An estranged political associate of President Muhammadu Buhari and the National Chairman of defunct Reformed All Progressives Congress, rAPC, Alhaji Buba Galadima, has said that the only achievement of the current administration is that they have finally stopped blaming the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, for the woes of the country.

The Abia State Ministry of Youth and Sports DevPublishingelopment has presented awards of “Sports Ambassador 2020” to an 11-year-old, Master Ugwunnaya Chiedozie Erondu and “Exceptional Female Commentator of the Year 2020” to a radio presenter, Miss Adaeze Michael.

The awards were presented to the two deserving awardees during a ceremony at the Umuahia Township Stadium, in the state capital, yesterday.

Speaking on the theme “Catching Them Young”, the Commissioner for Sports, Chief Emeka Ikwuagwu, stated that the award which was in line with the vision of the State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, was part of activities marking the Year 2020 International Youth Day.

Ikwuagwu also disclosed that the Abia youth and sports festival which was suspended due to the coronavirus pandemic will soon take off as soon as the lockdown is eased on sporting activities in the State.

He noted that the same competition has been concluded at the Local Government level.

The Commissioner further informed the youths and the physically challenged persons in the state of plans to hold multi-sports para games which is also in line with the governor’s directives as plans were at an advanced stage.

He also noted that the Handball Club of the state will soon bounce back to prominence as all necessary logistics have been put in place to ensure it takes off as soon as possible.

Ikwuagwu further disclosed plans for the construction of standard stadiums in the three (3) Senatorial Zones of the State, plans which, according to him, are awaiting approval by the Governor.

He went ahead to state that the ministry will continue to fulfill its mandate towards youths in the state by promoting and awarding excellence among them.

Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on General Duties and father of one of the award recipients, Chief Erondu U. Erondu, thanked the Governor and the Ministry of Sports and Youth Development for the giant strides achieved by the State so far in sports.

He disclosed that the 11-year-old Master Ugwunnaya Erondu who is currently in primary 5 developed passion for football having been inspired by his elder brother, Master Chukwuebuka Erondu, who also has interest in the same field.

He encouraged the awardees to continue in their efforts to carve a niche for themselves in their chosen interest areas and passion as they make the State proud.

On his part, the state Youths Sports Ambassador awardee, Erondu, thanked Ikpeazu for his passion for sports which made the event a reality.

Erondu also thanked the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development for the honour conferred on them while promising to do their best in their chosen fields to continue to make the State proud.

Speaking with newsmen after receiving her award, Adaeze Michael who is a sports journalist working with Flo 94.9 FM radio station in Umuahia thanked Ikpeazu for the honor done to her.

She also used the occasion to encourage young Abians to follow their passion wherever it leads.

According to her, “It is my passion for football that has earned me this award which I believe is the first of many to come.”

Good morning! Here is today’s summary from Nigerian Newspapers

Lagos State Traffic Management Authourity (LASTMA), has spoken on the fire incident within its premises.

The federal government has inaugurated an Inter-Ministerial Technical Expert Committee to work out the modalities of lifting 100 million Nigerians out of poverty.

The team will develop a framework of cooperation for all stakeholders’ special intervention under a public-private partnership.

Ministry of Special Duties and Intergovernmental Affairs spokesperson, Julie Osagie Jacobs, said this in a statement at the weekend.

Other terms of reference include the preparation of a template for coordination of inter-governmental policies, projects and programmes.

The committee will harness sundry opportunities for collaboration and cooperation among all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) at all levels of governance.

Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Festus Daudu, charged the members to do a good job.

“Your participation and contribution to the work of this committee will enable your name to be written in gold as your contribution to Mr. President’s promise to lift 100million Nigerians out of poverty in the next 10 years,” he said.

The committee has Director, Human Resources, Bassey Etim Ekang, as the coordinator.

It comprises representatives of Ministries of Health; Environment; Labour and Employment; Power; Sports and Youth Development; Water Resources; Humanitarian Affairs; and Women Affairs.

The United Nations Security Council has rejected a United States proposal that sought indefinite extension of an arms embargo on Iran.

The Kano branch, Muslim Lawyers’ Association of Nigeria (MULAN), has explained why a 22-year-old singer, Yahaya Aminu Sharif convicted for blasphemous statement against prophet Muhammad (SAW) must die.

The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, says the country is ready to commence mass production of COVID-19 vaccine.

The Zamfara State Police Command has commenced a special Operation aimed at mopping up, seizure and recovery from unauthorized persons all prohibited and other illegal firearms and ammunition.

Yobe State government said it has recovered 51 cows stolen from Taraba State.