ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has named legal practitioner Godswill O. Umahi as a panelist and secured the acceptance of Professor Kemi Anthony Emina, OdiEga of Ebu, to moderate discussions at its 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Lecture Series in Asaba.
The conference, scheduled for Wednesday, October 21, at David’s Event Centre, GRA, Asaba, will focus on the theme, “Democracy Under Pressure: Electoral Integrity, Security Challenges and Media Accountability.” Delta State Governor Sheriff Francis Oborevwori is expected to attend as Special Guest of Honour.
In a statement, the Chairman and Secretary of the Conference Planning Committee, Deacon Chijioke Williams Ugbolue and Comrade Josephine Omodior, respectively, said Umahi’s legal background would bring valuable perspectives to deliberations on the relationship between technology, regulation, democratic accountability and digital publishing.
They said his experience in data privacy, regulatory compliance, artificial intelligence, technology law and the rule of law would be particularly relevant as media organisations confront emerging legal and ethical questions in the digital information space.
Umahi has more than a decade of legal practice, with experience spanning land disputes, contract matters, criminal cases and general civil litigation. His professional interests also include global data privacy and data retention, supported by certifications in artificial intelligence, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and business start-up management.
Beyond legal practice, he contributes to public discussions on law, technology, governance and national policy. His participation is expected to help examine the responsibilities of online publishers in handling personal data, applying emerging technologies and maintaining compliance with applicable laws.
The planning committee also confirmed Professor Emina’s acceptance to moderate the panel, bringing together his experience in academia, journalism, broadcasting and public communication.
A philosopher, scholar, broadcaster, journalist and community leader, Emina has pursued academic interests in development philosophy and African metaphysics, with a focus on questions relating to Africa’s development and humanity.
He was among the pioneer staff of Delta Printing and Publishing Company Ltd., publishers of The Pointer newspaper, before expanding his professional career through service with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA).
Emina also served as Worldwide President of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association and participated in the university’s Governing Council. He currently chairs the Board of UI Ventures Ltd. His contributions to scholarship, leadership and community development have earned him several honours, including the traditional title of OdiEga of Ebu.
The committee said his combination of academic and media experience would be useful in guiding a balanced discussion on electoral credibility, security challenges and the media’s responsibility to the public.
The panel session is expected to form part of the conference’s broader examination of the pressures confronting Nigeria’s democratic institutions and the role of professional journalism in promoting accountability, public trust and informed civic participation.
With media organisations increasingly operating in a technology-driven environment, the discussions are also expected to address questions surrounding misinformation, responsible digital communication, legal compliance and the ethical obligations of online publishers.
Through its annual conference and lecture series, DOPF seeks to create a platform for engagement among media practitioners, academics, policymakers, legal experts and other stakeholders on issues affecting democratic governance and the media industry.
