DOPF Conference: Stakeholders to Converge in Asaba for Democracy, Security Dialogue

By Our Reporter

Online publishers, journalists, government officials, political leaders, lawmakers, security chiefs, academics and other stakeholders will converge in Asaba, Delta State, on Wednesday, October 21, 2026, for the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).

The conference, scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, is themed “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria.”

The organisers said the conference would provide a major platform for stakeholders to engage in informed discussions on the state of Nigeria’s democracy, electoral integrity, security challenges and the changing responsibilities of the media.

In a joint statement, the Chairman of the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series Planning Committee, Dn. Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, and the Secretary, Comrade Josephine Omodior, said the theme was carefully chosen to stimulate constructive dialogue on issues they described as critical to strengthening democratic governance in Nigeria.

They said discussions would focus on the pressures confronting democratic institutions, the credibility of electoral processes, emerging security challenges and the responsibilities of the media in an increasingly complex information environment.

The organisers particularly highlighted the growing influence of digital and online media in shaping public opinion, informing citizens and promoting accountability.

They stressed that the growing influence of digital platforms also makes professionalism, accuracy, ethical journalism and responsible information dissemination increasingly important.

The conference is expected to examine the intersection of electoral processes, security and media reporting, with particular attention to misinformation, disinformation, political communication, public trust and the safety and professional responsibilities of journalists.

The Planning Committee said preparations were already in top gear to make the event one of the biggest gatherings of online publishers and journalists in Delta State.

Expected participants include senior government officials, political leaders, lawmakers, politicians, academics, captains of industry and representatives of the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police Force, Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and the nation’s electoral umpire.

The organisers said the diversity of participants would provide an opportunity for the issues raised by the theme to be examined from professional, political, academic, security and institutional perspectives.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend as the Special Guest of Honour, while a highly regarded professional and politician is scheduled to chair the occasion.

A prominent academician has also been selected as the Distinguished Guest Lecturer for the 6th Annual Lecture.

The DOPF, a forum of online publishers and media practitioners, has over the years provided platforms for professional engagement on issues of public interest, including media responsibility, democratic governance, security and development.

The organisers said the 2026 conference would go beyond a routine annual media gathering to create a major convergence of ideas, expertise and institutional perspectives at a significant period in Nigeria’s democratic development.

They expressed confidence that the conference would generate meaningful conversations and perspectives that could contribute to a better understanding of the challenges confronting democracy, electoral processes, national security and the media, while reinforcing the importance of professional and accountable journalism.