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DOPF Greets Aniagwu on Birthday, Commends His Media Relationship

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Hill Nigeria
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The Delta Online Publishers Forum (DOPF) has felicitated the Delta State Commissioner for Works (Rural) and Public Information, Hon. Charles Aniagwu, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as an articulate, knowledgeable, accessible and media-friendly public servant.

The felicitation was contained in a birthday congratulatory letter addressed to the Commissioner and signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the Forum, Emmanuel Enebeli, and Shedrack Onitsha, respectively.

In the letter, DOPF said Aniagwu had distinguished himself in public service through his commitment to the development of Delta State and his understanding of the strategic role of communication in governance. The Forum commended his ability to effectively communicate government policies and programmes, provide clarification on issues of public interest and engage stakeholders in ways that promote better understanding of the activities of government.

The Forum also praised Aniagwu for maintaining a cordial and mutually respectful relationship with the media, particularly online publishers in the state. It noted that his accessibility and willingness to engage journalists had helped promote constructive dialogue between government and the media, while also acknowledging his recognition of online journalism as an increasingly important platform for public enlightenment and development.

DOPF specifically expressed appreciation for the Commissioner’s relationship with the Forum, noting that his engagement with its members had contributed to an atmosphere of dialogue, mutual respect and constructive partnership between the online media community and the Delta State Government.

The Forum wished Aniagwu good health, greater wisdom, renewed strength and many more years of fruitful service to Delta State and humanity. It also prayed that God would continue to bless him and his family and grant him greater opportunities to contribute to the progress and development of the state.

Next2None, NAPTIP Sign MoU to Harness Fashion in Global Fight Against Human Trafficking

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Hill Nigeria
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In a historic move to reshape the global fight against human trafficking, Next2None Support Initiative, a non governmental organization and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) officially joined forces to unveil Africa’s first-ever international fashion for social impact mega-campaign.

Tagged “Threads of Resilience: Fashion for Freedom,” the groundbreaking initiative strategically unites the worlds of global fashion, international cinema, and elite sports into a singular, powerhouse movement designed to prevent exploitation, empower youth, and restore survivor dignity.

The partnership follows the formal signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between both organizations on August 27, 2026 by the DG of NAPTIP,  Binta Lami Adamu Bello,  Director of the Legal and Prosecution Department for NAPTIP, Mrs Ijeoma Amugo and Director-General of Next2None Support Initiative, Mr. Sam Obu Esq., (popularly known as Chucky), and Mr. Frank Nwala.

The collaborative masterplan was announced in a statement signed by the Director-General of Next2None Support Initiative, Mr. Sam Obu Esq., and Mr. Frank Nwala, on Sunday.

Spanning an ambitious eight-year operational timeline from 2026 to 2034, the initiative targets an initial annual reach of 6,000 young people across Nigeria, carefully scaling up to train approximately 1,000 participants across each of the nation’s six geopolitical zones.

The program will run year-round, culminating in a spectacular annual flagship Global Fashion for Freedom event hosted in the capital city of Abuja, with its highly anticipated global launch slated for Q2 2027.

Speaking on the critical need for this initiative, Obu noted that the architecture of human trafficking has drastically evolved, adding that today, predators exploit digital platforms, leveraging social media, deceptive employment advertisements, fraudulent migration schemes, and online relationships to trap the vulnerable.

“Human trafficking is no longer just a law enforcement challenge; it is a crisis of poverty, unemployment, and lack of opportunity.

“’Threads of Resilience’ addresses this by moving beyond mere rescue. We are creating a sustainable, Nigerian-led international movement that uses creativity, sports, and education to establish pathways to absolute freedom and economic dignity”, the statement noted.

The statement said that the comprehensive program is structurally built on three transformative pillars namely the Prevention (Stopping the Cycle) which is expected to utilizing the cultural touchpoints that young people engage with daily—including fashion campaigns, school programs, digital advocacy, and community outreach—to expose trafficking risks and promote online safety.

The statement said empowerment (Reducing Vulnerability) is another pillar of action to be adopted, providing physical and digital training across critical vocational fields (such as fashion design, textile production, leather making, and garment care) blended with modern digital and enterprise skills (including e-commerce, financial literacy, and branding) to slide youth directly into sustainable livelihoods.

It will also rebuild (Restoring Dignity) which is offering complete, confidential, and respectful reintegration ecosystems for trafficking survivors, internally displaced persons (IDPs), and returnees which will includes vocational rehabilitation, mentorship, and vital mental health and psychosocial support.

According to the statement, to build true international coloration, Threads of Resilience is actively opening frontiers to engage global icons and institutional frameworks.

The initiative will position fashion as a vehicle for human rights where emerging designers and survivors will showcase collections carrying messages of healing and freedom, with Next2None and NAPTIP seeking active engagements and collaborations with major global luxury fashion houses, including Gucci, Balenciaga, Versace, and Hugo Boss.

In partnership with Nollywood and international filmmakers, the project will roll out impactful anti-trafficking movies, documentaries, and awareness skits, alongside providing hands-on film production training for young people.

Recognizing the raw power of grassroots sports, the campaign is building on existing talent hunt frameworks to engage global sporting bodies, the statement reads, adding “Strategic partnerships are being pursued with FIFA for football initiatives, the International Handball Federation (IHF) for handball tournaments, and the National Basketball Association (NBA) to deploy elite athlete ambassadors and sports clinics to reach vulnerable youth”.

Backed by NAPTIP’s governmental leadership and technical expertise, including facilitating collaboration with relevant Nigerian government institutions, United Nations agencies, the project driven by Next2None’s award-winning implementation track record, has established a rigorous Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning framework to track metrics such as employment rates, survivor rehabilitation success, and funds mobilized.

As the implementation roadmap swings into high gear with diplomatic outreach and stakeholder mobilization, the Media Office of Next2None Support Initiative extends a global call to action.

“We invite corporate organizations, international development grants, foundations, philanthropists, brand ambassadors, volunteers and foreign missions to join hands with us. Together, we can use creativity to educate, skills to empower, and partnerships to rebuild lives”, the statement reads.

Oborevwori, Okowa, Guwor, Arenyeka, Others Bid Otumara Farewell

By
Hill Nigeria
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Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, his predecessor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, and other dignitaries on Saturday paid their final respects to the late Dr. Joseph Sisanmi Otumara, as he was laid to rest in Warri.

Otumara, a renowned medical doctor, politician and administrator, died after a life of public service that saw him occupy several key positions in Delta State.

The funeral service, held at Yonwuren College, Ugbuwangue, Warri, was conducted by the Itsekiri Pastors Association, led by Bishop Mike Oyemiren.

Others who attended were; former First Lady of Delta State, Mrs. Roli Uduaghan; State Chairman of the APC, Chief Solomon Arenyeka; former Senator James Manager and other political leaders, friends, associates and members of the Otumara family.

The Warri Choral Society rendered songs and praises during the service, while Bible readings were taken from Ecclesiastes 8:1-9 and 2 Peter 3:3-14.

Otumara, who was born on December 16, 1960, until his death served as Chairman of the Itsekiri Politicians Forum and held the traditional title of Obarisuwa of Warri Kingdom.

He was a three-time Chairman of Warri South Local Government Council and a former Commissioner for Health in Delta State. He also served as Chairman of the Warri/Uvwie and Special Area Development Agency from 2019 until his death.

The officiating minister, Bishop Mike Oyemiren, urged Nigerians to live purposeful lives and leave behind legacies worthy of remembrance.

Preaching on “The Marketplace and Its Legacy,” Oyemiren likened life to a marketplace where everyone must eventually return home.

“Nobody visits the market and does not return home,” he said, describing the late Otumara as a man who completed his earthly race and left a legacy of service, leadership and positive impact.

He urged the congregation to fear God and live with eternity in view, asking: “When we die today, what will men say about us?”

Another officiating minister, Bishop Mike Laju, urged the people to use their time wisely, stressing that everyone has a limited tenure on earth.

Paying tribute to the deceased, Delta State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Arenyeka, described Otumara as a man who left “indelible footprints on the sands of time.”

Arenyeka described him as kind, meek, humble, pathfinder and God-fearing, adding that his contributions to society and the lives he touched would continue to be remembered.

He prayed God to console the Otumara family and grant the deceased eternal rest.

Oborevwori Moves to Boost Deltans’ Purchasing Power Amid Economic Hardship

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State Government has announced fresh measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship and boost the purchasing power of residents through infrastructure development, workers’ welfare, empowerment programmes and strategic investments.

The State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu, disclosed this on Thursday while addressing a press conference in Asaba.

He said Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had directed the administration to intensify programmes capable of stimulating economic activity at the grassroots and ensuring that the benefits of ongoing economic reforms were felt directly by households.

Aniagwu, who was accompanied by the Executive Assistant to the Governor on New Media, Mr Felix Ofou, said the state’s improved financial position had enabled the government to undertake major capital projects while deliberately deploying resources to stimulate local economic activity rather than fuel inflation.

“The governor has directed that we intensify efforts at rolling out programmes that will indeed improve the purchasing power of our people,” Aniagwu said.

He explained that the planned massive renovation of schools across the state was part of the strategy, noting that the projects would create opportunities for contractors, artisans, suppliers and traders in local communities.

He said materials such as cement and roofing sheets would largely be sourced locally, ensuring that government expenditure circulated within the communities where the projects were being executed and created a multiplier effect through increased earnings and household spending.

The commissioner also disclosed that the state government was working to institutionalise the proposed payment of a 13th-month salary through legislation.

He said the initiative was not intended as indiscriminate distribution of funds but as a deliberate intervention to increase the disposable income of civil servants and stimulate economic activity.

“Once this fund gets to the hands of the civil servants, that civil servant is also enabled to spend money in certain directions. That way, government would have been able to take the benefit of the reforms from the macro level to the micro level,” he said.

Aniagwu further revealed that the governor had directed government agencies responsible for empowerment to commence the process of identifying beneficiaries for various programmes.

The agencies include the Office of the Chief Job Creation Officer, the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, the Ministry of Youth Development and the Ministry of Science and Technology.

According to him, the programmes would provide business support, new skills and other forms of empowerment to enable beneficiaries to become economically productive.

He linked the administration’s continuing investment in road construction to its economic stimulation strategy, saying roads connecting communities and opening up economic corridors would reduce transportation difficulties, facilitate the movement of goods and services and create a more conducive environment for businesses.

Aniagwu said the government was also pursuing investment opportunities arising from the state’s economic and investment summit, including efforts to attract investment in the production of poultry feed and other agricultural inputs.

He said this would reduce the amount of capital leaving the state to procure such materials from other parts of the country while creating employment and business opportunities for farmers and investors.

The commissioner said the government’s improved revenue position and liquidity would not be used for indiscriminate spending but channelled into projects and programmes capable of stimulating sustainable economic growth.

He said the administration’s investments cut across education, healthcare, roads, housing and empowerment, with the ultimate objective of making residents more financially resilient.

He also cited the construction of additional residential quarters for medical personnel, particularly doctors, as part of efforts to improve public services and address brain drain in the health sector, saying decent accommodation would help retain critical personnel and improve healthcare delivery.

Aniagwu acknowledged the economic difficulties associated with the removal of fuel subsidy and other reforms at the federal level but said the Delta Government was determined to mitigate their impact on residents.

He noted that while some of the reforms might have been necessary, their implementation could produce unintended consequences and “grey areas” requiring intervention.

“We are convinced that efforts are also being made to address those grey areas, just as we are doing in Delta, so that the benefit of this removal can move beyond the macro level and come to the micro level,” he said.

He urged Deltans not to allow their present economic difficulties to determine their expectations of the future, stressing that the government’s programmes were designed to create a path towards greater economic stability.

As the 2027 elections approach, Aniagwu said the Oborevwori administration would remain focused on governance and projects capable of producing tangible benefits for the people rather than politically motivated cash distribution.

He called on residents to support the programmes, saying the objective was to ensure that as Delta State grows economically, its people would also experience corresponding improvements in their purchasing power and standard of living.

First Niger Bridge to Shut for Two Weeks for Emergency Repairs

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Federal Government has announced the temporary closure of the First Niger Bridge linking Onitsha in Anambra State with Asaba in Delta State for emergency maintenance.

The closure will begin on Monday, September 7, 2026, and is expected to last until Monday, September 21, 2026.

The Federal Ministry of Works said the decision followed an inspection by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, who expressed concern over the deteriorated condition of the bridge and damage caused by vandalism, including the theft of bolts, iron rods and other components.

Motorists have been advised to plan their journeys ahead of time, allow for longer travel periods and follow traffic management directives during the repair period.

The First Niger Bridge is an important transportation link connecting communities and facilitating the movement of people and goods between the South-East and other parts of Nigeria.

The ministry will also install solar-powered streetlights and CCTV cameras to improve security and monitor vandalism.

During the closure, motorists have been directed to use the Second Niger Bridge through Obosi towards Asaba, Delta State, and other destinations.

Traffic diversion signs, safety barriers and personnel will be deployed to manage traffic and protect road users during the rehabilitation.

Residents, transport operators and businesses that depend on the bridge have been urged to cooperate with officials and make alternative travel arrangements where necessary.

Wike Predicts Trouble From Atiku, Obi If Tinubu Fails to Win 2027 Poll

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has said he would be among the first politicians targeted by opposition leaders if President Bola Tinubu loses the 2027 presidential election.

Wike said his open support for Tinubu, despite remaining a member of the Peoples Democratic Party, had put him in a politically vulnerable position, particularly because of his long-running disagreement with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi.

The minister spoke on Wednesday during a media chat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, while explaining why he would continue to campaign for Tinubu’s re-election.

Wike said his political activities against Atiku and other opposition figures meant he could not afford to remain passive and watch the President lose the election.

“My concern is, I will support Mr President. If you watch what is happening today and look at it, peradventure anything happens and Mr President fails today, I will be the first politician that Atiku or Obi will hunt for his head,” he said.

Wike and Atiku have remained political rivals since the 2022 PDP presidential primary, which Atiku won ahead of the former Rivers State governor.

Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the Labour Party platform and is expected to be a major contender in 2027, had also sought Wike’s support for his presidential ambition.

However, Wike eventually backed Tinubu in the 2023 election and has remained one of the President’s prominent political supporters.

Explaining his position ahead of 2027, the minister said he would not allow Atiku to defeat Tinubu without putting up a fight.

With preparations for the 2027 elections gathering momentum, political parties and major political actors are already engaged in negotiations, alliances and realignments ahead of the contest.

Wike’s latest remarks have further underscored the high political stakes surrounding the election and the uncertainty that could accompany a change in the political leadership of the country.

Bandits Demand ₦40m Levy From Sokoto Community, Threaten Mass Killing, Town-Wide Arson

By
Hill Nigeria
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On the 2nd of September 2026 , bandits in demands a 40 million levy from residents of Kebbe town in Kebbe LGA, in sokoto state threatening to kill residents and burn the town if the money is not paid.

Local sources said the bandits sent a phone through a farmer to the District Head of Kebbe and initially gave the community five days to meet the demand. After pleas, they reportedly extended the deadline to seven days which is on the 8th of September 2026

The phone was later handed over to the DPO in the area. The bandits allegedly warned the DPO that it must remain charged and reachable, saying they would attack the town if their calls were not answered.

The development has heightened anxiety among residents, who are now faced with the difficult task of responding to the alleged financial demand while fearing possible reprisals.

Community members are reportedly appealing for urgent intervention from the Sokoto State Government, security agencies and other relevant authorities to prevent any attack and protect lives and property.

Security agencies are expected to investigate the report and take necessary measures to safeguard residents of Kebbe and prevent a possible escalation of insecurity in the area.

Delta Businessman Dies by Suicide After ₦1.8m Loan-Funded Venture Collapses

By
Hill Nigeria
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A 40-year-old businessman identified as Ogbeni Goggo has reportedly died by suicide in Delta State after a business venture for which he obtained a ₦1.8 million loan allegedly failed.

Goggo reportedly sent messages to some friends and family members on Wednesday, August 26, indicating that he was tired of life and intended to end it.

When he failed to return home that night, his wife became worried and contacted relatives. Efforts to locate him continued into Thursday without success.

On Friday morning, his wife reported him missing at the Ebrumede Police Station in Uvwie Local Government Area.

Police officers reportedly showed her a photograph of a deceased man found around the Ebrumede Flyover/DSC Roundabout, which she identified as her husband.

According to reports, witnesses saw Goggo after he allegedly ingested a poisonous substance and raised an alarm in an attempt to save him.

However, he had reportedly collapsed and was convulsing before the police were alerted.

The development has also renewed concerns about the financial and emotional pressures faced by small business owners, particularly those who depend heavily on borrowed funds to finance their ventures.

Experts and community leaders have continued to urge people facing overwhelming financial difficulties to seek help from trusted family members, friends, financial advisers, religious leaders or mental-health professionals rather than resorting to self-harm.

Experts and community leaders have continued to urge people facing overwhelming financial difficulties to seek help from trusted family members, friends, financial advisers, religious leaders or mental-health professionals rather than resorting to self-harm.

NIS Repatriates 99 Foreign Nationals, Rescues 23 Human Trafficking Victims

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Nigeria Immigration Service rescued 23 victims of human trafficking and other forms of exploitation while repatriating 99 foreigners for irregular migration between July and August 2026.

The figures were contained in the latest operational report of the NIS prepared for the Office of the National Security Adviser.

According to the report, seven victims were rescued in July, while another 16 were rescued in August following interventions at different locations, including the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Seme Border, Baji Patrol Post and other locations.

Some of the rescued victims were handed over to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons for further care and investigation.

The report showed that 90 foreigners were repatriated in July, while nine others were repatriated in August.

The July figure comprised 38 nationals of Côte d’Ivoire, 33 Cameroonians, 15 Pakistanis, four Nigeriens, four Chadians, two Burkinabè, two Central Africans and one national of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The NIS said the cases were primarily linked to irregular migration.

NIS busts QNET-linked syndicate

The service also disclosed that it dismantled a fraudulent transnational organised crime syndicate linked to the QNET/Ignite group during the period.

According to the report, the operation resulted in the arrest of the syndicate leaders and 11 facilitators in Lagos and Ogun states.

The Service also stressed the importance of collaboration with other security agencies and relevant stakeholders in combating human trafficking, migrant smuggling and other cross-border crimes.

It urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspected cases of trafficking and irregular migration to the appropriate authorities.

The NIS reiterated its commitment to enforcing Nigeria’s immigration laws while ensuring that victims of trafficking are protected and treated with dignity.

The latest operation underscores the growing efforts of Nigerian authorities to strengthen border management and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

Prince Adeyemi Appreciates Oshimili North Chairman Over Appointment as SA on Non-Indigene Affairs

By
Hill Nigeria
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Prince Adeyemi Christopher Eniola-Oni has expressed profound appreciation to the Chairman of Oshimili North Local Government Area, Hon. Chief Olorogun Innocent Esewezei, following his appointment as Special Adviser on Non-Indigene Affairs.
Eniola-Oni described the appointment as not only a personal honour but also a significant recognition of the contributions and presence of the entire Non-Indigene Community in Oshimili North.
In a statement issued to appreciate the council chairman, he dedicated the appointment to the elders, community chairmen, non-indigene coordinators, traditional rulers, patrons and all non-indigenes residing across Oshimili North.
According to him, the Non-Indigene Community considers Oshimili North its home and remains committed to supporting the administration of the council chairman.
He further pledged the loyalty and cooperation of the community towards the administration’s M.O.R.E. Agenda, while expressing readiness to work towards achieving the APC 5/5 objective in 2027.
Eniola-Oni also thanked the council chairman for what he described as the “kind gesture,” as well as for providing an easy means of mobilisation and extending other forms of support to the Non-Indigene Community.
He pledged to discharge his responsibilities with diligence, unity and commitment, promising to use his new position to promote inclusiveness, cooperation and the interests of non-indigenous residents in Oshimili North.
Prince Adeyemi Christopher Eniola-Oni is the newly appointed Special Adviser to the Executive Chairman on Non-Indigene Affairs and Chairman of Non-Indigenes, Oshimili North LGA.

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