By Oghenefejiro Emado
08, May 2026
Members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) have been charged to deploy their platforms for conflict prevention and peace building as the Forum marked World Press Freedom Day 2026.
The call was made during an event themed _‘Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building’_ held at the DOPF Secretariat in Asaba, Delta State.
Guest lecturer, Dr. Gideon Isikah, urged journalists to use their influence to make Nigeria work positively. He described the theme as timely, noting that Nigeria’s democracy is under increasing strain from conflict, insecurity, and governance challenges.
“Journalists must rise above political pressure, propaganda, and ethical lapses to uphold truth and foster national cohesion,” Dr. Isikah said. He added that while conflict is not inherently negative and can produce lasting solutions when well managed, mismanagement breeds chaos, distrust, and underdevelopment.
“The media has a duty to guide society toward constructive outcomes. Journalists must respect truth because the public has a right to know it,” he stressed.
Dr. Isikah noted that journalists have the capacity to shape society but said many have failed to sustain pressure on government to ensure transparency and accountability.
On digital journalism, he decried the growing lack of credibility, misinformation, and sensationalism by some outlets, blaming poor verification practices. “Credibility is the cornerstone of journalism. Without trustworthiness and expertise, the profession becomes nothing more than distorted narratives,” he said.
He criticized “begging-bowl journalism” and the tendency to package political office holders, urging practitioners to act as watchdogs rather than lapdogs of those in power. “Journalists must resist pseudo-reality, reject manipulation, and refuse to sacrifice truth for personal gain or political convenience,” he warned.
Dr. Isikah charged journalists to strictly adhere to global ethical standards, including accuracy, fairness, balance, and respect for diversity, while avoiding discrimination and inflammatory reporting that could escalate tensions.
He encouraged the media to promote dialogue, emphasize shared national values, and facilitate constructive conversations through talk shows, press engagements, and community forums aimed at reducing tension.
“With journalists acting in good conscience and upholding professional ethics, national rebirth is possible. Media practitioners must see themselves as critical stakeholders in nation-building because Nigeria’s survival and progress depend largely on the integrity and courage of its press,” he said.
Also speaking, the Executive Assistant on New Media to the Delta State Governor, Comrade Felix Ofou, commended DOPF for its independence but called for expanded space for credibility and regulation. “You cannot be a successful journalist when you are not independent. Financial independence is the heart of the job, and that’s why the idea of DOPF resonates well with me,” he stated.
Other speakers included the DG of Delta State Orientation, Fred Oghenesivbe Latimore; Delta State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Tracy; Delta NUJ Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe; and NAWOJ Chairperson, Comrade Sonia Unobunjo.
Earlier, DOPF Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli, said the Forum comprises qualified journalists committed to upholding ethical standards in online journalism. He disclosed that members are admitted based on qualifications, professionalism, and registration of their platforms with the Corporate Affairs Commission.
