Home Blog Page 5

Delta Govt Assures Workers Of Safety 

By
Hill Nigeria
-

…As NLC Stages Peaceful Nationwide Protest Against Insecurity

The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the protection of lives and property, declaring that security remains the very essence of governance.

The assurance was given on Wednesday at Government House, Asaba, by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Johnson Erijo, while addressing members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who staged a peaceful protest as part of the nationwide demonstration against insecurity in Nigeria.

Receiving the protesters on behalf of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, Erijo acknowledged their concerns, stressing that “the primary essence of government is the security and welfare of its citizens,” adding that no government would be indifferent to the safety of its populace.

While noting that Delta State remains relatively peaceful, he described the protest as a solidarity action reflecting the broader national security challenges.

The Chief of Staff also pointed out that the Federal Government is aware of the gravity of the situation, noting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu inherited some of the security challenges currently confronting the country.

“We equally recognize the efforts being made by the Federal Government to confront and address the ugly and disturbing security situations being experienced in some parts of the country,” he said.

Erijo conveyed the message of Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to the workers, emphasizing that the enhancement of peace and security is one of the cardinal pillars of the present administration’s MORE Agenda.

According to him, “without peace and security, it would be impossible to effectively deliver the dividends of democracy,” and assured the protesters that their message had been clearly received and would be transmitted to the appropriate authorities, including the President.

Commending the NLC for its peaceful conduct, Erijo said the state government appreciated the maturity displayed by the workers, assuring them that “necessary actions will continue to be taken to further strengthen security across the nation.”

Earlier, the Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Delta State Council, Comrade Acrobat Enekhawore, had painted a grim picture of how insecurity has disrupted daily life and shattered public confidence across the country.

The protest, which formed part of a nationwide action by the NLC, ended with a call for decisive collaboration between the state and federal governments to restore security, safeguard children’s education, protect workplaces and homes, and secure the future of the nation.

Delta NIPR, St. Philip’s Anglican Church to Host 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols

By
Hill Nigeria
-

As Christians around the world embrace the joyous spirit of Christmas in celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, St. Philip’s Anglican Church, Asaba, in collaboration with the Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), has concluded plans to host the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols.

The sacred festival, scheduled for Sunday, December 21, will take place at the Church Auditorium, Anglican Girls Grammar School (AGGS), Asaba, Delta State, beginning from 7am.

The event offers worshippers a profound opportunity to reaffirm the primacy of God in their daily lives through uplifting Christmas carols and scriptural readings that inspire reflection, gratitude, and renewed spiritual strength amid global and personal challenges.

In a statement issued by the Delta NIPR Public Relations Officer, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, Esq., it was announced that the State Chairman of NIPR, Mr. Godfrey Osakwe, FNIPR, will lead members of the Institute to the annual festival.

Dr. Oghenesivbe assured that this year’s celebration promises to be a glorious expression of praise, thoughtfully designed to rekindle the spirit of love, unity, and righteousness among public relations practitioners, professionals across various sectors, and the wider community.

He described Christmas as a season of love and peace, a time when barriers give way to brotherhood, friendships are strengthened, love is freely shared, and hearts are lifted beyond human understanding.

According to him, it is also a season marked by deep gratitude and heartfelt expressions of thanksgiving, adding that members of the Institute, invited guests, and special guests have been encouraged to dress in Christmas colours; white with a touch of red or red with a touch of white.

“Delta NIPR is pleased to announce the 2025 Festival of Nine Lessons and Carols in collaboration with St. Philip’s Anglican Church, AGGS Asaba.

 “Members and invited guests are expected to be seated on or before 6:45 am., as the programme will commence promptly at 7:00 a.m,” Oghenesivbe said.

Oghenesivbe Commends Speaker Guwor, Assembly Members For Passing N1.7 Trillion Delta 2026 Appropriation Bill

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Director General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, has commended the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor, and assembly members for the timely passage of the N1.7 trillion 2026 appropriation bill into law.

Oghenesivbe in a statement on Tuesday, said the State 8th Assembly led by Speaker Guwor, has been very proactive, focused, and had sustained synergy with the executive arm to ensure that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda continues to upscale meaningful development across the three senatorial districts

The Bureau Chief emphasized the need for the three arms of government namely; the Executive, Legislature and the Judiciary, to continue to work together to deliver democracy benefits to the people, noting that the robust relationship between the executive and the legislature has strategically placed Delta in an advantageous position, delivering quality dividends of democracy across the 25 local government areas in the state.

Oghenesivbe assured that Governor Oborevwori will continue to grow the state economy, expand road infrastructure development, start the state electricity project, improve healthcare services, upscale standards in the education sector, fund social welfare programmes and assist small and medium scale businesses.

He thanked the House Appropriation Committee Chairman, Hon Mrs Marilyn Okowa, and other committee members for their work on the bill, noting that the 8th Assembly has shown that separation of powers means coordinated teamwork, not confrontation.

“The Delta State 8th Assembly under the leadership of Speaker Guwor, has been proactive, resilient and focused, collaborating with the executive arm to ensure that governor Sheriff Oborevwori delivers on his electioneering campaign promises.

“It’s crystal clear that separation of power is not about unnecessary confrontations. It connotes a well coordinated synergy between the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary arms of government to ensure good governance in all ramifications.

“In Delta State, we are lucky to have selfless and patriotic lawmakers, a hallowed chamber that is devoid of unnecessary confrontations, yet Independent and proactive in the exercise of oversight functions.

“The passing of the 2026 Delta State Appropriation Bill into law within a reasonable time frame attests to the selfless service of Mr Speaker and his colleagues who strongly believe in the MORE Agenda, and aligned with the governor’s socioeconomic blueprint.

“Mr Speaker and his colleagues deserve the support and commendation of all well meaning Deltans for their resilience and inestimable contributions to the development of our dear state,” Oghenesivbe said.

Delta Police Record Major Crime-Fighting Gains, Recover 144 Firearms, Arrest 627 Suspects

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Delta State Police Command has recorded significant operational successes in its fight against crime, arresting 627 suspects and recovering 144 firearms between January 2025 and date.

Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi, disclosed this on Monday in Asaba during a press briefing where he presented the Command’s achievements for the year.

He said the successes were the result of proactive, intelligence-driven and community-centred policing, supported by collaboration with sister security agencies, vigilante groups, community volunteers, traditional rulers and civil society organisations.

According to the police boss, one of the Command’s major breakthroughs was the arrest of two prime suspects linked to the murder of retired Justice Ifeoma Okogwu, who was killed in her residence on November 24, 2025.

He revealed that a security guard attached to the late jurist’s residence, Godwin Mngumi, 25, was arrested on December 6 after being found in possession of one of her mobile phones.

The suspect allegedly confessed to inviting an accomplice, Nnaji Obalum, 21, to carry out the crime alongside another suspect still at large.

Police said the suspects tied the victim before killing her and dispossessing her of valuables, some of which have been recovered, while investigation continues.

In another operation, operatives of the State Anti-Cult Unit, in collaboration with community volunteers, engaged suspected kidnappers in a gun battle in Obiaruku forest on December 1, leading to the death of one suspect. An AK-47 rifle, 42 rounds of live ammunition, nine mobile phones and charms were recovered, while other suspects escaped with gunshot injuries.

CP Olufemi also announced the arrest of a 67-year-old suspect, Isiakpere Friday, in Abraka by operatives of the CP-Special Assignment Team. The operation led to the recovery of two pump-action guns and 39 live cartridges, with investigations ongoing to determine links to criminal networks.

Similarly, between November 28 and 29, operatives of the CP-SAT dismantled an armed robbery and cult gang operating across Ughelli, Oghara and Sapele. Three suspects were arrested during the coordinated operations, while a locally made shotgun, a fabricated Beretta pistol, ammunition and two stolen tricycles were recovered.

The Command also recorded a major crackdown on drug activities. On December 10, operatives raided a notorious drug hideout in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area, arresting 161 suspects, including 110 males and 51 females, and recovering large quantities of illicit drugs.

Another operation on December 13 led to the interception of a bus at the Asaba–Onitsha head bridge, where over 100 bottles of codeine and cartons of tramadol were seized and suspects arrested.

Providing a summary of the Command’s overall achievements, the Commissioner said a total of 144 firearms were recovered, including 27 AK-47/AK-49 rifles, 25 Beretta pistols, 56 single-barrel and locally fabricated guns, and 36 pump-action guns, alongside 6,930 rounds of ammunition.

He added that ₦36 million ransom was recovered, 18 kidnapped victims rescued and 28 vehicles recovered within the period.

CP Olufemi noted that the 627 suspects arrested comprised 140 suspected armed robbers, 113 suspected kidnappers, 125 murder suspects, 187 suspected cultists and 62 suspects linked to rape and defilement cases.

He commended officers and men of the Delta State Police Command for their dedication and professionalism, while also appreciating the media, community leaders and law-abiding citizens for their cooperation.

As the festive season approaches, the Commissioner urged residents to remain vigilant and law-abiding, assuring that the Command is fully prepared to ensure a safe, peaceful and secure Yuletide across the state.

He also released emergency control room numbers 08036684974; 08114895600 and 08025666914 for public use and wished Deltans a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.

Dennis Osadebay University Appoints Prof. Ogwezi as DVC (Administration)

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Dennis Osadebay University (DOU), Asaba, has announced the appointment of Professor (Mrs.) Joyce Ogho Ogwezi as the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), marking another historic milestone in the institution’s leadership and academic advancement.

The appointment has been widely welcomed within the university community and beyond, with academics describing it as a well-deserved recognition of Professor Ogwezi’s exceptional scholarship, leadership qualities, and dedication to institutional development.

Professor Ogwezi holds the distinction of being the first female Professor of Mass Communication at Delta State University and the first female Professor of Mass Communication across all universities in Delta State.

Her elevation to the position of Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration) further reinforces her trailblazing role in academia and university administration.

Congratulating her on the appointment, Associate Professor of Chemistry at DOU, Dr. Akpoveta Vincent, described the development as a historic achievement that reflects merit, integrity, and perseverance.

“Warmest congratulations to Professor (Mrs.) Joyce Ogho Ogwezi on her well-deserved appointment as Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Dennis Osadebay University, Asaba.

“This historic milestone reflects her exceptional leadership, scholarly excellence, and unwavering commitment to academic advancement,” he said.

Dr. Akpoveta noted that Professor Ogwezi’s achievements continue to inspire women, scholars, and members of the academic community, proving that excellence and dedication remain key drivers of success in higher education.

He expressed confidence that her wealth of experience would significantly contribute to the growth, stability, and administrative efficiency of the university, while also commending the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ben Oghojafor, for finding her worthy of the appointment.

“Her appointment is not only a personal achievement but a source of pride to the entire academic community. We are confident that she will bring innovation, discipline, and excellence to the administration of the university,” he added.

The congratulatory message was issued by Dr. Akpoveta Vincent on behalf of Professor Ogwezi’s numerous academic admirers worldwide, who have continued to celebrate her contributions to teaching, research, and academic leadership.

Delta Assembly Passes ₦1.7 Trillion 2026 Appropriation Bill

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Delta State House of Assembly, has passed the State Appropriation Bill of 1.7 trillion naira for the 2026 fiscal year.

The amount is 65.6 billion naira higher than the 1.654 trillion naira budget size presented to the House about two weeks ago by the State Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori.

A breakdown of the approved budget shows 500 billion naira as recurrent expenditure and one trillion, two hundred and twenty nine point nine billion naira as capital expenditure.

The third reading and subsequent passage of the Appropriation Bill was sequel to the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriations by its Chairman, Hon Marylin Okowa-Daramola (Ika North-East) at plenary presided over by the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Dennis Guwor.

The motion for the third reading and passage of the bill was moved by the Leader of the House, Hon Emeka Nwaobi (Aniocha North), seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Arthur Akpowowo (Ethiope East) and adopted.

Addressing the House after the passage, the Speaker, Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor described the development as a landmark achievement in line with the policy direction of the state government.

He said: “Distinguished colleagues, with the third reading and final passage of the Delta State 2026 Appropriation Bill, we have successfully completed one of the most critical constitutional duties of this Honourable House for the fiscal year as enshrined in Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered).

“The passage of year 2026 Appropriation Bill, totaling One Trillion, Seven Hundred and Twenty Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Eighty One Million, Two Hundred and Eight Thousand, Seven Hundred and Seventy Nine Naira (1,729,881,208,779), is a landmark achievement and a clear testament to the shared vision and spirit of partnership between the Legislature and the Executive. It demonstrates our collective resolve to build a future for Delta State that is “just, fair and equitable,” and one where no one is left behind.

Continuing Guwor noted “Through the process of deliberation and scrutiny, this House has ensured that the “Budget of Accelerating the MORE Agenda”is indeed people-centered and sustainable. We have provided the legislative framework that will empower His Excellency, the Governor, to deliver on his policies and programmes in 2026.

“At this juncture, I wish to deeply appreciate His Excellency, Rt. Hon. (Elder) Sheriff F.O Oborevwori, our dear Governor, for his vision of unparallel development of the State. Again, my sincere appreciation goes to every member of the House; your dedication, professionalism, and commitment to the service of Deltans have made this process fruitful. We have worked with speed and thoroughness, and the result is a robust and forward-looking financial plan for the year 2026”, the Speaker concluded.

Egbo, Tasks Community Publishers on Responsible Journalism

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Area, Hon. Jaro Egbo, has charged community publishers to uphold professionalism and responsibility in their reporting, warning that misinformation has the power to destroy lives, communities, and public trust.
Egbo made the appeal while playing host to some community newspaper publishers led by the Senior Special Advisor to the Governor on Community Newspaper, Prince Oromonokpaye at his office in Ughelli.
According to him, misinformation remains one of the most dangerous threats to society.
He lamented the growing trend of sensational and unchecked reports circulating across social media and online platforms, noting that many tragic incidents in Nigeria have gone unreported or misreported due to the failure of journalists and content creators to verify facts before publishing.
“Information properly used or misused can change lives,” Egbo said. “People have lost their lives without proper reports. Citing the EndSars era, he said It was roughly unreported. If those stories were handled responsibly, the outcome would have been different.”
He expressed frustration over how easily unverified claims, including inflated figures and false allegations, spread online without scrutiny.
He urged media practitioners to embrace integrity, accuracy, and professionalism, stressing that their role in society is critical.
“You have a duty to fact-check before publishing,” he cautioned. “Some people believe anything negative. But if your platform publishes it, people will assume it is credible. That is why you must uphold your responsibility.”
Egbo also advised journalists to engage more with public offices and verify stories directly from credible sources like the council’s information department.
The Chairman highlighted the council’s ongoing infrastructural projects, including the modern security architecture being built in the local government, which he described as “a statement of what governance should be.”
“When we commission that project, it will speak for us,” he said. “It is not about how many press releases you issue. Let your work speak.”
On his part, Oromonokpaye commended the Chairman for delivering on the MORE Agenda of the state governor.

Ewhrudjakpo Demise: Oborevwori Condoles Diri, Family, Bayelsans 

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has extended heartfelt condolences to Governor Douye Diri, the Government and people of Bayelsa State over the passing of the state’s Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

In a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Sir Festus Ahon, Governor Oborevwori described the death of Senator Ewhrudjakpo, affectionately known as “a man of many proverbs” as both tragic and deeply saddening.

The Governor noted that Senator Ewhrudjakpo was a man of uncommon wisdom, intellect and humility, and whose contributions to governance and public service left a lasting impact on the Niger Delta and Nigeria at large.

Oborevwori said: “I join the Governor, his family, Government and people of Bayelsa State, friends and allies in mourning Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.

“He was a team player, a dependable partner in leadership and a fountain of wisdom. His passing is a painful reminder of the fragility of life.”

The Governor also extended prayers for God’s comfort to the bereaved Governor, Senator Douye Diri, family, and the people of Bayelsa State, and urged them to take solace in the legacies of service and dedication left behind by the late Deputy Governor.

“On behalf of my family, the people and Government of Delta State, I pray that the Almighty God grants Governor Douye Diri, his family and all who mourn him the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” he added.

Senator Ewhrudjakpo, who served as Deputy Governor under Governor Douye Diri, was widely respected across the Niger Delta region for his eloquence, deep grasp of governance and his trademark use of proverbs in public communication.

Tompolo Hails Wike at Birthday, Describes Him as Courageous, Result-Driven Leader

By
Hill Nigeria
-

High Chief (Dr.) Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has showered praises on the Honourable Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barrister Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, describing him as a public servant whose leadership is defined by courage, conviction and an unwavering commitment to duty.

In a birthday goodwill message issued on behalf of the management and staff of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited (TSSNL), Tompolo said Wike’s career in public service has consistently reflected purposeful leadership anchored on impact rather than mere rhetoric.

He noted that from Wike’s early days in public administration, through his tenure as Governor of Rivers State, and now as Minister of the FCT, his approach to governance has remained focused on results, resilience and service to the public good.

According to him, Wike’s influence in the Federal Capital Territory is already evident, with renewed attention to infrastructure development, orderliness and accountability—an indication of a hands-on leadership style that appreciates Abuja’s symbolic and strategic importance to national unity and governance.

Tompolo also commended the minister for his clear understanding of the nexus between security, development and national stability, stressing that Wike’s emphasis on law, order and institutional discipline aligns with Tantita’s mandate of safeguarding critical national assets and promoting a secure environment for sustainable growth.

He further described Wike’s popular appellation as “Mr. Project” as well deserved, citing his track record of performance and courage to take tough decisions in the interest of the people.

“In times that require firmness, you have consistently chosen responsibility over convenience, standing by your convictions even when the road was challenging,” Tompolo stated.

While wishing the minister a happy birthday, Tompolo prayed for renewed strength, sound health, wisdom and continued success, expressing confidence that Wike’s ongoing service to the nation would leave an enduring legacy of development and unity.

“May the years ahead bring greater fulfilment and further opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the progress of Nigeria,” he added.

Staff Welfare, Training our Top Priority, says Chairman, Local Government Service Commission

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Chairman of the Delta State Local Government Service Commission, Hon.(Pst) Joseph Otirhue has assured staff of the Unified Local Government Service, of the Commission’s continuous commitment to their welfare and training.

The Chairman gave this assurance during the opening ceremony of the Pre-retirement seminars organised by the Commission in collaboration with Meviz Integrated Ventures, Meritlink Consulting and Fabock Ventures at Oputa hall in Ozoro and Wetland Hotel Ughelli, Delta State.

While flagging off the seminars, Hon. Otirhue stressed that, the Commission is deeply committed to the welfare of both staff in the service and retired ones hence the decision to prioritise capacity building programmes to sensitize and empower officers on how to manage their careers, finances and well-being effectively.

Speaking , Otirhue said the seminar was part of the Commission’s ongoing efforts to prepare the workforce for a smooth and successful transition from active service to retirement.

He explained further that, retirement was an inevitable part of every public servant’s career journey which should be a phase of rest, fulfilment and reward for years of service instead of panic and confusion adding that, the key to achieving this lies in early and adequate preparations and planning.

The Commission Chairman while commending the participants for their commitment to work said, “Retirement” is a phase of life, where retirees are given an opportunity to venture into other areas of life they never had the chance to experience while in active service therefore, adequate preparation with planning is needed adding that, he who fails to plan, plans to fail.

Furthermore, Otirhue said the seminar is for every officer who wishes to live a stable and productive life after active service and as such, knowledge gained from the training will help officers to make wise decisions about savings, investments, health management and personal development.

While expressing joy and satisfaction for the calibre of facilitators mobilized for the training workshop, he told the participants who massively turned up for the seminar to pay apt attention to the lecturers in order to prepare themselves for the period of retirement adding that many retirees face challenges due to lack of planning and preparation.

However, he advised that early planning and preparations will pave way for better opportunities to enable them enjoy peace of mind when retirement eventually comes.

Otirhue affirmed that, the Commission’s objective was to produce public servants who gracefully retire and not become liabilities to themselves, families and the society at large.

He also added that the Commission had invested alot of funds and resources into the training workshop as it is the Commission’s mandate to train and retrain her staff, he therefore enjoined all participants to be focused on getting trained for the days ahead of them.

The seminar tagged “Retirement Planning and Management For Officers in Delta South Senatorial district” of the Delta State Unified Local Government Service, was well attended with seasoned Resource persons who took participants on topics such as “Health and Wellness Management, Payment Options in the Contributory Pensions Scheme and Understanding Death Benefits Management in the Contributory Pensions Scheme amongst others.

1...456...185Page 5 of 185

MOST READ

LATEST STORIES

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© 2022 - The Hill Nigeria