– By Marian Kogolo
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, represented at the event by the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs Stella Macaulay, (left), receiving a souvenir from the Chairman of DOPF, Mr Emmanuel Enebeli
Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has urged online publishers to move beyond the pursuit of website traffic and social media engagement by building credible, profitable and sustainable media organisations without compromising professional ethics.
Aniagwu gave the charge on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, when he declared open the Annual Conference and 6th Annual Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), held at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Information, Asaba.
The Commissioner, who was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, described the conference theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses,” as timely and relevant to the changing realities of modern journalism.
He observed that although digital technology had transformed the production, distribution and consumption of information, media practitioners must look beyond audience numbers, page views and online engagement to develop financially viable and professionally responsible organisations.
According to him, the success of a media organisation should not be measured solely by the traffic it generates but also by the quality of its journalism, public trust, commitment to ethical standards and ability to create sustainable economic value.
“A profitable media business must equally be a credible media business, one that respects the truth, upholds professional ethics and contributes meaningfully to society,” Aniagwu stated.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the growing spread of misinformation, disinformation, sensationalism and unverified content across digital platforms, warning that the pressure to publish quickly must not undermine accuracy and fairness.
He urged online publishers to explore innovative business opportunities, including digital subscriptions, strategic partnerships, responsible advertising, multimedia storytelling and investment in professional capacity development.
Aniagwu maintained that financial sustainability must be pursued without sacrificing editorial independence or the public interest, stressing that credibility remained the greatest asset of any responsible media organisation.
Speaking on the role of the media in democratic governance, he described journalists as critical partners in promoting transparency, accountability and informed public participation.
He noted that the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, through the MORE Agenda, recognised effective communication and constructive engagement as essential to achieving sustainable development in Delta State.
The Commissioner explained that government policies and development programmes could only achieve their desired impact when citizens were adequately informed and given opportunities to participate in governance.
He therefore encouraged members of DOPF to continue supporting the development of the state through accurate reporting, balanced coverage and responsible commentary while holding public institutions accountable.
Aniagwu commended the leadership and members of the Forum for sustaining a platform dedicated to professional journalism, public enlightenment and constructive engagement on issues affecting society.
He expressed optimism that the conference would produce practical recommendations capable of strengthening professional standards, improving the business prospects of online publishers and promoting responsible journalism in Delta State and beyond.
At the conclusion of his goodwill message, the Commissioner, through his representative, Mrs. Macaulay, formally declared the 2026 Annual Conference and 6th Annual Lecture Series of the Delta Online Publishers Forum open.
Earlier, the Chairman of DOPF, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli in his welcome address, emphasised the need for online publishers to develop sustainable business models capable of supporting quality journalism in an increasingly competitive digital environment.
He noted that generating traffic was important but insufficient to guarantee the survival of media organisations, urging members to transform their audiences, credibility and professional skills into viable business opportunities.
The Chairman encouraged participants to embrace innovation, diversify revenue sources, strengthen their brands and acquire the knowledge necessary to navigate changing technological and economic realities.
He described DOPF as one of the established online publishers’ associations in Nigeria, noting that the Forum, which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, would mark its tenth anniversary in May 2027.
He also urged members to participate actively in the training sessions and take advantage of the expertise of the invited facilitators to improve their professional and business capacities.
The conference brought together online publishers, media professionals, academics and other stakeholders for discussions and capacity-building engagements aimed at promoting ethical journalism, digital media entrepreneurship and sustainable publishing businesses.
