By Chika Kwamba
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Asaba Correspondents Chapel, today commissioned a 2.5KVA solar power facility to address persistent power outages and ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for efficient journalism in Delta State.
The commissioning, which held at the Chapel Secretariat in Asaba, attracted dignitaries, government officials, and members of the media.
In his address, the Special Guest of Honour and Chairman of the occasion, Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, represented by a director in the ministry, Mr. Harold Orji applauded the chapel leadership for their foresight and commitment to service.
Mr. Aniagwu commended journalists for their dedication to projecting the government’s MORE Agenda while often neglecting their own welfare.
“Journalists are known for telling other people’s stories, often without prioritizing their own needs. Today’s event is significant because what you usually do for others has now happened to you. Congratulations.
“With this energy mix, members no longer need to rely on libraries, offices, or public places to charge devices or work. The secretariat now offers a seamless workspace.”
Furthermore, He urged other chapels across the state to emulate the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, describing the project as a welcome shift from focusing solely on personnel welfare to infrastructure development.
“As a government, we recognize the media as partners in progress. We appeal for your continued cooperation to highlight the activities of the State Government. If this doesn’t happen, the people remain uninformed and vulnerable to misinformation and rumors,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of Asaba Correspondents Chapel, Mr. Ifeanyi Olannye, expressed gratitude to all dignitaries present and appreciated his predecessors for laying a solid foundation for progress.
“Today, we are inaugurating this solar project as part of our effort to achieve an energy mix to sustain 24-hour power supply at the secretariat. We now have a combination of generator, public electricity, and solar sources to meet our needs,” he said.
“I recalled the chapel’s humble beginnings, and our Hon. commissioner Mr. Aniagwu for helping transform the chapel from a newspaper circulation center to a functional press hub about eight years ago.
Olannye highlighted how unreliable power supply had compelled members to depend on business centers, government offices, and sometimes pay to charge phones at betting shops often resulting in the loss of phones and sockets to petty thieves.
“Today’s commissioning is a landmark moment. We thank Hon. Charles Aniagwu, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, Sir Festus Ahon, and our partners for supporting us in our mission to be dependable allies in state and national development,” he said.
He also appealed for further support in areas such as staff welfare, mobility (an 18-seater bus), capacity-building workshops, soft loans, and grants to sustain the welfare of their members.
In goodwill messages, the Executive Assistant to the governor on Public Enlightenment, Olise Ifejika. the Director General, Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta; Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Comrade Norbert Chiazor; and the Chairman NUJ Delta State Council, Comrade Churchill Oyowe, all encouraged journalists to leverage their public goodwill while remaining steadfast in upholding the ethics of the profession integrity, honor, objectivity, and public trust.
