Community Newspaper Publishers Conference To Hold Today In Asaba

As Govs, Lawmakers, Ministers Confirm Attendance

By Ike Philip Abiagom

The 10th All Community Newspaper Publishers under the aegis of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN)’ Conference begins in Asaba today, with Provost Emeritus, Dr Ignatius Nwanze Ezoem, scheduled to lead discussions.

Also expected as discussants are HRM, Obi Fredrick. Egbunkony ll, Igwe of Abala kingdom and other security chiefs.

Some state governors with security challenges, including Dr Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta); and Chief David Nweze Umahi (Ebonyi), will also be part of the conversation.

The conference with the theme, “2023 General Elections: The Roles of the Media and Security Agencies, Challenges and Prospects” will bring together editors and Community media owners across the country, as well as their foreign colleagues to discuss the security challenges in the country and agree on the solution to the raging strife.

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Ezoem, Provost Emeritus, would give the keynote address that would be discussed by security chiefs.

In a statement in Asaba by the Publishers Media Week Committee Chairman, Comrade (Dr) Felida Essi, and the Secretary, Comrade Solomon Ogala, the Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN), said Gov. Okowa would be the special guest of honour, while the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr. Umana Umana, Sir Chuks Okonji, Idewu Okeze, Dr Tony Nwaka Malam Kabiru Yusuf, would be the guests of honour.

The statement said: “A doyen of Education, Professor Emmanuel Achenu, Rector, Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-uku, would chair the conference with Gov. Okowa and others, including President, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), and foreign ambassadors giving goodwill messages.

“The conference is to be rounded off in the afternoon with the induction of new fellows and members of the Community Publishers, Presentation of Award to personalities and the investitures of Association of Community Newspaper Publishers of Nigeria (ACNPN) Patron,” the statement stated.

Over 100 editors and media owners — from print, broadcast stations and online newspapers — have registered for this year’s conference.