‎Bel Dialogue Picks Lawrence Okpewho to Moderate 2026 Democracy Forum ‎

Veteran broadcaster and media executive, Lawrence Okpewho, has been appointed moderator for the 2026 edition of Bel Dialogue, the annual public policy engagement platform organised by Bel Media Consult Limited, publishers of Ndokwa Reporters and The Brief.‎

‎The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the Secretary of the Bel Dialogue Advisory Board, Enebeli Emmanuel Ochonogor, on behalf of the Board Chairman, Pharm. (Dr.) Paul O. Enebeli. The board said Okpewho’s extensive experience in broadcasting and public communication makes him well qualified to moderate this year’s audience-driven dialogue.‎

‎The 2026 Bel Dialogue is scheduled to hold on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at David’s Event Centre, Anwai Road, Asaba, with the theme: “Democracy That Works: Bridging the Gap Between Votes, Results and Institutional Accountability.” Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Hon. Mike Igini, will serve as Chairman of the Occasion.

‎According to the organisers, the annual forum provides a non-partisan platform for meaningful engagement on governance, democracy, leadership and sustainable development, bringing together policymakers, civil society organisations, media practitioners, professionals and citizens to discuss issues of national importance.

Okpewho retired from the Delta State Broadcasting Service (DBS) in 2020 as Deputy General Manager and Head of Programmes after a distinguished 35-year career in broadcasting.

He began his career in 1985 at the then Radio Bendel, rising through the ranks on the strength of professionalism, creativity and dedication. During his career, he produced and presented more than 30 radio programmes, including the highly acclaimed indigenous programme, “Na So We Seam,” which aired continuously for 26 years, making it one of the longest-running radio programmes in Delta State.

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‎A Mass Communication graduate, Okpewho holds a Diploma from Auchi Polytechnic, a Bachelor of Arts (Hons.) in Mass Communication and a Master’s degree in Communication Management from Delta State University, Abraka. He has also undergone specialised professional training organised by the BBC and the National Electronic Media Institute of South Africa (NEMISA).

‎Since retiring from public service, he has continued to contribute to the broadcasting industry, serving as General Manager of Sleek FM, Agbor, before taking up the same role at Kruzz FM, Asaba, where he currently leads broadcast operations and mentors emerging media professionals.

Organisers said this year’s Bel Dialogue is expected to attract key stakeholders from the public and private sectors to explore practical strategies for strengthening democratic institutions, enhancing electoral credibility and promoting greater accountability in governance.