NEWS
Good Governance: Osun Elders Commend Adeleke’s Performance

From Kunle Idowu
In a dramatic move, top elders of Osun Peoples Democratic Party and members of the party’s Board of Trustees have commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his concerted delivery of good governance and democratic dividends in the last one year.
Former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Alhaji Shuaib Oyedokun; former National Secretary of the party and former Governor of Osun state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and the 1999 governorship candidate of the PDP in Osun state and third republic Senator, Dr Oluwole Alabi, all described the Governor’s performance as outstanding, sterling and calling for unconditional rapprochement within the party for a more entrenched hold on the state.
In a series of strategic meetings Tuesday night ahead of an upcoming stakeholders’ meeting, Governor Adeleke was accompanied by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Right Honourable Adewale Egbedun; Deputy Minority Leader, Senator Lere Oyewumi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; South West Zonal Vice Chairman nominee, Hon Kamar Ajisafe, State chairman of the party, Hon Sunday Bisi and other critical leaders of government and the party.
Former Governor Oyinlola who affirmed his faith in PDP as an elder of the party said he is proud of Governor Adeleke’s approach to governance as well as his remarkable records of service delivery since assuming office.
“Mr Governor, we are proud of you. You represent us and the party well. Reports from the streets speak volumes of your good performance”, the prince Okukuland affirmed.
PDP elder, Dr Alabi who will clock 80 years in March said the Governor has proved naysayers wrong by his spectacular delivery across the sectors in the last 12 months.
“Let me be frank. I misjudged you. You proved to me and others that you are up to the task, that you know your onions, that you understand the needs of our people and you can deliver democratic dividends.
“I follow your activities closely. I can confirm that you are performing. Politics apart, you are Mr Performer people are calling you. Your records have rebranded the PDP. Our task is to now close ranks and provide full party backing for your grade A governance”, Senator Alabi posited.
In his frank remarks, the former National Deputy Chairman of the party, Alhaji Oyedokun said Governor Adeleke has discharged his mandate in the best interest of the people, explaining that “we cannot deny your great performance. On the streets, your positive hands are noticeable.
“As a longtime political actor and as an elder of note locally and nationally, I affirm that you have given the party good records to campaign on. People are thrilled by your person, your brand.
“You dance to deliver democratic dividends. You praise the Lord as you upgrade infrastructure and take care of workers’ welfare. What we need next is to close our ranks and unite behind your government as a true peoples’ government”, Chief Oyedokun who just lost his wife noted.
Governor Adeleke at the strategic meetings appreciated the party elders for their positive review of his administration, noting that those kind words coming from the calibre of such leaders further encouraged him to do more.
“I thank our elders for these kind words. Whatever success we have recorded is by God’s grace and peoples’ support. I am encouraged to devote my time to continue to serve the people.
“I am committed to further open the doors of government and party to all party members. We seek the Governorship and God granted our prayers. So the past is gone, the present and the future are the focus. I value all party members, especially our elders. We will do all that is necessary to ensure an inclusive government committed to public service”, the governor restated.
“I trust our party chairman, Hon Bisi, will do the needful. To all party men and women, be rest assured that as we raise the profile of the party, we will ensure a new PDP where all members have a sense of belonging for collective success”, the Governor noted.
NEWS
21 Terrorists Neutralised in Damboa Again — Army

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have repelled a deadly attack by ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Borno, neutralising 21 insurgents and recovering a cache of arms and ammunition.
Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, confirmed this in a statement issued in Maiduguri on Friday.
Report saya that the attack, which occurred in the early hours of Friday, targeted troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade.
Daily Asset, however, reports that the soldiers, with the support of the Air Component of OPHK, engaged the terrorists in a fierce and prolonged firefight that lasted over two hours.
Kovangiya said the troops displayed gallantry and tactical superiority during the confrontation, forcing the terrorists to retreat in disarray, leaving behind more than 21 of their fighters who were neutralised during the engagement.
“The gallant troops, supported by Close Air Support, stood their ground and repelled the attack despite the ferocity of the enemy.
“The insurgents suffered devastating losses and were forced to flee,” he said.
The spokesman said that during the exchange of fire, an ammunition storage facility within the military formation was hit by a blast, but the situation was quickly brought under control.
He also confirmed that the troops recorded minor casualties.
“Following the mop-up and exploitation operation, the following weapons and ammunition were recovered:
“Two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG) three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, one pump-action rifle, nine AK-47 rifles, three belts of PKT rounds, eight AK-47 magazines, seven RPG bombs, two boxes of 12.7mm x 99mm ammunition, one and a half box of PKT rounds and 20 pieces of 36 hand grenades,” Kovangiya said.
The spokesman said that the success of the operation was a clear demonstration of the effectiveness of joint land and air efforts in counterterrorism operations which further reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s resolve to restore peace in the North-east.
“The bravery and sacrifice of the troops remain a symbol of national pride.
“Their unwavering commitment to defeating insurgency and restoring peace in the region is commendable,” he said.(NAN)
NEWS
Enugu Govt Sets up Human Development Council

Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State, on Friday, inaugurated the Enugu State Human Development Council at the Government House. He stressed that human capital remains the true wealth of any nation and a core priority of his administration. The Council is chaired by the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, and includes State Executive Council members and heads of MDAs.
Also represented are the legislature, local governments, traditional rulers, church leaders, and civil society organisations. Mbah explained the Council aligns with his government’s emphasis on human development and social investment. He urged the members to take the task seriously and work towards tangible outcomes. “One of our top priorities is eradicating poverty and reducing the poverty headcount to zero,” Mbah noted. He added that the government’s philosophy prioritises human capital over natural resources. “Our last two budgets allocated over 50 per cent to social services,” the governor stated. In his response, Ossai assured the governor of members’ commitment to the Council’s goals. He emphasised that all government initiatives — from schools to roads — are people-focused. “All our projects aim to improve lives, and the Council will help us track and measure progress,” Ossai said. (NAN)NEWS
ASUU Demands Action, Threatens Nationwide Strike

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has urged the Federal Government to honour the 2009 FG/ASUU agreement or face a nationwide industrial action. ASUU President, Chris Piwuna, issued this warning during a news conference in Abuja on Friday. He stressed the importance of the government fulfilling its promises and addressing the worsening conditions in Nigerian universities.
According to Piwuna, nine critical issues remain unresolved, including the stalled renegotiation process since 2017. He mentioned withheld salaries from the 2022 strike and unpaid entitlements linked to the contentious Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS). Piwuna also criticised the delayed release of revitalisation funds and earned academic allowances due to government inaction. In spite of promises to inject ₦150 billion into universities and adjust irregular allowances by 2026, he said these commitments remain unfulfilled. He highlighted the marginalisation of ASUU members at state institutions such as Kogi State University and Lagos State University. According to him, victimisation, salary denial, and job insecurity persist in those universities, undermining staff morale. On university autonomy, he said political interference has compromised the selection of leaders, citing Nnamdi Azikiwe and Abuja universities as examples. Piwuna warned that universities are becoming battlegrounds for political and economic interests, which he described as unacceptable. He called for a national rebirth through education, saying it is vital for Nigeria’s transformation and prosperity. To address the crisis, he proposed a national education summit focusing on funding, autonomy, and academic welfare. “Education empowers citizens, drives innovation, and instils values. Without it, development is impossible,” Piwuna said. He reaffirmed ASUU’s commitment to reforming Nigerian universities and urged patriotic Nigerians and global allies to support their struggle. “Our universities should be centres for solutions to national challenges. “We are open to dialogue but will not tolerate further erosion of our rights,” Piwuna said. (NAN