By Faith Ebireri
The Delta State Government has commenced plans to provide solar power at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council Secretariat in Asaba, as part of efforts to improve the working environment and operational capacity of journalists in the state.
The intervention is in line with the administration’s MORE Agenda, particularly its emphasis on inclusive governance and institutional development.
The proposed solar power project comes shortly after the state government donated a bus to the NUJ Delta State Council, further demonstrating its support for the union and the journalism profession in Delta.
As part of efforts to actualise the project, an Assistant Director of Engineering in the Ministry of Energy, Mr. Eddy Ebruke, on Thursday led a team of engineers to the NUJ Press Centre to assess the facility and determine the technical requirements for the installation.
The team was received by the NUJ Delta State Council Chairman, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, alongside the council’s Auditor, Comrade Celestine Afokobah.
The assessment focused on the feasibility, scope and implementation of the project, with particular attention to ensuring efficient power distribution across the facility.
The engineers inspected the offices, conference hall, guest accommodation and other sections of the secretariat requiring electricity.
The inspection will provide the technical basis for determining the number and capacity of solar panels, batteries, inverters and other components required for the project.
Ebruke assured the NUJ leadership that the proposed solar system would provide reliable electricity for the secretariat.
He said the system would be designed to power the offices, conference hall and guest accommodation.
«“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 expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for what he described as a practical demonstration of its commitment to the development of journalism in the state.
He also commended the Ministry of Energy for its prompt response in assessing the facility following the government’s approval of the request.
According to him, the intervention would significantly improve the working conditions of journalists 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,” Oyowe said.
He explained that the council had initially requested a step-down transformer from Governor Sheriff Oborevwori last year, but later sought its conversion to a cleaner and more efficient energy solution.
“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,” he said.
Oyowe described Oborevwori as a governor who keeps his promises and backs his commitments with concrete action.
“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.”
The NUJ chairman said the ability to fulfil promises was an important measure of credibility in governance.
“It is important our people understand that the hallmark of credibility is the ability to promise something and actually do it.
“Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has, without doubt, exhibited that quality abundantly,” he added.
The proposed solar power installation is expected to provide a more dependable electricity supply for administrative, professional and meeting activities at the NUJ secretariat.
The initiative also highlights the Delta State Government’s continued support for professional institutions through targeted interventions aimed at strengthening their capacity and improving their operations.
