Rivers State University to host 2nd DECRAN International Conference, Workshop

The Rivers State University (RSU), Port Harcourt, will host the second edition of the International Conference and Workshop of the Development Communication Research Association of Nigeria (DECRAN) from November 19 to 21, 2025.

This was announced in a statement by DECRAN’s Convener and President, Dr. Blessing N. Chinweobo-Onuoha, and signed by the association’s Director of Media and Publicity, Dr. Chekwube Nzomiwu.

According to the statement, RSU’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, will serve as the chief host, while the Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies, Prof. Richard N. Amadi, will be the host.

The Head of the Department of Development Communication Studies, Dr. Itieke-Idamieba Harry, is the co-host, with Dr. Sarah C. Joe chairing the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

The keynote address will be delivered by Prof. Godwin B. Okon of the University of Port Harcourt’s Department of Development Communication Studies, while Prof. Christopher Ochonogor from the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, also at the University of Port Harcourt, will present the lead paper.

Themed “Digital Inclusion and the Frontiers of Development Communication,” the conference will explore sub-themes such as Development Communication and Digital Innovation, Education and Learning, Arts, Humanities and Cultural Communication, and Social Sciences and Governance.

Topics slated for discussion include Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Development Messaging, Big Data, Digital Inclusion in Rural Communities, ICTs for Development, Community Media, Podcasting and Citizen Journalism, Mobile Health Strategies, Combating Health Misinformation, Telehealth and Communication Ethics, and Storytelling in Development Narratives, among others.

Dr. Chinweobo-Onuoha noted that the event is open to academics and professionals across disciplines, adding that the sessions will feature robust discussions and idea-sharing on emerging trends in communication and development.

She further highlighted that DECRAN has continued to advance communication research in Nigeria, publishing two academic journals since its maiden international conference held at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in November 2024.

The programme indicates that the opening ceremony and plenary session will take place on November 20, followed by DECRAN’s annual general meeting on November 21.

This year’s event is jointly organised by DECRAN and the Department of Development Communication Studies, Rivers State University.

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