As Ndokwa Reporters commemorates its 12th anniversary of community-centered journalism, its publishers, Bel Media Consult Limited, have announced the official launch of a new civic engagement initiative, BEL DIALOGUE, aimed at fostering inclusive conversations on development and governance across Delta State and beyond.
The milestone event is scheduled for Thursday, August 21, 2025, at Top View Hotel, Okpanam Road, Asaba, beginning at 11:00 a.m.
At the heart of this year’s celebration is the introduction of BEL DIALOGUE, an annual public forum that will bring together policymakers, traditional rulers, civil society leaders, academics, and development practitioners to engage in meaningful, solution-oriented discussions on socio-economic challenges affecting communities.
Inaugural Theme: Land, Livelihoods, and Community Survival
The maiden edition will explore the theme: “Development or Displacement: Understanding the Cost of Unregulated Land Acquisition in Our Communities, The Role of Government and Traditional Institutions in Safeguarding Community Lands.”
The theme addresses the urgent realities of land encroachment, unregulated real estate expansion, and the resulting implications for food security, social cohesion, and local economies, especially in rural and peri-urban communities.
A Platform for Participatory Governance
In a statement signed by Emmanuel Enebeli, MNIPR, President and Chief Executive Officer of Bel Media Consult Limited, the organization reaffirmed its commitment to using media as a tool for civic empowerment.
“For over a decade, Ndokwa Reporters has championed responsible journalism and community development. With BEL DIALOGUE, we are creating a civic space where concerns can be voiced, policies interrogated, and collaborative solutions developed, all with the goal of building more responsive and resilient communities,” the statement said.
Stepping Into a New Chapter
Launched in 2013 under the then Syncoms Integrated Services, Ndokwa Reporters quickly emerged as one of Delta State’s pioneering online news platforms, with a focus on the Ndokwa Nation.
Driven by its guiding slogan,“Towards a Better Community Development”, the platform has consistently spotlighted governance, grassroots issues, and social development.
Although conceived as a digital publication, Ndokwa Reporters introduced limited print editions at various stages to cater to local demand and broaden access.
The upcoming anniversary celebration and the unveiling of BEL DIALOGUE mark a significant expansion of Bel Media’s mission, moving beyond reporting to facilitating civic conversations that shape policy and inspire action.
Details of the event’s Chairman, keynote speakers, and panelists will be released in the days ahead.
As preparations intensify, stakeholders and members of the public are encouraged to participate in this transformative dialogue for sustainable development and democratic accountability.
