By Ovat Abeng
Rivers State University, Port Harcourt will host the second edition of the international conference/workshop of the Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN).
The Convener and President of DECRAN, Dr. Blessing Chinweobo-Onuoha stated this in a press statement signed and made available to Journalists in Port Harcourt, on Monday by the Association’s Director of media and publicity, Dr Chekwube Nzomiwu.
According to Dr. Chinweobo-Onuoha, this year’s conference is being organised by DECRAN in collaboration with the Department of Development Communication Studies, Rivers State University Port Harcourt.
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The statement disclosed that the conference slated to hold from November 19 to 21, 2025, has the Vice Chancellor of Rivers State University, Professor Isaac Zeb-Obipi as the Chief Host and the Dean, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Professor Richard N. Amadi as the Host.
Quoting the convener, “The Head, Department of Development Communication Studies, Rivers State University, Dr. Itieke-Idamieba Harry Esq., is the Co-Host, while Dr. Sarah C. Joe chairs the Local Organising Committee (LOC).
“Professor Godwin B. Okon of the Department of Development Communication Studies, Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt is the Keynote Speaker, while Professor Christopher Ochonogor of the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt will serve as the Lead Paper Presenter.
“The theme of the conference is “Digital inclusion and the Frontiers of Development Communication,” while the sub-themes cover Development Communication and Digital Innovation, Education and Learning, Arts, Humanities and Cultural Communication, as well as Social Sciences and Governance.
“The topics to be discussed include Artificial Intelligence, Big Data and the Future of Development Messaging, Digital Inclusion and Communication Access in Rural Communities, Information and Communication Technologies for Development: Trends and Impacts, and Community Media, Podcasting and Citizen Journalism.
“Also to be discussed are Mobile Health and Behaviour Change Strategies, Combating Health Misinformation in Digital Spaces, Human Centred Design in Health Promotion Campaigns, Indigenous Communication and Health Education, Telehealth, Trust and Communication Ethics, Digital Learning Platforms and Access to Quality Education, Storytelling and Creative Arts in Development Narratives, Communication, Policy Advocacy and Democratic Participation, among others.”
Stated further, Dr. Chinweobo-Onuoha said the conference was open to all academics and professionals, irrespective of their discipline.
She added: “There will be brainstorming sessions on the chosen topics at the conference. Our association (DECRAN) stands as a pioneering force in the realm of communication research in the country, having produced two journals since our maiden international conference hosted by the University of Nigeria Nsukka in November last year.”
According to the programme of events, the opening ceremony/plenary session will hold on November 20 to be followed by the Annual General Meeting on November 21,2025.
