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ASABA – The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), a professional body of journalists, editors, and media entrepreneurs, has announced plans to commemorate the 2026 World Press Freedom Day on Wednesday, May 6, in Asaba, with a renewed focus on journalism’s role in fostering peace and preventing conflict.

In a statement issued on Saturday, May 2, 2026, by the planning committee’s Chairman, Mr. Julius Oweh and Secretary, Mr. Inneh-Ozah Barth, the forum said the event will hold at the DOPF Secretariat, near St. Patrick’s College, Asaba, starting at 11:00am.

Although World Press Freedom Day is globally observed on May 3, the organisers explained that the celebration was rescheduled to May 6 to allow wider participation of stakeholders within and outside Delta State.

A keynote lecture titled “Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building” will be delivered by eminent communication scholar, Dr. Gideon Uduchukwu Isika of Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba. The theme reflects this year’s global focus on shaping a peaceful future through responsible media practice.

World Press Freedom Day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1993, following a 1991 recommendation from UNESCO’s General Conference. The day originates from the Windhoek Declaration, adopted by African journalists in Namibia in 1991, which called for a free, independent, and pluralistic press as essential to democracy and development.

The DOPF noted that the event will also feature Mr. Felix Ofou, Executive Assistant on New Media to the Delta State Governor, as Special Guest of Honour, alongside media professionals, scholars, and practitioners.

The forum emphasised that the celebration provides a platform not only to honour the media as the Fourth Estate, but also to deepen public understanding of the press’s indispensable role in governance, accountability, and democratic consolidation.
It added that the gathering will reinforce ethical journalism, promote responsible reporting, and strengthen collaboration among media stakeholders to advance peace, unity, and sustainable development in society.