16, October 2026
The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has unveiled the list of discussants for its 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series scheduled to hold in Asaba.
The conference will take place on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, by 11:00 a.m. at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba.
The theme for this year’s edition is: Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges, and Media Accountability.”
According to the organizers, three notable personalities have been selected to lead the panel discussion:
1. Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro.
2. Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD, renowned journalist, media scholar and publisher.
3. Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Gladys Imegwu, Officer in Charge of Legal Matters, Delta State Police Command.
The event will have the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, as the Special Guest of Honour.
The organizers noted that the choice of the theme and the presence of the Governor underscore the critical need to address issues bordering on democratic governance, credible elections, public security and the role of the media in holding power to account.
The conference is expected to draw media practitioners, academics, security experts, government officials and other stakeholders to dissect the interconnectedness of electoral credibility, public safety, responsible journalism and democratic accountability in Nigeria.
Profile Panelists
Prof. Presley Obukoadata:
A distinguished Professor of Brand, Strategic and Metacommunication and currently the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro. He is also Dean of the Faculty of Communication Technology and was the pioneer Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies in the institution.
A product of Delta State University, Abraka and University of Uyo, Prof. Obukoadata has lectured at the University of Calabar, American University of Nigeria, Yola, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku and the National Open University of Nigeria.
His research areas cut across strategic communication, brand management, crisis communication, media ecology, artificial intelligence, development communication and public relations. With over 50 publications to his credit, he is recognized as a leading voice on media innovation, digital transformation and governance communication.
At the conference, he is expected to bring an academic and strategic perspective on how the media can safeguard electoral integrity, tackle fake news, promote informed public discourse and enforce accountability in the age of digital technology.
Dr. Norbert Chiazor: Popularly called “The Wordsmith,”
Dr. Chiazor is a veteran journalist, author, communication scholar and media administrator.
He holds a degree in English and Literature from the University of Benin, a degree in Mass Communication from Delta State University, Abraka, and Master’s and PhD degrees in Mass Communication from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
His journalism career spans the defunct Bendel Broadcasting Service, Benin, and Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri, where he rose to Deputy General Manager and Head of News and Current Affairs. He has also worked as a freelance journalist for reputable national and international media, including The Guardian, National Concord, Mail & Guardian (South Africa), The Irish Times, The Sowetan and the International Herald Tribune.
He is the publisher of The Nigerian Post and served as Chairman of the NUJ, Delta State Council from 2011 to 2017, a period marked by infrastructural growth and capacity building, including the advancement of the NUJ Press Centre and training of Delta journalists at the Reuters Journalism Institute, London.
He served as Executive Assistant on Media to former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and currently holds the same portfolio under Governor Oborevwori. His wealth of experience in newsroom leadership, media management and government communication will provide insights into media independence, ethics, factual reporting and the duty of online publishers to combat misinformation during elections.
CSP Gladys Imegwu:.The third panelist is CSP Gladys Imegwu, who heads Legal Matters at the Delta State Police Command. Her office sits at the critical intersection of law enforcement, criminal investigation, legal supervision and justice administration. Her experience is expected to illuminate discussions on security challenges, legal frameworks for credible elections, and the role of security agencies in protecting democratic processes.
The DOPF said the conference promises robust deliberations aimed at strengthening democracy through credible elections, enhanced security and accountable media practice.
