₦airaland Forum

Ahmadu Ibrahim Bello was the first and only Northern Nigerian premier. During his reign, he dominated state affairs for over 10 years. He was the leader of the ruling party at the time which consisted of the Hausa-Fulani elite. Ahmadu Bello was a member of the Sokoto Caliphate Dynasty, as such he sought the position of Sultan of Sokoto.

Early life
Ahmadu Bello was born in Rabah to late Sarkin Rabah. He is a direct descendant of Uthman dan Fodio, founder of the Sokoto Caliphate. Bello received Islamic education at home, where he learnt the Qur’an and Islamic jurisprudence. He later attended Sokoto Provincial School and the Katsina Training College (now Barewa college).

During his school days, he was known as Ahmadu Rabah. Some also called him Gamji, growing up. He finished school in 1931 and subsequently became the English teacher in Sokoto Middle School.

Bello was made the District Head of Rabah by Sultan Hassan dan Mu’azu, succeeding his brother. In 1938, he was promoted to the position of Divisional Head of Gusau and became a member of the Sultan’s council. Later, at the age of just 28, he made attempts to become the Sultan of Sokoto but was not successful.

The new Sultan appointed Sir Ahmadu Bello the Sardauna (Crown Prince) of Sokoto and promoted him to the Sokoto Native Authority Council.

Political career

Later, he travelled to England on a Scholarship to study Local Government Administration. After returning, he was nominated to represent the province of Sokoto in the regional House of Assembly. He was selected among with others as a member of a committee that redrafted the Richards Constitution. His work at the assembly and in the constitution drafting committee brought him prominence in the north and he was asked to take on leadership positions within Jamiyyar Mutanen Arewa.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigerian-history-series-sir-ahmadu-bellopremier-of-the-north/

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has told those who say that Nigeria is not ripe for a Muslim-Muslim ticket not to also justify and embrace the efforts at retaining the presidency in the North.

Governor Wike spoke on Sunday at the special dedication service for the Rivers State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) 2023 General Election Campaigns Rallies, which was held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Port Harcourt.

Governor Wike maintained that those involved in such double-speak and trying to hoodwink some gullible few, know that they are insulting the sensibility of well-meaning Nigerians who want a united country that advances national cohesion.

“You play on people’s intelligence; you say Nigeria is not ripe for Muslim-Muslim ticket, I agree. But Nigeria is ripe for the presidency to remain in one zone? I mean, just look at the insult. You blow hot and cold.”

Governor Wike urged those people who delightfully condemn the Muslim-Muslim ticket as wrong, should also know that Nigerians are also saying it is wrong to retain the presidency in the North after President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Most of you just sit there, you don’t ask yourselves questions. Somebody continues to sell this kind of cheap ideas. You don’t ask the person, I agree with what you are saying but look at what we are saying here.”

He further added, “Your party wants the presidency to go to the same zone where President Muhammadu Buhari is coming from. Who is cheating who?”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/wike-retaining-presidency-in-north-is-bad-as-muslim-muslim-ticket/

Foremost Nigerian musician, Oladapo Daniel Oyebanjo who is better known as D’Banj has written a statement on his Instagram platform to distance himself from allegations of mismanagement of funds and embezzlement.

He shared the statement on his Instagram platform on Friday after he was released from the custody of the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC).

It would be recalled that the self-acclaimed Koko Master was arrested on Tuesday night December 6, when he visited the commission to answer questions bordering on his alleged involvement in the fraudulent diversion of monies earmarked by the Federal government for the N-Power project, an empowerment program set up by the Nigerian government in 2016 to address youth unemployment and increase social development.

In a post shared on his Instagram page this evening, D’Banj stated that he has no business with fraud.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/dbanj-distances-self-from-fraud-allegations/

Arsenal are sweating over the injury picked up by Gabriel Jesus at the World Cup while playing for Brazil. This is causing Gooner fans sleepless nights as they are not convinced that Hale End graduate, Eddie Nketiah can fill the void despite impressing during the second half of last season after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s acrimonious departure.

This article will delve into highlighting five reasons why Roberto Firmino should be on top of Arsenal’s shopping list in January.

1. Contract Situation

The possibility of Roberto Firmino joining Arsenal in January may sound inconceivable. But it is a probable one considering that his contract expires in June. Liverpool are yet to agree a new deal with the striker and reports have it that Liverpool are in ongoing talks with him over a new deal at Anfield.

The Liverpool striker is currently valued at £28 million and he’s in a position to negotiate with other clubs next month making it impossible to rule out a move to another Premier League club. Meaning that, an irresistible offer from league leaders Arsenal may be too tempting at this stage of his career to turn down.

2. Style of Play
Roberto Firmino and Gabriel Jesus both play similar style of football which requires tenacity, hard-work and aggression based on a high pressing. So, buying Firmino to cover for Jesus may be a smart move for Arteta’s Arsenal.

Firmino is the kingpin in Klopps high tempo football has he is clever at interceptions and winning the ball back by applying pressure on the opposition, which allows for the likes of Salah and Mane to excel. Gabriel Jesus also replicates a similar approach at Arsenal to great effect.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-reasons-why-arsenal-should-consider-buying-firmino-in-january/

Nigerian music superstar, David Adeleke who is better known as Davido is set to perform at the closing ceremony of the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament in Qatar.

The singer has been scheduled to deliver an exhilarating performance at the closing ceremony of the magnanimous football tournament on December 18th.

Davido will be performing the Qatar World Cup anthem ‘Hayya Hayya (Happy Together)’ alongside Trinidad singer Cardona and Qatar singer Aisha.

The music star, who has stayed away from social media and events aside from his uncle, Ademola Adeleke’s inauguration ceremony, since the death of his son, Ifeanyi, has confirmed that he will be performing in Qatar.

Chinese businessman, Stephen Hung, shared the news via his Instagram story on Thursday.

Hung expressed his excitement saying, “So happy my bro #davido confirmed he will be performing at the World Cup Qatar closing ceremony. Can’t wait to see him there.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/davido-to-perform-at-closing-ceremony-of-fifa-world-cup/

The 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), Peter Obi says Nigeria is collapsing very fast with the worsening statistics of people living in poverty.

He also said only Nigerians can take back their party from the ruling class who have continued to ensure that despite the huge potential of the country, its people continue to live in poverty.

Obi made the statement on Wednesday at the Jolly Nyame Stadium in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, during his presidential campaign in the state.

He said, “Nigeria is collapsing and it is doing so very fast. We have 133 million people in poverty and Taraba is no exception. It is happening here where we have millions of people who don’t know where the next meal will come from. That is what I and Baba-Ahmed wants to reverse.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2023-obi-vows-to-reverse-poverty/

The Federal Government on Wednesday said it invited the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to unravel cases of fund diversion associated with the N-Power Programme.

N-Power is a scheme set up by President Muhammadu Buhari on June 8, 2016, to address the issues of youth unemployment and help increase social development.

In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Dr Nasir Sani-Gwarzo, said there has been some discrepancies in the payment processes of N-Power beneficiaries.

He said the sharp practices were carried out by some personnel of the Payment Service Provider (PSP), hence the need to invite the anti-graft agency for a thorough probe.

“When it came to our notice that there may have been some sharp practices by some personnel of the Payment Service Provider involved in the payment processes of beneficiaries, the matter was immediately referred to ICPC for a thorough investigation,” the statement read.

“We are aware that certain persons have consequently been invited for interrogation as part of the ongoing investigations.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/fg-reveals-reason-for-icpcs-invitation-over-n-power-funds/

Nigerian actress, Susan Pwajok in a recent episode of her podcast, Surviving Lagos featuring transvestite, James Brown shed some light pertaining to her personal life.

According to the The Johnsons actress, her father never wanted to do anything with her and had earlier requested for her mother to abort her.

She disclosed that she has never had a sit-down with him and they usually pass each other each time she goes to his church.

Susan Pwajok also disclosed that the only way she will forgive him is if he apologizes to her mother.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/susan-pwajok-drags-her-deadbeat-father-reveals-he-wanted-her-to-be-aborted/

The Presidential Candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP, Atiku Abubakar, has pleaded with voters in Lagos State, to end the rule of one family by voting for the PDP governorship candidate, Abdulazeez Adediran (Jandor), and other state and National Assembly flagbearers.

Atiku spoke at the Lagos PDP Presidential rally held at the Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, Lagos, on Monday.

Atiku, who promised to privatise the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna Refineries in order to generate funds for development, if elected, said that the All Progressives Congress, APC, has been lying to the people of Lagos State, claiming that its presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was responsible for the development of Lagos.

This came as Tinubu mocked his PDP counterpart, Atiku Abubakar, describing him as battle-weary, even before the election.

Atiku said: “On my part, if you elect me as your president, I said and I promised by the grace of God that I am going to set aside $10 billion so that we can empower our young men and women in small medium enterprises.

“People were asking me where I am going to get the money. If I privatise the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries I will get the money.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2023-atiku-urges-lagosians-to-end-one-man-rule-in-state/

The presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has addressed the controversies concerning his age, school and work history.

Tinubu provided these answers while speaking at Chatham House in London, UK on Monday.

The former governor of Lagos State noted that he was born on March 29, 1952.

He bragged that those who disputed claims that he’s from the Tinubu family should request for a DNA test.

On his academic and work records, Tinubu claimed he has received his original certificate from Chicago State University.

He also said Mobil Oil has attested to his outstanding record.

Tinubu said: “At the time of birth, I was dated March 29, 1952. Then, I don’t think I’d decided to be President of Nigeria, not even that I would go into politics.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/finally-tinubu-opens-up-about-age-controversy/

[b]Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike [/b]has identified the intractable insecurity situation in Nigeria as one reason why most professionals leave the shores of the country in droves for greener pastures.

Governor Wike spoke on the cause of brain drain at the inauguration of the Renal/Dialysis Centre and House Officers Quarters at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

The Rivers State governor maintained that welfare of doctors and other professionals are not primarily the sole reasons for brain drain in the country.

He noted that because of the looming unemployment situation in the country, most people now opt going outside of Nigeria for the dream job they required.

Even when some of professionals are employed within Nigeria, Governor Wike insisted that such persons are not provided with the requisite equipment to use in their various organisations and industries.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/wike-reveals-reason-behind-alarming-increase-in-brain-drain/

Death is an inevitable price everyone must pay. It comes with pain, sorrow, and sometimes regrets. While some deaths may be expected, probably due to prolonged ailment, others may come suddenly and unexpected.

The Nigerian gospel music industry has witnessed some deaths over the years that shocked many persons. Let us take a look at some of them.

Sammie Okposo
The most recent death experienced in the gospel music industry is Sammie Okposo. The famous singer was known for hit songs, ‘Welu Welu’, ‘Addicted’, ‘Good God’, ‘Sing Halleluyah’, ‘Sing Your Praise’, and many more. He died on November 25, 2022, in Lagos at the age of 51.

Osinachi
Osinachi Nwachukwu was a popular gospel singer who featured in Prospa Ochimana’s hit song, ‘Ekwueme’. She was a victim of domestic violence who died on April 8, 2022. However, her husband, Peter Nwachukwu, denied that he had a hand in her death. It was also reported that the late singer died of lung cancer. She was aged 42.

Kefee
Delta State-born singer, Irikefe Obareki, aka Kefee, was a popular gospel singer who promoted her dialect in her songs. She made waves with her hit song, ‘Branama’, which made many to dub her the Branama queen. Some of the other songs she released were ‘Akpo’, ‘Woruno’, ‘Igbunu’, ‘Thank You’, ‘Do’, ‘Kokoroko’, among others. She died on June 12, 2014 at the age of 34.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/gospel-artistes-whose-death-shocked-nigerians/

Foremost Nigerian investor and economist, Tony Elumelu has opined that luck is one of the most quintessential factors in achieving success.

The founder of the Tony Elumely Foundation shared his opinion on the microblogging site, Twitter on Monday.

However, he said that luck cannot take the place of hard work.

He wrote that to get lucky, one must put in the work and have passion.

He wrote:

“I am where I am today because of luck.

Let me be clear: Luck is important, but it is not a substitute for hard work or labour.

Luck is a part of the cocktail that you need for success”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tony-elumelu-discloses-how-success-can-be-found-through-luck/

Nollywood actors continue to make waves both home and abroad. In recent times, some have managed to even land roles in prominent Hollywood movies. Here are five Nollywood actors that have been featured in Hollywood movies.

1. Jimmy Odukoya

Jimmy Odukoya most recently starred in the 2022 movie, The Woman King. He acted the role of Oba Ade. He also acted alongside Viola Davis and British Nigerian actor, John Boyega. This is his first international movie appearance.

2. Genevieve Nnaji

The 43-year-old landed her first Hollywood role in the movie, Farming(2018). Genevieve starred alongside Kate Beckinsale and Damon Idris. The movie tells the story of a young Nigerian boy sent to a white family as a child. When he grows up, he becomes a member of a gang led by a white supremacist.

3. Osas Ighodaro

Osas is from Edo state, Nigeria but she grew up in the United States. Her role in the TV series, Tinsel, turned her to a star. She has featured in a number of Hollywood movies including Where Children Play(2015). She starred alongside Teyonah Parris and Brian J. White, among others. The movie is about a woman who has to take care of her abusive father, after the death of her mother.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-nollywood-actors-that-have-been-featured-in-hollywood-movies/

The Presidency has revealed the reason behind the increased wave of migration amongst young Nigerians.

This was disclosed by Femi Adesina, a Presidency aide, during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, maintaining that the situation does not apply to Nigeria alone.

“The average Nigerian had always wanted to leave. And it is not just in Nigeria. It is in most countries of the world, particularly in the third world,” he said during the show. “They always believe that it is greener on the other side.”

“You see, the truth is that if you have an opportunity to better yourself in any part of the world, there is nothing wrong with it. If you think migrating legally is good for you, all well and good. By all means, go!” he added.

“But you cannot now say that because people are leaving, then it is a sign that something is fundamentally wrong.”

As far as he is concerned, “There are Nigeria who would never leave the country no matter how things are”.

The Presidency also addressed another topic, the security of the nation, saying that the presidency of President Muhammadu Buhari would.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/presidency-reveals-reason-behind-increased-japa-migration/

The white wedding of actress, Rita Dominic and her husband, Fidelis Anosike, is currently taking place in London.

The couple, who earlier in April had their traditional wedding, were joined by friends and family as they said their vows abroad on Saturday.

According to reports gathered, the couple reportedly met at the 2017 Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) and their relationship was a closely guarded secret.

On Rita’s train is Michelle Dede, who served as the Chief Maid of Honour; others include- Kate Henshaw, Vicky Sogunro and Dr Olivia Waturuocha.

See the first photos from the wedding ceremony below...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/rita-dominic-fidelis-anosike-tie-the-knot-in-the-uk-photos/

How is our mental health doing as the year 2022 draws to a close? One nearly tastes the smell of the end of the year, which you either love or detest. There is always a surge of unfavourable news and the loss of life, along with the adult question, “Have I done enough?” While the air remains arid with the chilly tanginess of the Sahara.

Usually, at the beginning of the year, we have goals that we set out to accomplish. Whether or not we were successful in achieving all of our goals, the end of the year shouldn’t fill you with dread and hopelessness.

Let’s review a few strategies for maintaining your composure in this article

Journaling.
Since the human mind can only remember a limited amount of information, much of it may stay comfortably dormant in our subconscious until we need it. A fantastic technique to fill your conscious thoughts is journaling. Make a list of the things for which you are thankful this year before deciding that it was a horrible year all around.

Connect with family and friends.

As adults, work has infiltrated our membranes so thoroughly that we may become unaware of others around us. The purpose of keeping track of time is to focus on what matters most, which is our loved ones. So reserve some time to spend with your loved ones...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/now-the-day-is-over-the-year-is-drawing-near/

As the year (2022) is coming to an end, there has been no dull moment with entertaining trends on the internet, which necessitated taking us back to some of these issues that topped the trending chart.

As we all know, the Nigerian social media space has always been infamous for its odd hilarity especially with its gifted community of entertainers and users, even amidst the repressive law by the government and unstable economy.

In this article, NRTC researched some popular social media trends among entertainers in 2022.

‘Adulthood na scam’

“Adulthood na scam’, a song by multi-talented Nigerian singer and songwriter, Oyetundu Omolade, famously known as Lade, tops the trend on social media in 2022.

According to the song, adulthood becomes a scam when one is not properly prepared before going into it.

NRTC found out that most youths today posted the song lyrics on their social media handles whenever they go broke, too much billing among others to show the realities of adulthood begins to choke them.

To some of them, going into adulthood without any plan, could resort to cries, depression, suicide, etc., depicting reasons youths nowadays need to step up and become more responsible.

The death of Davido’s son

The death of a three-year-old Ifeanyi Adeleke, son of the popular Nigerian singer, David Adeleke, known as Davido top November trending list...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/top-notable-trends-that-shaped-2022/

The following plaintiffs; Salmat, Charles Okafor and Samuel Oluwakemi, Earnest Stanley filed a suit against Inec on the grounds of extending the election date have now gotten their verdict from the Federal High Court.

Yesterday in Abuja, the court was presisay over by justice Ekwo explained why the court would be unable to grant their demands. He said,

“It is the constitutional responsibility of the defendant (INEC) to make sure that every prospective Nigerian voter who has shown the desire to register to vote is not deprived of their civil right to register and participate in the forthcoming general elections scheduled to take place on 25th February 2023 and 11th March 2023. This court is unable to grant relief number 3 of the plaintiffs because going by the date of this judgement, the defendant will have just a few days away from 90 days before the general elections of 25th February 2023 and 11th March 2023.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/the-plea-to-continue-voter-registration-has-been-rejected-by-court/

The Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Monday pledged to support the presidential candidate of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Rabiu Kwankwaso, with logistics for his campaign in Rivers State.

Wike, who invited the NNPP presidential candidate to inaugurate the Mgbutanwo Internal Roads in Emohua Local Government Area of the state, said Kwankwaso is a friend and a man of integrity.

On Thursday last week, Wike also pledged to support the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, with logistics for his campaign in the state, after describing Obi as a man that had all the characteristics to lead Nigeria.

Wike further stated that he was one of the few people that met Kwankwaso, who was a former PDP member, not to leave the party because he knew he was an asset to the PDP, especially in Kano State.

He said, “I remember when I went to meet you in your house in Abuja to plead with you not to leave the party (PDP) because I knew you were an asset to the party. Even when they told me to leave you alone, I refused.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2023-wike-vows-logistic-support-for-kwankwasos-campaign/

Nigerian singer and songwriter, Habeeb Okikiola, aka Portable, has fired staff at his recording studio for making seven thousand[#7000] instead of the usual amount.

Portable on his Instagram handle said the staff earned the amount after his return from a six-weeks trip.

The Zaazu singer said he makes up to 15 million naira in five days when he manages the studio himself.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/portable-fire-studio-staff/

Portuguese footballer, Cristiano Ronaldo has amassed 500 million followers on the social media platform, Instagram.

The football superstar has now become the most followed human in the world on the social media platform.

The Portugal superstar made headlines for the wrong reasons the whole of last week, after he appeared in a surprise interview with Piers Morgan where he directed jibes at the Manchester United’s owners, manager Erik ten Hag, and club legend Wayne Rooney.

Man United are expected to fire Cristiano Ronaldo after the bombshell interview and released a statement late last week, saying they’ve initiated a process of responding to the five-time Ballon d’Or winner. He is expected to play in his fifth World Cup tournament with Portugal later this month.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/cristiano-ronaldo-hits-500m-followers-on-ig/

If you’re active on Twitter, you’ve probably read all the doomsday tweets about the Twitter shutdown. Since his takeover on 22nd October, Elon Musk has laid off approximately 3700 people, about half of the staff. Hundreds of people have resigned since then. Daily Mail reports that 1200 people have resigned, and there are still more resignations to come.

What’s been going on?

Elon sacked half of the Twitter workforce after he bought Twitter. After firing top executives, Musk asked some of them to come back because of the importance of their roles. He also announced an end to remote work, demanding a minimum of 40 working hours a week. The added work pressure is what triggered the resignations.

Elon also introduced Twitter blue. Before Elon, Twitter verified prominent users by adding a blue tick next to their names. This was also free. Elon Musk introduced an 8$/ month subscription fee to get a verification. Verification under musk came with its perks. Verified users would be given priority in search and replies and would be exposed to half as many advertisements.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/are-we-witnessing-the-end-of-an-era/

Usman Baba, the Inspector General of Police, informed us yesterday during a meeting with the leaders of the major political parties that 52 violent election crimes had been reported in the previous six weeks.

Several well-known politicians were present, including Omoyele Sowore, the presidential candidate, Felix Maki, the publicity secretary of the All Progressive Congress, and Iyorchia Ayu, the head of the People’s Democratic Party. Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and the Defence Intelligence Agency, Maj. Gen. Samuel Adebayo.

The Nigerian Police Force, the DSS, the Nigerian Army, the Civil Defense Corps, and the Federal Fire Service would work together, Baba said. They would try to ensure that future elections would be conducted well.

For the individuals who promote hate speech, encourage violence, organize thugs, and commit other offences, they would mobilize the fast arrest, investigation, and punishment of offenders under the conditions of Sections 92 and 93 of the Electoral Act 2022 as modified.

Against Politically Motivated Violence

The governors and politicians with personal stakes in the outcome of the election who finance political thugs to encourage violence received criticism from the inspector general of police.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/dss-deployed-to-inec-offices-across-nigeria/

The buildup to the Qatar 2022 World Cup has been a very controversial and unusual one. Unusual because some of the debates making the rounds in the media space and beyond are not what we’ve all been familiar with ahead of World Cup tournaments.

Football is a big unifier. The sport has brought a lot of people together – people of different races, colours, religion, beliefs and background. As a result of this, I, and other lovers of the beautiful game should, believe the game should not be held to ransom due to political reasons.


Qatar is a beautiful country, no doubt and the facilities already put in place ahead of the mundial must be thoroughly commended. Since this year’s World Cup will be happening at an unusual time, with average temperatures ranging from around 78º to 115º Fahrenheit in Qatar between November and December, the country has put in place air conditioned stadiums. These stadiums will use solar energy to keep players and fans cool during games.

The architectural designs, matched with modern artistry, is a joy to behold. Everything about the country and the stadiums are just too beautiful, depicting excellence. Undoubtedly, the atmosphere will be a great one for everyone.

Controversies trailing the 2022 World Cup

However, a major issue that has been long-drawn in the days, weeks and months leading up to the tournament is that of the LGBTQ community. Also, Qatar, being hosts of the World Cup, has come under heavy scrutiny and criticism over her human rights records.

While speaking on talkSPORTS earlier in the week, Simon Jordan said societies cannot be forced to look at the world the way some people want them to look at it. He added: “Let’s show people the best way to behave in certain ways but let’s not go over there and make an agenda about people wearing a rainbow armband.”

We cannot have the same ideologies and beliefs in all the countries of the world but we can ensure the beautiful game of football is played without imposing the societal lifestyle of a particular people upon others.

Fate of the LGBTQ in Qatar
Qatar is a nation known to have a strong stance against same sex marriage and a lot of critics have questioned why a tournament as large as the World Cup should be hosted there. Australia, one of the participating countries at this year’s World Cup, have infact called for the legalisation of same-sex marriage in Qatar.

Ordinarily, Qatari law calls for a prison sentence of one to three years for whoever is “instigating” or “seducing” a male to “commit sodomy.” Also, the same number of jail time apply to those who induce or seduce a male or a female “in any way to commit illegal or immoral actions.”

Meanwhile, Qatar has said everyone is welcome, and that includes the LGBTQ fans, but that visitors should respect the nation’s culture, in which public displays of affection by anyone are frowned on.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/qatar-2022-lgbtq-rights-discrimination-problems-ahead-of-most-expensive-world-cup-tournament/

Nigerian-New Zealander mixed martial artist Israel Adesanya has been arrested at the JFK airport in New York, NRTC reports.

Adesanya was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly possessing brass knuckles while going through security screenings at the airport.

This is coming barely four days after he lost his UFC middleweight championship to Brazilian mixed martial artist and former kickboxer, Alex Pereira.

The ‘Last Stylebender’ was taken into custody near JFK’s American Airlines terminal just before 2:00p.m. local time.

Possession of brass knuckles are illegal in New York state and is considered a misdemeanor offence. If convicted, mixed martial artist may spend up to one year in jail plus potential fines.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/israel-adesanya-nigerian-new-zealander-arrested-for-possessing-brass-knuckles-at-us-airport/

On Monday, the UK and US ambassadors expressed their worry over the upcoming election at two separate forums.

Chris Pycroft, The UK Development Director, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, and Will Stevens US Consul General spoke about the recent turmoil in INEC Offices.

In the last week, INEC offices have been burnt down in both Lagos and Ogun. INEC revealed that she had experienced 41 attacks in the space of three years.

This stands as a form of worry for spectators who advocate the fairness of democracy.

In the words of Pycroft ” The largest democracy in Africa occupies a critical place in efforts to consolidate democracy elsewhere across the world. Credible, useful elections will deepen citizens’ trust and reinforce the foundations for democratic consolidation in Nigeria.” He assured Nigeria of UK support for the smooth running of the electoral process.

He assured Nigeria of UK support for the smooth running of the electoral process.

The event also had in attendance INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, Northern Elders Forum’s spokesman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, former Minister of Agriculture, Audu Ogbeh and other distinguished guests.

The Nothern elders spokesman employed the UK to indeed support Nigeria in her quest to uphold the sacredness of democracy. He also stated the uttermost importance of putting security measures in place for a free and fair election.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2023-uk-us-express-concern-over-escalating-attacks-on-inec-offices/

The Manchester club have reacted to an explosive interview Cristiano Ronaldo had with renowned Journalist Piers Morgan.

Ronaldo accused United of betraying him and stated he does not respect manager Erik ten Hag in a bombshell interview with Morgan while discussing his situation.

A club statement read: “Manchester United notes the media coverage regarding an interview by Cristiano Ronaldo. The club will consider its response after the full facts have been established.

“Our focus remains on preparing for the second half of the season and continuing the momentum, belief and togetherness being built among the players, manager, staff, and fans.”

Ronaldo launched a dramatic attack on United and manager Ten Hag in an explosive interview with Morgan. A clip of him discussing how he felt “betrayed” by the club was published late on Sunday evening. The full interview will be released later this week.

Outburst after Ronaldo interview
The preview of the interview has generated outburst amongst many fans. It has also, to a large extent, proven to be an indictment of how the relationship between Ronaldo and United has collapsed.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/manchester-united-issue-statement-following-ronaldos-explosive-interview-with-morgan/

The presidential candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, has promised to do everything within his power not to go abroad for medication if he is voted as president at the 2023 general election.

He made the promise while speaking at the People’s Townhall 2023 powered by Channels Television on Sunday night.

President Muhammadu Buhari returned to Nigeria Sunday evening, following a “routine medical check-up,” in London, UK.

Buhari left the country on October 31.

When asked about his plans for the health sector if he became the president of the country, Kwankwaso said, “I will do everything under the sun not to go anywhere [abroad] for any medication.

“The failures we have today, the one we said we are going to correct, affects all sectors, including health and I am happy to inform you that our package starts with education as we did in Kano. We built five institutions under the ministry of health – two nursing schools, two midwifery schools, and a health technology college.

“We sent men and women abroad in addition to all the scholarships to read medicines. We improved all our general hospitals in Kano.

“We have been to these hospitals, seen all the equipment there [foreign hospitals] and there is no one that Nigeria cannot purchase. So, there is not much difference with what we have here in our hospitals.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/kwankwaso-ill-try-not-to-go-abroad-for-medical-treatment-as-president/

Social media addiction can be described as a behavioural addiction that causes one to be obsessed with social media. The urge is often uncontrollable. Addiction to social media has become common since the last decade. There’s a saying that goes: “A dog is man’s best friend.” However, I’d argue that the smart phone is now man’s best friend. Its portability has allowed for it’s safe mobility. We have it on us at all times, making it a curse.

The rise of social media applications accompanied the rise of smartphone users. Research has shown a correlation between social media addiction and mental degradation. This article will look at some harmful mental effects of social media.

1. Lack of focus

Social media addiction will rob you of your focus. Jumping from one app to the other will do a number on you. Users have reported an inability to focus on one thing at a time. We have people watching a video while simultaneously scrolling through the comment section of same video. All these, when compounded, affect your overall focus.

2. Damage to self-esteem

In the olden days, some 20-30 years ago, you’d have to know a person intimately to know some personal details about their lives. People did not go around screaming out their achievements to random strangers. But now, with a click, you can become acquainted with a person you once had no idea existed. It is also a well-known fact that social media is a lie. People only show the rosiest parts of their lives. So, when we get bombarded with all the good things happening to other people, we can start to feel like lesser human beings.

3. Stress and emotional imbalances

Users sometimes turn to social media in their lowest points. Only to be met with more disappointment. If you are stressed and run to social media, your stress will only be heightened. Your feelings of dissatisfaction and isolation will only increase.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/the-body-keeps-count-part-2-how-excessive-social-media-use-affects-your-mental-health/