The Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has called on journalists across the state to uphold ethical, balanced, and peace-oriented journalism while sustaining the cordial relationship between the media and the Delta State Government.
Oghenesivbe stated this in Asaba during the World Press Freedom Day celebration organised by the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).
He described the media as an indispensable partner in governance and nation-building, noting that World Press Freedom Day serves not only as a celebration but also as a reminder of the media’s responsibility in promoting peace, development, and democratic stability.
Oghenesibve said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori remains a dependable ally of journalists and publishers in the state and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining a mutually beneficial relationship with the media.
The Bureau Director-General further urged journalists to remain professional and impartial in the discharge of their duties, stressing that balanced reportage is essential in a time marked by misinformation, political tension, and growing 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.
The 2026 World Press Freedom Day was observed globally under the theme, “Shaping a Future at Peace: Promoting Press Freedom for Human Rights, Development, and Security,” emphasizing the vital role of a free and independent press in deepening democracy, promoting accountability, protecting human rights, and advancing peace and development.
At the DOPF event, themed “Journalism as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Peace Building,” participants examined the role of the media in fostering peaceful coexistence, promoting responsible public discourse, and strengthening national unity.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Dr. Gideon Isika, an Associate Professor at Dennis Osadebey University, Asaba.
Stakeholders at the gathering stressed the importance of factual, balanced, and solution-driven reporting capable of reducing tension, preventing conflict, and promoting social harmony.
Sam Erhunmwunsee, Radio Nigeria Asaba
