ASABA/Nigeria: Some of Delta State’s most respected voices in finance, economic planning, law, academia and the business sector are set to lead high-level discussions at the 2025 Convention and Annual Lecture of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF). The intellectual engagement, scheduled for Thursday, November 27, 2025, at David’s Event Centre, Asaba, will focus on the theme: “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society.”
Leading the event as Chairman of the Day is Chief Edward Obiefuna Martyns (Nnanyelugo), FCA, MBA, MSc, Director of Local Government Accounts in the Office of the Accountant General of Delta State. An accomplished Chartered Accountant and quiet philanthropist, Chief Martyns brings extensive expertise in financial management across public and private sectors. He is also a Rotarian (PHF+6) and a devout Catholic, married with four children.
Among the discussants is Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, a Fellow of both the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), and a seasoned financial strategist. Also participating is Mr. Victor Fegor Origho, a lecturer in Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University with over a decade of academic and professional experience in taxation, audit and corporate ethics.
Another expert on the panel is Mr. Martins Oyem Aghaobodo, Esq., Head of Chambers at Oyem M. Aghaobodo & Associates, a seasoned legal practitioner whose distinguished career spans banking, international affairs administration and legal consultancy.
Joining them is Barr. Ikpesu Gideon Jade, Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, and current Vice-Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Effurun Branch. A graduate of the Ogun State University, Ago-Iwoye (2005), Barr. Ikpesu proceeded to the Abuja Campus of the Nigerian Law School, qualifying in 2007. With over 18 years of active legal practice, he has excelled in criminal and civil litigation, as well as commercial and tax law. His law office is located at No. 7 NNPC Housing Complex Road, Ekpan, Uvwie LGA of Delta State. Beyond legal practice, he enjoys travelling, adventure, learning about new places and wildlife, and meeting people. He is married with four children.
Adding the private sector perspective is Engr. Tony Okoh, President of the Delta State Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (DACCIMA), who will share insights on how the proposed tax regime will affect business growth, entrepreneurship, and competitiveness.
The keynote address will be delivered by Assoc. Prof. Ochuko Benedict Emudainohwo, PhD, FCA, a renowned academic at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, and Fellow of ICAN, recognised for his scholarly depth in public finance and taxation.
This year’s lecture is significant as Nigeria prepares to implement a major tax reform effective January 1, 2026. With a history of fiscal legislation dating back to the Petroleum Profits Tax Act of 1959, Companies Income Tax Act of 1961 and introduction of VAT in 1993, the upcoming reform represents one of the most far-reaching efforts to modernise the tax system, improve revenue transparency and strengthen economic sustainability.
His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, Governor of Delta State, is expected as Special Guest of Honour. Other dignitaries from government, business, civil society and the media will also be in attendance.
Now in its sixth edition, the Delta Online Publishers Forum Convention and Annual Lecture has grown into a major civic platform for policy dialogue in Delta State, providing stakeholders the opportunity to engage meaningfully on critical governance and socio-economic issues.
