Delta Poly Hosts 27th ACCE International Conference, As Oborevwori Highlights Education Reforms, NELFUND Impact

…Awhefeada Urges African Media To Drive Unity, Accountability; Ufuophu-Biri Highlights Polytechnic’s Academic Standing

By Daniel Umukoro

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on African communication scholars, journalists and media practitioners to promote responsible political communication, combat misinformation and strengthen dialogue across the continent.

Delta Poly Hosts 27th ACCE International Conference, As Oborevwori Highlights Education Reforms, NELFUND Impact

Delta Poly Hosts 27th ACCE International Conference, As Oborevwori Highlights Education Reforms, NELFUND Impact

Oborevwori, who chaired the ccasion, was represented at the event by the Honourable Commissioner for Higher Education, Professor Nyenrowho Tonukari.

The Governor made the call on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, during the opening of the 27th Annual International Conference of the African Council for Communication Education (ACCE), hosted by Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara.

The conference has as its theme, “Communication, Politics and Intra-African Dialogue.”

In his address, Oborevwori described communication as the lifeblood of governance, stressing the need for responsible and inclusive communication in building a peaceful and progressive society.

He warned against the dangers of misinformation, hate speech and divisive rhetoric, urging African countries to take ownership of their narratives and use communication to promote unity and development.

The Governor also highlighted his administration’s MORE Agenda, which focuses on Meaningful Development, Opportunities for All, Realistic Reforms, and Enhanced Peace and Security.

He listed the administration’s interventions in the education sector to include uninterrupted academic calendars, regular payment of salaries, improved staff welfare and infrastructural development.

Oborevwori disclosed that contracts had been awarded for the construction of two hostels in each state-owned tertiary institution, with each facility expected to accommodate about 500 students. He added that work on the hostel project at Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, was expected to have commenced.

He also highlighted the impact of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), noting that the zero-interest loan scheme covers students’ school fees and provides an additional N20,000 monthly upkeep allowance.

He urged the media to intensify public awareness and sensitisation to ensure that parents and students take advantage of the opportunities provided by the scheme.

Earlier, the ACCE Nigeria National President, Professor Abdullahi Bashir, in his opening address, disclosed that the conference had attracted more than 150 abstracts.

He said ACCE, established in 1974, is a Pan-African association headquartered in Kenya, with a focus on research, training, advocacy and collaboration in communication education.

Bashir said the conference theme was particularly relevant in view of political transitions, reforms, elections and generational changes across Africa.

He called for cross-boundary dialogue and cautioned against the dangers of misinformation, particularly with the growing influence of artificial intelligence and social media.

He urged communication scholars and practitioners to ensure that research findings translated into practical policy outcomes that would benefit society.

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In his keynote address, the Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, Professor Sunny Awhefeada, called on African media practitioners to drive unity, accountability and the continent’s development.

Awhefeada examined the role of the media in Africa’s struggle for independence, highlighting the contributions of prominent nationalists and journalists, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah and Obafemi Awolowo.

He recalled Azikiwe’s journalism activities, including his involvement in newspaper publications in the Gold Coast, the establishment of the West African Pilot and the growth of the Zik Group of newspapers.

The keynote speaker noted that the media played a significant role in challenging colonial narratives and mobilising Africans towards independence.

He also examined the role of the media during military dictatorship in Nigeria, recalling the contributions of publications such as Concord, The Guardian, Newswatch, Tell and The Punch in holding governments accountable.

Awhefeada quoted Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, as saying in 1957 that “the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of Africa.”

He traced the challenges of military interventions and political instability across the continent, while highlighting the role of digital media in the Arab Spring and other social movements.

He described the media as the fourth estate, watchdog and gatekeeper of society, but warned that the digital media environment had also increased the spread of misinformation.

Awhefeada urged African media practitioners to use digital platforms to preserve the continent’s heritage, indigenous knowledge and cultural identity.

He also reflected on the divisions among African countries before the formation of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU), including the Casablanca, Brazzaville and Monrovia groups, and the eventual transformation of the OAU into the African Union (AU).

He called on the media to mobilise both the elite and grassroots towards African unity, self-reliance, local production and the effective utilisation of the continent’s resources.

The Rector of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Professor Emmanuel Ufuophu-Biri, described the hosting of the conference as an honour to the institution, Oghara and Delta State.

Ufuophu-Biri, who disclosed that he joined ACCE in 2003, said Delta State had hosted the association’s conference once before, adding that it was the second time a polytechnic would host the international conference.

He described the institution as one of the most visible polytechnics in the South-South, recalling that Professor Peter Okebukola had described it as a leading polytechnic in Delta State during the state’s education summit.

The Rector thanked the state and local governments, as well as the host community, for their support, noting that Oghara is located along the River Ethiope.

The Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, Dr. Ferdinand Okoro Eloke, delivered the welcome address, expressing appreciation to the Polytechnic management, members of the organising committee, the press and publicity team, invited guests, paper presenters and other stakeholders.

He described the conference as an opportunity for intellectual engagement, exchange of ideas, research presentations and academic and professional development.

Eloke also acknowledged the contributions of the organising committee and staff towards the successful hosting of the conference.

Goodwill messages were delivered by traditional rulers and other dignitaries, including the Ovie of Idjerhe Kingdom, His Majesty, King Monday Obukohwo Whiskey, PhD, and the Ovie of Oghara Kingdom, HRM Orefe III, Uku Oghara Na Me, who was represented by Chief Frank Emiko.

Also present was the Chairman of the Governing Council of Delta State Polytechnic, Otefe-Oghara, Hon. Chief Oghene-Aga Andrew Orugbo.

The conference brought together communication scholars, academics, media professionals, government officials, traditional rulers, students and other stakeholders.

It is expected to feature research presentations and discussions across various areas of communication, including journalism, broadcasting, public relations, advertising, digital media, strategic communication, film and development communication, while providing opportunities for networking and collaboration among participants.