Oborevwori, Nwoko Task Media on Accountability at ACSPN 12th Annual Conference

The 12th Annual Conference of the Association of Communication Scholars and Professionals of Nigeria (ACSPN), sponsored by Tantita Security Services, opened Wednesday at the MBB Event Center, Uvwie Local Government Area, with renewed calls for transparency, ethical leadership, and investigative journalism.

The conference, themed “Corruption, Governance and the Media in Nigeria,” brought together scholars, policymakers, and communication professionals to interrogate the link between weak institutions, corruption, and the role of the press in sustaining democracy.

Representing Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Olorogun Dr. Ebenezer Okorodudu, Executive Director of Projects at DESOPADEC, highlighted what he described as “remarkable progress” in Delta State’s fiscal discipline. He said domestic debt had dropped by 55 percent from ₦465.40 billion in June 2023 to ₦204.72 billion as of March 2025.

Okorodudu stressed that democracy thrives only when leaders embrace ethical governance and when the media upholds professionalism. “Sensationalism does not serve democracy. Investigative journalism, however, is a powerful antidote to secrecy and abuse of power,” he declared.

On behalf of Senator Ned Munir Nwoko, Mrs. Gloria Okolugbo, Director of Corporate Communication, delivered a speech warning that corruption has hollowed out Nigeria’s institutions and eroded trust between leaders and the governed.

Nwoko described the media as both “a mirror and a lamp” that reflects realities while pointing to reform. He urged journalists to embrace “investigative audacity” that unmasks concealed transactions and sustains public scrutiny until accountability is achieved.

Participants agreed that corruption cannot be tackled by government alone. They reaffirmed that the media, backed by citizens and civil society, must remain fearless in exposing misconduct. The two-day conference continues Thursday with further deliberations on communication and national development.