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The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) on Wednesday concluded its 2025 annual retreat with the induction of twelve new members, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening professionalism in the state’s digital media space.

The ceremony, held at the conference hall of the Delta State Ministry of Information, drew together online publishers, media scholars, and communication experts from across the state.

Administering the oath of commitment, the Forum’s Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, charged the inductees to uphold the responsibilities and ethical standards expected of members of the respected online media body.

In his welcome address, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, urged the new members to demonstrate professionalism, ethical discipline, and active participation in the Forum’s activities. He stressed that membership was not honorary but a call to diligence.

“Do not go home and sleep after joining this Forum. Any website that becomes inactive will be reviewed for necessary action,” he warned.

He further advised: “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 Do not publish unverified reports.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.”

 

Enebeli reiterated that factual reporting, ethical conduct, and credibility remain the pillars of responsible online publishing, adding that the Forum would not hesitate to sanction actions that erode public trust or undermine journalistic integrity.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, the publisher of Eagle News Online and former Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, Mr. Osita Biosa, expressed appreciation to DOPF for the opportunity to join the body. He assured that the new members would contribute meaningfully to the growth and visibility of the Forum.

“For accommodating us, we will do the needful. We will promote DOPF across Delta State and uphold the standards expected of us,” he said.

The retreat featured two major lecture sessions delivered by seasoned communication experts, Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu and Prof. Presley Obukoadata.

Mr. Nwossu spoke on “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria,” analysing the expanding role of AI in information dissemination, transparency, public participation, and policy engagement.

Prof. Obukoadata, in his lecture titled “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development,” examined how AI is transforming news production, strengthening investigative journalism, and opening new frontiers for civic dialogue. He cautioned publishers to remain aware of the ethical risks, misinformation, and biases associated with AI tools.

Breakout sessions followed, giving participants the opportunity to explore practical ways AI could enhance communication, governance, and development across Delta State and Nigeria. Suggestions included collaborative capacity-building workshops, AI-powered fact-checking systems, and frameworks for verifying digital content.

The induction ended with a renewed pledge from both old and new members to uphold responsible journalism and ensure that DOPF continues to stand as a model for credible online publishing in Delta State and beyond.