₦airaland Forum

The officiating in the English Premier League last weekend received further bashing on Sunday after a shambolic Saturday that led to Premier League officials requesting a review from the referring governing body, PGMOL.

There were some bad decisions over the weekend during game week six which led to numerous calls for improvements to the application of VAR in the English game.

Mikel Arteta asks for consistency with VAR decisions after ‘soft foul’
Gabriel Martinelli’s goal was chalked off after Martin Odegaard was adjudged to have fouled Christian Eriksen in the build-up during Manchester United’s home game against Arsenal.

Man Utd made the most of this reprieve as Antony grabbed a debut goal to make it 1-0 to the hosts before the break. Manchester United went ahead to win the goal with 2 break away goals by Marcus Rashford after Arsenal deservedly equalised in a match dominated by Arsenal.

However, had Martinelli goal been allowed the result could have been different. Goals influence games and Arteta knows this and was unhappy with the goal that was chalked off.

The match referee, Paul Tierney and VAR official, Lee Mason were both from the greater Manchester area, something that the Arsenal fans were rightly aggrieved about before the game at Old Trafford.

There were also two penalty shouts, one on Saka and.the other one on Nketiah that were completely ignored by VAR and not even discussed by the Sky commentators. With this level of bias, one can see why Old Trafford is a difficult hunting ground for the Gunners.

Maxwel Cornet’s Disallowed Goal cost West Ham 1 Point
On Saturday, West Ham United was denied a point at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea when referee Andrew Madley disallowed Maxwel Cornet 90th minute equaliser.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/mikel-arteta-asks-for-consistency-with-var-after-a-controversial-weekend-in-the-premier-league/

Latest market analyses indicate that macroeconomic challenges alongside uncertainty in the global economy are major causes for the loss of about N283 billion in August 2022. This also means investors lost over N280 billion during the month.

Part of these macroeconomic challenges are low purchasing power and a high level of insecurity. Both have affected the equities sector of the Nigerian Exchange Limited (NGX) as investors lost 1.07% of the market value.

The equities market in August saw a rise in inflation rate as the Central Bank increased the Monetary Policy Rate. The MPR was raised to 14% and alongside scarcity of foreign exchange that has led to apathy from foreign investors.

The NGX indices have been negatively affected by these indicators indices in August. However, the market retained a positive position in its Year-till-Date (YTD) performance, as investors gained N4.58 trillion...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/investors-lose-over-n280b-in-august-due-to-low-purchasing-power-insecurity/

One of the cardinal truths of life is that death hurts. The distinctions which normally separate us; race, skin colour, nationality, do not apply here. It is so universal an experience that the mere mention of the loss of a loved one to another can illicit feelings of sadness, precisely, empathy. The general consensus is that we have all lost a loved one. With the death of one’s parent, child, spouse or parent being the most painful. Even so, some deaths seem to register more pain in us than that of others. Why is that? After all, all death is death. There are not varying degrees of death.

For a long time, I’ve always said a silent prayer in my head about dying before my loved ones. That way, I will not have to mourn anyone. This prayer, though selfish, is understandable. It takes too long to recover from grief, sometimes forever, even driving one to the point of lunacy. I know people who never recovered from the loss of their dear ones. At the mere mention of their names, heads are shaken with pity. Yet people who come out of it unscathed(at least outwardly) are termed as “strong.” Even if they’re losing the war in their heads, even if the carpet of their minds have been dragged from under them.

While there are no varying degrees of death, there are varying degrees of pain. Take for instance a person suffering from a terminal disease...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/why-do-some-deaths-hurt-more-than-others/

The Department of State Services (DSS), has debunked reports that it has abducted some innocent citizens under President Muhammadu Buhari-led government.

A publication by an online medium had quoted Amnesty International as saying that the DSS had abducted some innocent Nigerians.

Reacting on Wednesday, Peter Afunanya, Public Relations Officer Department of State Services National Headquarters Abuja, in a statement, described the reports as misleading.

According to the statement, “As part of its functions, DSS arrests if and when necessary which is evidently carried out in line with tenets of democratic ideals.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/dss-denies-reports-about-abducting-innocent-nigerians/

Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), has criticised the Federal Government for permitting “non-state actors to bear heavy assault weapons while denying the same privilege to the states and federating units” with joint security outfits like the Amotekun Corps.

Akeredolu stated this is a statement he signed on Wednesday, August 31, and issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Richard Olatunde.

The chairman of the South-West Governors’ Forum and the Southern Governors’ Forum condemned the decision of the Federal Government to award a contract for the protection of pipelines in the South-South to a private security company.

The Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, Mele Kyari, had on Tuesday described as the right decision, its resolve to award the contract for the surveillance of pipelines to a company that a former leader of the Movement for the Emancipation of Niger Delta, Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, has an interest in.

Kyari, who spoke at the 49th session of the state house briefing at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, said, “We need private contractors to man the right of way to these pipelines…We don’t have access to that and therefore, we put up a framework where contractors were selected through a tender process for people who can do it, not everyone can do it and Tompolo is just mentioned, we’re dealing with corporate entities.

“He may have interest in the company, we’re not dealing with Tompolo, but we know that he has interests in that company.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/akeredolu-berates-fg-for-permitting-arms-for-non-state-actors/

The Ibadan Division of the Court of Appeal on Tuesday, August 30, set aside the judgment which declared the attack on the house of Yoruba nation agitator Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho illegal.

The court also nullified the N20 billion exemplary and aggravated damages awarded against the Department of State Security (DSS) for the attack, describing it as outrageous.

Justice Muslim Hassan, in his judgment, held that the Oyo State High Court lacked jurisdiction on the matter, adding that the judge should not have awarded damages based on his personal parameters.

Oyo State High Court in September 2021 declared the raid conducted by the Department of State Service on the residence of Sunday Igboho in Ibadan as illegal.

Justice Ladiran Akintola ordered DSS to pay N20 billion to Igboho as exemplary and aggravated damages.

Akintola described DSS’ action as “arbitrary aggression and prejudices” against Igboho.

DSS operatives in July 2021 invaded Igboho’s home, leading to the arrest of 12 of his aides, while the Yoruba nation agitator managed to escape arrest.

Following the raid, Igboho sued the Federal Government and demanded damages...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/appeal-court-overrules-n20bn-damages-against-dss-on-sunday-igboho/

Afrobeat icon, Wizkid whose real name is Ayodeji Balogun has made history once again.

On Monday, August 29, the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) announced the Gold Certification of Wizkid’s ‘Made In Lagos’ album after it sold over 500,000 copies in the United States.

The recent achievement earns Wizkid the singular honor of being the only Nigerian and African artist to have his album sell above 500,000 copies in the United States.

The groundbreaking album, Made In Lagos was released in 2020 and it was pulsated by the hugely successful hit single, ‘Essence’ featuring Wizkid’s Afrobeat colleague, Tems.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/wizkid-becomes-first-nigerian-musician-to-bag-gold-certification-in-the-us/

In a world where social media is king, it is expected for our self-image to take big hits. I reckon it was easier to stay in our lanes. Now, we are constantly being bombarded with what the next person is doing. This only serves to remind us about what we are not doing. Over time, these feelings can impact our lives. This article will take a look at 5 ways to improve self-esteem in a digital world.

1. Find something that you love
Whether this is a career goal or a hobby, find it and do it diligently. Hobbies have been shown to improve our moods. This will also help take away your mind off unimportant stuff.

2. Believe in a higher power
Human beings are fallible. Thus, it is that belief in something bigger than ourselves that keeps us going.

3. Cut out negativity
Look in the mirror, start with yourself. Toxicity thrives the most when it comes from within. Often, we believe all the negative things we tell ourselves. Start listening to yourself a little less...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-ways-to-boost-your-self-esteem/

Human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju has claimed that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is a supporter of Peter Obi for the Presidency in 2023.

Adeyanju who is a staunch critic of Obi in a tweet said the former president is just trying to be diplomatic in his choice of candidacy for the election.

“It’s Obi ooo. Baba is the one calling foreign people to help Obi and even some PDP stakeholders. Baba is just trying to be diplomatic,” he tweeted.

Obi is currently in Canada, engaging Nigeria residents ahead of the polls.

Obasanjo had at Minna, Niger state where he went to visit former Head of State, retired Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar, said he has no special candidate in the upcoming elections.

“I don’t have a special candidate, as far as the 2023 presidential election is concerned.

“I have come to see my brother who was a bit indisposed and when he was abroad I had wanted to visit him, and the day I arrived in London to visit him was the day he left.

“So, I said, ‘well, since I could not see him in London, I will come to see him in Nigeria’. And so, that is what I have come to do.

“He is special in a way and he was indisposed, so I had to come and see him,” he told newsmen.

Obasanjo had also visited another former military head of state, retired Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, who he held a closed-door meeting with...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/obasanjo-wants-peter-obi-to-win-2023-election-deji-adeyanju/

Many had expect Robert Lewandowski to settle in quickly at the Camp Nou since his move from the Allianz Arena and he has never disappointed.

The Polish striker needs not much time before announcing his arrival to the Spanish La Liga.

He almost score an hattrick in just his fourth La Liga game against Rayo Valladolid at the Camp Nou.

Scoring two goals for the second time in as many games for the La Liga giant showed that Barcelona should not have any issue in their fire power.

In a team capable of strolling to victory when they are in the ascendency, Lewandowski could set another La Liga goal tally this season. But he will have a certain Karim Benzema to compete again as the Frenchman is also on fire for Real Madrid.

Having made his transition to Barcelona effortless backed with goals an assists, Lewandowski will be hard to be benched by Pierre Aumeric-Aubameyang who left Arsenal just last January.

If Barca can keep up with such energy in the final third as seen in their last game, they will be a delight to watch again. This is now a team that depends or play around one single player. They play for each other and Xavi Hernandez will be delighted with the summer business done so far.

Lewandowski likely to flourish in youthful Barca squad
In a team of creative youth lads, Lewandowski who his a top poacher is billed to succeed.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/lewandowski-in-another-league-of-his-own-at-barcelona/

The Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi has vowed to increase power generation, transmission and distribution by 200 percent within the shortest possible time if elected into the number one office in 2023.

Obi made the promise during his engagement with Nigerian residents in Toronto Canada today.

While noting that bad leadership has seriously damaged Nigeria, Obi urged the residents in helping him t rescue the country and end bad governance.

“Nigerian Diaspora represent a broad segment of Nigeria’s human development capital. With that population, the Diaspora family has the capacity to catapult any nation to greatness.

“The Nigeria Diaspora has the capacity, and therefore must have a commensurate voice. By the 2027 elections, Nigeria Diaspora must have a voice via absentee ballots.

“Our vision and mission is to give full expression to our democracy by moving our country from consumption to production,” he pointed.

The former Anambra governor who is also a financial expert said he intends to transforming the economy by making it more productive. He said this can be achieved by creating employment and prosperity for millions of youths, reducing poverty in the land, addressing issues of criminality and insecurity.

“We will aggressively pursue human capital development in the education and health sectors with available resources, while striving to adopt best global practices...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/2023-peter-obi-vows-to-increase-power-generation-transmission-and-distribution-by-200-percent/

Two suspected kidnappers have been arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Jigawa state.

A 45-year-old man, identified as one Muhammad Sama’ila, was also rescued at Nisan Marke village. The village is situated at Ringim Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued to reporters, spokesman of the Jigawa state police command, DSP Lawan Shiisu Adam confirmed the capture of Sama’ila.

DSP Shiisu stated that the arrest of the offender was made possible as a result of an intelligence report.

The statement read in part: “.. a 45-year-old man Muhammad Sama’ila of Madari village, Warawa LGA, Kano State was seen motion less with machete cuts all over his body.”

The police spokesman said upon receiving the intelligence report, a team of mobile policemen quickly swung into action. He said the police officers went to the location of the crime and carried the victim to the hospital.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/police-arrest-suspected-kidnappers-in-jigawa/

Concerns have been raised about the issue of crude theft and insecurity across the country. These fears and agitations have been talked about by the Federal Government and operators in the oil and gas sector.

The FG noted that operating expenses in the oil and gas sector are rising, thereby affecting profit margins. The rising expenses are also said to be affecting the ability of the country to meet its $10 per barrel production cost target.

Addressing stakeholders at the yearly conference of the Association of Energy Correspondents of Nigeria (NAEC) in Lagos, The Group Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Mele Kyari lamented the country’s high cost of production in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He stated the cost of crude oil production in Nigeria was within the range of $15 to $17 per barrel. He also said in a country like Saudi Arabia, the cost of production is between $4 and $5 per barrel.

Kyari explained that the fiscal environment, especially in the upstream sector remains sabotaged and threatened by insecurity and crude theft.

The NNPCL boss noted that the country’s production rate is a low one, due to the challenge of insecurity. He added that countries that produce at the cheapest price remains in the market. He said this is as a result of the irregularities on the global crude oil market.

He further stated if the country resolves insecurity, production will return back to 2.1 million barrels per day.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigeria-loses-10-per-barrel-production-target-due-to-crude-theft-insecurity/

The road to Istanbul is set with various teams all across Europe ready to slug it out for the coveted UEFA Champions League title.

Teams were drawn into eight groups of four teams each on Thursday evening at the draw ceremony held in Istanbul.

While some teams are smiling for supposedly favourable draws, others will be hoping for serious luck to scale through.

So which teams are the winners and which ones are the losers from this draw? What interesting fixtures are we going to see and which Nigerian players will also be in action?

The Winners and Losers
Reigning champions Real Madrid will seek to win consecutive titles when they begin their campaign in Group F.

Madrid will face German side RB Leipzig, Shakhtar Donestk and Celtic. On Thursday night, we also witnessed manager Carlo Ancelotti and French striker Karim Benzema winning UEFA’s prestigious awards.

While Ancelotti won the UEFA men’s Coach of The Year award, Benzema claimed the men’s Player of The Year prize.

Los Blancos are clear favourites to emerge from the group. The other three teams will have to jostle for the other knockout stage slot.

Meanwhile, in Group G, English champions Manchester City should be able to overcome their opponents and emerge tops. City have a fantastic record in UEFA Champions League group stage over the years.

Pep Guardiola’s side has been among the favourites to win the title in at least, the past two seasons. The team lost the final to Chelsea in 2021 and were semifinalists a year later...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/the-winners-and-losers-of-the-2022-23-uefa-champions-league-draw/

The parents of students of a school in New Jersey, United States of America are calling for the resignation of an art teacher identified as Roxsana Diaz for reportedly distracting students with her curvy shape.

According to reports gathered, Roxsana should not be lecturing preschool students, hence, she should step aside with immediate effect.

The teacher is quite popular on Instagram where she regularly shares photos of herself in class or engaging in other fun activities outside school.

Some parents are calling for her to be fired while others say she should just wear clothes that hide her curves...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/art-teacher-comes-under-fire-for-distracting-students-which-her-shape-photos/

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM) says it will continue to engage the National Assembly on Diaspora voting.

NiDCOM Chairman, Abike Dabiri-Erewa said during the State House Ministerial Briefing organised by the Presidential Communications Team, on Thursday, August 25, in Abuja.

She said that the commission had discussed with both chambers of the National Assembly the need for Diaspora voting, but its effort was not successful.

Members of the National Assembly recently voted against the Bill seeking to provide for Diaspora voting in the Constitution.

“We engaged with committees on Diaspora affairs in the parliament both at the House and Senate, particularly for Diaspora voting, unfortunately, we didn’t succeed.


“The National Assembly is still not interested in Diaspora voting, but we will not relent in continuing to engage with them because I believe and every person should know that the Diasporan should be able to vote.

“So, we hope that we will continue to engage with the parliament,’’ the NiDCOM Chief said.

According to her, there is no controversy about Diaspora voting as a Diasporan is someone who is living legally in another country.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nidcom-restates-commitment-on-diaspora-voting/

There will be seven different all-Premier League affair in the Carabao Cup third round. The draws were made on Wednesday with some interesting fixtures to look forward to.

Super Eagles’ forwards Emmanuel Dennis and Taiwo Awoniyi will be at the City Ground when they face Tottenham. Both players will be seeking to help manager Steve Cooper overcome Antonio Conte’s men in the third round.

Meanwhile, Chelsea will face Premier League champions Manchester City in this season’s Carabao Cup third round.

The Blues were runners-up last campaign and will face a tough test against Pep Guardiola’s side. Both teams met in the final of the competition in 2019 where City emerged winners, beating their opponents on penalties. The Carabao Cup third round feature will go down at the Etihad Stadium.

Manchester United will battle another Premier League side, Aston Villa. United won their first league match of the season on Monday in a 2-1 victory over cup holders Liverpool. The Reds have been handed League One club Derby County and the fixture is scheduled to happen at Anfield.

Leicester and Brentford welcome league two outfits Newport County and Gillingham to the King Power stadium and Griffin Park respectively. Energetic midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and stirker Kelechi Iheanacho are expected to feature for the Foxes.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/awoniyi-dennis-to-face-spurs-as-city-draw-chelsea-in-carabao-cup-third-round/

The Federal Government (FG) has appealed to the Canadian Government to remove the stringent conditions preventing Nigerians from procuring its visa.

Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola made the appeal when the Canadian High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff paid him a courtesy visit on Wednesday in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 24, by the Deputy Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Mr Afonja Ajibola, the minister said easing the visa conditions would boost investment and accelerate economic growth in both countries.

Aregbesola also urged the Canadian Government to assist the FG with new technologies to ease the monitoring of Nigerian borders, high seas, land, railways, and schools.

He said such technology would also facilitate quick response to security issues and enhance investments in Nigeria...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/fg-appeals-to-canadian-government-to-remove-harsh-visa-conditions/

Nigerians on social media have applauded the efforts of music executives, Don Jazzy and Olamide in discovering innovative musicians.

Social media users could not help but applaud the efforts of Don Jazzy after he unveiled a new singer, Bayanni as a new addition to his star-studded record label, Mavins records.


In a post shared on his various social media accounts, Don Jazzy revealed that Bayanni is now a member of the Mavins records family, joining other notable superstars such as Rema, Ayra Starr, Magixx, Crayon and Boy Spyce.

Making the announcement on social media, Don Jazzy employed the services of skit makers, Brain Jotter and award winning comedian, Mr Funny aka Sabinus to unveil the new signee with a comedy skit.

Don Jazzy wrote on Instagram on Tuesday night;

“It’s that time again when we bring to you another young talent from the Mavin Academy. Meet BAYANNI. He has gone through a series of defining moments and is ready to be unveiled to the world.”

Watch the video below...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigerians-laud-music-executives-don-jazzy-olamide-for-discovering-talents-across-the-country/

Nigeria and the United States government have reached an agreement on the return of over $23 million of the Abacha loot.

The agreement signing ceremony was held in the office of the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Mr. Abubakar Malami on Tuesday, August 23.


While Mr. Malami signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, the U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard signed on the behalf of the U.S government.

According to Mr Malami, the fund when returned will be invested in three ongoing projects by the Federal Government, including the ongoing Abuja-Kaduna road and the 2nd Niger Bridge.


Nigeria has in the past recovered several other tranches of the Abacha loot, which are proceeds believed to have been diverted from public coffers by the military administration of General Sani Abacha in the 1990s.


In 2020, the US and Jersey also agreed to return over $308 million in confiscated funds to Nigeria.

In 2006, about $723 million in Abacha loot was returned to Nigeria from Switzerland.

The decision to restore the stolen goods, which the AGF, Malami, SAN, referred to as the “Abacha-5,” was the result of discussions and talks between Nigeria, the US Department of Justice, and the UK National Crime Agency, NCA.

“It is worthy to note that in line with the terms of this Agreement, Mr. President had already approved the funds to be utilized for the ongoing Presidential Development Infrastructural Funds, PIDF, projects namely; Abuja-Kano Road, Lagos-Ibadan Express Way and the Second Niger Bridge under the supervision of Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority, NSIA

https://newsroundtheclock.com/usa-to-return-23-abacha-loot-signs-agreement-with-fg/

The All Progressives Congress’ (APC) National Secretary, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, on Monday, August 22, said there was no alternative to the ruling party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Sen. Bola Tinubu.

Omisore made this assertion when speaking with newsmen after he had a meeting with some leaders of the party at the APC secretariat in Lagos.


The APC scribe, who left before the conclusion of the meeting, urged members of the party and people in the South-West zone to rise up and work together to ensure the emergence of Tinubu as the next President of Nigeria.

“We have to vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and APC in all elections. He is the only choice we have and that is the best we can have at this point in time.

“There is no alternative to him. How do you compare them? From where to where,” Omisore, a former deputy governor of Osun said.

He urged the people of the South-West and Nigerians to avoid deceptions, stressing that “these are deceits and we must move away from deception”.

The APC leader said that the meeting was informed by the need to strategise ahead of the 2023 general elections.

“Election is very near and luckily for us, the presidential candidate for the party (APC) is from the South-West.

“We are working ahead of time to be proactive and to sensitise our people on the need to vote for our candidate.

“Luckily for us, for the first time in recent years, we have a candidate coming from Lagos state.

“We have reasons to be voted for. We have landmass which we can point at. We are just looking as a party to strategise and plan ahead of our elections,’’ he said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/omisore-tells-electorate-in-s-west-no-alternative-to-tinubu/

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has barred all financial technology companies from providing payment or transaction services to online money lenders known as ‘loan sharks’.

Some of the digital money lenders barred are EasyCredit, Easy Moni (Ease Cash), GoCash, Okash, Speedy Choice and Kashkash.

Recall that in March 2022, the Federal Government had shut down the operation of some illegal online money lenders. The raid was carried out by the FG’s joint committee investigating rights violations and unfair practices.


The Federal Government said most of these online money lenders did not register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC). The FG also stated that the online money lenders involved in activities that violate the rights of Nigerian consumers.

Also, the government lamented the interest rates charged by the digital money lenders barred from operation. It said the interest charged breaches the ethics of how lending is done.

Sadly, these dubious online institutions offer short-term loans to help customers meet pressing needs.

However, they resort to unethical and dishonourable styles of cyberbullying, and breach of data privacy and harassment of the subscribers who may have defaulted in the repayment of loan.

Furthermore, it was revealed that some of these platforms placed under investigation devise means to sabotage being caught. They use different financial services options and deploy certain technology to avoid app suspension and account freezing.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/fccpc-clamps-down-on-digital-money-lenders/

Popular comedian, Debo Macaroni has taunted Chelsea fans for losing against Leeds United in the week three clash of the 2022 Premier League season.

The Blues suffered a 3-0 defeat in the hands of the Lancashire club at Elland Road on Sunday. This leaves Chelsea with four points from three games.

Macaroni, a Manchester United fan took to his Twitter page and wrote: “Don’t worry, Manchester United will teach you guys how to play football tomorrow!!!”

Manchester United , his favourite club will be welcoming Liverpool to the Old Trafford on Monday night. The Red Devils had suffered a 4-0 trashing against Brentford last week whilst Liverpool were held to a draw by Crystal Palace at Anfield the same week.

Leeds deservedly defeat Chelsea
Leeds exert dominance on their visitors to snatch an important victory that extended their unbeaten start to the season.

LeedS punished Chelsea to take the lead when Edouard Mendy miscontrolled a back pass that allowed Brenden Aaronson to pounce.

Leeds doubled their lead with another Chelsea mistake four minutes later. This time around, it was Raheem Sterling who gave away a free-kick on the edge of the box, from which Rodrigo scored his fourth of the season after Jack Harrison’s delivery...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/man-united-will-teach-you-how-to-play-debo-macaroni-taunts-chelsea-fans/

Heavyweight boxer, Anthony Joshua has admitted that he had an opportunity to regain the WBO, IBF, and WBA belts from Oleksadr Usyk but lost it.

Joshua who lost the heavyweight rematch after a split decision in Saudi Arabia took to his Twitter page to win the current champion greatness in his quest for success.

Read his full statement below.

I wish @usykaa continued success in your quest for greatness. You are a class act champ.

Yesterday I had to mentally take myself into a dark place to compete for the championship belts! I had two fights, one with Usyk and one with my emotions and both got the better of me.

I’ll be the first to admit, I let my self down. I acted out of pure passion and emotion and when not controlled it ain’t great.

I love this sport so so much and I’ll be better from this point on.

Respect

https://newsroundtheclock.com/i-let-my-self-down-anthony-joshua-reflects-on-defeat-to-oleksadr-usyk/

World IBF, IBA, IBO belt holder, Oleksandr Usyk has challenged WBC holder, Tyson Fury to be his
next opponent after defeating former holder, Anthony Joshua in Jeddah.

Fatigued Usyk who just a few months ago was defending his nation against the Russian invasion took full advantage in the championship rounds.

He devoted the victory to his family, country, team, to all the military defending Ukraine.

“Thank you so much,” he said.

Challenging Tyson Fury, he said: “I’m sure that Tyson Fury is not retired yet. I’m convinced he
wants to fight me. I want to fight him. If I’m not fighting Fury, I’m not fighting at all.


“Only God knows whether I will fight him or not but all these gentlemen here around me, my
team, they are going to help me.”

Is fury coming out of retirement for Usyk?

Although Fury had recently announced his retirement. But he has until 26 August to decide on
whether he will relinquish the belt.

From his reaction, the Gypsy King who took to social media to criticise both fighters may not yet
be done with boxing.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/i-am-not-fighting-any-other-boxer-next-than-fury-usyk/

The Adamawa police command have confirmed the arrest of a 25-year-old man who allegedly stoned his two children to death.

Police operatives apprehended the man, named Elisha Tari on Friday, 18th August, following the unfortunate incident. It was gathered that the children were between the ages of three and five years old.


Tari was said to have committed the heinous crime in Himikidu community of Michika Local Government Area.

In a statement signed and delivered to newsmen on Saturday by the Adamawa state police command, police spokesman Suleiman Nguroje said the accused murdered the children with sticks and stones.

Nguroje said the man arrested for stoning the kids, hit the children severally before they game up the ghost.

In their statement, the police confirmed that the incident was thereafter reported at the nearest Divisional Police Headquarters in Michika. The police said the occurrence was reported by the grandfather of the deceased.

The statement further stated: “preliminary investigation reveals that the victims’ mother got separated from the suspect two months ago after they had a misunderstanding.”

Also contained in the release is the explanation of the suspect’s arrest while trying to run away from the country. He was reported to have tried to escape to neighbouring Cameroon before he was caught. He is presently being interrogated at the police custody as investigations are going on.


The Adamawa police force has also made it clear that part of the investigations being conducted is for police officers to find out the reason or motive behind the his shocking action.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/man-arrested-for-stoning-his-children-to-death/

Shehu Usman Shagari was the first democratically elected President of Nigeria. He succeeded Olusegun Obasanjo during the formation of the Second Nigerian Republic. He served with Alex Ekwueme by his side, as Vice President.

Before delving into politics, Shehu Shagari was a teacher. He was first elected into the House of Representatives in 1954. At various times, he held a cabinet post as a federal commissioner. As president, Shehu Shagari presided over the mass deportation of West African immigrants, which particularly impacted Ghanaian immigrants in Nigeria. The deportation occurred following an executive order from President Shagari, forcing undocumented immigrants to leave the country or face arrest.

Early life

Shehu Usman Shagari was allegedly born on 25 February 1925 to a Muslim Fulani Family. He was the sixth child born into a polygamous family. His father, Aliyu Shagari, was the village head. Aliyu died when Shehu was five, thus his elder brother took over the role of village head.

Shagari enrolled in a Quranic school where he started his education. And later went to live with relatives, and was enrolled into Yabo elementary school, in a nearby town between 1930-1940. Around 1940, he moved to Sokoto where he attended Barewa College. Between 1944-1952, Shagari matriculated at the Teachers Training College in Zaria, Kaduna, Nigeria. He got a job as a visiting teacher while also being a member of the Federal Scholarship Board.

Personal life

Shehu Shagari was married to three wives: Amina, Aisha and Hadiza. He had several children including Muhammad Bala Shagari. On 24 August 2001, how wife, Aisha died in a London hospital following a brief illness. At the age of 80, Hadiza died from Covid-19 complications on 12 August 2021, in Abuja, Nigeria.

Political career
Shehu Shagari ventured into politics in 1945, while he was still a teacher. In 1951, he became the secretary of the Northern People’s Congress in Sokoto, Nigeria.

When Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe of the NCNC was touring Nigeria to raise funds in 1948 to send a delegation to London to ask the Colonial office to abrogate Richard’s constitution as undemocratic, Shehu Shagari who was a keen reader of the West-African Pilot paper was the only man of Sokoto origin to attend this meeting. When the British Provincial Educational Officer was informed of Shagari’s attendance, his salary increment was postponed that year to serve as a punishment.

The West-African Pilot was banned in the northern region schools and Shagari wrote for it an article for its revival in 1948. At the same time, Shagari had started advocating for the departure of colonial rule that he had produced a Hausa pamphlet carrying poetry which he named “Anti Colonialist” and put it in circulation. In 1950, Shagari, a young teacher at 25, was nominated by a British District officer H.A.S Johnson to participate in the Ibadan Conference to debate the Richards Constitution.

Appointments

In 1964, Shagari was elected as a member of the federal House of Representatives for Sokoto West. This was the first public office he held, and in 1958, he was appointed as parliamentary secretary to the Nigerian Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa leaving the post in 1959.

From 1959-1960, Shehu was the pioneer Federal Minister for Economic Development of independent Nigeria. From 1960-1962, he was the Federal Minister for Pensions which undertook the mission of Nigerianization of the civil service. From 1962 to 1965, Shagari was made the Federal Minister for Internal affairs. From 1965 up until the first ,Shagari was the Federal Minister for Works. In 1967 he was appointed as the secretary for Sokoto Province Education Development Fund. From 1968 to 1969, Shagari was given a state position in the North-Western State as Commissioner for Establishments.

Shagari also represented the Prime Minister on different occasions including when President Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt invited the Nigerian Prime Minister Abubakar to inspect Egypt’s security arrangements. He also represented the Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa at Winston Churchill’s funeral.

After the 1966 Nigerian coup d’etat, Shagari was among the government officials who handed over government to the military leadership of Maj. Gen. Aguiyi Ironsi. He returned to Sokoto to promote education.

Following the Nigerian Civil War from 1970 to 1971, Shagari was appointed by the military head of state General Yakubu Gowon as the federal commissioner for economic development, rehabilitation, and reconstruction. From 1971 to 1975 he served as the Federal Commissioner (a position now called minister) of finance. In 1978, Shehu Shagari was a founding member of the National Party of Nigeria.[18] In 1979 Shagari was chosen by the party as the presidential candidate for general election that year, which he won the 1979.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigerian-history-series-shehu-shagari/

In February 2023, Nigerians will be going to the polls to cast their votes for their preferred candidates. In the build up to the elections, people give reasons they would vote for an individual. In this article, I have outlined various categories of voters in this election and reasons for their decision.

Tribalism
This category usually votes for an individual because they are of the same tribe. They don’t care if the person is capable of delivering good governance to the people. All they care about is their tribe. It is pertinent to note that this tribal sentimental folks do not just hold this mentality for the sole aim of elections alone. Rather, it is their belief that every opportunity must favour their tribe first. Thereafter, other tribes can be considered.

Religious sentiments
Religion is a major dividing force in the country. It is one of the major issues facing the All Progressives Congress (APC) as it fielded the same faith as its presidential candidates. Its presidential candidates, Bola Tinubu, and Kashim Shettima, are Muslims and this has brought rancor among some of its party members. Hence, some of them have been forced to leave the party.

In this category of voters, some people would say that they cannot vote for a particular religion. They are not particular about what that candidate can do. Instead, their sole aim of voting for a particular candidate is based on religious sentiments.

Competence
This category of people are not concerned about the tribe or religion of a candidate. What ticks the box for them is competence. They are particular about verifying the track record of the candidate. More so, they don’t want to vote for a candidate that would not live up to expectations. This set of people does not care if they don’t have much following. All they are concerned about is that their candidate is quite reputable.

Party loyalists
This set of people vote for a candidate because of party affiliation. They don’t care if the candidate is the best person for the job. In most cases, this set of people cannot go against their party’s candidate because they can be sanctioned. However, there are cases where party members refuse to vote for their party candidates. Their reason was that they feel the other party’s candidate is better.

A recent example is Governor Nyesome Wike of Rivers State who has said that he would not support Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/7-categories-of-voters-in-an-election/

“Fast, fluid and has a great skill set” was how former Tottenham player Rafael van der Vaart described Everton midfielder Bamidele Alli.

It has been a torrid few years for Dele Alli, especially on the pitch. Alli was once named among the brightest young players who was going to take the football world by storm. Sadly, the young man, at the prime age of 26, is experiencing a serious plunge in his once burgeoning career.

The latest news on the attacking midfielder is his impending move away from Everton to Turkish club Beşiktaş. This could come as a suprise to many who saw the rise of the creative and brilliant player. Could the ‘many’ also be witnessing his rapid fall? Maybe.

His move to the Goodison Park was a step to revive his already dying career. It’s only eight months with the Toffees but Alli is already on his way to a much lesser glamorous league.

Alli’s disciplinary record, injuries and his suddenly estranged relationship with his parents are some of the issues surrounding his reputation.

How Alli Emerged

Alli burst onto the scene in his debut season at Tottenham Hotspur. He was bought from English League One side, Milton Keynes Dons.

He was a teenage player in the 2014/2015 season when MK Dons shockingly defeated Manchester United in the League Cup. The 4-0 second round match win against the Premier League giants witnessed various scouts from elite clubs across Europe.

Following further impressive performances, the youngster was awarded the League Young Player of the Year for August 2014. Spurs snapped him up early 2015 but was immediately loaned back to MK Dons till the end of the season. He also won the League’s Young Player of the Year award as he helped the Dons gain promotion to the Championship.

At Tottenham, Alli had very decent seasons and made several appearances for the English national team. He was named in the PFA Team of the Year for the 2016/2017 season.

His performances have no doubt been more of impressive outings rather than disappointing ones. He was once linked to Spanish giants Real Madrid and several other top clubs in European leagues.

Alli won the Premier League Young Player of the Year award in consecutive seasons. The first of those two campaigns was in fact, his debut season in the English topflight. He scored one of the most beautiful goals we have seen in the Premier League back in January, 2016. It was a 25-yard volley in an away victory over Crystal Palace.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/from-hot-prospect-to-plummeting-career-the-dele-alli-story/

The Lagos State Government has extended the ban on commercial motorcycles, better known as Okada, to four more council areas.

Transportation Commissioner, Frederic Oladeinde, who disclosed this during a briefing in Lagos on Thursday, August 18, said the move followed a review of the impact of a similar ban in six local government areas.

“Based on the apparent positive impact of the ban and the resolution of the Stakeholders’ forum, Mr. Governor has approved the ban of Okada in another four(4) LGs and their respective five (5) LCDAs for the 2nd Phase of the total ban, in addition to the on-going ban in the six (6) LGs and their respective LCDAs,” the commissioner explained.

He listed the affected council areas and LCDAs as Kosofe Local Government, Oshodi-Isolo Local Government; Shomolu Local Government, and Mushin Local Government.

“Once again, the State Government in addition to the existing ban is now directing a total ban on Okada activities in Four (4) new LGs and their LCDAs, effective from 1st September 2022,” Oladeinde noted.

The commissioner assured Lagosians that the government has put measures in place to cushion the impact of the most recent ban on Okada in the commercial city, reiterating that the move is in the best interest of residents.

“This decision is to further consolidate on the achievements made so far with particular reference to decline in accident and crime rate as well as to continue to bring sanity to our communities within the State,” he added.

“While the ban is in force, the public is advised to resort to alternative and sustainable means of transportation provided in the State such as the First and Last Mile Transport Scheme, the BRT Scheme, the Lagos e-hailing taxi Scheme (Lagride), and other acceptable modes of transportation to go about their daily activities.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/okada-ban-lagos-govt-announces-directive-to-more-lgas/

The body language of Cristiano Ronaldo is not a favourable one at Old Trafford as Manchester United have started their season on a bad note.

Even before the season started, his agent has been looking for another club for him after he wants to quit the club.


Although Erik ten Hag had denied this on several occasions, but the signs are there that the five times world footballer of the year wants to leave the club.

It was visible during their 4-0 mauling in the hand of Brentford how frustrated Ronaldo was. Every top sportsman and woman loves to win. So, that expression can’t be said to be out of place.


We will all have to keep our fingers cross as Ronaldo promised to reveal the decision about his future soon.

Huge tasks ahead of Ronaldo
But before that, what lies ahead of Ronaldo could be said to be huge.

Missing a FIFA World Cup which could be his last is not a good way to end his national team career. As a player hungry for success, Ronaldo can keep himself fit for the next fours years.

If 40-year-old Zlatan Ibrahimovic can do it, Ronaldo can.

Insult to his injury is the dreadful red devils that are currently in the market in need of midfielders and strikers.

Peradventure, Ronaldo decides to stay, what lies ahead of him at Old Trafford? There won’t be much expatiation on this until he actually reveal his future in few days time.

But Ronaldo still has more to offer. Being on the field alone and releasing those assists, or getting the goals when needed...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/what-lies-ahead-of-cristiano-ronaldo/