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Nationwide Protest: President Tinubu To Address Nigerians Tomorrow

By
Hill Nigeria
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President Bola Tinubu will tomorrow address the nation in a broadcast by 7am.

According to a Press Statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President, Media and Publicity, Chief Ajuri Ngelale, television, radio, and other electronic media outlets are enjoined to plug into the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) for the broadcast.

It stated that the broadcast will be repeated on the network services of the NTA and the FRCN by 3pm and 7pm same day.

National Protest: Bureau Chief Advises Tinubu To Stop fuel Importation, Partner Dangote Refinery

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Urges Mr President to address protesters, reverse anti people policies

President Bola Tinubu and the federal government of Nigeria, have been advised to immediately stop the importation of Premium Motor Spirit (fuel), and fully patronize Dangote Refinery until the nation’s four refineries are fixed and ready for production.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr (Barr) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, gave the advise while speaking as a guest of a national radio public affairs program on Friday, saying that the ongoing national protest is rapidly attracting negative image for Nigeria at the global stage.

He said Dangote Refinery in Lagos, has the capacity to refine and distribute fuel and other essential petroleum products to all the countries in Africa, adding that the ongoing nationwide protest will continue to dwindle and stifle operations at the nation’s stock market, as well as reduce the inflow of Direct Foreign Investment, FDI.

Dr Oghenesivbe, who is also a full member of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, NIIA, urged President Tinubu to be proactive in dealing with issues of grave concerns, especially the obvious acute hardship in Nigeria; so as to avoid the global negative publicity being generated for Nigeria via the international media as a result of the national protest.

He posited that it was and still a gross disservice to our country, and her people for the federal government not to fully utilize the glaring economic advantages which Dangote refinery offers on a platter of gold at this critical moment of Nigeria’s fragile economy.

He further stated that if the federal government partner Dangote Refinery by supplying it with sufficient crude oil on a regular basis and payments in local currency, pump price of petrol will be reduced drastically, and billions of dollars spent on fuel importation, payment of remote or direct fuel subsidy, and import duties shall be saved by government to strengthen the value of the Naira, reduce prices of food stuffs, essential commodities and cost of transportation.

The Bureau Chief appealed to President Bola Tinubu, to immediately reverse his administration’s anti people harsh economic policies, come out of his comfort zone to address protecting Nigerians who are dying slowly every passing day, as a result of the acute hunger, abject poverty, joblessness and hopelessness occasioned by the negative effects of the wrong approach to national economic remodelling.

“It is economically retrogressive for the federal government to continue to spend billions of dollars of our national resources and tax payers money through the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, to import fuel after the commissioning of Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa and Europe put together.

“Those behind fuel importation should have a rethink, and do the needful to save our country from total economic collapse. Our people deserves comfort, enjoyment of their nation’s resources and commonwealth.

“Nigerians deserve painless economic remodelling strategies, not importation of poverty and hunger via fuel importation.

“The international community is watching Nigeria, a nation blessed by God, but grossly mismanaged by some unpatriotic leaders. Vanity upon vanity equals to vanity.

“What then shall it profit some men to gain the whole world, while their people die of hunger and abject Poverty every day? It’s cheer greed and wickedness, period.

“Our national image is dwelling at the global stage, as a result of the national protest against bad governance staring us in the face 64 years after independence from our colonial masters. It’s shameful.

“Let’s stop this unprecedented greed, primitive accumulation of wealth and disservice to our country, and the time is now. Let’s purge ourselves and work to build a great nation where good governance, economic growth and prosperity thrives.

“And Very quickly, Mr President should as a matter of national and public interest, reverse his anti people harsh economic policies by abolishing importation of fuel, partner Dangote Refinery to strengthen the value of the Naira, solve the problem of insecurity, and save our country from the impending danger of food shortage, and total economic collapse.

“It’s time for President Tinubu to come out of his comfort zone to address the hungry, angry and frustrated protesting Nigerians who have been subjected to unbearable hardship.

“If truly the same protesting Nigerians are the ones that voted Tinubu to be their President in 2023, he must of a necessity treat them kindly and promptly by adopting their demands.

“And lastly, Mr President and members of the Federal Executive Council should immediately go back to the drawing board to plan and implement painless economic policies that would reduce cost of governance, grow the nation’s economy, and ensure prosperity for Nigerians,” Oghenesivbe added.

NATIONWIDE PROTEST: Shelve Your Plan – Hon Yabagi Implores Youths

By
Hill Nigeria
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Commissioner for Science and Technology Hon Umar Yabagi has enjoined Nigerlites and Nigerians in general to distant themselves from the scheduled EndBadgovernment protest

Speaking at the meeting with stakeholders of katcha local government in minna, Hon Yabagi acknowledged that Democracy guaranteed freedom of expression but urged Nigerian youth not to allow themselves engage in acts capable of resulting in chaos.

He pointed out that the protest though intended to express their feelings regarding the harsh economic situation, could be hijacked by unscrupulous elements, resulting in undesirable outcomes.

The former Assembly Member further reminded youths that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration which was barely one year, has initiated policies aimed at addressing the economy, and appealed to them to reconsider the plan in the interest of the generality of the people.

“If someone has come and within a period of one year has taken critical decisions that his predecessors could not take, I think it is in our interest to give peace a chance and allow these decisions to really bear the desired fruits”, Yabagi appealed.

He also appealed to the political stakeholders in katcha local government to preach unity and peace.

The Commissioner stressed that Governor Mohammed Umar Bago has continued to demonstrate the commitment of his administration in bringing about the new Niger and deserved the cooperation of all Nigerlites to enable him realize the Niger agenda.

He reiterated that government is bringing about massive infrastructural development in the state with accompanying peace and unity, hence required the cooperation of all to achieve set goals .

In his words, “Hoodlums can hijack a peaceful protest and turn it into a bloody one creating a lot of havoc and destruction of public assets.

“I want to appeal to youths not to participate in the protest because government at all levels are working hard to implement policies that would give lasting solutions to the problems.

Security Presence Halts Protest In Asaba

By
Hill Nigeria
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The proposed nationwide protest which was scheduled to commence today was disrupted with the massive security personnel deployed to Delta State.

Reports from The Hill Nigeria, has it that the Koka axis witnessed men of the Nigerian Police Force, the Operation Delta Hawk Security, Nigeria Civil Defence Security Corps and the Nigerian Army.


The officers were spotted carrying ammunition that were enough to scare any intending protester.

The ever crowded Koka bridge which once house homeless persons was a shadow of it’s self as few persons were seen loitering around ostensibly for not been arrested.

Market places in the state capital were all shut down as few commuters ply to road amidst fear of the unknown.


However some transport line which operated with leaves fronts on their vehicles as a demonstration of peace, had low patronage of travelers, some of whom were travelling on medical ground.

Protest Not Solution To Nigeria’s Challenges – Oborevwori

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has appealed to Nigerians, particularly those behind the planned protest, to shelve the idea, saying such protests would rather aggravate the nation’s challenges.

Oborevwori who said government was addressing issues raised, maintained that such protests would not solve the nation’s challenges considering the outcome of previous protests that were hijacked by hoodlums.

The Governor made the appeal while playing host to National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh and his delegation at Government House, Asaba.

According to the Governor, “few days ago, I read that your press statement on this protest. I was very happy and your coming here today is an opportunity for you to talk to other fathers of faith in this state, to continue to put this state and the country in prayers.

“We know it is a very hard time but our believe is that any time our people go to the streets to protest, the outcome is always different.

“We know all the demands and requests of the protesters. We are doing our best to make sure that our people are being taken care of. So protest is not the solution at this time.

“You have reason to protest but can you manage the protest? We have seen it in the past, we know what happened and how it ended. People were robbed and attacked.

“We have listened to your cry and we are doing our best. The solution is that we have to be more united and peaceful to see how we can move the state from the level it is today to a higher level. I believe we will achieve it.

“So your coming is a blessing because you need to talk to our people. At the evening service today or tomorrow you can preach to our people not to take laws into their hands. There are people  who are already planning to hijack the process.

“You have a big role to play in this few days you will stay here and I know that this state will continue to enjoy peace.”

Earlier in his speech, President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh applauded Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for his administration’s commitment to rapid infrastructural development of the state through rehabilitation of roads and construction of new ones.

Archbishop Okoh, said; “we commend your untiring efforts in maintaining peace and tranquillity in Delta State. It is an incontrovertible fact that peace is an indispensable factor in accelerating development and attracting investments and this you have done with passion”.

He informed the governor of an upcoming event of great physical and spiritual importance called ‘Africa Sings’, adding that it is an international choral music festival and singing competition billed to take place in Asaba, between October 8 and October 13, 2024.

On the planned protest against hunger in the country, he said; “when we say we are doing protest, most cases, we say we are doing it for the common man but we must also do it in such a way that the interest of the common man is also protected.

“Antecedents have shown that miscreants tend to hijack the process and so, we are a bit worried that it might go the way that many people will not be comfortable with and that miscreants might see it as an opportunity to loot shops of the common people and to break into the homes of the common people under the pretence of protest.

“Therefore, we are saying that we can actually explore other means of expressing our dissatisfaction with what is going on in our country.

“On the other hand, we appeal to government to come out very clearly with policies and actions that will reassure the common man that government is sincerely committed to improving the living conditions of the people and people who are in government should try as much as possible to reduce their opulence life style in the midst of poverty.”

Hard Times Require Innovative Thinking – Oborevwori

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, today, said the nation was experiencing times which requires innovative and creative thinking by governments at all levels to provide good governance for the people.

Governor Oborevwori stated this in his charge at the swearing-in of newly appointed Commissioners and Special Advisers at Government House, Asaba.

The new Commissioners are Barr. Val Arenyeka – Agriculture and Natural Resources; Hon. Peter Uviejitobor – Oil and Gas; Barr. Thankgod Trakiriowei – Youth Development; Hon. Ebikeme Clark – Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development; Hon. Sunday Tataobuzogwu – Energy and Mr Smart Ijeoma – Technical Education.

The Special Advisers are; Hon. George Oyefia – Agriculture and Natural Resources; Mr. Johnbull Edema – Bureau for Special Duties and Government House; Hon. Matthew Opuoru – Environment; Hon. Ramson Onoyake – Youths; Dr Toyin Agbolayah – Community Development and Chief Onajite Brown – Government Affairs.

While congratulating the newly sworn-in Commissioners and Special Advisers, Governor Oborevwori, charged the appointees to “be innovative and think outside the box. The times we live in call for creativity and innovation on the part of those of us who have been entrusted with leadership.

“Staying afloat in a turbulent economy demands mental rigour, strategic planning, and creative execution of policies and programmes.

“I urge you all to think outside the box. As leaders you must be resourceful, encourage and welcome new ideas, and be ready to churn out innovative policies and programmes targeted at meeting the real needs and aspirations of our people. You must therefore, guard against nonchalant attitudes and hit the ground running.”

The Governor also urged the appointees to acquaint themselves with and observe financial regulations, adding that the administration places high premium on fiscal discipline, probity, and accountability.

“Your conduct must align with these values. Many political appointees have gotten into trouble simply because they did not do this. It is not that they were corrupt or were intent on committing fraud but ignorance of the extant rules and regulations became their undoing.

“As we all know, ignorance is not an excuse in law. So, it is imperative that you educate yourself properly on financial rules and regulations to avoid running foul of the law.

“You must be intentional in your actions and utterances to foster understanding, build team effectiveness, and achieve lasting results.”

Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Val Arenyeka, thanked Governor Oborevwori for finding them worthy to serve, assuring that they would uphold the highest standards in contributing their quota to the administration’s MORE Agenda.

Media Partnership: Gov Oborevwori Hold Journalists In High Esteem – Bureau Chief

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Rate Bridge Parliament as topnotch flagship on radio

Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has again thanked the mass media over the robust synergy between the state government and working Journalists in the state, saying that governor Sheriff Oborevwori hold them in high esteem.

He assured that the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, will continue to partner with members of the fourth estate of the realm, describing the multifaceted and essential roles of the Press as an integral part of government and governance, considering their oversight function as watchdog of society.

The State Orientation Bureau Chief gave the assurance aduring a working visit to the General Manager of Bridge Radio, Mr Kenneth Okwuenu, on Friday in Asaba, the state capital.

Dr Oghenesivbe, who is also the Executive Assistant on Communications to Governor Oborevwori, noted that the state governor during his electioneering campaign had a media parley with members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists under the able leadership of Comrade Churchill Oyovwe, wherein he donated a giant power generating set to the Union, with a firm promise to sustain mutually beneficial working relationship with the Press for the advancement of the state and society.

He assured that the synergy between the state information, media and communication structures headed by the Honourable Commissioner of Information, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, will continue to improve, while urging Bridge FM and other media organisations in the state to give constructive criticism, and also project the numerous achievements of the state government and the governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.

Dr Latimore Oghenesivbe commended the Bridge Parliament Crew, especially Mr Speaker, Ufuoma Obriki, the Deputy Speaker, Mr Meshach Ozah, and other parliamentarians for raising the stake in public affairs talkshow, describing the daily prime time show as the topnotch flagship on radio.

“Since the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori assumed office on May 29 last year, government partnership with the Mass media has been cordial, and it will continue to improve from time to time.

“During his electioneering campaigns, governor Oborevwori had a media parley with members of the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists wherein he donated a giant power generating set to Delta NUJ secretariat. He will continue to do more.

“Bridge FM Parliament is your prime time public affairs talkshow, and I urge you and your management to sustain and improve on the standard. The parliament talkshow audience is huge, and it cut across social status.

“The achievements of governor Oborevwori must be well projected so that our people can better appreciate Oborevwori administration efforts in using state financial resources to develop the three senatorial districts.

“The ongoing construction of three flyovers at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate by construction giant, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is a testament to the fact that governor Oborevwori is in a class all by himself in terms of mega projects and good governance. His visionary leadership is impacting positively on all sectors of the state economy.

“My visit today is to thank the management of Bridge FM Management and the Bridge Parliament team for the good job you doing, especially your consistent partnership with the state information, communication and media structures headed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza.

“Let’s sustain the robust synergy, as we continue to collaborate to do the needful for society, our dear state and country,” Oghenesivbe added.

Investigative Journalism, Crime Reporting integral To Solving Urban Problems – Dipo

By
Hill Nigeria
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…As Delta Bureau Chief, Unilag Communication Scholars Brainstorm

Communications Scholars at the Department of Mass Communications on Tuesday identified investigative journalism and crime reporting as an integral part of nation building, and essential tools for resolving urban and national Problems in Nigeria, and in advanced democracies.

Chief facilitator at the brainstorming exercise, Mr Dipo Kehinde, a renowned crime and investigative Journalist, said credible data, neighbourhood witnesses, visit to scene of crime to gather facts, as well as information supplied by official Spokespersons is what the reporter need to craft exclusive story or article.

The crime expert added that to be an Award winning investigative Journalist or crime reporter, it requires good measure of reportorial enterprise and doggedness, adding that the investigator must be ready to go extra mile to dig deep into complex and difficult terrain to unearth hidden facts and secrets that would enhance good governance, urban and national development.

He further stated that investigative Journalism and deep rooted crime reporting cannot be over emphasized in governance, which is why members of the fourth estate of the realm must consistently develop their professional skills and techniques to unearth negative and positive facts that would enhance good governance, especially in developing countries and nascent democracies.

Dipo, a multiple Award winner in Investigate Journalism and crime reporting, former Deputy Editor of Sun Newspaper, further posited that resolving Urban and national Problems will continue to hand in the balance until Journalists place less emphasis on surface facts from government officials and spokesperson, and do more of investigative Journalism that would put those at the corridors of power on their toes.

He urged Journalists and Communication Scholars to embrace crime reporting and investigative journalism, so as to be able to discharge their constitutionally assigned responsibilities as watch dogs of the society, saying that checks and balances as well as oversight functions must be carefully observed, monitored and reported.

“Resolving urban problems requires good governance on the part of government, be it federal, state or local government.

“Bad governance is anti development, and Journalists must do their job by exposing sharp practices, actions and inactions of those in authority, in public and private sectors.

“And as watchdogs of society, you must be proactive and result oriented. Investigative Journalists and crime reporters must always go extra mile to dig deep into the action and inactions of those in authority to unearth hidden facts.

“Surface facts may not resolve urban and national Problems. Bad deals are hidden, and it’s the duty of Journalists to unearth those hidden facts and dirty deals at all times.

“Data gathering is essential in crime reporting and investigative Journalism. You have to go for credible facts through multifaceted strategies. You will encounter obstacles, harassments and threat to life, but the job must be done through multifaceted skillful reportorial enterprise.

“If we must resolve urban problems, members of the fourth estate of the realm must of a necessity place emphasis on crime reporting and investigative Journalism with less emphasis on surface facts.”

In the same vein, a senior lecturer and Associate Professor, Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Olunifesi Suraj averred that investigative Journalism is an integral part of checks and balances needed to enhance good governance in Nigeria.

He said resolving urban and national Problems requires painstaking efforts of Journalists, and they must strive hard to gather credible data to do their job, noting that societal decay and bad governance is as a result of declining moral values and strong desire for primitive accumulation of wealth by those in authority across board.

Associate Prof Suraj, charged UNILAG communication scholars and Journalists in Nigeria, to raise the stake in investigative Journalism and crime reporting by exhibiting high standard professionalism, while urging government Spokespersons and those in authority in public and private collectors to communicate facts, and provide credible data that would enable journalists to serve society better.

The Chief Executive Officer of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq, told newsmen after the brain storming exercise in Wednesday that government Spokespersons in Delta State, under the leadership of the Honourable Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Michael Osuoza, have been proactive in releasing facts, data and credible information to Journalists.

He said the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori operates open door policy, flawless partnership with the press, and working journalists in the state through the state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, Chaired by Comrade Churchill Oyicwe.

“Delta State under governor Oborevwori is making tremendous progress in all ramifications, including urban renewal through multifaceted development strategies.

“The State Ministry of Works (Urban Roads and Highways) is charged with the responsibility of supervising road infrastructure projects in Urban areas, including the ongoing construction of three mega flyovers and pedestrian bridges at DSC Roundabout, PTI junction, Effurun Roundabout and Enerhen junction up to Marine Gate.

“Resolving urban problems in Delta State, is ongoing through the provision of social services, good roads, quality health care, clean water, building of new schools and markets and maintaining existing ones, empowerment of youths, women and young graduates, etcetera.

“As a responsible and responsive government, we shall continue to be open and transparent in all state affairs, and in line with governor Oborevwori’s MORE agenda. We have nothing to hide, and our doors are open for all working Journalists in the State,” Oghenesivbe assured.

Oghenesivbe, who doubles as the Executive Assistant on Communications to Governor Oborevwori, commended the Head of Department of Mass Communication, University of Lagos, Prof Adepoju Tejumaiye, former HoD and International Communication Scholar, Prof Abigail Ogwezzy-Ndisika, and the organiser of the brainstorming exercise, and Associate Professor, Olunifesi Suraj, for their hard work and impactation of quality knowledge from time to time.

Onyeka Onwuenu Is Dead

By
Hill Nigeria
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Nigerian singer, songwriter and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has died at 72.
According to our source, it was reported that she slumped after performing at her friend, Stella Okolie 80th Birthday party in Banana Island, Lagos,
She was rushed to Reddighton hospital where she was pronounced dead.
As at the time of filling this report, the curse of her death was yet to be confirmed.

Cholera Outbreak Under Control – Delta Govt

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, earlier today, said the State Government has been able to curtail the ravaging cholera disease in the state.

Onojaeme who disclosed this in Asaba, while briefing newsmen on how the state government was managing the outbreak of the disease, said Cholera was a disease of national outbreak and so far three outbreaks had occurred in the country this year.

The Health Commissioner, however, said the state has recorded a total of 138 cases of Cholera with seven deaths since the epidemic broke across the country in February this year, adding that majority of the cases were young children.

Flanked by the State Commissioner for Information, Dr Ifeanyi Osuoza and Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, Dr Onojaeme, said the seven casualties were recorded during the first epidemic. He added that no casualty has been recorded in the second and third epidemics.

He said: “The signs and symptoms are basically passage of watery low stool, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance among others.

“The State has recorded 138 cases in Warri South-West which is the local government it started and in the second and third outbreak we had seven cases in Bomadi and one in Oshimili South.

“We have been able to curtail the disease in Delta State and the disease surveillance and notification officers across the state have been able to carry out a lot of advocacies to our people to educate them about the cause of the disease.

“Cholera is mainly a disease of poor sanitary environment and we have educated them about simple hand washing and not taking unclean water. We have also provided tablets to purify some of these unclean waters.

“So far so good, since about six weeks now in Warri South-West where it started from, we had only 20 suspected cases and majority of the cases we noticed we have treated and its basically under control.

“We are doing a lot of advocacies and the risk factors are basically poor sanitary condition and reduced stomach acid. Cholera has an incubation period of 12 days and within this period somebody not showing these symptoms can spread it through phaeces and urine to other persons.

“Staying with somebody with the bacteria is a big risk factor to contact the bacteria from that person so maintaining hygiene is very key to eliminating Cholera from our environment and it is common among villages along the water bank.

“In Delta State we have eight local governments that are of high risk viz; Warri South, Warri South-West, Warri North, Ughelli North, Ughelli South, Patani, Bomadi and Burutu.

“So far, the Ministry has curtailed the disease within the high risk local government areas and the Epidemiology unit of the Ministry is doing a lot of surveillance on these patients and its fully under control.”

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