The Delta Government, led by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, is set to embark on a comprehensive rebranding and modernization of its state-owned media institutions in the 2026 fiscal year, officials have confirmed.
The initiative, which forms a key component of the state’s next-year budget, aimed to strengthen government communication, enhance public engagement, and reposition the media outlets for modern broadcasting and publishing standards.
The announcement was made on Monday by Mr. Charles Aniagwu, the state Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, during a ministerial budget defence session before the State Ministry of Economic Planning in Asaba.
Aniagwu highlighted that the rebranding plan would focus on three major state-owned media organizations: The Pointer Newspapers, Delta Broadcasting Service (DBS) Asaba, and DBS Warri.
He explained that the move was designed not merely to refurbish existing facilities, but to undertake a total overhaul that will give these outlets a new look and position them as credible platforms for government communication under the administration’s MORE Agenda.
“Our aim is a full-scale transformation, not just repairs or superficial updates.
“Governor Oborevwori believes this is the right time to modernize these institutions, improve content quality, and ensure they effectively communicate government policies to all Delta residents, ” he said.
The proposed 2026 budget for the Ministry of Information is projected at over N5 billion, with N2.073 billion earmarked for recurrent expenditure and N billion allocated to capital projects.
Aniagwu noted that the increase from the 2025 budget reflects the ministry’s commitment to modernization and improved operational capacity.
He explained that limited capital spending in 2025 was due to the government’s decision to pause incremental refurbishments in favor of a complete restructuring of the media agencies.
The commissioner also cited challenges such as inadequate vehicles and poor infrastructure, noting that even the ministry’s Permanent Secretary currently lacks an official vehicle.
Aniagwu emphasised the strategic importance of the rebranding initiative in a pre-election year, stating that accurate public communication would be crucial to counter misinformation and ensure that citizens are well-informed about government programmes and projects.
“With heightened political activity expected as 2027 approaches, the ministry must be fully equipped to engage the public effectively.
“The goal is to maintain transparency and ensure the government’s image remains positive among the people, ” he added.
During the session, Aniagwu also highlighted the ministry’s accomplishments in social media engagement, information dissemination, and fostering productive relationships with journalists across the state.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to staff welfare and capacity building, which he described as essential for improving service delivery and institutional efficiency.
The Ministry of Economic Planning, led by Commissioner Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, commended the Ministry of Information for its proactive communication strategies.
Ekedayen assured that the proposed budget would be carefully reviewed and encouraged the ministry to explore public-private partnerships to enhance sustainability.
Additionally, the Directorate of Government House and Protocols, represented by Permanent Secretary Mr. Victor Udi, appeared before the committee to defend its budget request for the coming year.
In a post-session interview, Aniagwu reaffirmed the State Government’s dedication to timely project execution and prompt salary payments, highlighting that Delta remains one of the few Nigerian states that ensures civil servants are paid as early as the 24th of each month.
He stressed that the 2026 budget plan is designed to sustain the administration’s record of inclusive governance, ensuring that both upland and riverine communities experience tangible benefits from government projects and programmes.
“The rebranding of our media houses, along with continued investment in infrastructure and human capital, will ensure that Delta State remains a model for effective governance and public engagement,” Aniagwu said.
