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Delta Assembly Backs Call for Special Seats for Women

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Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State House of Assembly has expressed support for the campaign to create special seats for women in the National and State Assemblies.The position was made known when the Delta State Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Nigeria (NILOWV) visited the Assembly in Asaba to advocate greater female participation in politics and governance.


The delegation, led by the organisation’s State Vice Chairperson, Princess Christina Uyoyou Ekokoruwe, on behalf of the State Chairperson, Hon. Chief Mrs. Faith Majemite, also sought stronger collaboration with the legislature on gender-responsive laws, legislative capacity building and democratic governance.
Ekokoruwe described NILOWV as a non-partisan, non-religious, non-tribal and non-profit grassroots civic organisation focused on advancing the political and economic empowerment of Nigerian women.


She said the organisation engages in civic education, political inclusion, economic empowerment and advocacy against violence targeting women in politics, while also supporting vulnerable women and girls.
According to her, Nigerian women have continued to make significant contributions to business, professional practice, community development and political mobilisation, yet their representation in legislative institutions and other positions of authority remains limited.

The group therefore urged the Assembly to support the proposed Special Seats Bill for Women, which seeks to establish additional seats for women at both the federal and state levels.
“This Bill is not about competition; it is about complementarity, balance and harnessing the full potential of Delta State for development,” the League said.


The organisation argued that increased female representation in legislative institutions would provide more opportunities for women to participate directly in lawmaking, policy formulation and governance.
Responding on behalf of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, the Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Arthur Akpowowo, assured the delegation of the Assembly’s support.


Akpowowo said the Speaker, who was away on a state assignment, had previously participated in advocacy efforts at the national level concerning the proposed special seats for women.
“I have the privilege to represent Mr. Speaker,” he said, adding that the Speaker had directed him and other lawmakers to assure the League that “we are with you all the way.”


He said the Assembly supported increased political representation for women, stressing that women deserved equal opportunities to participate in governance.
“The answer you want to hear is that we will support the special seats for women,” Akpowowo stated.


He also emphasised that the proposed arrangement should not be viewed as a contest between men and women but as an opportunity to strengthen representation and broaden participation in governance.
Also speaking, the member representing Oshimili South Constituency, Hon. Barr. Bridget Anyafulu, commended the League’s presentation and expressed support for its position.


Anyafulu said she would adopt the League’s presentation while highlighting key provisions of the proposal for reserved seats for women.
She explained that the proposal provides for additional representation of women across the six geopolitical zones, as well as additional seats at the state and federal levels.


According to her, the initiative is designed to increase the number of women participating directly in legislative processes and decision-making.


The lawmaker further pointed to the contributions of female legislators in the Delta State House of Assembly as evidence of the role women can play in shaping legislation and governance.

Delta State Governor Celebrates Oluremi Tinubu at 66, Hails Support for Vulnerable Nigerians

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Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has congratulated Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on the occasion of her 66th birth anniversary, describing her as a compassionate woman whose commitment to the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians remains commendable.

Governor Oborevwori in a congratulatory message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, in Asaba, joined Nigerians and well-wishers across the country in celebrating the First Lady on the milestone.

The governor commended Senator Tinubu for her support for her husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and her contributions to initiatives aimed at improving the lives of the downtrodden and less privileged in society.

He described her as an “Amazon” whose public engagements and humanitarian interventions had continued to complement the efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the needs of vulnerable citizens.

Oborevwori said the First Lady had demonstrated that public service was not only about occupying positions of authority but also about showing compassion and using influence to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

According to him, Senator Tinubu’s commitment to women, children, families and other vulnerable groups had earned her the goodwill and appreciation of Nigerians across different walks of life.

The governor said her experience as a former teacher, lawmaker and First Lady had positioned her to appreciate the challenges confronting families and communities, particularly those at the margins of society.

He acknowledged her advocacy for social welfare, empowerment and human capital development, noting that such interventions were important to building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Oborevwori said the First Lady had continued to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President through programmes and initiatives designed to provide opportunities and relief for Nigerians in need.

He added that her efforts in promoting the welfare of women and children were worthy of recognition, particularly at a time when governments at all levels were seeking practical ways to improve the living conditions of citizens.

The Delta governor commended Senator Tinubu for her resilience, dedication and service to the nation, saying her contributions had extended beyond the ceremonial responsibilities associated with the office of the First Lady.

He prayed God to grant her continued good health, wisdom and strength to enable her sustain her humanitarian engagements and other contributions to national development.

Oborevwori also wished the First Lady many more years of fulfilment and service, assuring her of the goodwill and prayers of the government and people of Delta State.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta State, we celebrate an Amazon who has continued to support her beloved husband, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in making life meaningful for the downtrodden and less privileged in our society,” the governor said.

Never Allow Your Workplace Determine Your Future- Oweh

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Hill Nigeria
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…As Encomium pours at Gloria Onajite’s Retirement
The former editor of Delta Printing and Publishing Corporation, ‘The Pointer’, Mr Julius Oweh, has advised the newly retired Head of Library to stay focus and not allow her immediate workplace define her life style
Oweh gave the advice on Friday, September 18, 2026 during a special send forth party organised for the host by committee of friends in The Pointer at the Company’s office in Asaba.
He said giving room for her immediate workplace to choose her path will be a great mistake, hence the need for her to see, it as a stepping stone to greater height.
According to Oweh, her integrity quality will take her to places beyond her expectations.
On his part, the weekend Editor, Mr Andy Akeni described the celebrant as a reliable colleague who has impacted him.
According to him, Gloria was a straightforward person who would always stand for the truth instead of backbiting
He urged her to maintain her qualities and trust God for greater opportunities.
Akeni celebrated her for the work relationship she kept, which were the reason behind the honour done her by her colleagues and friends.
Speaking the Head of Circulation, Mr Pius Ogwude described the celebrant as one who has fought a good course during her service year.
Ogwude said that although she would be missed by all, he was optimistic about her success story.
Others who spoke commended her hospitable character and a woman with a heart of gold.
While thanking God for her life, they prayed for sound health and greater height for the celebrant.
Speaking on her experience during her service years in The Deputy General Manager of the Library in The Pointer, said although the journey wasn’t an amazing one, however she returns glory to God.
She advised the younger staff of the company to hold on to integrity and the truth, adding that it has never failed her and those qualities were the reason why she has gotten to where she is in life.
Highlight of the event were presentation of gifts and solidarity songs in honour of the celebrant.

Delta: NDLEA Officer Drowns While Chasing Suspect Into Ethiope River

By
Hill Nigeria
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A suspected drug enforcement operation turned tragic on Saturday at Obiaruku in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State after officers reportedly jumped into the River Ethiope while pursuing fleeing suspects.
According to community sources, a suspected drug offender who had been apprehended across the river reportedly jumped into the water while being taken towards the River Ethiope Bridge in an attempt to escape.
The officers reportedly followed the suspect into the water in a bid to arrest him.
During the incident, one of the officers was reportedly rescued and taken to a hospital for medical attention, while another officer drowned.
The suspected offenders were also said to have escaped through the river.
The body of the deceased officer was subsequently recovered from the river,
Community sources further claimed that traditional rites associated with drowning incidents were performed before the remains were released to the relevant authorities.
The sources said the rites included the provision of a goat and other items.
The identities of the officers and the suspects involved could not immediately be independently confirmed.
As of the time of filing this report, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) had not officially commented on the incident. Efforts to reach the Police Public Relations Officer were also unsuccessful.
The development comes amid intensified anti-drug operations by the NDLEA in Delta State. The agency recently said its Delta Command had seized more than 2.4 tonnes of illicit drugs between July 2025 and September 2026 and secured 248 convictions during the period.

Sowore Vows to Scrap First Lady’s Office If Elected President

By
Hill Nigeria
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African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has said his administration would not maintain an official office for the First Lady if he is elected president in 2027.

Sowore made the declaration during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, saying the Nigerian Constitution does not establish such an office.
He said the decision would not affect his marriage but would mean that his wife would not occupy an official government position by virtue of being the president’s wife.
“There is no office of First Lady in the Nigerian Constitution. Becoming the president will not abolish my marriage, but I will not have the office of First Lady,” he said.
He further argued that women would continue to have a voice in his administration, stressing that his position was not intended to exclude women from government or public affairs.
According to Sowore, public resources should not be spent maintaining an office that he considers constitutionally unrecognised. He said such funds could instead be directed towards development projects and other public priorities.
I am just telling you as a matter of policy that there won’t be an office of the first lady under the Sowore presidency,” he said.
The State House currently identifies Oluremi Tinubu as the First Lady of Nigeria.
Sowore’s position, if implemented, would therefore represent a change from the current presidential practice of having an official First Lady and related activities under the presidency.
The AAC candidate is among the presidential candidates listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission for the January 16, 2027 presidential election.

Forgotten Community, Broken Promises: Ebu Residents Send SOS to Government

By
Hill Nigeria
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By Ike Philip Abiagom

Residents of Ebu Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State have expressed deep frustration over what they describe as decades of government neglect, broken promises and lack of basic infrastructure, warning that their continued patience is rapidly running out.

For many years, the people of the agrarian community have remained loyal supporters of successive governments, participating actively in elections and placing their hopes in promises of development.
However, residents say the dividends of democracy have remained largely absent from their community.

Today, Ebu presents a picture of abandonment, with dilapidated roads, crumbling school buildings, inadequate healthcare facilities and growing security concerns dominating discussions among residents.

The situation recently worsened following heavy rainfall, which completely cut off the community’s major access road, leaving residents stranded and further exposing the extent of infrastructural decay in the area.

Community members said the development has disrupted economic activities, hindered movement and made life increasingly difficult for farmers, traders, students and other residents who depend on the road for their daily livelihoods.

At the centre of the community’s grievances is the Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road, a strategic route which residents describe as being in a deplorable condition. According to them, years of neglect have transformed the road into a major obstacle to development and economic growth.

Speaking on the plight of the community, residents lamented that the poor state of the road has negatively affected access to education, healthcare services and markets, while also exposing the area to security threats.
They alleged that criminal elements, including suspected herdsmen, often exploit the difficult terrain and limited accessibility of the area to carry out unlawful activities, thereby increasing fear among residents.

Beyond the road infrastructure, community leaders and residents say Ebu continues to suffer from inadequate social amenities. They pointed to the deteriorating condition of schools, lack of modern healthcare facilities, no electricity supply and absence of other critical infrastructure needed for meaningful development.

Many residents expressed disappointment that despite repeated appeals and promises made over the years, nothing has changed in the community.

According to them, the recent outcry is not merely about bad roads but a collective demand for justice, inclusion and government attention after decades of perceived marginalisation.
They urged the Federal and Delta State Government and relevant authorities to immediately intervene by reconstructing Ebu- Illah- Ogbolu road and Ebu–Ezi–Ukala Road and addressing other pressing developmental challenges confronting the community.

The residents warned that continued neglect could further worsen economic hardship and social challenges in the area.

Ebu is bleeding and urgently needs government attention, a community stakeholder said. “We have waited for decades. What we need now are visible actions and not more promises.”

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, residents insist that development, rather than political rhetoric, will determine how they engage with political leaders seeking their support.

Dada Okolo Felicitates Asagba of Asaba on Iwaji Festival 2026

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oshimili South Local Government Area, Ogbueshi Dada Okolo (Igwe Omenife), has felicitated with the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Asagba (Prof.) Epiphany Chigbogu Azinge, SAN, OON, FCIArb, LL.D (HC), FILA, KSJI, KSG, on the occasion of the 2026 Iwaji Festival.
Okolo, who conveyed the goodwill on behalf of the leaders and members of the APC, Anya Asagba na Ajaji Layout, described the annual Iwaji celebration as a significant cultural and spiritual occasion that reflects the rich heritage, unity and gratitude of the people of Asaba.
In a goodwill message issued by the Oshimili South APC Media, Okolo said Iwaji was more than a festival, describing it as “the thanksgiving of a people, the prayer of a King for his kingdom, and a sacred reminder that no matter how far we travel, our roots remain our pride.”
He noted that the festival provides an opportunity for the Asagba to perform the traditional rites associated with the new yam, taste the new harvest and symbolically extend blessings to farmers, traders, women, youths and residents of Asaba.
The APC chairman also commended the Asagba for what he described as his distinguished leadership since ascending the traditional throne, noting that the monarch had continued to combine intellectual excellence with tradition and a strong commitment to the wellbeing and unity of his people.
According to him, “Since you ascended the throne of your ancestors, you have brought royalty with intellect, tradition with grace, and leadership with a deep love for your people. You have not merely worn the crown; you have elevated it.”
Okolo further described the Asagba as a unifying traditional ruler and a source of inspiration to the people, praying for divine guidance, wisdom, good health, long life and peace for the monarch as he performs the sacred Iwaji rites at the Palace on Thursday, September 17, 2026.
He also prayed that the new yam season would usher in abundant harvests, prosperity, peace and unity for families across Asaba and Anioma land.
“May your reign continue to be fruitful, just like the yam you bless,” Okolo said.
He concluded the message with prayers for the continued prosperity of Asaba Kingdom and the enduring reign of the Asagba.

I Never Promised Tinubu I Would Join APC- Wike

By
Hill Nigeria
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Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has clarified that his decision to support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2027 re-election does not amount to a commitment to join the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike made the clarification during a recent interview with ARISE News, while reacting to the rejection of his proposed “Rainbow Coalition” by the APC Governors’ Forum.

The former Rivers State governor said he had informed President Tinubu from the outset that he would support his bid for a second term, but never promised to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the APC.

“I said I will support the President from day one. I never told Mr. President I will join APC. Go and ask him,” Wike said.

He also dismissed the suggestion that Imo State Governor and Chairman of the APC Governors’ Forum, Hope Uzodinma, could influence his decision on whether to join the ruling party.

“If I want to join APC, it’s not people like Hope who will tell me to join APC,” Wike said.

He added: “In fact, he is lucky I’m not in APC because I wouldn’t take that kind of rubbish he is doing in APC.”

Wike’s comments followed the APC Governors’ Forum’s decision not to support political arrangements that could undermine the party, its candidates or Tinubu’s re-election campaign.

Uzodinma, who chairs the forum, had said APC governors would remain committed to candidates sponsored by the party at all levels.

However, Wike maintained that his political initiative was focused on mobilising support for Tinubu and was not an attempt to merge with or join the APC.

“I am not entering into any unity with your party. I have never made a comment about the party. I only made a comment that I will support Mr President from day one,” he said.

He further argued that supporting a presidential candidate should not necessarily prevent members of other political parties from backing their own candidates in governorship and legislative elections.

Wike also questioned the concerns raised by APC governors over his political activities, arguing that voters could support different parties for different positions during the same election.

The FCT Minister has continued to maintain his membership of the PDP while openly supporting Tinubu’s re-election bid, a position that has generated political exchanges between him and some APC governors ahead of the 2027 elections.

Olu Jacobs Passes Away at 84

By
Hill Nigeria
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Veteran Nigerian actor and film executive, Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs, popularly known as Olu Jacobs, has died at the age of 84.
The celebrated actor’s death was announced on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, by his family through his son, Olusoji Jacobs, on social media.
His wife, veteran actress Joke Silva, was also part of the family announcement.
In the statement, the family described the late actor as “The Lion of Lufodo”, while announcing that he died on September 16, 2026.
The statement read in part: “It is with gratitude to God for a life well lived and fought, that we announce the passing of our dear husband, father, grandfather and uncle.”
The family identified him as Oludotun Baiyewu Jacobs (MFR) and gave his lifespan as July 11, 1942 – September 16, 2026.
The family also appealed to bloggers and social media influencers to respect its privacy as it mourns the veteran actor.
Jacobs was one of Nigeria’s most recognisable theatre, television and film actors.
Born on July 11, 1942, Olu Jacobs built a distinguished career spanning Nigerian theatre, television and film. He trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and appeared in several British television productions and international films before becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Nigerian cinema.
Jacobs was particularly prominent in the development of Nigeria’s film industry, appearing in numerous Nollywood productions and earning widespread recognition for his commanding performances. He also received major honours during his career, including the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) national honour in 2011.
He was married to fellow veteran actress Joke Silva, with whom he co-founded the Lufodo Group and the Lufodo Academy of Performing Arts. The couple became one of the most recognised partnerships in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
Jacobs’ death comes just two months after his 84th birthday. In July, Silva had publicly celebrated his birthday, describing him as “the Lion of Lufodo” and expressing gratitude for his life.
He is survived by his wife, Joke Silva, children and grandchildren.

Operation VELVET: Delta Police Intensify Crackdown on Unregistered, Plate-less Vehicles

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State Police Command on Tuesday took 10 vehicles before a mobile court in Asaba for alleged traffic violations as it commenced a statewide crackdown on improperly registered and unidentified vehicles.

The vehicles were cited during the launch of Operation VELVET, an enforcement exercise aimed at improving road safety and strengthening security across the state.
The operation, which began simultaneously across the command’s nine Area Commands and police divisions, was launched in compliance with a directive from the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu.
The police said the exercise would target vehicles without valid registration documents or number plates, as well as those with defaced, altered, obscured or deliberately covered plates.
Flagging off the operation in Asaba, the Commissioner of Police, Delta State Command, CP Samuel Etaifo Erale, urged motorists to ensure that their vehicles were properly documented and approved number plates clearly displayed.
The Commissioner directed officers deployed for the exercise to carry out their duties firmly but professionally, warning that extortion, harassment and other forms of misconduct would not be tolerated.
The police command said the enforcement is also intended to improve vehicle identification and prevent criminal elements from exploiting improperly identified vehicles.
The operation comes amid renewed concerns over road safety in Delta State. The command had earlier identified reckless driving, driving against traffic, excessive speeding, dangerous overtaking and other traffic offences as issues requiring stronger enforcement.
The Delta Police Command appealed to motorists and other road users to cooperate with officers carrying out the exercise and comply with existing traffic regulations.
Meanwhile, proceedings involving the 10 vehicles taken before the mobile court in Asaba were ongoing as of Tuesday.
The command said Operation VELVET would continue across Delta as part of efforts to improve compliance with vehicle registration requirements and strengthen security on the roads.

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