NUJ Warri chapel commends Delta Govt on infrastructure, raises concerns over healthcare, housing

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has commended the Delta State Government for ongoing infrastructural development across the state, while raising concerns over healthcare services, poor road conditions and rising accommodation costs. The position was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress held on February 10, 2026.

The Chapel praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for sustained efforts in road construction and rehabilitation, particularly the ongoing flyover and bridge projects at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Junction, DSC Roundabout, and Enerhen Junction in Warri and Effurun. It noted that the projects will “significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance socio-economic activities within the state,” and also lauded the groundbreaking ceremony for a flyover at the Otowodo axis in Ughelli, alongside plans for additional bridges in other parts of Delta.

Despite the commendation, the Congress expressed “serious concern” over the deteriorating condition of healthcare services, observing that many general hospitals lack adequate facilities to attend to patients. It highlighted the poor state of the Dentistry Department at Ughelli General Hospital and other centres where dental chairs and tables are broken and require urgent attention, urging the Commissioner for Health to tour facilities across the state to address the shortcomings.

The Chapel also decried the poor condition of several roads, including the Isaba–Otutuama Road, the Ophorigbala–Ighwurogu axis in Ughelli South Local Government Area, and the Idjerhe Roads in Ethiope West Local Government Area. It made a special appeal for the urgent repair of Eburu Road in Okumagba Layout, where the Union’s new Chapel Secretariat is located.

On housing, the Congress raised alarm over what it described as exploitative practices by house agents, which have compelled landlords to increase rents arbitrarily “sometimes yearly and, in extreme cases, monthly” thereby worsening hardship for residents. It called on the state government to set up a committee to address rent practices and urged it to emulate the Lagos model, where flexible payment systems allow tenants to pay rent for a minimum of six months depending on their capacity.

As the 2027 general elections draw near, the Chapel called on the state government to ensure a level playing field for all political actors. It advocated for the real-time electronic transmission of election results, describing the process as widely accepted and a safeguard for credible elections.

The Congress also commiserated with the family of the late Godwin Brotu, a member of the Chapel until his demise. It extended condolences to Mr. Sunny Ariegue over the passing of his mother, Mrs. Office Christiana Ukerume, and to Mrs. Njideka Igbani on the death of her father, Hon. Reuben Chukwudiebele Agba, praying that God grants their families the fortitude to bear the losses.

The communiqué was signed by the Communiqué Drafting Committee: Chido Okafor (Chairman), Elo Edremoda (Secretary), Samuel Ogude (Member), and Onyeka Meluwa (Member).