₦airaland Forum

Inter Milan manager, Simone Inzaghi has reiterated the importance of today’s Derby d’Italia, saying their nine remaining games are finals.

While noting that ‘there’s always criticism regardless of results’. the manager spoke of how their Scudetto hope could be ended without getting a favourable result.

Having been in great form before the winter break, the Nerazzurri have started 2022 in a disastrous fashion. They won only three of their 10 league matches after the Christmas break. This has allowed both Milan and Napoli to leapfrog them in the Serie A table. Thus, a loss to Juventus tomorrow could end their Scudetto hopes.

Speaking in a press conference today, Inzaghi first discussed what he expects from tomorrow’s Derby d’Italia.

“I think it’s very important, and there couldn’t be a better game to give a strong signal to the environment but above all to ourselves.”

Giving an update on the physical condition of Marcelo Brozovic, the former Lazio manager described him as a fundamental player.

“We have missed him so much. In these days he has worked quite well. “Today, together with De Vrij, he’ll do the whole training session and we’ll see. It’s important to have him with us.”

Speaking further on the mentality of his squad and how disastrous a loss would be tomorrow, He revealed that the squad had only trained for two days after they returned from national teams’ duties.

“Yesterday we had a good training session. It’s up to us with strong performances, anger and character to do better. We know where we were a month and a half ago.“We’ve lost more points than performances and we know that with game, aggression and determination tomorrow we have to play a great game against a great opponent. We’ll go to Turin with personality and character.”

Inter still favourites – Allegri
Meanwhile, Juventus manager, Max Allegri is not include Juventus in the Scudetto race.

While noting that Inter ‘are still the favourites, at least until tomorrow night, he noted that AC Milan are doing well at the summit.

Milan are top of the Serie A table with 66 points, followed by Napoli on 63, Inter 60 and Juve 59.

However, the Nerazzurri have a game in hand are also need to face the Old Lady in Turin tonight.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/our-nine-finals-start-with-juve-inzaghi/

“Me, I no dey cap… Me, I no dey form, my energy is high…,” says Asake on the opening line to his breakthrough single, ‘Mr Money’.

Since his arrival, Asake has brought a fresh energy into the Nigerian music industry.
A braid that defies the societal norms for a man and an infectious personality that can charm any passive listener.

At the upcoming Hip TV (Headies Award ceremony 2022); Asake will be looking to emerge winner of the ‘Next Rated Superstar’ category.

The self-acclaimed Mr Money will be vying against Mavins Records duo; Ruger and Ayra Starr, alongside Buju (BXN), one of the hottest artistes in the music industry at this time.


Ololade Mi Asake as he is fondly called is a breath of fresh in the entertainment industry, signed to Olamide’s record label, Yahoo Boy No Laptop (YBNL); he is a definition of man who wants to fascinate and enthrall with ideologies of his culture.

A young Yoruba-speaking artiste with a touch of Western aesthetics to charm both the younger and the older audience is what the industry requires in this moment.

While his peers are looking to appeal to the international audience, Asake wants to compose music that depicts his adornment for epicureanism and surviving the upheaval of life.

In this moment, there is nothing obstructing the progress of Mr Money, ‘no cap’.

Signing with Olamide’s YBNL is certainly a career defining move. YBNL is one of the most successful record labels in Nigeria.

YBNL served as the home to Lil Kesh and Adekunle Gold; both who have gone on to achieve relative success; currently, Fireboy DML who bagged five awards at the 2021 Headies Award ceremony is still designing his own narrative and carving a career worth emulating.

On ‘Omo Ope’, Olamide, the founder and leading artiste of YBNL said a word of prayer for the next-big-thing, Asake. It is time for Asake to work into superstardom.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/asake-here-is-why-mr-money-is-a-breath-of-fresh-air-in-the-music-industry/

Lebanese-American writer, Kahill Gibran, described music as the “language of the spirit. It opens the secret of life, bringing peace, and abolishing strife.” This is the description of the songs of renowned gospel singer, Sinach. Her songs have lifted spirits and encouraged souls. The gospel music maestro recently clocked 50 years on earth. Meanwhile, the accolades she got are proof of her excellent works over the years.

Background
Born on March 30, 1972, Osinachi Kalu Egbu, popularly known as Sinach is an award-winning gospel singer and songwriter. She hails from Ebonyi State. She is second daughter of seven children. More so, she is a graduate of Physics, University of Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Music
She started singing in the choir and her songs have made Billboard charts and also won awards. Her first album, Chapter One, was released in 2008. Some of her songs include “I Know who I am”, “Stand Amazed”, “Awesome God”, and “Way Maker.” “Way Maker” was released in 2015 and has since gathered momentum across the globe, bagging awards for the singer. In March 2019, it became the third Nigerian music video to garner 100 million views on YouTube. She is a senior worship leader at Believers Loveworld, aka Christ Embassy.

Achievements
In September 2019, she became the first gospel artist from Africa to tour India with thousands in attendance for her concerts. In May 2020, she became the first African artist to top the Billboard Christian Songwriters chart.

Her song “Way Maker”, bagged three nominations and won the Song of the Year at the 51st GMA Dove Awards. This made her to be the first Nigerian to win the Award. She also won the BMI Song of the Year. On December 2020, she won the Best Gospel Artist award at the African Entertainment Awards, USA.

Her other awards and recognition include: 2016 LIMA Songwriter of the Decade; 2016 Groove Awards Western African Artist of the Year; African Achievers’ Award for Global Excellence, 2016; 2016 YNaija Top 100 Influential Christians in Nigeria; 2019 LIMA Song of the Year; 2020 Dove Awards Song of the year...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/sinach-a-gospel-singer-par-excellence/

On Monday, March 28, 2022, Nigerians woke up to the news of terrorists attacking a Kaduna-Abuja train. According to the survivors, they were shot sporadically as their attackers made their way into the train. Some of the passengers lost their lives, others kidnapped and injured. Sadly, there was another attack in the same region the next day and days after.

Insecurity has been a major issue in the country in recent times. In solidarity, entertainers lent their voice to the plight of the people. NRTC takes a look at five of them, while acknowledging the comments of other entertainers too.

Williams Uchemba
Actor Williams Uchemba condemned the attack, admitting that the loss of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifying game to Ghana was fair. This would make the people more focused on the attack. He wrote, “…Almost 1000 Nigerian citizens cannot be accounted for and some people are acting like it’s a normal thing…we are in a hell hole. Some heads of state are yet to make a statement on the issue. I guess they are busy planning for 2023.”

Folarin Falana
Singer and actor, Folarin Falana aka Falz tweeted, “Back to back bombings on the Kaduna-Abuja rail. Numerous Nigerian lives wasted. Absolutely nothing has been uttered about this. This place is in absolute shambles and it’s rather insane that everyone is constantly adjusting and acting like this is a country…

”Do you know what these animals are busy doing? Announcing that they want to be president, organizing political rallies, announcing that they want to start collecting toll gate money…”

Rahama Sadau
Award-winning actress, Rahama Sadau wrote, “Myself and my sister were to be on the attacked train last night. But we missed it! It could have been me and mine. But it is actually us. We had friends and family on that train. When is this going to stop?

“We brought this upon ourselves. We chose to be suppressed because we are scared. But also failed to realize that power is actually in our hands. We don’t want to shamefully admit that our leaders have failed us but they have!”

Mayorkun
Singer Mayowa Emmanuel, aka Mayorkun said, “My heart goes out to everyone affected by the Kaduna train attack. It’s very unreasonable and undeserving to say the least. People are really struggling to survive in a horrible economy that doesn’t favour the average Nigerian at all. And we are still being killed in the midst of everything. It’s high time we held our leaders accountable for lives and properties. It’s what they promised us and it’s what we voted them to do. Today, it’s Kaduna. If nothing is done, it could be anywhere else.”

Mr Macaroni
Popular skit maker and activist, Debo Adedayo aka Mr Macaroni tweeted, “Sycophancy isn’t patriotism. Irrespective of party affiliations, I hope we all would one day realize that holding government accountable to their duty to serve and protect the people is the honorable thing to do as citizens. It’s shameful how innocent Nigerians are being killed regularly… Where is our humanity…?”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-entertainers-who-chided-fg-on-train-attack/

Former Military President, General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida also known as IBB, has expressed his willingness to support the adoption of consensus presidential candidates in the forthcoming 2023 general elections.

IBB stated this during a visit by the three presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Minna, on Thursday, March 31.

He hinged his decision to support the idea of the trio because it centers on the unity, progress and development of Nigeria.

The three PDP presidential aspirants include former Governor of Kwara State, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Governors of Sokoto and Bauchi States, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal and Senator Bala Mohammed.

According to IBB, “I want to thank you for the visit. I enjoy meeting with you because I like what I heard. Your belief in the unity of this country was paramount in most of our discussions.



“Your belief in having a better Nigeria featured very prominently. You made my day. What you talked about is Nigeria, Nigeria, Nigeria. I want you to keep it up, for the benefit of this country and generations yet unborn.

“What you are doing is good, this is how the country should develop, consultations, compromises and so on, this will make a better country and this is what you are trying to do.

“You will have our support as long as you stay on the course of promoting Nigeria all the time, making it a secure country. Thank you for your thoughts and appreciate it.”

Earlier, Senator Abubakar Bukola Saraki, speaking on behalf of the other two presidential aspirants explained that they came to visit the elder statesman to seek his advice and guidance on how to achieve their planned consensus for the party.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ibb-expresses-support-for-pdp-consensus-candidacy/

Gov. Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State on Thursday, March 31, restated his call for massive bombardment of all forests inhabited by terrorists.
El-Rufai said this would contain current security challenges in the country.

The governor made the call at a stakeholders meeting in Giwa, Kaduna State, where terrorists had been invading communities in the last five days, with several people killed or kidnapped.

“We have been pressing for the past two years for the military from the air and the ground to bomb these forests while soldiers on the ground kill all those that escape the bomb.

“I do not believe that there is any innocent person in the forest.

“It is my intention to see Mr President to reiterate this and to also ask that a military theatre command headquarters be established for the Northwest geo-political zone,’’ he said.

According to El-Rufai, the magnitude of the present security challenges in the Northwest is much more than what was witnessed in the Northeast.
He said farming had become impossible while lives were being lost to incessant attacks by terrorists.

“It is time for the Nigeria Air Force and Nigerian Army to bomb the terrorists out of existence.

“With the declaration by the Federal High Court that these bandits are terrorists, there is need for security agencies to take extreme actions to terminate these bandits,’’ El-Rufai stressed.

He commiserated with the people of Giwa Local Government Area of the state over the five days of persistent attacks by terrorists.

El-Rufai assured that the state government had taken measures to reclaim all ungoverned spaces.

The governor cautioned vigilance groups across the state against taking laws into their hands, saying their actions had exacerbated the security challenges in some areas.

El-Rufai also apologised for the inability of government to fully protect everyone, but said it was important for vigilance group members to support government and be law-abiding.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/el-rufai-reiterates-call-for-bombardment-of-forests-inhabited-by-terrorists/

The Vice Captain of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, William Troost-Ekong, has apologised to Nigerians on behalf of the team for their failure to qualify for Qatar 2022 World Cup.

The Super Eagles were forced to a 1-1 draw by the Black Stars of Ghana at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium, Abuja, on Tuesday after a goalless draw in Kumasi on Friday.

This saw the exit of Nigeria from the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar later in the year, bringing disappointment to most Nigerian football enthusiasts and fans.

Troost-Ekong posted the apology message on his verified Facebook page on Wednesday. This was on behalf of the Super Eagles.

“To all Nigerians, on behalf of the team, we want to apologise for not securing the World Cup ticket.

“Despite giving it everything possible, it wasn’t meant to be.

“First and foremost, as Nigerians, we share your emotions and we take our responsibility as a group.

“We sincerely thank the Nigerian fans for their overwhelming support, the NFF President who did everything possible to make the qualification happen and of course the Minister.

“A bitter pill to swallow, but believe me we will be back better and stronger,” the post read on Facebook.

Fans had trooped in their numbers to the venue of the match to show support for the Super Eagles in order for Nigeria to secure the ticket to play at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Tacha Akide and Mercy Eke became household names in 2019 when they engaged in fierce altercation at the BBNaija Pepper Dem edition.

Mercy Eke emerged as the winner of the 2019 Big Brother Naija Pepper Dem edition while Tacha was disqualified from the show following the feud with her counterpart.

The ex-Big Brother Naija housemates who had an altercation while in Big Brother’s house seemed to have sustained the enmity; even after exiting the show, with fans fueling the whole issue.

However, during the “Talk With Toke Makinwa,” the ladies could be seen sitting next to each other. Both ex-BBNaija stars admitted to being tired of fighting.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/bbnaija-stars-tacha-mercy-eke-end-feud/

Malam Mele Kyari, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd. (NNPC) says the corporation has nothing to hide and will comply with the request of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts.

The disclosure by the NNPC CEO came in the wake of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts’ request to the company seeking the appearance of Heads of NNPC subsidiaries before the committee.

Kyari, in a statement on Tuesday, March 29, in Abuja said that it would comply with the committee’s requirement, and continue to be accountable and transparent.

“We have nothing to hide, Mr Chairman. We recognise that this company belongs to over 200 million Nigerians as its shareholders, thus we have been accountable and transparent and we will continue to remain so.

“No national oil company in the world is as transparent as we are. We shall comply with the House Committee’s requirement,” Mallam Kyari stated.

The committee had on March 16, through a letter signed by its Chairman, Oluwole Oke (PDP: Osun), summoned the 17 subsidiaries of NNPC to respond to audit queries by the Auditor-General for the Federation over the operations of their finances between 2014 and 2019.

Meanwhile, Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support his presidential ambition because he is the best man to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike stated this on Sunday, March 27, in Makurdi when he visited Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nnpc-reveals-nothing-to-hide-as-reps-commence-inquest-into-accounts/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday, March 29, directed the immediate conclusion of all the processes for the implementation of the integrated security surveillance and monitoring solution for the Abuja to Kaduna railway line.

He also directed the Nigerian Railway Corporation management to speedily repair the damaged lines and resume normal service without delay while the integrated security surveillance and monitoring solution should also be extended to Lagos to Ibadan railway line.

Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s Spokesman in a statement, said that Buhari gave these directives after receiving briefs from the Service Chiefs led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Lucky Irabor, in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Irabor was accompanied by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, the Chief of Air Staff; Air Marshal Isiaka Amao, the Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba

Also in his company were the Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj.-Gen. Samuel Adebayo, and the Director General of the Department of State Services, Yusuf Bichi, in the State House.

Buhari also charged the law enforcement chiefs to bring back all passengers kidnapped.

He also directed that each of the callous terrorists be hunted down and made to face justice for their heinous acts as no one or group should be allowed to make the country prostrate.

Buhari reiterated his earlier directive that the military should deal ruthlessly with terrorists.

He urged them to be more decisive and not spare anyone unlawfully wielding the AK 47 weapon.

“No one should be allowed to hold the country to ransom,” he added.

Buhari strongly condemned the bombing of the passenger train, describing it as a “matter of grave concern.”

“Like most Nigerians, I am deeply pained by its occurrence, the second of its type, which has resulted in the death of a yet to be determined number of passengers and others who suffered injuries.

“The attack on the train, a safe means of transport to many, is callous; and our thoughts are with the families of the deceased and prayers for the injured,” he said.

The president commended the Law Enforcement agencies for their prompt response and emergency personnel who were responsible for the evacuation and treatment of the injured persons.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/buhari-directs-immediate-implementation-of-security-solution/

It is no longer news that Nigeria and Ghana ended their 50th confrontation goalless in Kumasi but one of the countries will have to miss out on Qatar 2022 when they meet in the second leg next Tuesday in Nigeria.

The Baba Yara Stadium was bedecked in yellow and red as the almost capacity full arena brimmed with energy. The Black Stars intended to get a positive result against the Super Eagles and they started on high note with a starting 11 that included teenagers Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (18) and Felix Afena-Gyan (19).

During the game, the Black Stars were straight into the attack and won their first corner kick in the second minute. So, it won’t be a surprise to see the The Eagles do the same.

Although both teams have young squads, Nigeria has the Arsenal to launched their first attack and start on high note. The likes of Samuel Chukwueze could be handy. One can’t also rule out Moses Simon who had a good performance in the group stage of the recently concluded AFCON.

The return of Dennis Bonaventure, Jude Odion Ighalo, Victor Osimhen, it is not expected to be a walk in the park, but a mission possible for the three times African champions.

The game is also coming up at the time when the Napoli striker is in good goal scoring form. Apart from that, the game needs hundred percent concentration.

What Nigeria needs to be wary of against Ghana
Not forgetting what send them packing from the AFCON in Cameroon, Nigeria have to be wary of Thomas Partey who can shoot from outside. It was united that the Balck Stars resorted into long shorts after they couldn’t penetrate The Eagles defense.

Also, one of the Ayew brothers, Jordan is expected to be in the attack. He is highly experienced striker that can punish a sleeping defense. He might not be in the best of form, but the Nigerian defense must not be caught napping as the Crystal Palace could punish them.

It is therefore important that Joe Aribo, Oghene Etebo and Wilfred Ndidi must come up with their A game. The midfield anchiors have a lot to do in shielding the backline. This is because in this Ghana team, any one can score. It is therefore important that they are not underestimated.

Nigeria is having one of the best generation of players in each department who are regulars for their respective clubs. It is therefore important they show this on the field of play and take Nigeria to Qatar.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigeria-v-ghana-last-hurdle-for-qatar-2022-ticket/

Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has said allowing traders to continue doing business under the burnt Apongbon Bridge will be reckless on the part of government.

Sanwo-Olu said this on Monday, March 28, while on an inspection of the Apongbon Section of Eko Bridge, which caught fire on Wednesday.

He said that the federal and state governments had given the traders seven days ultimatum to vacate the bridge

The governor said the order still stood, hence, the deadline would expire on Wednesday.

According to Sanwo-Olu, the state and local governments will meet with representatives of the traders to sort out the possible place to relocate them, to ensure they continue to earn their livelihood.

”The level of destruction is extremely unfortunate. This is a clear testimony of how public assets should not be turned to. We are going to start excessive clearing of the place.

”To go back to how it is been done, is to mean that we are just being reckless, it will make us completely irresponsible, because we cannot assure of the safety of the bridge.

”We cannot just allow all of that to happen. They are completely illegal. And there are things that we should not have around us and in a big city like this, it is not acceptable,” he said.

Sanwo-Olu said that in the last two years, the state had eight fire incidents affecting various bridges, hence, the need to sanitise the flyover areas.

He urged residents to take ownership of government assets, to forestall recurrence of such incidents, which had been affecting the economy adversely.

Earlier, the traders had carried placards at the Apongbon Section of Eko Bridge in Lagos Island, appealing to the Lagos State Government to reverse the planned relocation of the market...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/sanwo-olu-allowing-traders-under-apongbon-bridge-againll-be-reckless/

Gov. Nyesom Wike of Rivers has called on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to support his presidential ambition because he is the best man to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Wike stated this on Sunday, March 27, in Makurdi when he visited Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue.

Wike said that he was making his intention to contest the presidency known for the first time in Benue.

“To remove APC from power, I am the person who can tell them `enough is enough`.

“We must take this power and I am ready to take it for PDP and I know that God is with us that is why APC keeps failing every day.”

“I call on stakeholders to give me their mandate and not to sell their votes because I have the capacity to face this APC government,” Wike said.

He lamented that some founding fathers of the PDP ran away from the party and still wanted to be recognised, emphasizing that by the time they ran away they sold their shares as founding fathers.
“They can no longer retain their position of founding fathers.

“I stood and worked for this party since 1998. I have nowhere to run to and that is why anything that happens to this party I take it personally.

“In 2015, those who ran away made us to lose the elections. Today, they are crying but some of us stood and said PDP will not die.

“Some people want to use Nigeria to buy back their personal businesses.

“They talk about private sector. Everybody is an employer of labour. Even in my house I have 50 people who feed from me,” Wike said.

He said that he had performed as a governor and carried his shoulders high anywhere he went.

He also said that he had the capacity to move the country forward.

Wike pledged that, if elected, security would be his topmost priority.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/wike-i-have-the-capacity-to-wrestle-power-from-apc/

Nigerian media personality, Toke Makinwa has revealed on her social media platform that she is prepared to experience the intricacies of motherhood.

On Sunday, March 27, social media users took to their various platforms to celebrate mothers. The entertainment polymath revealed that she did not receive any message as a mother.

Taking to her Twitter platform on Sunday evening, Toke Makinwa revealed that she is yet to experience the fascinating moments and duties that comes with being a mother.

She mentioned on her post that she hopes her prayers are answered soon.

Here is what she wrote on her Twitter page:


“I can’t wait to celebrate my first Mother’s Day sometime in the future (hopefully soon)”

She continued, “To be responsible for a human life; to get to teach my offspring about God.”

The concluding part of her post reads; “To feel specially appreciated for being someone’s mommy. Shuuuu the feeing.”

Toke Makinwa was previously married to gym instructor, Maje Ayida; the couple walked down the aisle in 2014 before ending their union in a divorce in 2017...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/toke-makinwa-wants-to-experience-the-intricacies-of-motherhood/

The United States, U.S. has named a network of six individuals connected to the Nigeria-based terrorist group, Boko Haram.

This was contained in a statement issued on Friday, March 25, via the U.S Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, OFAC.

It revealed that all six were found guilty of establishing a Boko Haram cell in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This was to raise funds for Boko Haram insurgents in Nigeria.

They are Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu; Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan; and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad.
Abu Dhabi convicted Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Salihu Yusuf Adamu, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, Ibrahim Ali Alhassan; and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad for transferring $782,000 from Dubai to Boko Haram in Nigeria.
Salihu Yusuf Adamu and Surajo Abubakar Muhammad were sentenced to life imprisonment for violations of UAE anti-terrorism laws; Abdurrahman Ado Musa, Bashir Ali Yusuf, Muhammed Ibrahim Isa, and Ibrahim Ali Alhassan were sentenced to 10 years in prison, followed by deportation.

The US government stated; “With this action, the United States joins the UAE in targeting Boko Haram terrorist financing networks of mutual concern,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury Brian Nelson.

“Treasury continues to target financial facilitators of terrorist activity worldwide. We welcome multilateral action on this Boko Haram network. This is to ensure that it is not able to move any further funds through the international financial system.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/boko-haram-usa-names-six-nigerian-financiers-of-terrorist-group/

Grammy award winner, Burna Boy real name Damini Ogulu has bragged bloggers for failing to recognize his achievements.

Burna Boy took a swipe at bloggers on Saturday, March 26 after he earlier made it known on his Twitter platform that he is the highest paid Nigerian recording artiste.

Specifically, the self-acclaimed African giant alleged that no musician across the continent earns as much money as he does. He stated in his post that he is the wealthiest and he will expose any celebrity who disagrees with him.

Taking to Twitter, Burna Boy wrote; “I said money doesn’t satisfy me and it’s my Truth but it Doesn’t change the fact that I’m the highest paid artist in the History of African music. Believe it or not.”

Burna Boy’s claim was not well received by his followers. His statement was undermined by his followers who opined that there are other notable celebrities who earn more than he does.

Despite the rebuttal from his followers; Burna Boy in a follow up tweet decided to criticize bloggers for failing to discuss his achievements.

He wrote, “Na now all bloggers dey wake up. Lol.”

The Grammy award singer continued; “I’ve been making history and opening doors that Could have NEVER opened without me. dem no see that 1 post or talk about; Na highest paid dey enter their eye.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/burna-boy-drags-bloggers-for-failing-to-recognize-his-achievements/

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday, March 24, inaugurated a 37-member zoning committee as it prepares for the 2023 general elections.

The PDP National Chairman, Prof. Iyorchia Ayu, while inaugurating the committee, urged its members to remain focused on the bigger picture, which was to win 2023 general elections.

He said ”the goal is for the party to win power in 2023 and that could only be achieved by working together in unity”.

The committee will work out modalities for the sharing of positions of Senate President, Speaker of House of Representatives, Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF).

The committee will also come up with sharing formula on leadership positions in the two chambers of the National Assembly among the six geopolitical zones.

Ayu recalled that before they came into office as members of the National Working Committee (NWC), the party leaders put heads together and ensured that party offices were fairly distributed across the country.

He said that in PDP the leaders and members talk and resolve issues, saying “we don’t fight, we resolve issues”.

”There is no issue that is too difficult or too important for the PDP to resolve; that is the spirit of the party.

“Therefore, I urge all of you to discuss this matter with the same spirit that you discussed at National Executive Council (NEC).

”This is because, most of you are members of NEC, you knew what happened and you are free to advance your arguments.”

Ayu said that if the zoning committee carried out it assignment without bitterness, ”whoever wins would be supported and the party would win the election next year.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/pdp-inaugurates-zoning-committee-ahead-of-2023-polls/

Birth control options for men may soon expand beyond condoms and vasectomy, as scientists in the U.S. have developed a male contraceptive pill that has so far proven safe and effective on mice.

It looks set for clinical trials in humans as early as this year.

Researchers from the University of Minnesota presented their findings at the American Chemical Society’s Spring 2022 conference in San Diego, California on Tuesday, March 22.

The pill’s secret—it does not target testosterone, the male sex hormone, thereby cutting the risk of side effects that have so far kept other drugs from landing in pharmacies.

“Most female birth control pills work on the female sex hormones,” said Abdullah al Noman, one of the researchers, noting the lack of approved male birth control pills on the market.


“[But] targeting the male sex hormone leads to a lot of side effects such as weight gain, depression and increased risk of cardiovascular diseases,” he said.

“Men are less willing to take a birth control pill that has significant side effects. That’s why we are targeting a non-hormonal pathway to developing a male birth control pill.”

This non-hormonal contraceptive targets a protein called the retinoic acid receptor alpha (RAR-α), one of a family of three nuclear receptors that bind retinoic acid—a form of vitamin A that plays an important role in sperm formation, among other things.
The researchers found that knocking out the RAR-α gene in male mice made them infertile. Although another study had formulated an oral compound that inhibits all three nuclear receptors, the University of Minnesota team wanted to produce a drug specific to RAR-α to minimise side effects.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/birth-control-pill-for-men-scales-mice-trial-at-99-effectiveness-human-trials-on-agenda/

A middle-aged man, Tumise Abraham, was on Wednesday, sentenced to death by an High Court in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, after he was found guilty of raping and killing his landlady, Bukola Olanrewaju.

Abraham was found guilty by Justice Monisola Abodunde of raping and killing his landlady at Olorunda Zone 7, Adebayo area of Ado-Ekiti sometime in 2019, and sentenced him to death by hanging.

According to an account by a witness which was read by Justice Abodunde, Olanrewaju, a mother of three, was alone at home after her husband had gone to work and the children gone for their holiday coaching when Abraham sneaked into the deceased’s apartment and committed the act.

The convict was alleged to have broken into the woman’s room, threatened her with a cutlass and tied her up before carrying out the dastardly act.

“After the act, the tenant fled the house, but some of his belongings were found in the room, which suggested that he was responsible for the act,” the account said.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ekiti-court-sentences-man-to-death/

The House of Representatives Tuesday, told the Minister of Power, Abubakar Aliyu, to do everything possible to make sure Nigerians enjoy constant power instead of giving the nations stories and rhetoric.

The Reps made this charge to Aliyu when they invited him to appear before the House Committee on Power to explain the rationale behind the recent nationwide power outages being experienced in the country.

The Chairman of the Committee, Magaji Da’u Aliyu, who addressed the Reps at the hearing, lamented the nonchalant attitude of the Ministry whenever there was a national emergency, and directed the Power Minister to take measures that would immediately address the challenge.

The Minister who was represented at the hearing by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Nebolisa Anoka, enumerated the challenges facing the sector which he said including low gas supply, low hydro levels, high cost of gas, as well as disequilibrium between power generation, transmission and distribution.

He, however, assured that all measures were being put in place to fix the problem and restore the power situation in the country.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/reps-summon-power-minister/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors Forum on Wednesday, begged Nigerians to give them another chance to come back to power to save the country from total collapse.

The Governors also charged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to stop the All Progressives Congress (APC) from 2023 general elections over its current leadership composition and bad governance.

The Governors who were hosted by the Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu, made the call in a communique issued at the end of their meeting and strongly decried the current hardship in the country.

They described the APC-led Federal Government as an uncaring and insensitive administration, saying the party should not be on the ballot next year because of its failures in the last seven years.

“The forum is surprised that in the face of these statistics of complete failure in all ramifications and areas, the APC still wants to be on the ballot in 2023. This shows how uncaring and insensitive the APC is. It has become a menace to Nigeria,” the communique reads.

“The meeting reviewed the excruciating hardship and suffering being meted out to Nigerians by a failed APC led Federal Government; the near-collapse of the APC as a viable political party, the readiness of the PDP to take over and offer qualitative leadership options to rescue the nation.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/pdp-governors-beg-nigerians/

The Judiciary in Nigeria has given another landmark verdict on the subject of party defection of politicians as The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, on Monday, sacked 20 lawmakers from the Cross River State House of Assembly that defected from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

In May 2021, Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State and the now sacked lawmakers dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The same court two weeks ago gave a judgment that could upset political behavior in the West African country as it ordered the removal of Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State and his Deputy, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, following their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, to the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC.

The sack of the Cross River state lawmakers gives credence to what political observers have tagged new precedence in Nigeria’s political history.

Party defection is common among politicians. Sitting governors particularly are fond of switching party allegiance in Nigeria. There have been conflicting court rulings on the subject party of defection in Nigeria.

Like in the case of Ben Ayade cited above, in June 2021 the Governor of Zamfara State, Bello Matawalle, who was elected on the platform of the PDP after the Supreme Court nullified the victory of the APC in the 2019 elections in Zamfara State also joined Nigeria’s ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC).

https://newsroundtheclock.com/court-sacks-lawmakers-in-cross-river-state/

Mr Sanusi Garba, Chairman, Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), says the Federal Government and stakeholders in the power industry have intensified efforts to address the current challenges facing the sector.

Garba made this known during an interactive session with journalists after the Nigerian Electricity Supply Industry (NESI) meeting on Monday, March 21, in Lagos.

The meeting was attended by top officials of NERC, Transmission Company of Nigeria, Generation Companies (GenCos) and electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos).

He said the meeting was in line with the directive of the Minister of Power, Mr Abubakar Aliyu, for stakeholders to work together not only to restore normal supply of electricity but to improve on supply nationwide.

Garba said the issue of shortage gas supply to power plants, collapse of the national grid, illiquidity of the industry, huge metering gap and infrastructure deficit were some of the challenges confronting the sector.

He said the plan of the government was to ensure that the thermal power plants were working optimally and to ensure that there was stability in the grid.

Garba said NERC had approved a special gas pricing for emergency contracting of gas from the Nigerian Gas Marketing Company Ltd., for the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NPDHC), to optimise utilisation of its power plants.

According to him, it is expected that about 800MW will be generated from the NDPHC plants.

Garba said the gas pipeline affected by acts of vandalism had been restored and the Okpai Power Plant had resumed power generation and currently contributing an average of 300MW.

He added that the “pigging” of the gas pipeline supplying gas to the Odukpani Power Plant was scheduled for completion on March 21 thus ramping up generation by about 400MW.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nerc-fg-stakeholders-intensifying-efforts-to-address-power-challenges/

A little over 10 years ago, Nigerians were ranked some of the happiest people in the world by the World Happiness Report (WHR), which rates countries by their happiness ratio.

In a 2003 survey carried out by the WHR, Nigerians were the 6th happiest people in Africa and the 95th happiest in the world.

The World Values Survey (WVS) of that year also reported that some of the happiest people in the world lived in Nigeria, while three years later, another study reported that Nigeria had beaten more than 65 countries to claim the top spot.

By 2012, a poll conducted by Gallup World Poll, a global research team that tracks human development worldwide, revealed that Nigerians were the world’s most optimistic people with 88 percent of respondents being very optimistic about their future.

But today, the story has changed drastically as “Nigerians are no longer smiling,” to borrow the street parlance often heard in many Nigerian cities. The signs are all there: stress, bad economy, high cost of living, bad governance, crime, long faces brought about by years of suffering, which are daily etched on the faces of many Nigerians.

But how did Nigeria go from being the country with the happiest people in the world to a nation full of anger and frustration?

In the latest World Happiness Index report released on March 19, Nigeria fell to a dismal 118 position, below countries like Libya which, surprisingly, is the number one ranked African country on the log.

Countries like South Africa at 91, Gambia, 93, Algeria, 96, Liberia, 97, Congo, 99, Morocco, 100, Mozambique, 101, and Cameroon, 102, have shunted Nigeria down the log as the nation’s long history of being happy has faded with the increasing poverty in the land and the resultant increasing wave of insecurity.

The World Happiness Report, now in its 10th year, is based on people’s own assessment of their happiness, as well as economic and social data. It assigns a happiness score on a scale of zero to 10, based on an average of data over a three-year period.

Only war-torn and traumatized countries like Afghanistan, Venezuela and Lebanon had worse ratings than Nigeria in the 2022 World Happiness Index, which a testament to the fact that Nigerians have become disillusioned with life and are moving day-by-day like automated machines.

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Solutions Network also hinged its happiness index on a lot of factors which, sadly, Nigeria as a country has failed to live up to.

The indicators include GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, freedom, generosity, and corruption, and Nigeria is far removed from these indicators.

The country sure has a long way to meet up with countries like Finland, Denmark and Sweden which are the top three in the happy people rankings in the world.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nigerians-have-fallen-low-on-the-world-happiness-log/

The Speaker, Cross River House of Assembly, Mr Eteng Jonah-Williams, has said that he is not aware of any court judgment sacking him or any member of the house.

Jonah-Williams said this in an interview in Calabar, Cross River on Monday, March 21.

He said the affected members had not been served with any court order.

“As far as I am concerned, I am not aware of any court judgment sacking me or any member because we have not been served with any court order as we speak,” he said.

A Federal High Court in Abuja has declared the seats of 20 lawmakers from Cross River vacant over their defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to All Progressives Congress (APC).

Justice Taiwo Taiwo dismissed the defence argument that PDP (plaintiff) had no locus standi to institute the case.

Meanwhile, Mr Francis Ovat (PDP), representing Obubra 2 State Constituency, has hailed the judgment as sound.

“If you are elected into a political party and you hold the people’s mandate, it is wrong for you to jump from one party to the other.

“Elected officials should learn to stay in one party.

“If there is any rancour or crisis in their party, they should stay in the party and resolve it.

“Jumping from one party to the other kills democracy.

“The judgment is a good one and it came right on time,” Ovat said.

The PDP had filed the suit to challenge the Cross River lawmakers’ defection to another party.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/cross-river-speaker-denies-knowledge-of-court-judgement-sacking-lawmakers/

Former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, called on the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), top create a political department just like the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to promote Muslims who in politics.

The RCCG, last week, announced the creation of a new department called the Directorate of Politics and Governance.

Though the church had released a statement saying the newly created Directorate was strictly for the “voter education of its members and not to push or support any particular candidate as being insinuated,” many still believed it was created for the sole purpose of garnering support for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is a pastor in the church, who is being rumoured to be gearing up to run for President in 2023, as well as other politicians who are members of the church.

Tinubu who is also eyeing the APC presidential ticket in the 2023 election, urged the Sharia Council to also consider creating such a department to cater for Muslim politicians as well.

Tinubu made the appeal at the Annual National Conference and Pre-Ramadan meeting of the SCSN held at Osogbo, the Osun State, saying such a department would be a “good platform for Muslims to support their colleagues vying for political positions.

The APC stalwart who was represented at the forum by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus, said since other religions were supporting their own, there was the need for Muslims to also support their “brothers vying for political positions in Nigeria.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tinubu-wants-sharia-council-to-create-political-department/

Former South West Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, says he will relocate from Nigeria if former Lagos Governor Bola Tinubu becomes Nigeria’s President in 2023.

George, a fierce critic and arch enemy of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who stated this at a media briefing in Lagos on Saturday, said Tinubu and his family will pocket Nigeria as they did Lagos during and even after his tenure.

“What has Tinubu done to prove that he deserves to be honoured by anybody in this country? I want somebody to tell me.

“Anyway, I am happy the President has signed the new electoral bill. However, if by whatever chance he (Tinubu) gets to the Aso Rock Villa, I won’t be part of this country.

“And I am not joking. I can go to Ghana and watch with binoculars from afar. You will see what will happen.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/bode-george-says-he-will-relocate-from-nigeria-if-tinubu-becomes-president/

Why do nice people always finish last? What exactly are they doing wrong?

Why do people take advantage of a nice person?

Let’s figure out answers to the above questions.

As a nice guy who has finished last on numerous occasions, I can tell you that being nice is overrated; it is a flawed way of living, it is heinous to your mental and psychological wellbeing. Learn to quit being a people pleaser and distance yourself from people who are emotionally manipulative.

To an emotionally manipulative person, “99 good + 1 bad= 100 bad”. They are always looking for ways to guilt trip anyone and everyone.

Abscond from people who are opportunists.

Who is an emotional manipulator?

Emotional manipulators are masters at altering reality with lies, fibs, or misstatements in order to confuse you.

They may exaggerate events to make themselves seem more vulnerable. They may also understate their role in a conflict in order to gain your sympathy.

As an empath or a nice person, limit her affair with an emotional manipulator.

As a nice guy or nice person, you must understand that you are not omnipotent, neither are you the omniscience.

You are not the ultimate provider, stop playing God in other people’s lives. You are who you are, a person made from dust just like everyone else.

It is quintessential to be generous and benevolent, however, never let anyone turn you into a doormat. Do not be your own worst enemy by giving so much of yourself to others to the point you have nothing left of yourself.

Do not exhaust yourself for people who are obscure of your existence except when they need help. You do not need them, without you in their lives, they will be fine, trust me.

Do not go broke trying to rescue the entire world; show love but have boundaries and budget. There are people that will turn you into their human ATMs once you aid them financially one too many times.

Sometimes, you deserve love, you deserve to receive a gift, let these ‘Gimme Gimmes’ send something into your account, let them take you out on a date. Nice guy, let someone invest in you too.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/nice-guys-finish-last-here-is-why-altruistic-people-need-a-balance/

Former Lagos State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Saturday, called on the Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), top create a political department just like the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), to promote Muslims who in politics.

The RCCG, last week, announced the creation of a new department called the Directorate of Politics and Governance.

Though the church had released a statement saying the newly created Directorate was strictly for the “voter education of its members and not to push or support any particular candidate as being insinuated,” many still believed it was created for the sole purpose of garnering support for Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who is a pastor in the church, who is being rumoured to be gearing up to run for President in 2023, as well as other politicians who are members of the church.

Tinubu who is also eyeing the APC presidential ticket in the 2023 election, urged the Sharia Council to also consider creating such a department to cater for Muslim politicians as well.

Tinubu made the appeal at the Annual National Conference and Pre-Ramadan meeting of the SCSN held at Osogbo, the Osun State, saying such a department would be a “good platform for Muslims to support their colleagues vying for political positions.

The APC stalwart who was represented at the forum by the Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus, said since other religions were supporting their own, there was the need for Muslims to also support their “brothers vying for political positions in Nigeria.”

“Other religious groups have commenced political sensitisation by creating political departments or directorate among themselves to promote their own,” Tinubu said, in apparent reference to the RCCG Directorate of Politics.

“You should create a political wing among yourself so that it will further gear your participation in politics. It will be a good platform to support your brothers who are vying for political positions.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/tinubu-wants-sharia-council-to-create-political-department/

Getting married to someone you cherish is one of the beautiful decisions one can make in life. More so, it is exciting to know that your spouse is excelling in their chosen field. This is regardless of if you both are in the same industry.

Over the years, Nigeria’s entertainment industry has witnessed the union of its practitioners. Hence, it has encouraged more people to get married and grow their careers together. In this article, we would be looking at some celeb couples in Nigeria.

2baba and Annie Idibia

Award-winning singer, Innocent Idibia aka 2baba, got married to actress Annie Idibia in 2012. So far, their marriage is blessed with two children. The couple has been in the news for various reasons. Regardless, their love for each other has remained strong. They have been love birds for about two decades and their love has stood the test of time.

Simi and Adekinle Gold

Singers, Adekunle and Simi Kosoko, got married in a private ceremony in 2019. Their union is blessed with a daughter, Adejare. The lovebirds have a beautiful love story that has wowed their fans over the years. Besides, they have a thriving career that has won them millions of followers.

Suleiman Ibrahim and Linda Ejiofor

Actor and actress, Suleiman Ibrahim and Linda Ejiofor are a beautiful couple to watch. The “Tinsel” actor has featured in several films where he proved his acting prowess. The graduate of Architecture started out as a dancer and he practiced for years before venturing into acting. His dance group, Soul Quest, won the maiden edition of Malta Guinness Street Dance in 2008. Besides, he has featured in top-notch movies over the years. Linda Ejiofor has equally carved a niche for herself in the industry. The couple got married in 2018 and their union is blessed with a child.

Khafi and Gedoni...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/5-notable-celeb-couples-in-nigeria-pt-2/

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that the immediate-past governor of Anambra State, Willie Obiano, is in their custody and has been moved from Lagos to their facility in Abuja.

A source within the commission confirmed on Friday.

Obiano was arrested by the EFCC on Thursday night hours after his handover to the new Anambra Governor, Chukwuma Soludo.

He was arrested at the Murtala Muhammad International Airport, Lagos while trying to board a flight to Houston, Texas in the United States.

The EFCC had announced last November that the former governor was on their watchlist and had asked the Nigeria Immigration Service to inform them, anytime he was travelling out of the country from any of the international airports.

Although the commission is yet to give reasons for detaining Obiano, there are feelers that it could be in connection with some petitions written against the former governor over the execution of some projects while he was governor.

Obiano had handed over to his successor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo at a low-key event in Awka, the state capital.

The event was, however, overshadowed by a brawl between the former governor’s wife, Ebele Obiano and the widow of the late Biafra warlord, Bianca Ojukwu.

Meanwhile, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the newly inaugurated governor of Anambra has called on the people of Anambra and Southeast to help make the region a liveable and prosperous place.
Soludo said this in his address soon after his inauguration at the Anambra Government House, Awka, on Thursday, March 17.

He said the insecurity in the region had led to sustained outflow of investment while Anambra alone lost about N19.6 billion every day ‘sit-at-home’ was declared and observed.

He said his accession to power in Anambra had given the platform to rally other leaders of the region for a peaceful homeland that would help the people optimise their potential under the Nigerian unitary federation.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/obiano-efcc-confirms-former-anambra-gov-in-custody/

Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, the newly inaugurated governor of Anambra has called on the people of Anambra and Southeast to help make the region a liveable and prosperous place.

Soludo said this in his address soon after his inauguration at the Anambra Government House, Awka, on Thursday, March 17.

He said the insecurity in the region had led to sustained outflow of investment while Anambra alone lost about N19.6 billion every day ‘sit-at-home’ was declared and observed.

He said his accession to power in Anambra had given the platform to rally other leaders of the region for a peaceful homeland that would help the people optimise their potential under the Nigerian unitary federation.

According to Soludo, due to the protracted breakdown of law and order, businesses are relocating outside Igboland, with growing unemployment, and traders who used to come to shop in Onitsha, Aba, etc are going elsewhere.

“By forcing our children, the future of Igboland, to stay at home instead of being in school, while even the critically sick people, including pregnant women, cannot go to hospital, we harm our future,” he said.

Soludo called on the various groups that claimed that they were not part of the senseless killings and kidnappings to step out and show leadership by joining hands with him towards checking the menace.
On the seperatist agitations, the erudite economist said although they could be genuine calls for fairness, justice, equity and equality in the Nigerian Federation such should not be a basis to turn the area to a crime scene and all manners of criminality.

“No group has ever succeeded in any struggle in history by turning the sword against themselves; I am convinced that justice, peace and order will return to Anambra and the Southeast within the shortest horizon possible.

“I promise to work hard with other governors and leaders in the South East and others to take your agitations to the table of all Nigeria and we hope to bargain for a win-win solution for all Nigeria.

“By forcing our children, the future of Igboland, to stay at home instead of being in school, while even the critically sick people, including pregnant women, cannot go to hospital, we harm our future,” he said.

Soludo called on the various groups that claimed that they were not part of the senseless killings and kidnappings to step out and show leadership by joining hands with him towards checking the menace.
On the seperatist agitations, the erudite economist said although they could be genuine calls for fairness, justice, equity and equality in the Nigerian Federation such should not be a basis to turn the area to a crime scene and all manners of criminality.

“No group has ever succeeded in any struggle in history by turning the sword against themselves; I am convinced that justice, peace and order will return to Anambra and the Southeast within the shortest horizon possible.

“I promise to work hard with other governors and leaders in the South East and others to take your agitations to the table of all Nigeria and we hope to bargain for a win-win solution for all Nigeria.

“I will engage all parties to the breakdown of peace and order in Anambra from a point of determination to solve problems and resolve disagreements with openness, integrity, equity and justice.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/soludo-lets-make-southeast-liveable-prosperous-homeland/