Delta Govt Deepens Support For NUJ, Moves To Provide Solar Power At Secretariat

By Faith Ebireri

Delta State Government has commenced moves to provide solar power for the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council Secretariat, Asaba.

The intervention is aimed at improving the working environment and operational capacity of journalists across the state.

It is also in line with the MORE Agenda of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, particularly its focus on inclusive governance and institutional development.

The proposed solar installation follows the state government’s recent donation of a bus to the NUJ Delta State Council.

The latest intervention is expected to further strengthen the union’s capacity to discharge its professional responsibilities effectively.

As part of the process, an Assistant Director of Engineering in the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Eddy Ebruke, an engineer, visited the NUJ Press Centre on Thursday.

Ebruke led an engineering team to assess the facility and determine the technical requirements for the proposed solar power system.

The delegation was received by the NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comr. Churchill Oyowe, alongside the council’s Auditor, Comr. Celestine Afokobah.

Discussions focused on the feasibility, scope and implementation of the proposed project for efficient power utilisation.

The engineering team subsequently inspected the facility, including offices, the conference hall, guest accommodation and other areas requiring electricity.

The inspection was designed to provide the technical basis for determining the required solar panels, batteries, inverter and other equipment.

Ebruke assured the NUJ leadership that the proposed system would provide dependable electricity across the secretariat.

He said the installation would adequately serve the offices, hall and accommodation facilities.

“The solar inverter would be able to power every office and the hall, including the accommodation for guests.

“We would ensure to have it up and running within the shortest time possible,” he said.

Responding, Oyowe appreciated the state government for what he described as a practical demonstration of its commitment to journalism development.

He also commended the Ministry of Energy for promptly assessing the facility following the government’s approval of the request.

Oyowe said the intervention would significantly improve journalists’ working conditions and enhance the effective functioning of the NUJ secretariat.

“I am beginning to appreciate more the workings of government as a machinery that grinds slowly but steadily,” he said.

He explained that the council initially requested a step-down transformer from the governor last year.

According to him, the governor approved the request and subsequently supported its conversion to cleaner and more efficient energy.

“We only made a request for the conversion of the step-down transformer less than two months ago for better and cleaner energy utilisation.

“The governor swiftly granted that also,” Oyowe said.

He described Oborevwori as a governor who keeps his promises and demonstrates commitment through concrete actions.

“This is only possible because we have a working governor who promises and delivers,” he said.

“We really want to appreciate our governor, Rt. Hon. Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, for his support and commitment to the growth of this body and Delta State in general.”

Oyowe stressed that credibility was demonstrated by the ability to fulfil promises made to the people.

“It is important our people understand that the hallmark of credibility is the ability to promise something and actually do it,” he said.

“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has, without doubt, exhibited that quality abundantly,” Oyowe added.

The proposed solar project is expected to strengthen the operational efficiency of the NUJ secretariat by providing a more reliable energy source for administrative, professional and meeting activities at the facility.

The initiative also underscores the Delta State Government’s support for institutions and professional bodies through targeted capacity-building interventions.