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The panel of discussants at the DOPF 2018 convention and lecture.

The concern has been expressed against the use of the social media is being used by politicians as a tool to cause societal distrust, by spewing hate speech, lies abuse, divisiveness and distractions during and after the 2015 general elections.
This expose was part of the resolutions taken on Wednesday, November 7, 2018 in Asaba, Delta State at a convention/lecture and the Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame induction/award organized by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).
The event which held at Davids, an event centre on the Anwai-Illah Road, Asaba had no fewer than eight illustrious personalities conferred with various awards of excellence conferred on them. The ninth person, Chief Timi Alaibe was unavoidably absent and was slated for the award of the Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame. Others who received the various awards included: Engr. Emeka Nwaobi, the honourable member representing Aniocha North constituency who received the Award of Excellence in service to humanity. Chief Samuel Adjogbe, and engineer received the award of excellence in project management and execution; Ogbuehi Patrick Ukah, the commissioner for information, Delta state received the award of excellence in strategic communication and media management; Barrister Malachy Ugwummadu, of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), received the award of excellence in the defence of Human rights and social advocacy; Barrister Omemiroro Maxwell Ogedegbe received the award of excellence in Defense of human rights; High Chief Felix Anirah received the award of excellence in community leadership; Chief Monday Itoghor received the award of excellence in women empowerment and development, and Prince Tony Erewa received the award of excellence in small-scale business development.
The text of the communiqué signed by Messrs Joe Ogbodu, communiqué chairman drafting committee, and John Egie, secretary of the committee reads:
A COMMUNIQUE ISSUED BY THE DELTA ONLINE PUBLISHERS FORUM (DOPF) AT END OF ITS CONVENTION HELD IN ASABA ON 7TH NOVEMBER 2019.
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), a certified Corporate organization held its annual convention with the theme: The Role of Online Media In 2019 Election: Managing Fake News on Wednesday 7th November 2018 at Asaba, Delta State.
At the convention, the lead speaker, Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika tackled the topic in her lecture paper which was discussed by a high profile constituted panellists, which also proffered solutions as to how fake news can be curbed
The two-day convention also featured a training workshop on Business Management and Customer Care, and Online Optimization for Online Media Practitioners, from a highly rated business coach and Google certified trainer from Google Nigeria, award to deserving personalities and induction of new members.
1. That professional media practitioners must show commitment to continuing to wage the online war against fakes and it’s adverse effects by distinguishing ourselves from purveyors of fakes and not join the bandwagon of those who rush to break the “news” on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter or other online platforms without confirming same.
2. That we are determined to keep faith to the principles of our formation which are centred on the tripod of Ethics, Professionalism and Service in the delivery of our journalistic mandate as publishers and purveyors of credible news and authentic verifiable information.
3. That we strongly condemn the scourge of “fake news” which has become an International phenomenon and would continue to re-brand our online news portals as verifiable and authentic news carriers.
4. That we express our concern about how the social media was used as a tool by politicians to spew hate speech, lies, abuse, divisiveness and distraction during and after the 2015 general elections and therefore resolved that we must collectively fight the menace which has become anti-people and anti-development as 2019 general elections approach.
5. That the DOPF would continue to ensure that its members provide unbiased platform devoid of partisanship, favouritism and fakes.
7. That we will not be part of the copycat machination of those who build online platforms in order to make money through click baits and other nefarious reasons, rather as professional journalists in the media industry we will ensure mechanism through which fake news is eliminated and ensure that truth prevails at all times.
8. DOPF charged stakeholders in the industry to publish what is true, accurate, balanced and in support of national unity as well as employ independent fact-checking mechanism.
9. It was resolved that as the 2019 general elections draw near, the media must endeavour to accentuate its agenda-setting capacity by advocating issue-based campaign among politicians.

10. It held that the media must ensure a robust and articulate debate among the various presidential candidates so that the 2019 general elections do not go the way of fake news, hate speech and other rhetoric.
11. That seasoned online journalists must work at the credibility problems in the online media by ensuring whatever they publish has all the elements of credibility as the menace of fakes has continued to tarnish the good work of seasoned journalists and online news media publishers.
12. Conclusively, the Convention maintained that as Nigeria prepares for the 2019 general elections that will usher in a new set of leaders, the media industry especially online media practitioners must be at the forefront of ensuring that the right narratives are in the public domain. And that the media practitioners must not allow themselves to be used by politicians to throw tantrums at each other.

Ogbodu, Chairman
Communique Drafting Committee
John Egie, Secretary
Communique Drafting Committee
For: Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF)