NEWS
Army to Enhance Capacity of Troops to Neutralise Extant Threats – COAS

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.- Gen. Olufemi Oluyede says the priorities of the Nigerian Army were to enhance the capacity of troops so as to neutralise extant threats to national security.He stated this in Bauchi on Monday during the opening ceremony of the 2025 Combat Arms Training Week, co-hosted by the Nigerian Army Infantry and Armoured Corps.
Oluyede said the Nigerian Army would also continue to improve strategic communications, bridge gaps in the force’s assessment, sustain innovative leadership and harness the support of the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies. “As we project into the future with optimism, our key priorities will be to enhance the capacity of our troops. “This would be done by infusing the necessary capabilities into our training schedules to better prepare troops to adapt to fluid situations and place us in a more favourable position to neutralise extant threats to our national security. “However, this can only be achieved by ensuring that troops are provided with timely logistics and adequate welfare.“We’ll not relegate the importance of the support from stakeholders in the various geopolitical zones, or the importance of ministries, departments and agencies at the Federal and State levels of government,” he said.The COAS reiterated that the Nigerian Army would continue to effectively mitigate the security challenges that tried to threaten the resolve or the peace and unity of Nigeria.He affirmed that the force would continue to adopt new methods in line with international best practices to enhance and sustain its capabilities as its project into the future while discharging their constitutional roles.Oluyede explained that the training week was more than just a theoretical or doctrinal exercise but a forum to enhance the operational effectiveness of troops across all theatres, especially those in the North East and North West Zones. “The lessons learned in the field and inter-corps collaborations which this training week provides will directly translate into more coordinated and impactful outcomes in the field,” he said.Also speaking, the Commander, Armoured Corps, Maj:-Gen Obinna Ajunwa, said that the theme of the training is strengthening Combat Arms cooperation in a joint environment: ‘A prerequisite for success in counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations’.According to him, the week-long event served as a forum for discussing pertinent issues affecting combat arms operations and other issues affecting the Nigerian Army at large.On his part, Gov. Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state, said the current security challenges facing the country ranging from terrorism, banditry, insurgency to communal unrest, needed a blend of kinetic and non-kinetic approaches as well as multi-dimensional strategies.Represented by his deputy, Mohammed acknowledged that the Nigerian Army, in response to tackling the security challenges, had deployed troops across nearly every state of the federation in aid of civil authorities.Highlight of the event was the inauguration of the 211 DB Barracks, Comprehensive Service Centre as well as the inspection of refurbished tank transporters and tree planting exercise.NEWS
Gov Adeleke, Osun PDP Caucus Endorses Tinubu’s Re-election Bid

From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the leadership caucus of the the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state have endorsed President Bola Tinubu’s second term bid.They assured of working for the success of the re-election bid of the President, who is the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in the country.
They made this known on Monday at the Osun State PDP Leadership Caucus meeting held at the Government House, Osogbo. Similarly, following extensive consultations, debates, surveys, opinion sampling from traditional rulers, community leaders, civil servants, retirees, religious leaders, market men and women, interactions with members of the PDP and the general public across major towns and villages in Osun State, on issues pertaining to recent political development in the state, the Leadership Caucus of Osun PDP hereby reviewed as follows: “That all politics is local, and as such, the feelings and aspirations of voters and party members are critical to decisions on party affiliations.”That the majority of the members of the APC in Osun State are opposed to the APC, which did not originate from the Governor in the first instance. Some APC leaders based on entrenched interests have demonstrated hostility and resentment towards Governor Ademola Adeleke. Some went on social media and national television to call Governor Adeleke all kinds of unprintable names.”That the majority of PDP members in Osun State are not happy about the idea of the defection of Governor Adeleke to wherever he goes to show their love, support and loyalty to his leadership.”That the state governor, the state government, and the PDP as a political party remain very popular and acceptable above all other political parties in Osun State.”Consequently, the leaders hereby resolve as follows:”That the PDP in Osun State recognizes the fact that Osun State is the ancestral home of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which makes the President the son of Osun State. “Therefore, the PDP in Osun State hereby, adopts, and endorses President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 Presidential election.”That PDP in Osun State re-affirm it’s adoption and endorsement of Governor Ademola Adeleke for re-election in the 2026 Governorship election on the platform of the PDP.”That Governor Ademola Adeleke and all members of the PDP in Osun State should remain in the PDP.”That the leadership of the PDP in Osun State is directed to disseminate the resolution to all structures of the party in the state and that, the state governor is enjoined to forge ahead with governance and implementation of the administration’s five point agenda.”NEWS
Kogi Promises to Reposition Basic Education System

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja
The Kogi state government has promised to reposition its basic education system as part of its desire to enhance effective learning and providing solid foundation for Children’s education.The state’s Commissioner for Education, Wemi Jones gave the assurance during the 2025 matriculation ceremony of new students at the Kogi State study Centre of the National Teachers Institute (NTI) in Lokoja.
The Commissioner also restated government’s commitment to supporting initiatives aimed at providing quality education at all levels of learning. Jones emphasised the importance of teacher training, noting that the future of children lies in the hands of teachers.Represented by the ministry’s Acting Permanent Secretary, Omolayo Berikisu Onozare, Jones appealed to the matriculating students to remain committed to their academics.He highlighted Gov. Ahmed Ododo’s significant budgetary allocation to the education sector, stressing that the training of teachers cannot be compromised under any guise.The Director General and Chief Executive of NTI, Professor Sadiya Daura, said the institute’s programmes were designed to equip students with necessary skills for national growth and development.Represented by the Kogi State Coordinator of NTI, Alh Tijani Yusuf, Daura warned students against indiscipline, emphasising the institute’s zero-tolerance policy towards misconduct.She urged them to strive for impact in their lifetime after training.On his part, the Director News and Publications, Kogi State Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Samuel Atuluku, expressed concern about the “get rich quick syndrome” among young people.Atuluku appealed to parents to ensure proper discipline of their children and wards to change the narrative and secure a greater future for them.The highlight of the ceremony was the administration of the matriculation oath to new students enrolled in NCE, Bachelor Degree, and Postgraduate Degree programs in Education.The event marked a significant milestone for the students, who are expected to benefit from the institute’s programs designed to equip them with necessary skills for national growth and development.NEWS
C’River, NIGCOMSAT Train 200 Youths on VSAT

By Ene Asuquo, Calabar
The Cross River State Government and the Nigerian Communication Satellite Ltd (NIGCOMSAT) through collaboration is training about 200 youths drawn across the 18 local government areas of the StateIn his remarks at the training workshop in ASUU building, University of Calabar, the Cross River State Governor, Prince Bassey Edet Otu who was represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Science, technology and Innovation Dr.
Justin Beshel, emphasized that the training of these youths on VSAT technology will advance technological development and create employment for the 200 youthsHe stressed that Cross River is shifting from being the civil service State to a digitally incline State, taking advantage in the demands in the global Space of technology, stating that the 200 youths were drawn from the 18 local government areas of the state through online registrationAccording to Beshel, “These youths are meant to be trained on Very Small Aperture Terminal(VSAT) and also in space technology”. He stressed further that there is a high demand of labour in this sector and the state is trying to catch- in to create the man power that is needed internationally, maintaining that partnering with NIGCOMSAT, “the youths are brought to be empowered through innovation in satellite technologyIn her opening address, the Managing Director, NIGCOMSAT, Jane Egerton- Idehen who spoke in the event through the programme Coordinator, Maureen Neekwe said the program in cross river is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at equipping young minds with cutting – edge knowledge in satellite technology and digital communicationShe emphasized that the program is designed to foster innovation, enhance technical skills, while creating opportunities for youths in the ever- evolving space – tech industryNeekwe maintained that participants in the workshop will gain practical experience in setting up and configuring VSAT systems.