CHAMPIONS

SUNDAY ODE, AbujaPresident Muhammadu Buhari Thursday in Abuja said climate change is steadily taking a toll on income of families as farm lands get narrowed with desert encroachments, while the vagaries of the weather pose greater risks for the future.Receiving Letter of Credence of the High Commissioner of Australia to Nigeria, Mrs Claire Ireland, President Buhari said the global attention on taming the effects of climate change was important, noting that population had been on the increase in Nigeria, and lands for investment and farming have turned more competitive. Before now 10 to 15 members of a family could own a land, but the desert encroachment and growth in population has created a situation where you can have 200 people struggling over a family land, he said.According to a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, Buhari was quoted to have said the effect of climate change on Lake Chad had created more economic challenges, with the shrinking lake rendering many jobless, and leaving them with little or no options for survival, except crime.In her remarks, the High Commissioner said Australia had maintained consistent economic growth for 29 years, scoring a record of development indicators that many countries had not been able to attain.Mrs Ireland said the growth had been largely driven by investments and diversification in the mining sector, assuring the President that stronger partnerships will be explored for Nigerias potentials in minerals, education and agriculture.President Buhari, who also received Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of Sweden, Mr Carl Michael, said Nigeria remains grateful for the strong partnership it had enjoyed over the years, urging the diplomat to use his stay to improve trade relations.The Swedish ambassador assured the President that he will work hard to deepen political and economic relations, pointing out that there are many opportunities for cooperation, including trade and investments.Receiving the Letter of Credence of the Ambassador of Zimbabwe to Nigeria, Mr Maxwell Ranga, President Buhari said Nigeria had enjoyed long years of cooperation with Zimbabwe, adding that the country had also been playing a major role in Africa.Ranga said Zimbabwe appreciates Nigerias support during the countrys struggle for independence.I have been tasked by my President, His Excellency, Emmerson Mnangagwa, to take this relationship to greater heights. My mandate is to improve trade and economic relations. We are facing sanctions and we implore your support for our country, he said.For a better societyTotal Views: 47 ,

FRIDAY OBOH, SOKOTOAs the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) kicks off in many States of the federations, Sokoto State has constituted a five-man Committee as part of the Federal Government efforts to boost small scales businesses in the country.Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, represented by his deputy, Hon. Manir Muhammad Daniya, inaugurated the Sokoto State Committee on Ease of Doing Business as directed by National Economic Council recommendations.Governor Tambuwal said the choosing of the committee members was very strategic to the success and full implementation of the Federal Governments drive to promote small businesses.Members of the committee were the Commissioner of Justice & Attorney General, Commissioner of Budget & Economic Planning, Commissioner of Finance, Commissioner of Lands and Housing and the Commissioner of Commerce and Industries who is serve as Secretary.Governor Tambuwal said the terms and reference of the Standing committee is expected to meet Monthly and report to the State Executive Council, the highest decision making body in the state on a quarterly basis as he will personally Chair the Meetings.He said as the world embraces entrepreneurship, the concept to ease doing business will in a long way uplift those small and medium businesses booming in the country.Tambuwal said since the inception of his administration, priority has been given to small and medium a business thats why Sokoto State Government established the State Medium and small enterprises development agency SOSMEDA from Ministry of Commerce to assist those small businesses to grow in the State.For a better societyTotal Views: 35 ,

SIKIRU OBARAYESE, OsogboA fatal accident that occurred at Ilesa/Akure express way on Thursday in Osun state has claimed the life of a middle-aged person.The accident which involved a Dangote truck and a commercial bus occurred on Ilesa/Akure express way.The accident occurred at Iwaraja around Erin-Ijesa. The Blue Dangote Mack Dangote truck with registration number FST 187 XX that carried cement crushed the white bus and rammed it into the bush.The remains of the deceased was taken to Wesley Hospital in Ilesa by men of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).The Sector Command of the FRSC in the state, Mr Peter Oke confined the incident.Oke explained that the deceased has been deposited in the morgue by his men.For a better societyTotal Views: 36 ,

From: Victor Duruamaku, OwerriContrary to the believe that the second Niger Bridge, project to link the South-East Geo-Political zone and other parts of the country would be completed soon and bring relief to the people of the South-East zone, the Joint leadership of the Movement for Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) have noted that the said contract award by the present administration is a hoax.Addressing journalists in Owerri Thursday, on behalf of Chief Ralph. Uwazuruike, the National Director of Information of the organizations, Mr. Sunday Okereafor said this, pointing out that the contract for thesecond Niger Bridge was issued out to deceive the people of the South-East into accepting the third term bid of the present Nigerian leader.He urged the people to discountenance the expected result of the contract award and look up to the movements saying, the issue of the second Niger Bridge is a shameful thing to all the South-East Governors.The Director, recalled that the deceit of the South-East people began from the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who awarded the contract followed by the administration of Alhaji Umaru Musa Yaradua during its period from 2007 to 2009, re-awarded the contract just to keep toasting the people of the South-East but yet the project was not executed.He further recalled that the former president Goodluck Jonathan came to power and yet re-awarded the bridge contract but could not see the project through, now, he continued, president Mohammadu Buhari has come, during his first tenure, he President Buhari also re-awarded the contract which they believed will not be completed, within the next three years of the present administration.The movements insists that the people of the South East should ignore, their Governors and their style of leadership, noting that the Governors are just there for their personal interest instead of the peoples interests and that the second Niger Bridge will also not be completed by the present Government of Nigeria.The Director however challenged the Federal government to talk about and fix all the bad roads in the South-East and also complete the clean up of Ogoni land project exercise.For a better societyTotal Views: 35 ,

By Pamela Eboh, Awka A 34-year-old self acclaimed Pastor, Chukwudi Chukwumezie was on Wednesday paraded by the Anambra State Police Command for allegedly having sex with a 15-year-old teenager.It was gathered that the incident which took place at a hotel along Eze iweka road Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of the state was feigned to be a deliverance and prayers section for the teenager. The victim, an SS1 student was said to have been lured to the hotel with N200 using ATM as a bait.In a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Haruna Mohammed, he said, On the 23/9/2019 at about 1:40pm, there was a report at Obosi Division by one Onyekachi Idika f of ire village, Obosi in Idemili North LGA of Anambra State that one pastor Chukwudi Chukwumezie m aged 34 years incharge of Mountain Zion deliverance ministry, ugamuma village, Obosi allegedly lured and had unlawful carnal knowledge of her daughter.Following the report, Police detectives took the victim to the hospital for medical Examination where penetration and laceration of her hymen was confirmed by the medical doctor.He said that the suspect was arrested and case transferred to the State criminal investigation department for discreet investigation as directed by the Commissioner of Police CP John B.Abang.Mohammed said that the victim also took Police detectives to the hotel where the alleged offence took place after the pastor gave her the sum of #200 to meet him at the ATM junction before proceeding to the hotel. He added that the case is under investigation after which suspect would be charged to court for prosecution, please. For a better societyTotal Views: 27 ,

By Pamela Eboh, Awka Rev. Fr Uche Ukor, a Catholic priest with Onitsha Archdiocese on Wednesday slumped and died during a novelty match.The priest before his demise was also the Director of the dioceses media arm, publishers of Trinitas Newspaper.It was gathered that the match which was held in Asaba, Delta State was between priests of Onitsha diocese and Issele Uku dioceseof the Catholic church.A source within the Onitsha diocese church who spoke to our correspondent confirmed Fr Ukors death, saying, he slumped on the pitch, breathing his last almost immediately.He wasnt even playing. He was their coach. Ive been in shock since a mutual friend called me last night to inform me of his demise.It was however learnt that the priest had been battling with high Blood Pressure issues lately.He was also said to have been in high spirits on Wednesday afternoon when he left Onitsha for Asaba to participate in the football match.According to a reporter with Trinitas, Mr John Anulumadu, he said that he spoke to Ukor before he left for Asaba and even after his arrival to the neighbouring state, and there was no sign that he was very ill, talk more of being close to dying.He added, Its hard to believe Rev Fr. Ukoh is gone. I have devaated since I heard the news, very sad but we cant question God.For a better societyTotal Views: 16 ,

The All Progressives Congress (APC) is elated at the early passage of the 2020 Budget by the 9th National Assembly, a development that is sure to return Nigeria to the normal January to December budget cycle.This is another solid milestone by the President Muhammadu Buhari-led APC administration.The Party commends both chambers of the National Assembly Senate and House of Representatives, for putting National Interest before any other interest a clean departure from the 8th National Assembly which used filibustering, political manipulation and other devious practices in their failed attempt to sabotage the APC government.We also commend President Muhammadu Buhari for showing leadership in the prompt submission of the 2020 budget proposals and his clear directive to heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies to suspend international travels to defend their respective budgets and provide the required cooperation to the National Assembly in order to ensure timely passage of the 2020 budget.Nigerians will be the ultimate beneficiaries of the early budget passage as it will guarantee full implementation of many of the economic, infrastructural, social investments and other developmental programmes contained in the budget and which will directly and positively impact on the people.Again, the early budget passage will allow for proper and better planning for both the government and the private sector. The entire financial architecture of our country would benefit from this. This includes project financing, contract execution timeline, project implementation and performance monitoring. It will make public procurement predictable, business climate stable, and give confidence to investors.The Party urges the executive and legislature to take full advantage of this new dawn of cordial relations. This will ultimately translate to better governance for the benefit of Nigerians. For a better societyTotal Views: 7 ,

From: Victor Duruamaku, OwerriImo State Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Okey Onyekanma has said that his first priority as a law maker is the welfare of the people of his state constituency, Mbaitoli Local government Area of the state.Addressing members of the Association of Mbaitoli journalists who called on him in his office, Wednesday, the lawmaker said, the welfare of the people of Mbaitoli Local government area, remains my protect.He assured that he would do everything within his powers to see that the people of his state constituency enjoy dividends of democracy. According to him, he would achieve this through desired attention, good legislation and good representation, pointing out that, he is very much aware of the enormous challenges facing the people of thelocal government.He noted that apart from its large size, the local government Area, has the nationality of bad roads and lack of infrastructures.The Deputy Speaker, expressed happiness that the state governor, Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha is aware of the problems the people of his constituency are suffering today, pointing out that the Governor had traversed all the nooks and crannies of the state during the electioneering period.He however, that the present administration in the state under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha has put in place a lot of programmes to uplift the living standard of the people of the state.According to him, the state government has commenced re-construction of many rural roads, through RAMP which Mbaitoli local government area, his state constituency had benefitted from.He further said that all 12 wards of his state constituency has benefitted in one project or the other within this short period oftime.The lawmaker urged members of the Association to see themselves as critical stakeholders in the development of the local government Area.Earlier, the chairman of the Association, Mr. Chidiebere Iwuoha had told the law maker that the association had come to show solidarity, and to assure hi associations continued support.For a better societyTotal Views: 42 ,

Ugo AmadiNigeria may risk losing its market share in the international gas market, as well as dwindling gas export if it fails to make new investments in gas development, Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas, NLNG, has warned.The company also stated that its 97 percent ready to take Final Investment Decision, FID, on its capacity expansion project, the Train 7 project.The Train 7 project is expected to expand NLNGs production capacity by 35 percent from 22 Million Tonnes Per Annum (MTPA) to 30 MTPA. At peak construction, the Train 7 project is projected to provide direct, indirect and induced employment of about 40, 000 jobs if looked holistically over the next six-year window.In his spotlight presentation on Train 7 at the ongoing 9th Practical Nigerian Content, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigeria LNG Limited, Mr. Tony Attah, said: In LNG exports and market share by market, Qatar leads the chart with 78.7MT, 24.9 percent, follows by Australia, with 68.6MT, 21.7 percent while, Nigeria sits at 5th, with 20.5MT and 6.5 percent.If we do not take new FID investments in Trains, Nigeria may continue to drop from 5th to 10th position by 2025. We are here to enable gas. Nigeria has ridden on the back of oil for more than 50 years, it is now time to fly on the wings of gas.The next big deal for capacity building for Nigeria through NCDMB is the NLNG Train 7. We are 97 percent prepared, waiting to take the FID of the project. In March this year, we signed the Train 7 Nigeria Content Plan, NCP, with NCDMB, a big step towards kick-starting the huge gas project that would create a flurry of activities in the oil and gas sector and contribute immensely to the nations economy This project will deliver about 40, 000 jobs if looked holistically, over a six-year window. We believe the future is bright for Nigeria and gas in the future. We have more gas than oil in Nigeria. For a better societyTotal Views: 32 ,

Mr Ezenwa Nwagwu, Chairman ,Partners for Electoral Reforms (PEF) says the jailing of former Gov. Orji Kalu of Abia was a proof that joining the ruling party with criminal case was not a guarantee against justice.Nwagwu in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja said that the jailing has faulted the notion that once people with criminal record join the ruling party they were covered.NAN reports that Kalu was on Thursday convicted of corruption and sentenced to 12 years in prison by a Federal High Court in Lagos after he was found guilty of N7.2 billion fraud and money laundering.The judgment is a good boost for the anti corruption fight, especially against the background of all the noise about once somebody is in the All Progressives Congress (APC) the person cannot be brought to justice.It is a good signal that even if you join the ruling party you will not clog the will of justice.It also signals the fact that no matter how long it last, once there is the determination by the court to bring justice, justice would be done. We are excited about the judgment and we hope that it is also brought to bear on the Babachir Lawals case and other cases of people with criminal record who think that being in the ruling party is a guarantee against justice,he said.NANFor a better societyTotal Views: 29 ,