NEWS
Delta Intensifies Efforts to Resolve Ndokwa Power Crisis

From Francis Sadhere, Delta
The Delta State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the persistent electricity challenges faced by communities in Ndokwa Nation, assuring that concrete measures are underway to provide a sustainable power supply to the region.Speaking at a press briefing in Asaba, the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, addressed recent protests under the “Light Up Ndokwa Nation” movement, saying the state was not unmindful of the hardship caused by the prolonged power outage in the area.
Aniagwu, who was flanked by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Sir Festus Ahon, and the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Public Enlightenment (Projects and Policies), Olisa Ifeajika, explained that the root of the issue lies in the long-standing exclusive control of power generation and transmission by the Federal Government.“For a very long time, power generation and transmission were under the exclusive preserve of the Federal Government,” Aniagwu noted. “Even if you generated power, you had to rely on the national grid to distribute it.”He recalled that liberalization efforts dating back to the Goodluck Jonathan administration opened the power sector to private investors, and recent reforms have further allowed state governments to explore generation and distribution within defined limits.Although the Okpai Power Project in Ndokwa is a federal initiative, Aniagwu said the state is working to tap into its potential benefits.He disclosed that the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, who hails from Ndokwa Nation, has been tasked by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori to spearhead efforts toward resolving the electricity crisis.“There have been several meetings with stakeholders and power distributors, including efforts to settle legacy liabilities inherited from the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria to the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC),” he stated.Aniagwu explained that the absence of power over time made the infrastructure vulnerable to vandalism. “We are now in a position where we have to rebuild and reconnect the power infrastructure to restore supply to the region,” he added.The Commissioner also highlighted several infrastructural developments in Ndokwa land, urging residents to appreciate the government’s efforts and avoid being misled by detractors.“In our last Executive Council meeting, we approved the construction of the Aboh–Akarai Road and bridge project worth N29 billion to connect communities in Ndokwa East. This is a clear demonstration of Governor Oborevwori’s commitment to developing the area,” Aniagwu said.He listed other projects including the over 5km Utagba-Uno–Eweshi Road, Ndemili–Utagba-Uno Road, Inam–Abbi Road, Obi–Ibabu Road, and the completed Beneku Bridge. Also ongoing are works on the 8km Amai–Aragba–Orogun Road and the completed Ofuegbe Street in Amai.“Oborevwori’s administration has done a lot within just two years – not just in infrastructure but in human capital development and enhancing security for businesses. We are determined to do even more in the coming years,” Aniagwu affirmed.He called on the people of Ndokwa Nation to remain patient and support the administration’s efforts to deliver lasting development.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.