World Press Freedom Day: DOPF, Delta Govt Seek Peace Driven Reporting
The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has urged journalists in the state to uphold balanced, ethical, and peace-driven reporting while sustaining the cordial relationship between the media and the Delta State Government.
Oghenesivbe made the call on Wednesday during the World Press Freedom Day event organised by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) in Asaba, the Delta State capital.
This year’s World Press Freedom Day was commemorated under the global theme: “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” highlighting the importance of a free and independent press in strengthening democracy, promoting accountability, safeguarding human rights, and fostering peace and national development.
The DOPF event, themed “Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building,” focused on the strategic role of the media in promoting social harmony, responsible public discourse, and national cohesion, delivered by Dr Gideon Isika, an Associate Professor at the Dennis Osadebey University Asaba.
Participants stressed the need for journalists and publishers to embrace factual, balanced, and solution-driven reporting capable of preventing conflict, reducing tension, and advancing peaceful coexistence.
Speaking at the event, Barrister Oghenesivbe described the media as a critical partner in governance and nation-building, noting that the significance of World Press Freedom Day goes beyond annual celebration and serves as a reminder of the media’s responsibility in promoting peace, development, and democratic stability.
He stated that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains a dependable ally and partner of media practitioners and publishers in the state, assuring that the governor is committed to sustaining the mutually beneficial relationship with the fourth estate.
The Bureau DG emphasized the need for journalists to maintain professionalism and avoid taking sides in contentious issues, stressing that balanced reportage remains vital in an era characterized by misinformation, political tension, and heightened public scrutiny of the media.
According to him, Governor Oborevwori’s performance in office has attracted significant investment inflows capable of boosting the state’s economy in the near future. He added that the governor’s achievements across sectors have continued to earn him widespread support ahead of the 2027 governorship race.
Oghenesivbe further urged journalists and members of DOPF to continue projecting the administration’s infrastructure and development strides across the three senatorial districts, particularly as the nation gradually approaches another electoral cycle.
He commended DOPF for organising the event and assured the forum of continued government support in line with the state’s policy of fostering constructive media relations and partnership.
Earlier, Chairman of DOPF, Emmanuel Enebeli, reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to professionalism, ethical journalism, and the defence of press freedom.
Enebeli acknowledged the Delta State Government’s media-friendly disposition and praised Governor Oborevwori as “a performing governor.”
He charged journalists and publishers to embrace peace and development journalism by promoting unity, resolving conflicts responsibly, and avoiding the spread of misinformation or half-truths capable of causing public unrest.
