By Akpos Oghenetega,
Members of the Delta Online Publishers Forum have been urged to deploy journalism as a powerful tool for conflict prevention, peace building, and national development as the forum marked the 2026 World Press Freedom Day 2026 in Asaba.
Speaking at the event themed “Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building,” held at the DOPF Secretariat, guest lecturer Gideon Isika, challenged journalists to uphold truth, resist political manipulation, and use the media to strengthen national cohesion.
Describing the theme as timely, Isika said Nigeria’s democracy was increasingly under pressure from insecurity, conflict, misinformation, and governance challenges, stressing that the media must rise above propaganda and ethical compromise.
“Journalists must rise above political pressure, propaganda and ethical lapses to uphold truth and foster national cohesion,” he said.
He argued that conflict, when properly managed, could lead to positive change and lasting solutions, but warned that poor handling of sensitive issues often breeds chaos, distrust, and underdevelopment.
“The media has a duty to guide society toward constructive outcomes. Journalists must have respect for truth because it is the right of the public to know the truth,” he stated.
Isika lamented the growing trend of misinformation, sensationalism, and unverified digital reporting, warning that the erosion of credibility poses a serious threat to journalism and democratic accountability.
“Credibility is the cornerstone of journalism, and without trustworthiness and expertise, the profession becomes nothing more than distorted narratives,” he said.
The media scholar also criticised what he described as “begging-bowl journalism” and the tendency by some practitioners to serve as image launderers for political office holders instead of acting as watchdogs of society.
“Journalists must resist pseudo-reality, reject manipulation, and refuse to sacrifice truth for personal gain or political convenience,” he cautioned.
Calling for stricter adherence to professional ethics, Isika urged journalists to embrace accuracy, fairness, balance, and responsible reporting capable of reducing tensions rather than inflaming divisions.
“We must use our platforms to promote dialogue, emphasise shared national values, and facilitate constructive conversations aimed at reducing tensions,” he added.
On his part, Felix Ofou commended DOPF for sustaining an independent media platform, while stressing the importance of credibility, professionalism, and financial independence in journalism.
“You cannot be a successful journalist when you are not independent because financial independence is the heart of the job,” he said.
Other speakers at the event included Fred Oghenesivbe, Churchill Oyowe, and Sonia Unobunjo, who all stressed the need for ethical journalism and responsible digital media practice.
Earlier in his remarks, Chairman of the Delta Online Publishers Forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, said the forum was established to promote professionalism and ethical standards in online journalism.
According to him, membership of the forum is restricted to qualified journalists whose media platforms are duly registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, a move he said was aimed at sanitising and strengthening digital journalism practice in Delta State.
