The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has concluded a capacity-building training programme for its members, equipping them with practical strategies for developing profitable and sustainable digital media businesses while upholding professional ethics and credibility.
The training, held on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at the Conference Hall of the Delta State Ministry of Information, Professor Chike Edozie Secretariat Complex, Mariam Babangida Way, Asaba, had the theme, “Beyond Traffic: Building Sustainable and Profitable Digital Media Business.”
The programme was declared open by the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, who urged online publishers to look beyond website traffic and social media engagement by adopting viable business models capable of sustaining their operations and strengthening professional journalism.
Aniagwu, who was represented by the Functioning Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information, Mrs. Stella Macaulay, described the training as timely, given the changing dynamics of digital publishing and the growing need for media organisations to combine professional excellence with financial sustainability.
He explained that audience numbers and online visibility alone could not guarantee the survival of digital media businesses, stressing the importance of public trust, adherence to ethical standards and innovative revenue-generation strategies that preserve editorial independence.
The Commissioner encouraged online publishers to explore digital subscriptions, strategic partnerships, responsible advertising and multimedia storytelling as alternative sources of income. He also called for sustained investment in professional development to enable media practitioners to remain competitive in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
He cautioned against sacrificing accuracy and fairness in the pursuit of breaking news, increased website traffic and commercial gains, maintaining that credibility remained a defining asset of every responsible media organisation.
The training featured two resource persons: Professor Presley Obukoadata, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Southern Delta University, Ozoro, and Professor Majority Oji, Dean Faculty of Communication and Media Studies at the Delta State University, Abraka.
The academics guided participants through three major modules: building a profitable digital media business, monetising audiences, and building an audience and a strong media brand.
The sessions provided practical insights into developing viable publishing models, identifying revenue opportunities, attracting and retaining readers, and positioning digital media platforms for growth in an increasingly competitive environment.
Particular attention was given to audience monetisation, with participants examining ways to convert readership, online visibility and audience relationships into sustainable income rather than relying solely on website traffic and social media engagement.
The facilitators also highlighted the importance of developing distinctive media brands, embracing innovation and applying professional skills to create resilient publishing businesses capable of sustaining quality journalism.
Earlier, the Chairman of DOPF, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, emphasised the importance of capacity development in preparing online publishers to navigate the professional and commercial challenges of digital media entrepreneurship.
Enebeli observed that although generating traffic remained important, it was insufficient to guarantee the survival of media organisations without effective strategies for converting audience engagement into revenue.
He encouraged members to diversify their income sources, strengthen their brands and take advantage of emerging opportunities in the digital economy while remaining committed to responsible journalism and professional standards.
The DOPF chairman described the Forum, which is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, as an established association of online publishers in Nigeria, even as he noted that the organisation would celebrate its tenth anniversary in May 2027.
The capacity-building programme formed part of the activities of the DOPF 2026 Annual Conference and 7th Lecture Series, designed to strengthen members’ professional competence, entrepreneurial skills and ability to operate financially sustainable digital media businesses.
The training reinforced the need for online publishers to combine credible journalism with sound business strategies to build media organisations that generate revenue, retain public confidence and contribute meaningfully to democratic governance and societal development.
In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Deacon Chijioke Williams Ugbolue, thanked God for the successful conclusion of the capacity-building training programme and expressed appreciation to members of the Forum for their support and cooperation, which contributed significantly to the success recorded this year.
He assured members that the Forum’s leadership would continue to prioritise the training and retraining of its members as part of efforts to strengthen their professional competence and equip them with the skills required to thrive in the rapidly evolving digital media industry.
