Delta Govt to Digitise 27 State-Owned Libraries

The Delta State Government has announced plans to convert about 27 state-owned libraries into community learning hubs as part of efforts to revive reading culture and encourage literary engagement among residents of all ages across the state.

The Head of Service of Delta State, Dr. Mininim Oseji, disclosed this during the inaugural LightRay/DISTORTION Orientation Festival held in Asaba for the official launch of Project ECHO Chamber. The event was described as the first student-focused literary festival in Delta State.

Addressing participants at the festival, Dr. Oseji said the government remains committed to rebuilding a strong reading culture and promoting intellectual development among residents. She noted that libraries should go beyond being spaces for books alone, adding that they must become active centres for learning, creativity and research in line with global best practices.

“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.

“Turning our libraries into community hubs will benefit Deltans of all ages, children, youths, old and even senior citizens,” she said.

She added that the initiative is designed to make educational resources more available to students and communities while also creating spaces that inspire critical thinking, collaboration and innovation.

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the launch of Phase One of Project ECHO Chamber, themed “Distortion,” was created to encourage students to challenge outdated narratives and amplify new and emerging voices across Delta State.