University of Uyo, Professor Obukoadata has built an impressive academic career across several institutions, including the University of Calabar, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku, and the National Open University of Nigeria.
His research interests span strategic communication, brand management, crisis communication, media ecology, artificial intelligence, development communication and public relations. With more than 50 publications in journals, books and book chapters, he has established himself as a respected contributor to scholarship on media innovation, digital transformation and governance communication.
His contribution to the panel is expected to provide valuable academic and strategic insights into the media’s role in safeguarding electoral integrity, combating misinformation, promoting informed public discourse and strengthening democratic accountability in an era increasingly shaped by digital communication and emerging technologies. Also bringing extensive professional experience to the discussion is Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD, an accomplished journalist, communication scholar, writer and media administrator, widely known as the “Wordsmith.”
Chiazor studied English and Literature at the University of Benin before obtaining a degree in Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, and subsequently earning both master’s and doctoral degrees in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His journalism career began at the former Bendel Broadcasting Service, Benin City, before moving to Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, where he rose to become Deputy General Manager and Head of News and Current Affairs.
He has also worked as a freelance journalist for several leading local and international media organisations, including The Guardian, National Concord, South Africa’s Mail & Guardian, The Irish Times, The Sowetan and The International Herald Tribune.
Publisher of The Nigerian Post, Chiazor served as Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, from 2011 to 2017. During his tenure, the council recorded significant achievements, including the advancement of the NUJ Press Centre project and the training of Delta journalists at the Reuters Journalism Institute in London. He also served as Executive Assistant on Media to former Governor Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa and currently occupies the same position under Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
His experience in journalism, newsroom leadership, media management and government communication is expected to enrich discussions on media independence, professional ethics, fact-based reporting and the responsibility of journalists and online publishers to promote accurate information, scrutinise public institutions and counter misinformation, particularly during elections. The third panellist, CSP Gladys Imegwu, is the Officer-in-Charge of Legal Matters at the Delta State Police Command. Her responsibilities place her at the intersection of law enforcement, criminal investigation, legal oversight and the administration of justice.
Throughout her career, Imegwu has consistently advocated professionalism in criminal investigations, respect for due process and the protection of suspects’ rights. She has also emphasised the need to strengthen security manpower and operational capacity while promoting collaboration among security agencies and other justice sector institutions to improve accountability and effective law enforcement.
Her participation is expected to provide critical legal and security perspectives on the conference theme, particularly the role of security agencies in protecting lives and property, maintaining peace, enforcing the law impartially and safeguarding citizens’ rights during elections. She is also expected to examine the relationship between the police and the media, highlighting the importance of responsible information sharing, accurate reporting of security issues and mutual respect for professional responsibilities in the interest of public safety and democratic stability.
According to the organisers, the selection of the three panellists reflects the multidisciplinary approach required to address the growing challenges confronting democratic governance in Nigeria. Their presentations are expected to offer participants complementary perspectives on electoral integrity, security preparedness, media responsibility and institutional accountability.
As Nigeria continues to confront concerns over electoral credibility, public trust, insecurity and the growing influence of digital information, the conference will provide a platform for robust discussions on how the media, security agencies and other democratic institutions can work together to strengthen public confidence in the democratic process.
The event will also examine the need to balance media freedom with professional accountability, ensure that electoral information remains accurate and verifiable, and promote constructive engagement between journalists and public institutions without compromising the media’s constitutional watchdog role. Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour, underscoring the importance of dialogue on democratic governance, public security, credible elections and media accountability.
The 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series forms part of DOPF’s continuing commitment to promoting informed discourse on journalism, public communication, democracy and responsible media practice. The conference is expected to attract media practitioners, communication scholars, security professionals, public officials and other stakeholders from across the country.