THIS year’s edition of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series holds on Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, from 11:00 a.m.
Themed, ‘Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability in Nigeria,’ the event is a platform for media professionals, government officials, political leaders, lawmakers, security chiefs, academics, business leaders and other stakeholders to for dialogue on democracy, electoral integrity, security and the responsibilities of the media in Nigeria.
A joint statement by the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, and Secretary, Josephine Omodior, said the theme was deliberately chosen to stimulate informed and constructive engagement on issues central to the strengthening and survival of democratic governance in Nigeria.
The conference would examine pressures confronting democratic institutions, integrity and credibility of electoral processes, emerging security challenges and evolving responsibilities of the media in an increasingly complex information environment.
According to the organisers, the media, particularly digital and online platforms, occupy critical position in shaping public discourse, informing citizens, promoting accountability and providing platforms for competing perspectives; hence the need for professionalism, accuracy, ethical journalism and responsible use of digital media.
The conference is also expected to examine the relationship among electoral processes, security and media reporting, including challenges posed by misinformation, disinformation, political communication, public trust, as well as safety and professional responsibilities of journalists.
Participants are expected from online publishers and journalists in the state, top government officials, political leaders, lawmakers, politicians, academics, captains of industry, the Army, Police, Department of State Services (DSS), other security agencies and the country’s electoral umpire.
Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is expected to be the Special Guest of Honour.
The DOPF, a forum of online publishers and media practitioners, has continued to provide platforms for professional engagement on issues of public interest, including media responsibility, democratic governance, security and development, with key focus on the role of responsible journalism in strengthening society and promoting peace.
