The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) concluded its 2025 annual retreat on Wednesday with the induction of twelve new members and a renewed call for ethical responsibility in the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the media landscape.
Held at the conference hall of the Delta State Ministry of Information, the ceremony brought together online publishers, media scholars, and communication experts.
The Forum’s Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, administered the oath of commitment, stressing the obligations and expectations that come with membership.
Welcoming the inductees, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, urged them to uphold the Forum’s core values, stressing that membership must translate into active participation and professional excellence.
He cautioned against platform misuse, publication of unverified reports, and inactivity, noting that the Forum would review dormant websites for necessary action.
“Do not join and disappear. Do not attack people on your platforms. We must work together to promote and grow DOPF,” he advised.
Enebeli reaffirmed that ethical conduct, factual reporting, and accountability remain non-negotiable pillars of credible online journalism and that DOPF would continue to sanction practices capable of eroding public trust.
Speaking on behalf of the newly inducted members, publisher of Eagle News Online and former NUJ State Chairman, Mr. Osita Biosa, expressed appreciation to the Forum and pledged commitment to supporting its growth and upholding its standards.
The retreat also featured two keynote lectures delivered by Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu and Prof. Presley Obukoadata.
Nwossu’s presentation, “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria,” examined how AI is reshaping information dissemination, citizen engagement, and transparency.
Prof. Obukoadata, speaking on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice, and Civic Development,” highlighted AI’s transformative impact on news production and investigative reporting, while warning of ethical risks, misinformation, and systemic bias inherent in AI technologies.
Participants later engaged in breakout sessions to explore practical applications of AI in strengthening communication, governance, and development across Delta State and Nigeria.
Suggestions included targeted capacity-building, AI-assisted fact-checking systems, and stronger content verification protocols.
The retreat ended with a collective pledge by both returning and newly inducted members to uphold responsible journalism and advance DOPF’s reputation as a leading voice for credible digital publishing within and beyond Delta State.
