DOPF 2025: Delta’s Finest Minds Gather to Examine Nigeria’s New Tax Reforms

Some of Delta State’s most influential figures in finance, economic planning, law, academia, and the business community will headline the 2025 Convention and Annual Lecture of the Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF).

The event, set for Thursday, November 27, 2025, at David’s Event Centre in Asaba, will centre on the theme: “Nigeria’s New Tax Law: Implications and Opportunities for Businesses and Society.”

Chairing the occasion is Chief Edward Obiefuna Martyns (Nnanyelugo), FCA, MBA, MSc, who serves as the Director of Local Government Accounts in the Office of the Delta State Accountant General. A distinguished chartered accountant and quiet philanthropist, Chief Martyns brings a wealth of experience in financial management across both public and private sectors. He is also a dedicated Rotarian (PHF+6) and a committed Catholic, married with four children.

The panel of discussants includes Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, Delta State Commissioner for Economic Planning, a Fellow of ICAN and CITN, and an experienced financial strategist. Also on the panel is Mr. Victor Fegor Origho, an accounting lecturer at Dennis Osadebay University with more than 10 years of experience in taxation, auditing, and corporate ethics.

Adding a legal perspective is Mr. Martins Oyem Aghaobodo, Esq., Head of Chambers at Oyem M. Aghaobodo & Associates, whose career spans banking, international affairs, and legal consultancy.

Another prominent voice on the panel is Barr. Ikpesu Gideon Jade, Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and Vice-Chairman of the NBA Effurun Branch. A 2005 graduate of Ogun State University and a 2007 alumnus of the Nigerian Law School, he has over 18 years of active practice covering criminal and civil litigation, commercial law, and tax law. His office is located at No. 7 NNPC Housing Complex Road, Ekpan, Uvwie LGA. Outside work, he enjoys travelling, exploring new places, wildlife, and meeting people. He is married with four children.

Representing the private sector is Engr. Tony Okoh, President of DACCIMA, who will discuss how the proposed tax reforms may influence business expansion, entrepreneurship, and overall competitiveness.

The keynote speaker for the day is Assoc. Prof. Ochuko Benedict Emudainohwo, PhD, FCA, a respected scholar at Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba, and a Fellow of ICAN, widely known for his expertise in public finance and taxation.

This year’s lecture carries particular importance as Nigeria gets ready to roll out a major tax reform on January 1, 2026. With fiscal policies stretching back to the Petroleum Profits Tax Act of 1959, the Companies Income Tax Act of 1961, and the introduction of VAT in 1993, the upcoming reform is expected to be one of the most significant updates aimed at modernising the country’s tax system, improving transparency, and promoting economic stability.

The Governor of Delta State, His Excellency Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, will attend as Special Guest of Honour, alongside several other dignitaries from government, business, civil society, and the media.

Now in its sixth year, the DOPF Convention and Annual Lecture has become an important platform for public policy discussions in Delta State, giving stakeholders the space to explore and debate key governance and socio-economic issues.