DOPF 2026 Conference: Obukoadata, Chiazor, Imegwu to Lead Panel Discussion in Asaba

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has named Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD, and CSP Gladys Imegwu as panellists for its 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series in Asaba.

The flagship event is scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, Delta State. This year’s gathering will address the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges, and Media Accountability.” Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori, is expected to attend the event as the Special Guest of Honour.

The panellists bring a combined multi-sector perspective to tackle Nigeria’s pressing governance, media, and security issues. Professor Presley Ogheneruke Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, will represent the academic sector.

A communication scholar with over 50 academic publications in artificial intelligence, crisis communication, and media ecology, Professor Obukoadata will focus on strategic communication, countering digital misinformation, and safeguarding electoral integrity.

Representing the media industry, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, PhD, publisher of The Nigerian Post and Executive Assistant on Media to Governor Oborevwori, will draw from extensive professional experience.

Popularly known as the “Wordsmith,” Dr. Chiazor is a former NUJ Delta State Council Chairman and former Deputy General Manager at Delta Broadcasting Service, Warri. His session will address media independence, newsroom ethics, and fact-based reporting during critical election cycles.

Completing the panel, CSP Gladys Imegwu, Officer in Charge of Legal Matters at the Delta State Police Command, will offer security and legal insights. Her contribution will center on police preparedness during elections, protecting human rights, impartial law enforcement, and fostering constructive police-media relations for public safety.

Together, the panel will explore practical ways journalists, digital publishers, security personnel, and public officials can collaborate to uphold public safety and democratic transparency. Key topics will include balancing press freedom with professional ethics, verifying sensitive electoral data, and countering fake news while maintaining the media’s essential watchdog role in Nigeria.