The Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, has challenged online publishers to build credible, profitable and sustainable media organisations rather than chase traffic, page views and social-media engagement.
Aniagwu gave the charge on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, while declaring 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, represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, described the conference theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Businesses,” as timely amid the changing realities of modern journalism.
Aniagwu said digital technology has transformed how information is produced, distributed and consumed, but warned that audience size and online engagement alone cannot determine the success of a media organisation.
He argued that a publisher’s success should also be measured by the quality of its journalism, public trust, adherence to professional ethics and capacity 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,” he said.
The Commissioner expressed concern over the rising spread of misinformation, disinformation, sensationalism and unverified content on digital platforms. He cautioned that the pressure to publish quickly must not compromise accuracy, fairness and responsible reporting.
Aniagwu urged online publishers to explore innovative revenue opportunities, including digital subscriptions, strategic partnerships, responsible advertising, multimedia storytelling and continuous investment in professional capacity development. He maintained that financial sustainability should not come at the expense of editorial independence or the public interest, describing credibility as the greatest asset of any responsible media organisation.
On democratic governance, Aniagwu described journalists as critical partners in promoting transparency, accountability and informed public participation. He said the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori administration, through its MORE Agenda, recognises effective communication and constructive engagement as vital to sustainable development in Delta State. He encouraged DOPF members to support the state’s development through accurate reporting, balanced coverage and responsible commentary, while continuing to hold public institutions accountable.
Earlier, the Chairman of DOPF, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, said online publishers must develop sustainable business models capable of supporting quality journalism in an increasingly competitive digital environment.
Enebeli noted that while traffic generation was important, it was not enough to guarantee the survival of media organisations. He urged members to convert their audiences, credibility and professional skills into viable business opportunities. He encouraged participants to embrace innovation, diversify revenue sources, strengthen their brands and acquire the knowledge needed to navigate changing technological and economic realities.
The DOPF chairman described the Forum as one of the established online publishers’ associations in Nigeria. He said the body, registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, would mark its tenth anniversary in May 2027.
The conference brought together online publishers, media professionals, academics and other stakeholders for discussions and capacity-building sessions on ethical journalism, digital media entrepreneurship and sustainable publishing businesses.