Rev. Fr. Prof. Walter Chikwendu Ihejirika
Professor of Development Communication & Media Studies, University of Port Harcourt
A Nigerian Catholic priest of the Ahiara Diocese and one of Africa's foremost scholars of media and religion, Prof. Ihejirika earned his doctorate in Social Communication from the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome. He has served the University of Port Harcourt for over two decades in teaching, research, and administration — including as Dean of the Faculty of Communication and Media Studies. In 2026 he made history as the first African elected World President of SIGNIS, the global association of Catholic media professionals, having previously led SIGNIS Nigeria and SIGNIS Africa. His documentary work has been aired on the NTA, and he has served on juries at the Venice Film Festival, FESPACO, and the Zanzibar International Film Festival.
Chief Host
Prof. Princewill R. Chike
Vice-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt
The 10th Vice-Chancellor of the University of Port Harcourt and Chief Host of the maiden ICBDM. A distinguished scholar-administrator, he provides institutional leadership for the conference.
Prof. Christie Omego
Faculty of Communication & Media Studies, Uniport
Professor of Communication and former Head, Department of Journalism and Media Studies at the University of Port Harcourt. A mentor to generations of communication scholars, she hosts the conference at the Faculty level.
Co-Host · Ag. HoD
Ass. Prof. Titilayo Osuagwu
Acting Head, Department of Broadcasting, Uniport
Co-Host of ICBDM 2026 and Acting Head of the hosting Department of Broadcasting, where she leads teaching and research in broadcast journalism and media practice.
Chairman, LOC
Dr. Moses Ofome Asak
Senior Lecturer, Department of Broadcasting, Uniport
Chairman of the Local Organising Committee. He holds a PhD from North-West University, South Africa, with Master's degrees from the University of Lagos and the University of Uyo — and was voted “Best Lecturer” by Uniport students.
Dr. Funke Ikebude
Department of Broadcasting, Uniport
Secretary of the Local Organising Committee and a key contact for all conference inquiries, abstracts, and registrations.
International Keynote & Guest Speakers — To Be Announced
A slate of global keynote speakers from broadcasting,
streaming, AI, and media regulation will be unveiled soon.
Check back regularly, or
contact the LOC
to express interest.