The Delta State Government has reinforced efforts to promote reading culture and modernize library systems across the state as LightRay! Media, through its DISTORTION Orientation Festival, unveiled Project ECHO Chamber — Delta State’s first Student Literary and Creative Festival.
Speaking at the event in Asaba, the Delta State Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, called on civil servants and librarians to take deliberate steps toward reviving reading habits and digitizing libraries across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
She stressed the need for librarians to seek partnerships and donor support for updated learning resources, maintain comprehensive inventories of library materials, and familiarize themselves with the laws guiding their institutions.
Dr. Oseji noted that the State House of Assembly Committee on Compliance would ensure adherence to policies aimed at strengthening library systems and educational development.
Addressing participating students from Faith Academy, Government Model Secondary School, St. Brigid’s Grammar School, Osadennis Mixed Secondary School and Ughelli Grammar School, the Head of Service encouraged young people to embrace reading, creative writing and literary clubs as platforms for discovering and showcasing their talents.
The festival was convened by award-winning investigative storyteller and author of the DISTORTION series, Lady Ejiro Umukoro, and featured the official launch of Project ECHO Chamber — a student-centered literary initiative designed to inspire creativity, critical thinking and youth participation through storytelling and expression.
The programme featured activities including book-a-thon competitions, stage performances, spoken word poetry, storytelling sessions, and masterclasses on creative writing and journalism.
According to Umukoro, the initiative seeks to transform students from passive consumers of information into active creators of ideas while positioning libraries as vibrant centers for innovation and intellectual development.
“This goes beyond reading for examinations,” Umukoro said. “It is about empowering students with the tools to tell their stories, challenge conventions and contribute meaningfully to society. Libraries should no longer function merely as storage spaces for books; they should become hubs for creativity, learning and transformation.”
She commended the Head of Service for prioritizing digital transformation in public libraries and urged schools to strengthen literary engagement through active book clubs and library development programmes.
The event also received support from former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Works, Engr. Fuludu, who underscored the importance of knowledge management, documentation and structured information systems in improving public service delivery.
Umukoro further announced plans to recognize excellence in literacy development by rewarding outstanding state libraries and high-performing school book clubs through a future state-level award initiative.
The festival forms part of LightRay! Media’s broader DISTORTION advocacy campaign, a social impact initiative that has previously driven community reforms, including advocacy efforts linked to the abolition of the Osu caste system in Oguta, Imo State.
Stakeholders at the event described Project ECHO Chamber as a bold step toward nurturing a stronger reading culture and empowering young people to become active contributors to social development and public discourse.
