Prof Abigail Ogwuezy-Ndisika Delivering the Keynote Lecture at the DOPF 2nd Annual Convention in Asaba. Picture Credit: Ndokwa Reporters
By Jerry Sunday and Jennifer Otuya
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta Online Publishers Forum, (DOPF), during her 2018 convention/Annual lecture some honoured eminent Niger Deltans who had contributed to the development in their various fields of endeavour of the region.
The event which was held in Asaba, on November 7, 2018, attracted guests from all works of life and various stakeholders, also saw the unveiling of the Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame/Award, and the induction of new members into the forum.
Among those honoured are the Delta State commissioner for Information, Mr Patrick Ukah, who received the Award of Excellence in Strategic Communication and Media Management, Barr. Malachy Ugunmmadu, on Defence of Human Rights and Social Justice, the Executive Director Projects, Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Engr. Samuel Adjogbe Project Management and Execution.
Panelists at the DOPF Convention, Annual Lecture Series/Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame/Award (Prof. Abigail Ogwuzzy-Ndisika, the Keynote Speaker, Left, Barr. Malachy Ugunmmadu, National Chairman, Committee in Defence of Human Right, CDHR, Dr. Sunny Ofere, from DELSU, A Civil Society Representative and Barr. Rex Okiche
Other awardees are Chief Felix Anirah, Engr. Emeka Emmanuel Nwaobi, Barr. Omemiroro Ogedegbe, Chief Monday Itoghor and Mr Prince Tony Godday Erewa.
Receiving the Award, the recipient called on the forum to continue to keep to the ethics of the journalism profession, and service to Nigerians.
The induction of Chief Timi Alaibe into the Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame will be done in a later date, as he was unavoidably absent.
The Guest Lecturer at the DOPF 2018 Convention, Annual Lecture Series/Niger Delta Media hall of fame/Award , Prof. Abigail Ogwuezzy-Ndisika, (Centre0, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, right and Dr. Sunny Ofere, DELSU, Left.
Meanwhile, a University Lecturer from the Department of Mass Communication University of Lagos, Prof Abigail Ogwuezy-Ndisika, who was the guest speaker and other stakeholders have called for mechanism to check the spread of fake news in the country, as they called on the DOPF to Distinguish themselves from the purveyors of fake news in a bid to eliminate the menace.
Speaking at the convention, various media experts and legal practitioners tackled the lead topic of the conference which they said is a major challenge before professional journalists.
Delivery the keynote lecture on the theme: “The Role of Online Media In 2019 Election: Managing Fake”, the guest speaker, Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, charged stakeholders in the industry to publish what is true, accurate, balanced and in support of national unity as well as employ independent fact-checking mechanism.
While elaborating on how fake news has become a global challenge, Prof. Ogwezzy-Ndisika, urged DOPF members to ensure ethical standards as online publishers and also maintain a branded online news portals that would be a source of verifiable and authentic news for readers.
Chairman of the occasion, Mr. Michael Ikeogwu who is also chairman of Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ) Delta State Council, while speaking highlighted the dangers of fake news and therefore urged media practitioners not to follow the trend.
Group Picture of DOPF EXCO, Guest Lecturer, Prof. Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, and one of the Panellists at the DOPF 2018 Convention, Annual Lecture Series, and Niger Delta Media Hall of Fame/Award
The various discussants at the event included the National Chairman of Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) Barr. Malachy Ugunmmadu, who was one of the awardees at the event, harped on the need for stakeholders to build capacity in the area of data journalism.
In his welcome address, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli said that the forum was determined to reposition itself for the task ahead, saying that since formation, the forum had done well in promoting good governance in the state.
Meanwhile, a communiqué issued at the end of the brainstorming deliberations signed by Mr. Joe Ogbodu, and Mr. John Egie, the forum resolved that professional media practitioners must show commitment to continuing to wage the online war against fakes and it’s adverse effects by being different from purveyors of fakes and not join the bandwagon of those who rush to break the “news” on social media, and other online platforms without confirming same.
