ASABA/Nigeria: In a bold step towards environmental protection and workplace efficiency, the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has installed a 2.5KVA solar power facility to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply at its secretariat. The initiative has earned commendation from the Delta State Government, which described the project as exemplary and urged other NUJ chapels to emulate the gesture.
Speaking during the formal commissioning of the project in Asaba, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, represented by Mr. Harold Ojji, a director in the ministry, said the project reflects visionary leadership by the chapel. “With this energy mix, members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel no longer need to go elsewhere to charge their gadgets to do their work,” Aniagwu said, reaffirming government’s support for media partnerships in driving development.
Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, praised the media for playing its watchdog role effectively and used the opportunity to highlight the state’s health interventions. He revealed that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has released between ₦2–₦3 billion to fund free healthcare premiums for children under five and pregnant women, while urging journalists to enroll in the contributory health scheme to reduce out-of-pocket spending.
Also speaking, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, called on journalists to partner with the private sector to meet infrastructural needs. His counterpart on Media, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, emphasized the vital role of journalists in nation-building, calling for better recognition and support. “From the days of Nnamdi Azikiwe to now, journalists have stood tall. It is time they are rewarded appropriately,” Chiazor said.
NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, described the solar initiative as bold and timely, especially in a country grappling with severe power challenges. “This is the kind of innovation we need across all chapels. Reliable power is critical for effective journalism,” he said.
Host and Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Comrade Ifeanyi Olannye, explained that the project is part of efforts to create a sustainable energy mix that includes generator backup, public power, and now solar energy. He credited the milestone to sustained support from government officials and partners, including Mr. Aniagwu, Dr. Akpoveta, and Sir Festus Ahon. The event climaxed with the formal inauguration of the solar facility, witnessed by prominent media and government figures including the representative of Commissioner for Special Duties, (Government House), Mr David Diai Others present were, Dr. Nelson Egware, DOPF Chairman Emmanuel Enebeli, Indigenous Chapel Chairman Kenneth Orusi, and other dignitaries.
