By Marian Kogolo
The Delta State Ministry of Information has proposed a bold ₦3 billion capital investment plan for the 2026 fiscal year to rebuild state-owned media houses, modernize public communication systems and reposition government platforms for contemporary broadcasting and print operations.
Presenting the proposal before the House of Assembly Committee on Information, the Honourable Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the Governor Sheriff Oborevwori-led administration is embarking on a total reconstruction of the Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) stations in Asaba and Warri, alongside a major revival of The Pointer Newspaper.
Aniagwu said the Ministry is proposing ₦3 billion in capital expenditure and ₦2.463 billion in recurrent spending for 2026, describing the investment as a strategic response to years of infrastructural decay across the state’s media institutions.
“What we are doing is not patching what is already sick. We are building brand-new stations and a brand-new printing press for The Pointer. This is a paradigm shift,” he stated.
He noted that the Ministry’s 2025 budget performance stood at 51 per cent, attributing the low capital utilisation to a strategic shift approved by the Governor, who halted minor repairs in favour of complete reconstruction and re-equipping of facilities.
“Rather than waste money trying to fix obsolete facilities, the Governor directed that we should go for a complete rebuild. That decision naturally affected 2025 capital implementation, but it has positioned us for a stronger take-off in 2026,” he said.
Aniagwu disclosed that a high-level committee led by the Secretary to the State Government has been engaging vendors and conducting feasibility studies, adding that implementation of the projects will begin early in the new fiscal year. Although ₦3 billion is inadequate, he said the allocation is sufficient to kick-start the reforms.
He also explained that the Ministry’s vision includes integrating DBS Asaba and DBS Warri into a unified broadcast network capable of real-time statewide transmission. “Our vision is one signal across the state. If an event happens in Warri, it should be seen in Asaba and everywhere else in Delta in real time.”
Beyond infrastructure, Aniagwu drew attention to severe challenges around mobility and manpower development, revealing that the Ministry and its agencies currently lack operational vehicles. “My directors do not have vehicles. Our stations cannot cover the state effectively without mobility. Delta is too large for hiring vehicles,” he lamented.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Emeka Nwobi, stressed the urgency of staff retraining in the era of digital broadcasting. “You can’t give what you don’t have. Capacity building is non-negotiable if we must transform our media institutions,” he said.
Committee members also emphasized the need for comprehensive training across all state-owned media platforms. The Chairman insisted that manpower development must reflect in performance by 2026.
The Committee further raised concerns over the poor distribution network of The Pointer Newspaper, urging increased print runs and procurement of distribution vehicles. “What is the essence of printing if people cannot access the paper across the state?” the Chairman queried. He also called for stronger online visibility, stressing that digital engagement is now more powerful than physical circulation.
In his closing remarks, Aniagwu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transparency, citizen engagement and effective public enlightenment under the MORE Agenda. He assured that the Ministry will continue to “illuminate the path of governance” by ensuring citizens understand government policies and their impact.
The Committee pledged full support for the Ministry’s reform plan, expressing optimism that the proposed overhaul will restore credibility to state-owned media and enhance information dissemination across Delta State.
