PEPIN FAMILY PROJECT 2027 – A DAY WRITTEN IN GOLD

Saturday, 22nd November 2025, will forever remain a blessed and unforgettable day in the heart of every member of the PEPIN Family.
At the serene country home of His Excellency in Orogun, we witnessed moments that touched our spirits and strengthened our unity as one unstoppable family.

It was not just a Four in One event — it was history, it was gratitude, it was destiny unfolding before our eyes.

1. Unveiling of a Beautiful Birthday Gift
– A heartfelt symbol of our love and deep appreciation, presented with joy and honour.

2. Presentation of Customized Jotters for His Friends
– A warm gesture that reflects our bond, friendship, and commitment to our principal.

3. Merit Award of Excellence
– Celebrating true leadership, integrity, and the unwavering dedication of a man who continues to inspire our vision.

4. The Glorious Unveiling of His Excellency, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege,
the Obarisi of Urhobo Land, as the Supreme Grand Patron of PEPIN

*Oborevwori, Martyns, Enebeli Push for Accountability as Nigeria’s New Tax Law Takes Centre Stage at DOPF Annual Lecture*

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman of the 2025 Annual Lecture of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF), Mr. Edward Obiefuna Martyns; and the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Ochonogor Enebeli, have declared that Nigeria’s new tax law must translate into transparency, accountability and measurable development if it is to win public confidence.

Speaking in Asaba at the Annual Lecture, the trio stressed that public acceptance of the reform will depend on how responsibly government manages tax revenues and how visibly those revenues improve infrastructure, services and economic stability nationwide.

Governor Oborevwori, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said Nigeria cannot ignore the new tax law as the country urgently needs a stronger revenue base to drive human and capital development. He warned that tax collection without accountability would undermine public trust.

“It is not about collecting money; give the people value for their money,” he said, urging Nigerians to be fully informed about the reform. “Do not say it does not concern you—this policy affects everyone.”

Martyns, who chaired the event, said the new tax framework will reshape how Nigerians do business and how government performance is assessed. He charged the Forum and journalists across the country to intensify scrutiny of government spending and ensure transparency in the utilisation of tax revenue.

“The Forum has a role to play in shaping society. As journalists, ensure proper reportage of government activities and insist that revenue is utilised to improve infrastructure, health, education and the wider business environment,” he said.

In his address, the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Enebeli, stressed that taxation and public service delivery must go hand in hand if the new tax law is to achieve meaningful results. He said citizens expect measurable improvements in their daily lives once the new regime begins.

“It is not just about taxation; Nigerians expect better roads, safer communities and a business-friendly environment,” he said. “As Nigeria enters this new era of tax reforms, it becomes even more important for government to demonstrate value for revenue collected.”

Enebeli commended the Delta State Government for progress on the Ughelli–Kwale–Asaba Road but called for urgent intervention on several critical routes, including the Agbor–Asaba–Onitsha Road and the Effurun–Sapele–Benin corridor. He further drew attention to the Agbor–Umutu–Obiaruku–Abraka–Eku–Sapele Road, noting that its long abandonment has caused massive unemployment, hardship and the closure of numerous businesses along the corridor, worsening economic conditions for residents and traders who rely on the route.

He also emphasised the role of security in economic growth, applauding the launch of the Delta State Security Trust Fund and urging prompt assent and implementation of the newly passed State Community Security Bill. He encouraged corporate bodies, business owners and citizens to support government efforts to strengthen safety and investor confidence.

The Annual Lecture, themed “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society,” drew wide participation and provided deep insights into how the new legislation will reshape governance, business operations and public expectations as Nigeria transitions into a new tax era.

A University Don, Dr. Ochuko Emudainohwo, has hailed the 2025 tax law as a strategic blueprint for inclusive economic growth, capable of repositioning Nigeria for a more diversified and resilient economic future.

He called on stakeholders—businesses, policymakers, and citizens alike—to embrace the reform and contribute to a more accountable and sustainable fiscal environment for the overall development of the country.

Dr. Emudainohwo, FCA, an Associate Professor of Accounting at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, who was a Guest Speaker at the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) 2025 Lecture Series held in Asaba with the theme “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society,” unpacked the rationale, structure, and benefits of the recently enacted 2025 tax law under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.

He noted that taxation remains one of the strongest instruments for national development. According to him, to understand the essence of the new tax law, citizens must first appreciate the context in which it was introduced.

He outlined several key factors that necessitated the reform, including Nigeria’s declining oil revenue capacity, which has become increasingly insufficient to sustain national development; a rising population that continues to exert pressure on public services; and lingering economic shocks from the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the fragility of the nation’s revenue system.

These challenges, he stressed, compelled the federal government to rethink its fiscal strategy and pursue a more sustainable and inclusive approach to revenue generation.

At the heart of the 2025 tax law, he noted, is the objective of reducing Nigeria’s overdependence on oil revenue.

Dr. Emudainohwo explained that the new framework consolidates income taxes and company taxes into a single tax net, streamlining compliance and reducing administrative bottlenecks.

He described the reform as “pro-people,” emphasizing that it was designed not only to boost government revenue but also to stimulate economic growth across various sectors.

“The law supports Small and Medium-Scale Enterprises (SMEs). Companies with an annual turnover of less than N50 million are now exempted from capital-based taxes and company income taxes,” he stated.

This exemption, he argued, will ease the burden on small businesses, encourage entrepreneurship, and promote innovation.

Furthermore, Dr. Emudainohwo highlighted the law’s emphasis on transparency and modernization. By strengthening digital tax platforms, the new legislation enhances accountability, improves efficiency, and minimizes leakages within the revenue system.

The 2025 annual retreat of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) ended on Wednesday with the induction of twelve new members into the Forum.

The induction ceremony, which held at the conference hall of the State Ministry of information, brought together online publishers, media scholars, and communication experts from across Delta State.

The new members were sworn in by the Secretary of the Forum, Mr. Shedrack Onitsha, who administered the oath of commitment and underscored the responsibilities associated with joining the reputable body of online media professionals.

Welcoming the inductees, the Forum’s Chairman, Mr. Emmanuel Enebeli, urged them to uphold the ideals of the organisation and maintain the highest standards of digital journalism.

He cautioned that membership should not be taken as a symbolic gesture but as an invitation to active participation and professional excellence in the state’s digital media space.

“Do not go home and sleep after joining this Forum because the membership of any website that remains inactive will be reviewed for necessary action.

“Do not use your platforms to attack people. Do not publish unverified reports. This is very important. We must work together to promote and grow DOPF”, the Chairman told the new members.

Enebeli emphasized that ethical conduct and factual reporting remained the hallmark of credible online publishing, noting that DOPF would continue to sanction practices that undermined public trust or damage the integrity of the profession.

In his remarks, the publisher of Eagle News Online and one-time Chairman of the NUJ, Delta State Council, Mr. Osita Biosa, who spoke on behalf of the other inductees, expressed gratitude to the Forum for having them join the body and pledged that they would contribute positively to strengthening the organization.

“For accommodating us, we will do the needful. We will promote DOPF across Delta State and uphold the standards expected of us”, he said.

The event featured two major lecture sessions led by industry experts; Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu and Prof. Presley Obukoadata.

Mr. Nwossu, in his presentation entitled: “Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Public Communication and Governance in Nigeria”, explored the growing influence of AI-driven systems on information dissemination, transparency, policy engagement, and citizens’ participation, while
Prof. Obukoadata focused on “Integrating Artificial Intelligence into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development”.

The University Don highlighted how AI tools were reshaping news production processes, enhancing investigative journalism, and expanding the frontiers of civic dialogue.

He, however, cautioned that while AI had come with enormous opportunities, publishers must be mindful of ethical risks, misinformation, and biases embedded in AI systems.

Breakout sessions followed the lectures, allowing participants to discuss practical ways Artificial Intelligence could be deployed to improve communication, governance, and development in Delta State and Nigeria at large.

Members proposed collaborative strategies, including capacity-building workshops, AI-powered fact-checking tools, and frameworks for verifying digital content.

The induction ceremony ended with renewed commitment from both old and new members to uphold the values of responsible journalism and ensure that DOPF continued to serve as a model for credible online publishing in the state and beyond.

Wilbet Ijeoma

The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) added to its rank today by inducting 12 new members, following a diligent screening and selection process of the Forum. The event which took place at the State Ministry of Information Conference Hall, Prof Chike Edozien Secretariat, Asaba was well attended by members of DOPF, resources persons and gentlemen of the Press. The event which was complemented by a lecture retreat portends  DOPF’s commitment to its strength, capacity and professionalism in online news media in Delta State.

Chairman of the Forum, Comrade Emmanuel Enebeli welcomed attendees and underscored the importance of the induction ceremony as a pivotal moment for DOPF, as he emphasized the importance of strength, professionalism and accountability in the realm of online media, promoting credibility, transparency, and sustainable development through responsible journalism.

The induction was followed by a Lecture Retreat facilitated by two resource persons – Mr. Philip Enu Nwossu and Professor Presley Obukoadata, which was predicated on integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into Journalism, Media Practice and Civic Development. The resources persons underscored how AI has pushed journalism beyond limits while highlighting its merits as well as demerits.

The Lecture Retreat reflect DOPF’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its community and enhance the professional capabilities of its members. By fostering discussions on economic development and providing practical financial strategies, DOPF continues to play a crucial role in shaping the future of online journalism in Delta State. This event not only celebrated the growth of the forum but also reinforced its commitment to driving sustainable development through responsible journalism.

DOPF Helmsman, Enebeli, charged the new inductees to see themselves as CEOs as the grow their enterprise into a communication hub, and harped on the need of commitment and consistency in online news publication.

The Vice Chairman, Deacon Chukwudi Abiandu, in a vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to the leadership and members of the Forum, and charged the inductees to be good ambassadors of the Forum.

Highpoints of the event were induction ceremony, lecture series, question and answer session, syndicate session and group photograph.