Home Blog Page 9

Delta State Governor Flags Off ₦39.3bn Otovwodo Flyover Project

By
Hill Nigeria
-

…Vows To End Ughelli Traffic Gridlock

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, today performed the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of the ₦39.3 billion Otovwodo (Ughelli) Flyover project, saying it is a permanent solution to the long-standing traffic congestion at one of the state’s busiest junctions.

Speaking in Ughelli, the governor said the project is a major milestone in his administration’s infrastructure renewal drive and aligns with its agenda of prudent resource allocation, durable road construction and the opening up of urban and rural corridors for inclusive growth.

He noted that Ughelli, a historic commercial and educational hub, has witnessed rapid population growth, placing enormous pressure on its road network, particularly at Otovwodo Junction, on the East–West Road and other major routes.

Oborevwori said the junction had become notorious for gridlock, costing commuters several productive hours daily, adding that he had personally experienced the gridlock motorists endure at the location.

As an interim measure, the governor disclosed that his administration constructed alternative routes, including Uduere Street, Okogbe Street, Oru Street, Edo Street, Royal Avenue to link Agbarha-Otor Road, at a cost of nearly ₦6 billion to ease traffic before the flyover.

The governor said the project, awarded to Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, is expected to be completed within 12 months, stressing that the timeline is non-negotiable due to the strategic importance of the junction.

He explained that the project includes a multi-span reinforced concrete bridge with dual carriageways, roundabouts and associated roadworks linking the East–West Road with other arterial routes, noting that it would ease congestion, reduce travel time, improve safety and boost economic activities.

Oborevwori also highlighted the job creation potential of the project, saying it would generate thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the construction value chain. He urged residents to be patient and comply with traffic directives during the construction.

Reaffirming his commitment to transparency and accountability, the governor assured that the state would continue executing major projects without borrowing, adding that several completed projects across the state were awaiting commissioning, with more to be flagged off in 2026 under the Renewed Hope for MORE Agenda.

Earlier, the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Engr. Peer Lubasch, thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in the company, describing the contract as a validation of its technical expertise and partnership with Delta State.

He said the 15-span flyover would feature a dual carriageway, connecting roads, specialised drainage systems and solar street lighting, and assured timely delivery to global standards.

Oborevwori after the groundbreaking ceremony, visited the Ovie of Ughelli Kingdom, HRM Wilson Ojakovo Oharisi III and Chief Morrison Olori, founder and Chairman of Ukodo Nation, where he reiterated that he is Governor for all Deltans.

In their remarks, Chairman of Ughelli North Local Government Council, Hon Jaro Egbo, and the ‘Otota’ (spokesman) of Ughelli Kingdom, Chief Peter Akpofure, commended Governor Oborevwori for the project, describing it as transformative and long overdue, while appealing for additional internal roads and complementary infrastructure.

The ceremony was attended by the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, State Chairman All Progressives Congress APC, Elder Omeni Sobotie, Members of the National Assembly, Hon. Francis Waive and Hon. Ngozi Okolie, top government officials, traditional rulers, community leaders and residents, who hailed the project as a decisive step towards ending Ughelli’s traffic challenges.

Chief Emma Ejiofor Takes Oath as Grand Knight of Ogwashi-Uku Sub-Council, Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Chief Emma Ejiofor, PhD, FIBDFM, KSM, has formally assumed office as the Grand Knight of the Ogwashi-Uku Sub-Council of the Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria, following his subscription to the oath of office and allegiance. The announcement was made Chief Press Secretary to Chief Emma Ejiofor, PhD, FIBDFM, KSM,  Gibson Dunkwu.

In a heartfelt address to the Brothers and Sisters of the Order, Grand Knight Ejiofor expressed profound humility and immense gratitude, acknowledging “God’s unfailing intervention” as the “bedrock of my existence.” He affirmed that divine grace would guide his interactions, illuminate his path, and underpin every endeavor, not just for himself, but for every individual he is privileged to shepherd and for the esteemed Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba, Nigeria.

Chief Ejiofor reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to elevate the Sub-Council’s engagement with both the Order and humanity. “This is not merely an acceptance of office, but a solemn vow to exemplify the highest ideals of a Knight, embodying the spirit of Christ in all our dealings,” he stated, emphasizing his Catholic faith as his “guiding light and ultimate destination.”

He articulated a fervent hope to be an effective conduit for a virtuous Christian life, striving to manifest the core tenets of the sacred Order. Through collective efforts, he envisions the Sub-Council becoming “beacons of faith, charity, and fraternity in our community and beyond.” Grand Knight Ejiofor also paid tribute to his predecessor, who has been elevated to the distinguished position of Supreme Auditor, stressing the mandate “to build upon this legacy with renewed vigor,” transcend previous achievements, and expand the Sub-Council’s impact.

The Grand Knight issued an appeal to every Brother and the cherished Sisters of the Ladies of St. Mulumba, highlighting that the transformative journey ahead demands “collective dedication, unwavering unity, and shared commitment.” He recognized the Order’s regimented structure as a means “to cultivate excellence within each individual through disciplined service and humble devotion.” Chief Ejiofor concluded by pledging unreserved allegiance to uphold the Constitution of the Order with “unwavering faith, steadfast dedication, and principled leadership.”

The Order of the Knights of St. Mulumba (KSM) is a prominent Catholic lay organization in Nigeria, established on June 14, 1953, by Late Reverend Father Abraham Anselm Isidahome Ojefua. Open to practicing Catholic men and their wives, known as the Ladies of St. Mulumba (LSM), the Order is dedicated to fostering the spiritual development and welfare of its members. Its mission includes promoting a high sense of order and discipline within society, cooperating with other Christian denominations, advocating for social justice, and providing succor to the disadvantaged and oppressed. The Knights are committed to living exemplary Catholic lives, defending the Catholic faith, and engaging in various charitable works for the good of the Church and humanity.

Influence of Wike’s PDP faction, will not be accepted into APC

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The All Progressives Congress, APC, in Rivers State has said it will resist any attempt to import internal crises associated with the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, into its fold.

The APC insisted that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains the leader of the party in the state.

The spokesperson of the party in state, Darlington Nwuju, stated this while speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show.

Nwuju said the party was resolved not to allow any external forces to destabilise the government or the APC in Rivers State, stressing that the party would not align with or pander to interests seeking to create instability.

He said the APC had made its position clear that Governor Fubara was not only a member of the party but its leader in Rivers State, adding that the party would stand by him.

Referring to the political crisis that has engulfed the state, Nwuju traced the tensions to events that occurred while the key actors were still members of the PDP, beginning in October 2023.

According to him, the APC would resist any effort to transfer what he described as the “spirit” of the PDP crisis into the ruling party.

He said: “Let me say this clearly for those who are in doubt about the resolve of the APC in Rivers state to ensure that the government of the day in Rivers is not destabilized.

“Then let them take this to the bank that we would not accept, we would not align, we will not also pander to the wishes of any external force, anywhere that will attempt to destabilize the government of Rivers state.

“Like we clearly stated in our statement yesterday, that this governor is not just a member of the All Progressives Congress, but as it stands today, he is the leader of the All Progressives Congress in Rivers state.

“Now you would recall the series of drama, or the drama series that we’ve been treated to in Rivers state, and that was purely when they were members of the People’s Democratic Party, starting from October 13, 2023 when the drama began, we believe strongly that this should not dovetail into the APC.

“The spirit of PDP cannot be transferred into the APC. We are going to resist it. We reject it. And every Frankenstein monster that attempts to destabilize our party and the leadership of the governor of Rivers State will surely be resisted by every illegal means possible. This is not an emotional thing.”

Adekunle Gold, Simi Welcome Twin Babies

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Nigerian singer Adekunle Kosoko, also known as Adekunle Gold, has announced that he and his wife, Simi, have welcomed their twin babies.

He however did not disclose the gender of the baby.

The singer posted about the goodnews via his Snapchat story

“Asked God for another child and he blessed me double,” he wrote.

Adekunle Gold and Simi married in 2019 after years of friendship and musical collaboration.

Early in their careers, both of them were formerly signed to X3M Music and have remained one of Nigeria’s most celebrated high-profile music power couples.

Ijaw Youths Calls For Wike’s Sack, Reject Impeachment Move Against Fubara

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Ijaw Youth Council (IYC) has called for the sack of FCT minister, Nyesom Wike and condemned the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara by the Rivers State House of Assembly.

The IYC President, Alaye Theophilus, made this known during a briefing in Port Harcourt, hours after the lawmakers began proceedings to impeach Fubara and his deputy, Ngozi Odu, adding that it was against the wishes of Rivers’ people.

The IYC leader also asked President Bola Tinubu to sack the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, who the group said has been fomenting trouble and unrest in the oil-rich state.

“The latest developments in Rivers State have revealed the true enemies of the state and as such we call for the immediate sack of the FCT Minister, the person of Barrister Nyesom Wike,” the group said about the immediate past governor of the state.

“It has been shown that he is not a true democrat but an enemy of democracy and good governance.”

IYC said it is supporting the re-election bid of Governor Fubara and President Tinubu, hailing the ex-Lagos governor for his administration’s resolve to reposition Nigeria.

“The IYC and the entire Ijaw ethnic nationality are behind your re-election bid for 2027 and that of Siminalayi Fubara for his second term as Governor of Rivers State,” Theophilus said.

“We categorically declare total support for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 for the show of love and democratic disposition he has demonstrated as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

On Your Mandate We Stand’ Mandate Group, Ukwuani LGA Affirms With Senator Prince Ned Nwoko.

By
Hill Nigeria
-

By Authentic Ojuwa

The Mandate Group, Ukwuani Local Government Area, has unequivocally declared its unflinching loyalty and total support for the Distinguished Senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Prince Ned Munir Nwoko, and formally endorsed him for re-election in 2027.

In a strongly worded statement issued by the leadership of the group, the Mandate Group affirmed that Senator Ned Nwoko’s outstanding performance, visionary leadership, and people-oriented representation have earned him the trust and confidence of the Anioma people, making his re-election not only desirable but imperative for the continuity of critical developmental and legislative efforts.

The group highlighted Senator Nwoko’s bold and unwavering push for the creation of Anioma State, describing it as the most defining political struggle of the Anioma nation in recent history. According to the group, the Anioma State agenda has gained unprecedented national relevance due to Senator Nwoko’s courage and consistency, and they stressed that abandoning such a historic struggle midway would be a disservice to the people. The Mandate Group therefore maintained that re-electing Senator Ned Nwoko in 2027 is central to the actualization of Anioma State.

On infrastructure and economic justice, the group commended the Senator’s instrumental role in driving the Okpai Independent Power Plant (IPP) step-down project, noting that the initiative has opened a new chapter of hope for Ukwuani LGA, Ndokwa Nation, and other host and benefiting communities. They emphasized that Senator Nwoko’s re-election would guarantee the consolidation, expansion, and full delivery of the IPP step-down benefits, including stable power supply, industrial growth, and job creation.

The Mandate Group also praised Senator Nwoko’s sustained advocacy for the Ogwuashi-Uku Dam project, describing it as a strategic intervention capable of transforming agriculture, water access, and economic activities across Anioma land. The group noted that such long-term projects demand legislative experience, influence, and continuity, qualities they said Senator Nwoko has demonstrated and must be preserved through his return to the Senate in 2027.

According to the statement, Senator Ned Nwoko has distinguished himself as a fearless voice for the marginalized, a defender of Anioma identity, and a legislator whose actions consistently align with the yearnings of the people. The group stressed that his mandate is a sacred trust that must be renewed through the ballot.

“Come 2027, the people of Ukwuani and Delta North at large will re-elect Senator Prince Ned Nwoko to protect our collective interests, complete ongoing projects, and sustain the momentum for Anioma State creation,” the statement declared.

The Mandate Group therefore called on political stakeholders, traditional rulers, youths, women groups, and community leaders across Anioma land to close ranks, begin early mobilization, and work collectively towards ensuring the successful re-election of Senator Prince Ned Nwoko in 2027.

The group concluded by reaffirming its readiness to mobilize at the grassroots and across all political structures to defend and renew the mandate of Senator Ned Nwoko, whom they described as the surest path to continuity, progress, and lasting development for Anioma people.

Uromi Junction Flyover Construction Begins in Delta

By
Hill Nigeria
-

Construction work has commenced on the long-awaited Uromi Junction Flyover Bridge in Agbor, Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, with the arrival of heavy-duty construction equipment at the site.

The project is being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria PLC, one of the country’s leading construction firms.

Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, the Director-General of the Delta State Bureau for Orientation and Communications, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, described the flyover as a massive infrastructure project with far-reaching socio-economic benefits for the area.

He said the project would significantly transform the Agbor metropolis by easing traffic congestion, improving the city’s aesthetics, and boosting commercial activities within the local government area.

Dr. Oghenesivbe described Governor Sheriff Oborevwori as a promise-keeper and pragmatic leader whose administration remains committed to infrastructure development and economic growth across the state.
He expressed confidence in Julius Berger’s capacity to deliver the project within record time and according to the highest construction standards.

The Uromi Junction serves as a major link between different parts of the country but has recently been plagued by severe traffic congestion, making vehicular movement increasingly difficult.

Residents of the area were urged to cooperate with the contractor and safeguard construction materials and equipment to ensure the timely completion of the project.

Niger Delta Oil Pipeline Protection: Textron to Supply Tantita Advanced Surveillance Drones 

By
Hill Nigeria
-

American defence technology company Textron Systems has signed an agreement to supply advanced surveillance drones to Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, the private security outfit engaged by the Federal Government to protect critical oil and gas infrastructure in the Niger Delta.

Under the deal, Textron Systems will provide three Aerosonde Mk 4.7 Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) drones to Tantita, a company owned by Niger Delta security contractor and ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo.

The Aerosonde Mk 4.7 is a long-endurance tactical drone designed for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

 With its VTOL capability, the drone can take off and land in confined areas without the need for a runway, making it suitable for monitoring difficult terrains such as creeks, swamps and offshore environments common in the Niger Delta.

Industry experts say the deployment of the drones is expected to significantly enhance Tantita’s surveillance capacity, particularly in tracking pipeline vandalism, oil theft and other forms of economic sabotage that have plagued Nigeria’s oil-producing regions for years. The drones are capable of operating for extended hours, transmitting real-time imagery and data to ground control stations.

The development has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians. While some commentators have welcomed the move as a positive step towards strengthening the security of national oil assets, others have raised concerns about the growing sophistication of equipment in the hands of private security contractors.

Reacting online, some users described the deal as a “welcome development” that would boost the protection of oil pipelines and reduce crude oil theft. However, critics cautioned that the Federal Government must ensure proper regulation and oversight of private security firms equipped with advanced military-grade technology, warning of potential risks if such assets are misused.

Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited has been a major player in Nigeria’s oil pipeline surveillance programme since its engagement by the Federal Government, recording reported improvements in crude oil production levels following intensified monitoring of critical infrastructure.

Nigerian Navy Announces Navy Batch 38 Interview for Shortlisted Candidates

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The Nigerian Navy Headquarters has announced the schedule for the Nigerian Navy Batch 38 Recruitment Interview for shortlisted candidates from Delta State and other states within the South-South geopolitical zone.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Director General of Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe Esq said the interview exercise will hold from January 10 to January 23, 2026, beginning 7:00 a.m. daily, at the Nigerian Navy Basic Training School (NNBTS), Onne, Rivers State.

According to Oghenesivbe, all shortlisted candidates are required to report at the venue with the original copies of their academic certificates, a valid means of identification, and other relevant documents related to the recruitment process.

The state government urged candidates to take the exercise seriously, noting that enlistment into the Nigerian Navy aligns with its job and wealth creation drive under the MORE Agenda of Governor Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, JP.

“All shortlisted candidates of Delta State origin are strongly advised to report at the interview venue in Onne, Rivers State, within the stipulated dates,” the statement said.

The government wished all participating candidates success in the recruitment exercise.

Nigerian Army 90th Regular Recruits Depart Delta for Mandatory Training

By
Hill Nigeria
-

The first batch of the Nigerian Army 90th Regular Recruits from Delta State on Sunday, January 4, departed Asaba for the Nigerian Army Training Depot in Zaria, Kaduna State, to commence their mandatory military training.

Leading the contingent was the Nigerian Army Temporary Recruitment Officer for Delta State, Major P. S. Dati.

According to a statement issued by the Director-General of the Delta State Orientation and Communications Bureau, Dr. Fred Latimore Oghenesivbe, a total of 135 candidates—comprising 118 males and 17 females—successfully emerged from the recruitment exercise.

Dr. Oghenesivbe disclosed that 50 of the successful recruits departed Asaba on Sunday for Zaria, while the remaining candidates will be deployed in two additional batches later in the week to the Nigerian Army Training Depots in Osogbo and Jaji, respectively.

The Delta State Government charged the recruits to serve as worthy ambassadors of the state and to conduct themselves with discipline, integrity, and responsibility throughout the six-month training period.

He further revealed that sustained sensitisation and awareness campaigns on military and paramilitary recruitment across the state over the past three years have yielded significant results, with over 3,000 Deltans either enlisted or commissioned through Regular Recruitment Intake (RRI), Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC), and admissions into the Nigerian Defence Academy.

Dr. Oghenesivbe attributed these achievements to the strong commitment and priority attention accorded the recruitment process by the Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevi, JP, noting that the initiative aligns with the job creation and wealth-building objectives of the Governor’s MORE Agenda.

He assured that the state government would continue to intensify statewide media publicity and sensitization campaigns, while collaborating with local government council chairmen, traditional rulers, and faith-based organisations to ensure Delta State consistently meets its quota in military and paramilitary recruitments, as well as admissions into the Nigerian Defence Academy.

The Delta State Government also expressed appreciation to the Commander, 63 Brigade, Asaba, Brigadier General M. A. Shonibare, and the Director of Recruitment, Army Headquarters, Brigadier General Chibueze Ogbuabo, for visiting the recruitment camp at the Cenotaph Complex in Asaba to encourage the recruits and instil in them the values of patriotism and national service.

The 90th Regular Recruits of the Nigerian Army are expected to complete their mandatory training on or before July 2026.
***
#fredlatimore

1...8910...194Page 9 of 194

MOST READ

LATEST STORIES

POPULAR POSTS

POPULAR CATEGORY

© 2022 - The Hill Nigeria