DOPF Annual Retreat: Publishers Warned On AI Biases As Forum Inducts 12 New Members …Experts Caution Journalists On Ethical Risks In Emerging Technologies

THE Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) on Wednesday concluded its 2025 annual retreat in Asaba with a strong call for ethical vigilance as Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape journalism and public communication.

The retreat, held at the conference hall of the Delta State Ministry of Information, also featured the induction of 12 new members into the Forum, expanding the body’s network of professional online publishers across the state.

The new inductees took their oath of commitment administered by the Forum’s Secretary, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, who reminded them that membership comes with strict responsibilities rooted in professionalism and ethical practice.

Welcoming the group, DOPF Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, urged the inductees to remain active, avoid publishing unverified information, and desist from using their platforms for personal attacks.

“Do not go home and sleep after joining this Forum. Any platform that remains inactive will be reviewed.
Do not attack people. Do not publish unverified reports. We must work together to grow DOPF,” he warned.

Enebeli stressed that credibility, ethics, and factual reporting remain the pillars of reputable online journalism, assuring that the Forum would not hesitate to sanction members who undermine public trust.

Speaking on behalf of the inductees, Mr. Osita Biosa, publisher of Eagle News Online and former Chairman of NUJ, Delta State Council, thanked the Forum for the opportunity and pledged that the new members would work to strengthen the body.

Two major lectures dominated the retreat, with both speakers examining the growing impact of Artificial Intelligence on communication, journalism, and governance.

In his presentation titled “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria,”media expert Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu highlighted how AI is influencing transparency, policy engagement, and citizen participation.

This was followed by a session led by Prof. Presley Obukoadata, titled “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development.”

The university scholar explained how AI tools are transforming news production, investigations, and civic discourse, but cautioned publishers about the ethical risks, misinformation, and algorithmic biases embedded in many AI systems.

Breakout sessions allowed participants to explore practical ways AI could enhance communication and development in Delta State.

Strategies proposed included:

• AI-powered fact-checking tools

• Workshops on emerging digital technologies

• New frameworks for verifying online content

• Joint projects to strengthen media literacy

The retreat ended with both new and existing members reaffirming their commitment to credible digital journalism and ethical media practice.

DOPF leaders said the Forum would continue to serve as a model for responsible online publishing, ensuring that the state’s digital media ecosystem remains professional, credible, and forward-driven.