By Rita Enemuru, Warri
THE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Warri Correspondents’ Chapel, has raised the alarm over what it described as the worsening state of healthcare services in Delta State, calling for immediate government intervention to salvage public hospitals.
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In a communiqué issued at the end of its Congress on 10th February 2026, the Chapel expressed “serious concern over the deteriorating conditions of healthcare services in the state,” noting that many general hospitals lack the basic facilities required to provide adequate care for patients.
“Of particular concern is the poor condition of the Dentistry Department at the Ughelli General Hospital, and other health centres where dental chairs and tables are broken and urgently require attention,” the communiqué stated.
The journalists urged the Delta State Commissioner for Health to conduct a comprehensive tour of health facilities across the state “to ascertain the level of decay and immediately address the inadequacies therein.”
While decrying the state of healthcare, the Chapel commended Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for ongoing infrastructural projects across the state. It praised the construction of flyovers at the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) Junction, DSC Roundabout and Enerhen Junction in Warri and Effurun, describing them as projects that would “significantly ease traffic congestion and enhance socio-economic activities.”
The Congress also lauded the groundbreaking ceremony for a flyover at the Otowodo axis in Ughelli, as well as plans for additional bridges in other parts of the state.
However, the Chapel expressed concern over the deplorable condition of several roads, including the Isaba–Otutuama Road, the Ophorigbala–Ighwurogu axis in Ughelli South Local Government Area, and Idjerhe Roads in Ethiope West Local Government Area.
It made a special appeal for the urgent rehabilitation of Eburu Road in Okumagba Layout, Warri, where the Union’s new Chapel Secretariat is located, urging the relevant authorities to act swiftly.
On housing, the journalists decried what they termed “exploitative practices” by house agents, alleging that their actions have led to arbitrary rent increases—sometimes annually and, in extreme cases, monthly.
“The hardship faced by residents due to arbitrary rent increments is becoming unbearable,” the communiqué noted.
The Chapel therefore called on the Delta State Government to set up a committee to review rent practices in the state and curb excesses in the housing sector.
It urged the government to emulate the Lagos State model, where periodic engagements between landlords and government have led to more flexible rent payment systems, allowing tenants to pay rent for a minimum of six months depending on their financial capacity.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the Chapel stressed the need for fairness and transparency.
“As the 2027 general elections draw near, the state government must ensure a level playing field for all political actors,” the Congress resolved, advocating for the real-time electronic transmission of election results as a safeguard for credible polls and public trust.
The Chapel also paid tribute to the late Godwin Brotu, a member of the Warri Correspondents’ Chapel until his passing.
It extended condolences to Mr Sunny Ariegue over the death of his mother, Mrs Office Christiana Ukerume, and to Mrs Njideka Igbani on the demise of her father, Hon. Reuben Chukwudiebele Agba.
“We pray that God grants the families of the departed the fortitude to bear these irreparable losses,” the communiqué added.
The communiqué was signed by the Drafting Committee Chairman, Chido Okafor; Secretary, Elo Edremoda; and members, Samuel Ogude and Onyeka Meluwa.
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