NEWS
Edeoga May Return to PDP as Party Meets with Former LP Guber Candidate

From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu
The Enugu State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP), governorship candidate in the 2023 general election, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga have reopened talks that could pave the way for the return of the erstwhile party member to the PDP fold.
Edeoga, a former PDP Member of the House of Representatives between 1999 and 2003, had also served as Special Adviser (Legal) to former Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, in the 6th Senate as well as Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters to former President, Dr.
Goodluck Jonathan; and two-term Commissioner in the Administration of former Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi between 2015 and 2022 all on the platform of the PDP before he pulled out of the party after the governorship primary to run on the platform of LP.However, addressing reporters at a joint press briefing after a closed-door meeting with Edeoga at the former LP flag bearer’s Enugu residence, the Chairman of the Enugu State Chapter of the PDP, Dr. Martins Chukwunweike, told newsmen that the meeting was in line with his agenda to unite the party and bring back all former party members.
“PDP used to be the only party in Enugu State. But in the last election, something happened that things didn’t go the way it used to go. So, when I came on board, I discussed it with the governor, Dr. Peter Mbah, that we must do everything possible to get all our people back in the fold. We must do everything possible to see that Enugu State becomes 100 percent PDP the way it used to be. And we took the decision to consult with some of our very key people, who have been PDP all along.
“Chijioke Edeoga is one of them. When we discussed, he told me in plain language that he owes a lot to PDP and he had become a lot through the PDP. He has been in the State Executive Council of Enugu State under PDP and a lot more.
“We have had a lot of discussions before now and today I came to his house with the members of my executives – the Deputy Chairman, Secretary, and Publicity Secretary, and he is okay and satisfied with our visit. I believe, from what he told us, that we are going to have him back to the party. The only thing is that being somebody, who is not standing alone, who has people who are his team members, it is only right that he should also consult before coming to give us the expected verdict so that we will all go into the next election united as one family that we have always been. We know and we are confident that PDP under Dr. Peter Mbah will eventually become what it used to be as the only party in Enugu State.
“Importantly, he has asked us to tell the governor that he has seen all his good works; that even the blind man can see the good roads. So, our visit has been very successful and when we next call you , it will be for him to tell you what I call the expected response.
Speaking also, Edeoga concurred with all that Dr. Chukwunweike had said, noting that he would consult his supporters in addition to the discussions with the PDP chieftains.
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.