Some Members of the DOPF in a group photograph with the Keynote Speaker, Bar Malachey Ugunnmadu, Hon Charles Emetulu, the Panelists and other Guests at the Inauguration.
By Mike Jones
ASABA/Nigeria: Operators of online news platforms in Nigeria had being tasked to be objective in their reporting about the country, and avoid any sensational report that will destroy the image of the country in anyway.
This was the view of speakers and contributors during the Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF) inauguration in Asaba on October 11, 2017.
The inauguration which was marked by an Inaugural lecture with title “Impact of Online Journalists on Good Governance and Accountability” and a panellist of four was attended by an array of Deltans across the state, was chaired by Hon Christopher Ochor Ochor the Executive Director Social Services Development, on the board of DESOPADEC, who was represented by Hon Charles Emetulu, the Executive Assistant to the governor on Community Relations.
Hon Charles Emetulu, Commissioner of Information Mr Patrick Ukah and the Rep of Senator Ighoyeta Amori
In his address, Hon Ochor called on members of the newly inaugurated body to use their various platforms to fight against fake news which had taken over the internet, and mainly spread through Social Medias.
“I believe this gathering is the right place to start the fight against fake news, because this form of news is mainly transmitted by online and social media practitioners, and I believe there should be control on how those of you who are involved in online news portals and social media platforms on the type of information you give out to the public. Any unverified message sent out is not only dangerous, but is capable of destroying the peaceful nature of the society”.
The Keynote Speaker, Bar Malachey Ugunnmadu, the PPRO, Delta Police Command, Mr Andrew Nwamaka, the State NUJ Chairman Mike Ikogwu
“The rate of fake information and news trending in the country is increasing daily and it is all from the cyberspace, which is the base of your operation.” He said.
On his part, the state commissioner of Information Mr Patrick Ukah, cautioned on the use of the online news media to run down others, tasking the members that an integrity and objective reporting should be the keyword of owners of such news websites, and called on members of the forum to be the vanguards on the drive to eliminate fake and damaging news materials that are trending in the cyber space.
Oath taking by Members of the Forum EXCO and BOT led by Bar Kennedy Nwashindi
However, the guest speaker, Bar Malachey Ugunnmadu, called on online news operators to report the true situation of the state, by ensuring that the developmental policies and statements are met, especially in budget implementations.
He stated that the online media has helped in the promotion of good governance and accountability in the country since the inception of democratic rule as they are interrelated to an extent.
“Democracy and online media are interrelated to such an extent that democracy has fostered online media use by way of further making the government to promote freedom of expression which is the foundation of the media. The online media has also fostered democracy by increasing peoples’ avenue to contribute to public affairs and influencing certain government decisions”.
Discussion Section, Mr Edward Akpati Ogwude, Miss Sindy Foster, Bar Omens Ogedegbe (the Moderator) Ms Julie Ogbeni, and Ms Faith Nwadishi
He said the Nigerian constitution imposes a duty on the media to be the watchdog of the society, and this implies it should take vigilance over relationship between the people and the government.
“The fact that the constitution imposes a duty on the media to monitor governance implies that it should undertake vigilance over the relationship between the people and the government”.
Bar Ugunnmadu however called on media houses to be objective in their reporting, as that will be the only credible way to grow.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Sherrif Oborevwori, who was the Distinguished Guest at the Occasion, while congratulating the members for a successful inauguration, tasked them to be guided by the ethics of the journalism profession, and to remain objective.
“As you are coming on with your official inauguration, I implore you to be guided by the ethics of your noble profession, remain objective and do not play politics with your forum”. He said.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Forum, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli said the association was formed to promote the ethical standard of News Media’s operating online, and ensure that standards are kept, and to sure up public confidence of news from online news bodies in the state.
Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, Chairman of Delta Online Publishers Forum, Delivering his Welcome Address
“Our main priority will be to provide an alternative, credible and believable platform to address and correct fake news as much as possible and promote the good of the state and her people.”
He pointed out that for the state to grow, and businesses to grow in the state, there must be corroboration between the state, and businesses, with a secure environment.
Mr Patrick Ukah, Delta State Commissioner of Information Addressing the Audiance
“We must work together to build a better Delta state, and Nigeria, where lives will be secured and citizens will be well informed through credible channels.”
The Chairman, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli, Shedrack Onitsha, Secretary, Chijioke Ugbolue in a group Picture with Ms Sindy Foster
The event which was attended by a cross section of professionals from the media, security, government and private sections, had a discussion section which had the South South Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), 
The Chairman Mr Emmanuel Enebeli in close interaction with one of the Panelist, Ms Faith Nwadishi
Delta State Chapter, Mr Edward Akpati Ogude, Miss Sindy Foster of Nylon Marketing Company, London, Ms Julie Ugbeni Lecturer from Delta State University, Abraka, and Ms Faith Nwadishi Country Representatives of Transparency International on Extractive Industries, Norway and Executive Director of Koyenum Immalah Organisation, and Bar. Maxwell Omene Ogedegbe, as the moderator.
Group Picture of members with the Keynote Speaker, Bar Malachey Ugunnmadu, Hon Charles Emetulu and Ms Faith Nwadishi
Some of the personalities who attended the event were the Executive Assistant to the governor on Religious Matters, Bishop Breatman Nmalagu, Mr Jackson Ekwugum, Communication Manager to the governor, Representative of the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr Charles Aniaghwu, Rep of Senator Ighoyeta Amori Bar Kennedy Nwashindi, one time Chairman of Ukwuani Local Government Area, Representative of Hon Ndudi Elumelu, members of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights, (CDHR), the state Police Public Relation Officer, Mr Andrew Nwamaka, state NUJ Chairman.
