The Delta State Government has unveiled plans to transform about 27 state-owned libraries into community hubs aimed at reviving reading culture and promoting literary engagement among residents across all age groups.

The initiative was disclosed by the Head of Service of Delta State Government, Dr Mininim Oseji, during the inaugural LightRay/DISTORTION Orientation Festival held in Asaba to officially launch Project ECHO Chamber, describing it as the first student-focused literary festival in the state’s history.

The event brought together students, educators, writers, poets, librarians, and government officials from the state’s 25 local council areas in a collective push to encourage literacy, creativity and critical thinking among young people.

Speaking at the gathering, Dr Oseji said the state government was committed to restoring the culture of reading and intellectual engagement among residents, stressing that modern libraries should serve as active learning hubs where students and residents can access educational resources, conduct research and develop critical thinking skills 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.

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launch of Phase One of Project ECHO Chamber with the theme “Distortion” was intended to challenge students to question outdated narratives and amplify emerging voices across the state.