Delta Journalists Urged to Combat Misinformation, Foster Peace on World Press Freedom Day

Delta journalists have been urged to take the lead in conflict prevention and peacebuilding during a gathering of media professionals in Asaba to mark World Press Freedom Day 2026. The event, organized by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), highlighted journalism’s critical role in fostering national stability amid growing societal tensions.

Under the theme “Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building,” the event brought together media practitioners and stakeholders at the DOPF Secretariat for discussions on ethical journalism’s importance in an era of increasing misinformation.

In his keynote address, Dr. Gideon Isika called on journalists to maintain their integrity despite mounting political pressures and propaganda. “Journalists must rise above political pressure, propaganda and ethical lapses to uphold truth and foster national cohesion,” he emphasized, describing the theme as particularly relevant given Nigeria’s current challenges.

Dr. Isika noted that Nigeria’s democracy faces increasing strain due to insecurity, conflict, and governance issues. He cautioned that while conflict sometimes leads to solutions, poor management often results in chaos and stunted development.

“The media has a duty to guide society toward constructive outcomes,” Dr. Isika stated. “The public has a right to the truth.” He criticized the growing trend of misinformation in digital journalism, attributing it to inadequate fact-checking practices and asserting that “credibility is the cornerstone of journalism.”

In a pointed critique of unethical practices, Dr. Isika condemned what he described as “begging-bowl journalism” – the tendency of some practitioners to serve political interests rather than the public good. “Journalists must act as watchdogs, not lapdogs,” he insisted, urging media professionals to “resist manipulation and refuse to sacrifice truth for personal gain.”

The keynote speaker emphasized the need for strict adherence to global ethical standards in journalism, including accuracy, fairness, and balance, while avoiding inflammatory reporting. He encouraged media practitioners to promote dialogue and national unity through responsible reporting and community engagement.

Comrade Felix Ofou, Executive Assistant on New Media to the Delta State Governor, praised DOPF’s independence while stressing the need for stronger credibility and regulatory standards in online journalism. “You cannot be a successful journalist without independence. Financial independence is key, and that is why DOPF is important,” he remarked.

The significance of DOPF in Nigeria’s media landscape has grown in recent years as online news platforms have proliferated across the country. The organization has positioned itself as a guardian of professional standards in digital journalism, a sector that has sometimes been criticized for prioritizing speed over accuracy.

Other speakers at the event echoed calls for professionalism and responsible reporting, particularly given Nigeria’s complex socio-political environment where ethnic and religious tensions often require sensitive handling by the media.

DOPF Chairman, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to promoting professionalism and ethical standards in online journalism. He emphasized that membership in the organization is based strictly on qualifications, professional conduct, and proper registration with Nigeria’s Corporate Affairs Commission – setting a bar for legitimacy in an increasingly crowded digital media space.

The commemoration comes at a critical time for Nigerian journalism, which faces challenges including economic pressures, physical threats to reporters, and the spread of disinformation through social media channels. Media experts have noted that these challenges make ethical journalism more important than ever, particularly in a country with Nigeria’s diverse and sometimes fragile social fabric.

The event concluded with renewed calls for journalists to serve as agents of peace and national cohesion, reinforcing journalism’s vital role in shaping Nigeria’s democratic future through accurate reporting and responsible storytelling.