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Ngozi Okolie Meets Youth Leaders, Reaffirms Commitment to Grassroots Development

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Hill Nigeria
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The member representing Aniocha Oshimili federal constituency in the National Assembly, Hon. Ngozi Okolie has assured youth leaders from his constituency of quality representation.

He made this known during a one-on-one meeting with community youths from his constituency at his residence in Asaba.

He promised them of more impact of his representation at the National Assembly, adding that he would like to touch every community.

Hon. Okolie outlined his achievements, which were Legislative Contributions (Bills & Motions) for the protection for Loan Holders; upgrade of Federal College of Education (Technical), Asaba into a full-fledged Federal University; upgrade the Onicha-Olona Model School (formerly the Onicha-Olona Teacher Training College) into a full Federal College of Education; Advocacy for the revitalization of Ogwashi-Uku Water Project; Toyota Assembly Plant Initiative; Formally moved for the creation of additional political wards (specifically Aniocha North 2) to ensure fairer representation and closer governance for the people; facilitated training sessions and empowered more than 200 constituents in partnership with the National Directorate of Employment (NDE); provided direct financial grants to over 300 constituents for small-scale business expansion and sustainability; distribution of fertilizers to farmers across the constituency to improve crop yields and support local food security; provided direct school assistance to over 300 students across the four Local Government Areas (Aniocha North/South and Oshimili North/South; distributed over 30,000 exercise notebooks to primary and secondary students to ease the financial burden on parents.

He also highlighted the distribution of desks and chairs to selected schools in Oshimili South and Oshimili North; ongoing renovation of selected primary and secondary schools across all four Local Government Areas. Project completed at Aboh-Ogwashi, including the facilitation of a WAEC center and donation of laboratory materials; provision of Community Hubs; Construction of new roads in the Asaba region has been completed; Ongoing installation of solar street lights across Aniocha North, Aniocha South, Oshimili North, and Oshimili South to enhance security and nighttime trade.; Ongoing construction of a 1,000-capacity pavilion at the permanent site of the Palace of the Asagba of Asaba; facilitated the inclusion of the Akwukwu-Igbo Civic Centre in the budget (planning stage); support for Senior Citizens; Healthcare; Annual distribution of rice and food items during Christmas and Salah celebrations as some of his achievements since he became their lawmaker.

he said it was paramount to interface with the youth leaders so as to inform them on the effort made to the communities instead of just talking to the party leaders only and of course, if you reach the youths in the community, you have reached the whole community”.

Some of the leaders who spoke with Journalists after the meeting, commended the initiative of Hon Okolie and urged him not to relent in interfacing with them so as to keep them abreast of his performance.

2026: Delta State Governor Felicitates Deltans On New Year, Reaffirms Commitment To More Devt

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended warm and heart-felt felicitations to Deltans as they usher in the Year 2026. He expressed profound gratitude to God Almighty for His protection, grace and sustaining presence over the people and the state throughout the past year.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, the Governor described the New Year as a season of renewed hope, fresh beginnings and collective responsibility.

He urged citizens to draw strength from the lessons of the past and look forward to the future with optimism, courage and unity of purpose.

The Governor acknowledged the sacrifices, resilience and patience displayed by Deltans, noting that the modest but impactful gains recorded across key sectors of the state were made possible by the people’s enduring spirit, peaceful disposition and shared commitment to progress.

Governor Oborevwori assured that the pains, hopes and aspirations of the people remained at the heart of his administration’s policies, reaffirming that in the New Year, government would deepen its focus on good governance, infrastructural renewal, job creation, youth empowerment, enhanced security and inclusive economic growth in line with the MORE Agenda.

He called on all residents to continue to shun violence, embrace peaceful coexistence and uphold the values of hard work, tolerance and patriotism, stressing that enduring peace remained the strongest foundation upon which sustainable development, prosperity and social harmony thrives.

The Governor appealed to political leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community stakeholders to strengthen collaboration with the government, noting that the task of building a stronger, fairer and more prosperous Delta State must be pursued as a shared responsibility.

While wishing Deltans a prosperous, peaceful and fulfilling New Year, Governor Oborevwori expressed renewed faith in the collective destiny of the state, assuring that his administration would remain steadfast in delivering people-oriented policies and projects aimed at improving the quality of life of all Deltans and positioning Delta State firmly on a path of sustainable growth, hope and shared prosperity.

Resident Doctors Vows Nationwide Strike, Accuses FG Neglecting Agreements

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike should the Federal Government fail to implement the memorandum of understanding (MoU) earlier reached with the association.
In a statement, NARD disclosed that its National Executive Council (NEC) was holding an emergency meeting to decide on its next line of action under the slogan, “TICS 2.0 – No implementation, no going back.”
The association noted that Friday marked the second day after the expiration of the agreed deadline for the implementation of the NARD–Federal Government MoU.

Trump Administration Halts Almost 7,000 Minnesota Borrowers Amid Suspected $400m COVID-era Loan Fraud

By
Hill Nigeria
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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has suspended about 6,900 Minnesota borrowers after identifying nearly $400 million in suspected fraudulent PPP and EIDL loans issued during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SBA Administrator Kelly Loeffler said those involved will be barred from future SBA programs, with cases referred for prosecution and repayment.

The SBA also halted over $5.5 million in annual federal support to Minnesota SBA resource partners and linked at least $2.5 million in loans to a Somali-based fraud scheme in Minneapolis.

Loeffler accused Minnesota officials of failing to act, noting that about $430 million tied to roughly 13,000 loans was flagged as potentially fraudulent but still funded, with some later forgiven

Kenneth Okonkwo Tag Obidients Yet To Join ADC as ‘disObidients’ 

By
Hill Nigeria
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Ahead of the 2027 elections, Nollywood actor-turned-politician, Kenneth Okonkwo has called on Peter Obi supporters to join the African Democratic Congress (ADC) .

Okonkwo, an ADC Chieftain, described the Obidients who had not joined the party as disObidents during his appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief.

“When I was in the Labour Party, I said it was a tactical mistake, telling your followers they can join all political parties, and I’m very glad that my brother, Peter Obi, has changed the tactic.

“If you listen to his interview on X space, he said all the obidients should go and register as members of the ADC.

“So if you are an obidient and you’re not in the ADC, sorry, you’re not an obidient, you are a disobidient.

“Anybody you see in the ADC is allowed to get into the ADC on one condition: you must be a true democrat. One thing ADC will not compromise on is internal democracy and living on the tenets of democracy,” he said.

I Will Withdraw Support For Peter Obi If He Accepts VP Position, Says Utomi

By
Hill Nigeria
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Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has warned that he will withdraw his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi if he accepts a vice-presidential slot in 2027.

Utomi disclosed this on a national television broadcast, insisting that Obi must contest the presidency and not run as anyone’s deputy.

Utomi also criticised past and current administrations for what he described as “government in absentia” and called for an age limit of 70 years for presidential and gubernatorial candidates, arguing that leadership should not be a retirement option.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, said the movement will remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and respect the outcome of its presidential primaries, even if Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party’s candidate. He expressed confidence that Peter Obi would win the primary, noting that Obi’s entry has energized the ADC and attracted massive youth support committed to democratic change.

I Will Leave Peter Obi Once He Accepts VP Position- Utomi

By
Hill Nigeria
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Political economist Prof. Pat Utomi has warned that he will withdraw his support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi if he accepts a vice-presidential slot in 2027.

Utomi disclosed this on a national television broadcast, insisting that Obi must contest the presidency and not run as anyone’s deputy.

Utomi also criticised past and current administrations for what he described as “government in absentia” and called for an age limit of 70 years for presidential and gubernatorial candidates, arguing that leadership should not be a retirement option.

Meanwhile, the National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Tanko Yunusa, said the movement will remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and respect the outcome of its presidential primaries, even if Atiku Abubakar emerges as the party’s candidate. He expressed confidence that Peter Obi would win the primary, noting that Obi’s entry has energized the ADC and attracted massive youth support committed to democratic change.

Pastor Chris Okafor Steps Down From Pulpit 

By
Hill Nigeria
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Amid ongoing controversy, the founder of the Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, Pastor Chris Okafor, has temporarily stepped down from the pulpit.

The development came amid calls on the pastor to step down from his pastoral duties and leadership position in the church following a relationship scandal involving actress, Doris Ogala.

But it is unclear if the decision has anything to do with the relationship scandal and ensuing allegations against the cleric.

Announcing the news during the New Year service, the cleric asked four pastors under him to take over from for the month of January 2026.

“We have four Sundays in January, so, in the whole of these four Sundays, we would be having Pastor Sylvester, Pastor Kelvin, Pastor Oliver, and Shadrach minister to you and anoint you every Sunday because it’s going to be prophetic Sundays.

“So, they will be here. While they are here, I will be resting, and it will be time for a personal retreat with God and time for me and my wife to rest because since our wedding we have not rested, we’ve not had time, we have not even done honeymoon,” the clergyman said.

Recall that the controversy started immediately the video of the pastor engaging his younger partner surfaced online.

Reports has it that following the engagement, other women including actress Doris Ogala called him out for promising them marriage and having sexual relationships with them.

Kelvin Ezenyili Empowers Petty Traders, Artisans with 100m

By
Hill Nigeria
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…Reaffirms Commitment to Youth Skills Development, Small-Scale Business Growth in Oshimili South

The Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government, Hon. Kelvin Ezenyili has reaffirm his administration commitment to the upliftment of skills acquired by the youth and the promotion of small-scale businesses.

Ezenyili made this known during the empowerment programme, in Asaba Ezenyili.

“This event is a clear demonstration of this administration’s unwavering commitment to the uplifting of skills acquired by the youths and promotion of small scale businesses in Oshimili South Local Government Council. It is an accepted truism that no society can truly grow if the most productive segment of the population are unemployed. Financial empowerment is therefore a foundational element for a secure and prosperous business as it provides a platform for one to establish small scale businesses, which if well managed, provides a sustainable livelihood and avenue to becoming financially independent.

“I have grappled with the groaning and yearning of many entrepreneurs and small scale business owners desiring just #50,000.00 to get a new clipper, or as much as #100,000.00 to restock their shops in this festive period or assistance to meet up their financial obligations to financial institutions. This programme is no doubt a turning point for them and their businesses. This exercise is all inclusive as it cuts across the entire Local Government Area, devoid of political, ethnic or religious affiliation, with the Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo communities carried along”, Ezenyili noted.

“Today marks another milestone of this administration as we witness a vital initiative of the EKO Empowerment programme stemmed from His Excellency’s MORE Agenda, aimed at improving the skill acquisition, job creation and poverty alleviation of the youths in Oshimili South Local Government Area.

He noted that the program, especially during the festive period, was designed to help small-scale business owners needing N50, 000.00 to purchase equipment or as much as N100, 000.00 to restock their shops.

He said the selection process for the 1000 beneficiaries of the EKO #100 million empowerment went through rigours in partnership with leaders of various wards in the local government area without pandering towards politics.

Ezenyili appreciated the Governor for laying a solid foundation for him to build his dream leadership for the people of Oshimili South Local Government Area.

The Chairman therefore, called on the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity provided to buy their working tools or restock their shops, asking them not to commonize the amount by diverting it for other irrelevant purposes.

Also speaking the Governor, who was represented by his deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme said “Empowerment of the people of Oshimili South has become an annual ritual for the Chairman, Hon. Ezenyili Kelvin Obi since his entrance into leadership. I commend him for his vision and consistency in doing this kind of people-oriented empowerment every end of year. By organizing this empowerment, he has demonstrated practical commitment towards grassroots governance.

“Empowerment is not just about items as starter packs or distributing of capital, it is about economic resilience by helping people to move from job seekers to job providers. Let me state that you beneficiaries are at the heart of today’s empowerment. Please, nurture this seed for your own economic emancipation. I urge you to judiciously use the resources as made available to you, to support your families and help to create a society of our dream.

“Our administration remains committed to security and infrastructural development in order to build a Delta that works for all in terms of good governance and prosperity. Empowering every segment of people in our society is one of our cardinal objectives; and that is what EKO is replicating to the grassroots in Oshimili South. Thank you for what you do and for representing the MORE Agenda in positive light”, Governor  Sheriff Oborevwori maintained.

Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has affirmed his administration’s commitment to a citizen-centred government, declaring that the vision for a prosperous Delta State is a shared responsibility between the leadership and the people.

“We are building a Delta where the government works for you, but we also need you to work with us by maintaining peace and protecting public assets,” the Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Sir Monday Onyeme told Deltans.

He commended the Chairman of Oshimili South Local Government Council, Hon. (Dr.) Kelvin Ezenyili, for his foresight and consistency in aligning with the state’s MORE Agenda.

The Governor noted that the empowerment programme serves as a direct catalyst for grassroots development, bringing the dividends of democracy to every nook and cranny of the state.

“As we approach the end of the year, there is no better way to celebrate the spirit of the season than by lifting our people up and providing them with the tools they need to build a sustainable future.

“Today’s exercise is a practical extension of our administration’s MORE Agenda.

“Empowerment is not just about the items or the capital distributed today; it is about economic resilience, poverty alleviation, and human capital development.

“To the beneficiaries: View this as a seed; in a challenging economic climate, the difference between success and failure is often the discipline to manage small beginnings.”

Highlight of the event was the distribution of over 500 bags of 50kg rice to the people of Oshimili South, with each of the 11 wards getting 40 bags, including the provision made for leaders and stakeholders in the local government area.

New Year 2026: Ijaw Leader,  Mulade Charges President Tinubu, Governors on Accountability, Economic Relief

By
Hill Nigeria
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A prominent Ijaw leader, peace advocate, and renowned human and environmental rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has welcomed Nigerians to the New Year 2026, urging governments at all levels to embrace prudence, accountability, and purposeful governance focused on delivering electoral promises rather than being distracted by the next election cycle.

Mulade, the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient Gbaramatu Kingdom, made the call in a New Year message he issued at Okerenkoko Community, Gbaramatu Kingdom Delta State, on New Year’s day.

In his message the renowned peace ambassador reflected on the prevailing socio-economic realities confronting the nation and the responsibilities of leadership at a critical time in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

According to him, Nigerians are currently grappling with severe economic hardship, a situation he noted demands urgent, people-oriented responses from the Federal Government.

The National Coordinator of the Center for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), specifically charged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to intensify efforts aimed at easing the burden on citizens through inclusive and sustainable economic policies that prioritize the welfare of ordinary Nigerians.

“It is imperative to state that Nigerians are going through hard times in the economy,” Mulade said, and added that “The Federal Government must therefore ensure that policies are people-focused, addressing the daily realities of citizens and restoring hope, stability, and confidence in governance.”

Turning attention to Delta State, the peace and development advocate commended Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for what he described as an ongoing infrastructural development revolution across major city centres of the state.

He noted that visible improvements in roads and urban infrastructure reflect the administration’s commitment to development.

However, Mulade urged the state governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori to ensure that the benefits of development are evenly distributed across the Delta State in 2026, particularly by extending similar infrastructural projects to the riverine communities, predominantly occupied by the Ijaws and Itsekiris.

“These riverine communities are the sources and live wire of the state’s economy, through Blue marine economy, Oil and Gas,” he stated. “Extending infrastructure to these areas will give the people a greater sense of belonging, strengthen citizen participation, and promote collaboration and partnership in driving sustainable peace and continuous development in Delta State.”

He emphasized that inclusive development remains a critical factor in maintaining peace in the Niger Delta, stressing that communities that feel recognized and supported are more likely to cooperate with government policies and development initiatives.

Mulade also called on citizens, especially Deltans, to play their part in fostering peace and stability, noting that government efforts alone are insufficient without public cooperation.

“As citizens, we must give government, particularly Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori maximum support to ensure a peaceful and secured Delta,” he said. “Peace is essential to attracting and wooing investors who can create employment opportunities and drive development in our dear state,” he added. Let me specifically appealed to the various ethnic groups in Delta State to support and promote collaborative efforts for sustainable peace in the state that will foster peaceful coexistence among themselves for socio-economic stability and development in 2026..

The Ijaw leader congratulated Nigerians, particularly the people of Delta State, on the dawn of the New Year 2026, expressing optimism that the year would usher in better living conditions and greater opportunities for the nation.

He expressed hope that the 2026 budget with N1.7 trillion, Delta State would mark a turning point toward responsive governance, economic relief, and sustainable development anchored on peace, accountability, transparency and collective responsibility.

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