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2027: Do Not Contest Against Oborevwori, Ijaw leader Tells Politicians

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Hill Nigeria
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Renowned Niger Delta environmental and human rights activist, Chief Mulade Sheriff, PhD, has comnended Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori for the successful groundbreaking ceremony for the N59.7bn Lagos-Asaba Expressway Flyover in Agbor and implored politicians not to contest against the governor in the 2027 Governorship election, saying he has performed extremely well and need to consolidate on the development for the betterment of Deltans.

Speaking to newsmen at Asaba, the state capital after the groundbreaking ceremony for the N59.7bn Lagos-Asaba Expressway Flyover, Uromi junction, the Ijaw leader and development advocate said that he was impressed with the performance of the Governor, Oborevwori, saying that; “We just witnessed the groundbreaking ceremony for yet another flyover in the state. Only recently he did that of Ughelli and today we just witnessed that of Agbor. This is going to strengthen economic activities in this area. He should be commended for coming to our rescue”.

“The Governor has shown that he came prepared for the job of piloting the affairs of our dear state and he has never disappointed us”, he said.

Chief Mulade, who is the Ibe-Serimowei of ancient oil-rich Gbaramatu Kingdom in Delta State also lauded the Governor for the presentation of 65 SUV cars to Royal Fathers in the state, describing it as a well come development.

“Gentlemen of the press, I want to also use this medium to thank our Governor, Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori for the recent presentation of 65 brand new SUVs to traditional rulers across the state. He is doing very well and we are proud of him. He values our traditional rulers who are the custodians of our custom”, he said.

“With the unprecedented development we have witnessed in the state, we should encourage him to go for a second term to consolidated on the ongoing people’s oriented projects and it is my appeal to our politicians not to distract him by contest against the governor who has performed extremely well since he became a governor” We are expecting more projects flag-off across the state with a special focus on riverine areas this year. he added.

Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover: Oborevwori Assures Deltans Of Even Devt, Safer Roads

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, flagged off the construction of the N59.7 billion Agbor/Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

At the epochal event of groundbreaking for the project, he described the project as a critical intervention aimed at improving road safety, preserving lives, and boosting economic activities across the state and beyond.

Governor Oborevwori said the flyover was conceived out of the urgent need to address persistent traffic congestion and frequent accidents at the busy Agbor/Uromi Junction, which, he noted, had, over the years, claimed lives and destroyed property.

According to him, the dangerous intersection among vehicles, motorcycles, and pedestrians on the federal highway, coupled with poor traffic management, made a lasting solution inevitable.

He disclosed that the contract for the design and construction of the flyover had been awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, with a completion timeline of 14 months.

The project, he explained, includes a 1.3-kilometre flyover bridge along the Uromi–Agbor Highway, dual carriageways with two lanes in each direction, ramps, roundabouts, concrete drainage systems, kerbs, and solar-powered streetlights to enhance safety and sustainability.

Governor Oborevwori, who was accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, and other top government functionaries for the groundbreaking ceremony, stressed the strategic importance of the corridor, describing it as a major economic and transportation link connecting the the Eastern and Western parts of the Niger Delta, while also serving as a gateway to the North.

“Anyone travelling from Lagos to the East or from the East to the West must pass through this route. Its importance to the national economy cannot be overstated,” he said.

He noted that upon completion, the flyover would significantly enhance mobility, reduce travel time, expand economic opportunities, and safeguard the lives of thousands of Nigerians who ply the route daily.

The governor also highlighted the employment opportunities the project would generate for engineers, artisans, labourers, transporters, food vendors, and others across the construction value chain.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to inclusive and balanced development, Oborevwori said the state government had injected N100 billion as a special intervention fund, allocating N4 billion each to the 25 local government areas for infrastructure development, in addition to other sectoral investments.

He added that Ika South Local Government Area was also benefiting from other major projects, including the N15.4 billion contract awarded for 13.3 kilometres of concrete drainage systems and five kilometres of road construction to address flooding and erosion, as well as the planned N12 billion 15-kilometre Okpe–Abavo–Ekuku-Agbor Road.

“As a government, we award contracts strictly on merit and competence. Excellence will always attract further patronage,” the governor assured, expressing confidence that the flyover would be completed within schedule.

Earlier, immediate past Governor of the state Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, described the Agbor/ Uromi Junction Flyover as a monumental and impactful project, commending Governor Oborevwori for sustaining continuity and translating plans into tangible development.

He said the scale and spread of infrastructure projects across the state under the current administration reflected purposeful and people-oriented governance.

Okowa also used the occasion to commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that the ongoing economic reforms, though initially challenging, were deliberately steering Nigeria toward a more sustainable future.

The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, described Governor Oborevwori as an audacious and workaholic leader, reminding the Ika Nation of the many infrastructure projects executed by the administration in the area and sued for continued support for the governor in the years ahead.

Mr Frederich Weiser who spoke on behalf of the management and Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, expressed appreciation to the Delta State Government for the confidence reposed in it through the award of the project.

The firm pledged to deliver the flyover to the highest standards of quality, safety, and efficiency, and to complete it on schedule with minimal disruption, drawing on its experience with similar projects across the state, including the Ughelli Flyover.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr. Chiedu Ebie, assured of the commission’s readiness to collaborate with the Delta State Government to complete the Abraka–Obiaruku–Abavo–Agbor Road, describing it as a vital feeder route to the new flyover.

Chairman of Ika South Local Government, Engr. Jerry Ehiwarior, described the flyover as a “project of destiny,” and thanked Governor Oborevwori for what he called action-driven leadership, including the restoration of electricity to communities that had been without power for over 14 years.

Other speakers, including the member representing Ika Federal Constituency, Hon. Victor Nwokolo; APC National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Felix Morka; the Dein of Agbor Kingdom, HRM Benjamin Ikechukwu, Keagborekuzi I, and President-General of Agbor Community Union, Prof. Onyemaechi Ugboh, commended Governor Oborevwori for his massive infrastructure drive and assured him of their unwavering support.

Delta State Governor To Flag Off Construction Of N59.7 Billion Agbor Flyover Project Jan 19

By
Hill Nigeria
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Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, will on Monday, January 19, 2026, perform the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the N59.7 Billion Uromi Junction Flyover in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

The project is part of his administration’s sustained push to expand critical urban infrastructure across the state.

The Chief Press Secretary (CPS) to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon in a statement, said the ceremony would commence at 11:00 a.m. Sir Ahon urged all invited guests to be seated by 10:00 a.m.

Ahead of the official flag-off, construction activities have already commenced at the project site along the Lagos–Asaba Expressway at Uromi Junction, Agbor.

The contracting firm, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, has mobilised to site and began preliminary works, thus underscoring the Oborevwori administration’s commitment to timely execution of the landmark project.

The Uromi Junction Flyover groundbreaking comes a week after the groundbreaking ceremony of the N39.3 billion Otovwodo Junction flyover project in Ughelli.

With the addition of the Uromi Junction Flyover, the total number of flyover projects being executed by the Oborevwori administration now stands at five.

The flyover projects form part of the state government’s broader infrastructure renewal agenda, aimed at easing traffic congestion, improving road safety, and stimulating economic activities across major urban centres in Delta State.

Oborevwori to Perform Groundbreaking for N59.7bn Lagos–Asaba Expressway Flyover on January 19 – Bureau DG

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Ika nation in Delta North Senatorial District will come alive on Monday, January 19, as Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, performs the groundbreaking ceremony for the N59.7 billion Uromi Junction Flyover along the busy Lagos–Asaba Expressway in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area.

The Director-General, Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. (Barr.) Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, noting that the ceremony would mark the commencement of full-scale construction work by the contractor, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

According to Oghenesivbe, the project forms part of Governor Oborevwori’s N230 billion mega infrastructure development initiative aimed at easing traffic congestion in major towns and cities across the state.

The Bureau Director General explained that the Uromi Junction axis of the Trunk “A” Lagos–Asaba Expressway has, over the years, posed serious risks to motorists, particularly long-haul vehicles transporting heavy machinery and goods across the country.

He recalled that several articulated vehicles and heavy-duty trucks had previously veered off the road at the junction due to its sloppy and unprotected nature, resulting in multiple accidents and fire outbreaks involving petroleum tankers and other inflammable cargoes. These incidents, he said, led to the loss of lives and destruction of properties worth billions of naira.

He assured residents that the flyover project would significantly improve road safety, provide protected pedestrian walkways, boost commercial and socio-economic activities, and enhance the aesthetic appeal of Agbor and its environs.

Oghenesivbe further noted that the Lagos–Asaba Expressway Flyover is the most expensive single flyover project undertaken so far by the Oborevwori administration. He assured that the governor will spring more surprises in the N1.7 trillion 2026 budget, of which N1.6 trillion has been earmarked for capital projects statewide.

“Governor Oborevwori remains committed to equitable development across the state’s three senatorial districts, in line with his ward-to-ward and statewide campaign promises made during the 2023 general elections,” he said.

The State Government urged invited guests, political leaders, and senior government officials to be seated by 10:30 a.m. on Monday, January 19, as the groundbreaking ceremony will commence promptly at 11:00 a.m.

Houston-Based Physician, Austin Orette, Declares Intention to Run for Delta South Senate in 2027

By
Hill Nigeria
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A Houston, Texas-based family medicine physician, Dr. Austin Orette, has formally indicated his intention to contest the 2027 National Assembly election for the Delta South Senatorial District.

Speaking, Orette said his decision to enter the race is driven by a desire to introduce what he described as “a politics of ideas” aimed at addressing long-standing developmental challenges in Nigeria, particularly in Delta South.

He argued that many of the country’s socio-economic problems stem from a failure of leadership to prioritize knowledge, innovation, and citizen empowerment.

“Our politics should be a battle of ideas that will move our people and our nation forward. Great nations utilize ideas to empower the people,” Orette said.

“For every child that is not educated, there is an idea that was not implemented. For every youth that is unemployed, there is an idea that was never implemented.”

The medical practitioner also linked Nigeria’s infrastructural deficits, especially power supply, to what he called a “crisis of ideas in leadership.”

In a separate statement, Orette reassured supporters and political associates who have been mobilizing around his senatorial ambition that he is fully committed to contesting in 2027.

“I am running because I want to use my skills to create opportunities for my people,” he stated.

He emphasized that his campaign would focus on building an “enlightened citizenry” capable of driving development through education, entrepreneurship, and civic participation.

Orette was particularly critical of current political leadership, saying that many officeholders repeatedly apply the same strategies while expecting different outcomes.

“The people will reject the current office holders. They will be made to understand through my pronouncements that the present leaders are doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results,” he said.

He outlined key priority areas of his proposed agenda to include education, healthcare, legal reforms, and active citizenship.

According to him, unemployment in Nigeria is largely a result of underutilization of human capital rather than a lack of talent.

“We have to make people acquire skills for the jobs of tomorrow… We will teach the youth how to be job creators by assisting them to set up businesses,” he added.

Orette disclosed that he plans to hold town hall meetings across Delta South to engage directly with constituents and “reintroduce himself to the people.”

DTSG Cmmences Construction of 10.1km Aboh–Akarai Road, Okiri River Bridge in Ndokwa East

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State Government has commenced work on the construction of the 10.1-kilometre Aboh–Akarai Road, including a major bridge across the Okiri River, in Ndokwa East Local Government Area, at a total cost of ₦29.8 billion.

The Commissioner for Works (Highways and Urban Roads), Comrade Reuben Izeze, disclosed this during an inspection visit to the project site, where he was accompanied by the Director of Highways, Engr. Solomon Aghagba, and other top officials of the Ministry of Works.

According to the Commissioner, the project is designed to open up Akarai community and its environs by providing a direct road link to Aboh, thereby eliminating the long-standing dependence on river transportation.

He noted that Ndokwa East is predominantly agrarian, with residents largely engaged in farming and fishing, but poor access caused by difficult terrain has over the years hindered economic activities and business growth.

“This project is intended to open up more avenues for the people of Akarai to link Aboh without having to sail through the river. Because of the nature of the topography, it has been very difficult for the people to do business and succeed as entrepreneurs,” Izeze said.

He explained that the road and bridge project aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s MORE Agenda, stressing that the “O” in the agenda represents opportunities for all Deltans, regardless of whether they live in riverine, rural or urban areas.

The Commissioner revealed that the bridge component of the project spans seven sections, an upgrade from the initial five-span design, to ensure durability and resilience against flooding.

He said the redesign was informed by the 2012 flood level, which was used as the benchmark to guarantee that the bridge would withstand future flooding and outlive changing environmental conditions.

Izeze added that contractors had returned to site immediately after the Christmas holidays and that preliminary works, including bush clearing, had been completed.

He stated that piling would commence once the water level of the river recedes further, expressing optimism that substantial progress would be achieved before the end of the year.

“This is one of the many promises of His Excellency that are being kept across the 25 local government areas of the state,” he said.

Also speaking, the contracting engineer, Lichaa Geagea, confirmed that preparatory works were ongoing, including site clearing, access opening, and arrangements for key facilities such as the batching plant, iron bending yard and beam seating areas.

He disclosed that access roads to the bridge abutments had been opened and that heavy equipment, including excavators, cranes and mixers, would arrive on site before the end of the month.

Geagea said piling for the bridge is expected to begin next month, while bush clearing for the remaining sections of the road would soon be completed.

He added that refilling works, box culverts and other drainage structures would also commence before the end of the month.

The Aboh–Akarai Road and Okiri River Bridge project is expected to significantly boost mobility, economic activities and social integration in Ndokwa East, particularly for riverine communities that have long struggled with accessibility challenges.

Wedding Ceremony Turns Bloody as Family Crisis Claims One Life 

By
Hill Nigeria
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A family dispute that erupted during a wedding ceremony in Kayari village, Fune Local Government Area of Yobe State, has left one person dead and several others injured.

Police sources told Zagazola Makama that the incident occurred at about 6:30 p.m. on January 13, at the residence of Wakili Sumaye, when a violent confrontation broke out between members of the Manu and Ibrahim families.

During the clash, the feuding parties reportedly attacked one another with cutlasses, inflicting serious injuries. Four men, Abdullahi Manu (30), Adamu Manu (27), Ilyasu Manu (30), and Mohammadu Ibrahim (20) all from the same address, were taken to the Damagum Divisional Police Headquarters and later rushed to the General Hospital, Damagum.

Abdullahi Manu was confirmed dead on arrival by a medical doctor, while the remaining victims are receiving treatment for varying degrees of injuries.

The Yobe State Police Command said investigations into the incident have commenced, adding that efforts are ongoing to apprehend suspects who fled the scene.

Ughelli North Chairman Vows to Crush Cultism, Rejects Peace Talks with Killers

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon. Jaro Egbo has condemned cult killings in the Local Government.

Egbo made the expression while speaking with Journalists at his office in Ughelli.

He insisted that his administration will no longer entertain peace talks with cult members.

“You cannot kill someone and expect reconciliation as if nothing happened. Those responsible must face the full wrath of the law,” he declared.

He warned that his government would collaborate fully with security agencies to “crush” cultism, kidnapping, and violent crime in the area.

Addressing rumours that the Leader of the House had been impeached, the Chairman denied the claim, saying there was only an attempted removal, which is now being addressed through party intervention and dialogue.

On the relationship between the executive and the legislature, he admitted there have been disagreements but stressed that both arms belong to the same political party and are working toward unity.

He urged Councillors to focus on governance rather than internal conflict, especially given the current security challenges and appealed for cooperation with security a begencies

“These criminals are not spirits. They live among us. If we know anything, we must speak up. Information will be treated confidentially.”

He assured the public that stronger security measures are being put in place to prevent further bloodshed.

APC Blasts Atiku, As His Son Rejects ADC, Joins Party

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Lagos State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has described the decision of Abubakar Atiku Abubakar, son of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to join the APC as a major political development with far-reaching implications.

In a statement signed by its spokesman, Seye Oladejo, the state arm of the party said the move represents a significant blow to the credibility of the former vice president, arguing that the defection speaks louder than any political rebuttal or press conference.

According to the APC, the choice by Atiku’s son to reject the African Democratic Congress (ADC) underscores deeper questions about trust, conviction and leadership.

The Lagos APC noted that Atiku Abubakar’s long history of party switches, from the PDP to the AC, back to the PDP and now the ADC, has fostered public skepticism about his ideological consistency and political direction. The party described his career as one marked by repeated defections and what it called an unrelenting personal ambition for the presidency.

It said the decision by his son to chart a different political course amounts to a “generational statement” against what it termed recycled ambitions and politics without clear conviction.

The APC further framed the defection as an endorsement of its governance record and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, adding that the move reflects growing confidence in the ruling party’s leadership and policy direction.

Welcoming Abubakar Atiku Abubakar into its fold, the Lagos APC urged Nigerians to see the development as a sign of changing political tides, declaring that the era of “political tourism and ambition without ideology” is steadily fading.

The party concluded that leadership, to be credible nationally, must first inspire confidence at home, a test it insists Nigerians are increasingly applying with discernment.

NIPR Delta Salutes Fallen Heroes, Calls for Sustained Support for Armed Forces on Remembrance Day

By
Hill Nigeria
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The Delta State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) has joined Nigerians across the country to honour the courage, sacrifice and patriotism of officers and men of the Armed Forces and other security agencies as the nation marked the 2026 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

The Institute described the annual observance as a solemn moment of reflection on the priceless sacrifices made by gallant Nigerians who paid the supreme price in defence of the nation’s sovereignty, as well as an opportunity to appreciate those who continue to safeguard lives and property under difficult and often life-threatening conditions.

Speaking at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day ceremony held at the Cenotaph, Asaba, on Thursday, January 15, 2026, Chairman of the NIPR Delta State Chapter, Godfrey Chukwudifu Osakwe, fnipr, said the day represents more than a ceremonial tradition.

“Armed Forces Remembrance Day is not just a ceremonial event; it is a national call to gratitude and responsibility,” Osakwe said. “It reminds us that the peace and freedoms we enjoy today are secured by the courage, discipline and ultimate sacrifices of our gallant men and women in uniform. As a people, we must never take their service for granted.”

He stressed that remembrance should go beyond annual wreath-laying ceremonies to include consistent and tangible support for serving personnel and the families of fallen heroes. According to him, government, corporate organisations and citizens all have a role to play in improving the welfare, morale and professional development of members of the armed forces.

“Honouring our fallen heroes must go hand in hand with caring for the living, through improved welfare, adequate equipment and sustained public appreciation,” he added. “This is how we truly uphold the values of duty, honour and national unity that our armed forces represent.”

The NIPR Delta State Chapter also charged public relations practitioners and the media to act responsibly in shaping narratives that promote national cohesion, respect for security institutions and recognition of the sacrifices made daily to keep the country safe.

As Nigeria reflects on the significance of Armed Forces Remembrance Day, the Institute urged citizens to renew their commitment to peace, unity and patriotism in honour of the men and women who have given their all in service to the nation.

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