Asaba – The Delta State Government has unveiled plans to convert about 27 state-owned libraries into modern community hubs to revive reading culture and promote literary engagement among residents of all age groups.
The initiative was announced by the Head of Service of the Delta State Government, Dr Mininim Oseji, during the inaugural LightRay/DISTORTION Orientation Festival held in Asaba. The event also marked the official launch of Project ECHO Chamber, described as the first student-focused literary festival in the state’s history.
The festival attracted students, educators, writers, poets, librarians, and government officials from across Delta State’s 25 local government areas in a major push to promote literacy, creativity, and critical thinking among young people.
Speaking at the event, Dr Oseji reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to restoring the culture of reading and intellectual development. She emphasized that libraries should evolve into active learning centres where residents can access educational resources, carry out research, and sharpen critical thinking skills in line with global standards.
“Libraries must be digitised and accessible. Every local council should have functional school and community libraries that students can use to read, research and create,” Dr Oseji stated.
She added that turning the libraries into community hubs would benefit Deltans across all ages — children, youths, adults, and senior citizens alike.
In her keynote address, Founder and President of LightRay Media, Books and Creative Society, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, said the launch of Phase One of Project ECHO Chamber, themed “Distortion”, was designed to encourage students to challenge outdated narratives and amplify new and emerging voices across the state.
The initiative is expected to significantly boost reading habits and literary activities in Delta State.
