…As Asaba Correspondents Chapel inaugurates solar power facility to boost newsroom efficiency
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, has applauded the administration of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for its exceptional strides in healthcare and social welfare, while calling on journalists to help amplify the governor’s achievements across Nigeria.
Dr. Akpoveta, who spoke Wednesday June 25, 2025, during the inauguration of a 2.5KVA Solar Power Facility at the Asaba Correspondents Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Delta State Council, praised the media as a critical partner in public enlightenment.
“The journalist is a powerful tool. With your help, the work of this Commission has reached every corner of Delta State,” he said.
He further emphasized the importance of collaboration: “We are with you, we will work with you, and we will continue working together.”
The health chief introduced the Commission’s innovative pre-registration scheme for access to health insurance, urging Deltans to register using their Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC), bills, voter’s card, or National Identification Number (NIN).
He stressed the importance of antenatal care for pregnant women and encouraged the purchase of the N7,000 annual health insurance card, which covers common medical procedures including cesarean sections, appendectomies and other minor sicknesses.
“Why health insurance? Because we must pool resources to take care of the vulnerable. It is a social responsibility,” he said, appealing to NUJ members to extend the scheme to the public.
The State Commissioner for Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, said the State government has reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with the media, describing journalists as essential partners in progress and development.
Represented by Mr Harold Ojji, a Director in the ministry, lauded the media for its continuous role in informing the public about the state’s achievements.
“We as a government will keep commending the media for being our partners in progress, and will keep appealing for their information and support to ensure that we publicise the developments of the Delta State Government,” he said.
He emphasized that without proper media engagement, many citizens may remain unaware of the impactful programs and policies of the Oborevwori-led administration.
He warned that such a gap in communication could lead to misinformation, rumor-mongering, and disinformation, which ultimately hinders progress and fuels public misunderstanding.
In the same vein, the government commended the leadership and members of the Asaba Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) for their proactive decision to implement a solar energy project at their secretariat.
“I want to once again commend the chairman of the chapel, executives, and the members for their decisive resolve to embark on the solar power project,” he stated.
The project is expected to enhance newsroom operations by providing more stable and sustainable electricity supply, an initiative seen as both innovative and timely, especially in the face of persistent power challenges.
The Executive Assistant to the Delta State Governor on Public Enlightenment, Projects, and Policies, Mr. Olisa Ifeajika, called on journalists to expand their support networks beyond government by actively seeking collaboration with the private sector to meet professional and operational needs.
Mr. Ifeajika made the appeal while commending the leadership and members of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel for their proactive steps in creating a more conducive working environment for media professionals, particularly through the provision of stable power supply.
He described the effort as a commendable example of media self-sufficiency and forward-thinking leadership.
Also speaking at the event, the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Media and former NUJ Chairman, Comrade Norbert Chiazor, underscored the vital role journalists play in societal balance. “A day without news would spell chaos,” he noted.
While commending the governor’s responsiveness to public welfare, Chiazor urged journalists to prioritize personal safety and family responsibility while carrying out their duties.
In his welcome address, Mr. Ifeanyi Olannye, Chairman of the Asaba Correspondents Chapel, recounted the chapel’s power challenges and the journey toward self-sufficiency.
“Before now, our members resorted to charging phones in government offices, business centers, and even betting shops, often at personal risk.
But with this solar installation and the reconnection to public power supply, our work environment is now more secure and efficient,” he stated.
He paid special tribute to Hon. Charles Aniagwu, Dr. Isaac Akpoveta, and Sir Festus Ahon for their unwavering support in the realization of the chapel’s energy project.
He also acknowledged assistance received during critical moments, especially the intervention for two journalists, Ann Eluwa and Dave Okpogadie, who recently faced severe health and accident-related challenges.
Highlighting the pressing needs of the chapel, Olannye appealed for an 18-seater bus to ease mobility and urged for capacity-building workshops to equip journalists with skills in developmental reporting.
“Times are hard, but our resolve remains firm. We are your dependable partners in the building of Delta State and Nigeria,” he added.
The inauguration ceremony brought together government officials, media professionals, and development partners in a shared commitment to deepening the synergy between government, media, and the citizens for sustainable development.
