ASABA/Nigeria: The Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has called on journalists and media publishers in Delta State to remain committed to responsible journalism capable of strengthening peace, deepening democracy, and promoting social stability amid rising political and economic tensions in the country.
Oghenesivbe made the appeal in Asaba on Wednesday during the 2026 World Press Freedom Day celebration organised by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), where stakeholders in the media industry reflected on the growing responsibility of journalists in conflict prevention and national development.
The global event was commemorated under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” while the DOPF session focused on “Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building.”
The lecture, delivered by Associate Professor Gideon Isika of Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba, examined the strategic role of the media in promoting responsible public discourse, social harmony, and national cohesion, especially as Nigeria gradually approaches another election cycle.
Participants at the gathering stressed the importance of factual, balanced, and solution-oriented reportage, warning against sensationalism, misinformation, and divisive narratives capable of escalating tension in society.
Addressing journalists and media practitioners at the event, Oghenesivbe described the press as an indispensable partner in governance and democratic growth, noting that World Press Freedom Day should serve as a period of reflection on the obligations of journalists to truth, fairness, and national unity.
He said the administration of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori would continue to maintain a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship with media practitioners in the state, describing the governor as a dependable ally of the press.
According to him, the evolving media landscape requires journalists to uphold professionalism and avoid partisan reporting capable of undermining public confidence in the media.
Oghenesivbe further stated that the developmental projects and economic initiatives of the Oborevwori administration had continued to attract investors and positive attention to Delta State, expressing optimism that the state’s economy would experience stronger growth in the coming years.
He urged members of DOPF and other media practitioners to continue highlighting government programmes and infrastructural development across the three senatorial districts while sustaining ethical standards in their professional duties.
The Bureau Director-General also commended DOPF for organising the event, assuring the forum of continued collaboration and support from the state government in line with its commitment to constructive engagement with the media.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to ethical journalism, professionalism, and the protection of press freedom.
Enebeli commended the Delta State Government for what he described as its media-friendly posture and applauded Governor Oborevwori for his developmental strides across the state.
He challenged journalists and online publishers to embrace peace and development journalism by promoting unity, discouraging divisive narratives, and resisting the spread of false or unverified information capable of threatening public peace and security.
