NUJ Warri Hails Delta Govt on Road Infrastructure, Calls for Healthcare, Electoral Reforms

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has commended the Delta State Government,led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, for its ongoing efforts to improve the state’s infrastructure.

This was contained in a communique issued at end of its congress, signed by the communique drafting Committee chairman, Chido Okafor, Elo Edremoda, Secretary, Samuel Ogude, Member, Onyeka Meluwa, Member.

In the communique, the chapel raised concerns over healthcare and some road conditions, and calls for electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Specifically, the chapel praised the state government for the construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges, including the flyovers at Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction in Warri and Effurun.

The groundbreaking ceremony for a new flyover at Otowodo in Ughelli was also celebrated, with hopes that additional bridges across the state will follow to ease traffic congestion and foster socio-economic development of the state.

While acknowledging infrastructural strides, the communiqué expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating state of healthcare facilities.

The Chapel pointed out that many general hospitals lack essential equipment, with specific mention of the Ughelli General Hospital’s Dentistry Department, where broken dental chairs and tables hinder service delivery.

The union urged the Commissioner for Health to conduct inspections across health facilities to address these shortcomings.

The communiqué highlighted the deplorable state of several roads, including Isaba–Otutuama Road, Ophorigbala–Ighwurogu axis, and Idjerhe Roads.

The union appealed to the government to prioritize repairs, especially the Eburu Road in Okumagba Layout, where its new Chapel Secretariat is located.

The union also raised alarm over the high and exploitative rent prices driven by unscrupulous landlords and agents. It called on the Delta State Government to establish a committee to regulate rent practices, drawing inspiration from Lagos State’s model of periodic landlord-tenant negotiations to ease the financial burden on residents.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, the NUJ urged the government to ensure a level playing field for all political actors. It also advocated for the adoption of real-time electronic transmission of election results to promote transparency and credibility in the electoral process.

The communiqué however send condolences to the families of late NUJ member Godwin Brotu, and others who recently lost loved ones, including Mrs. Office Christiana Ukerume and Hon. Reuben Chukwudiebele Agba. The union prayed for divine comfort for the bereaved.