By Anne Azuka
The Delta State Government has commended the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for its successful execution of a Solar Power Project aimed at improving working conditions for its members.
Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, gave the commendation during the official inauguration of the solar facility at the chapel secretariat in Asaba. He was represented by a director in the ministry, Mr. Harold Ojji.
Mr. Aniagwu urged other NUJ chapels to emulate the initiative, describing the project as a shift from personal interest to collective infrastructural development.
“With this energy mix, members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel no longer need to seek power sources elsewhere to charge their gadgets or carry out their work,” he said.
“We, as a government, value the media as critical partners in development and will continue to seek their cooperation in publicizing government activities.”
Also speaking at the event, the Director-General and CEO of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, lauded the media’s role as the fourth estate of the realm. He disclosed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had released between ₦2 to ₦3 billion to cover health insurance premiums for children under five and pregnant women, from conception through delivery.
Dr. Akpoveta encouraged journalists to enroll in the state’s health insurance scheme to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects, and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, emphasized the need for media practitioners to seek partnerships with the private sector. He praised the chapel’s leadership for ensuring stable power, which is essential for effective journalism.
Also speaking, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, called on stakeholders to give journalists their rightful place in society.
“Journalists have lived up to expectations since the days of Nnamdi Azikiwe, a foremost journalist. They deserve adequate recognition and reward,” Chiazor stated.
Chairman of the NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described the project as a bold and visionary step.
“This initiative demonstrates responsible leadership. Reliable power is essential to the practice of effective journalism,” Oyowe said.
Convener and Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, described the project as part of a deliberate energy mix strategy to guarantee uninterrupted power supply at the secretariat through generator, public power (BEDC), and now solar energy.
He recalled how the chapel, once operating from a newspaper circulation center, was liberated by Mr. Charles Aniagwu nearly eight years ago.
“Upon assuming office in November 2023, I promised to address lingering challenges. Today, we are reconnected to public power with outstanding bills cleared and a prepaid meter installed,” Olannye said.
“With this 2.5KVA solar facility now in place, we aim to ensure sustainable power, thanks to Hon. Charles Aniagwu, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Sir Festus Ahon, and our numerous supporters.”
The ceremony’s highlight was the official commissioning of the solar project by Mr. Charles Aniagwu, alongside Dr. Akpoveta, Mr. Ifeajika, Comrade Chiazor, Dr. Nelson Egware, NUJ State Chairman Comrade Churchill Oyowe, DOPF Chairman Emmanuel Enebeli, Indigenous Chapel Chairman Kenneth Orusi, and host Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye.
