₦airaland Forum

Former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, popularly known as FFK, is in the news again after he allegedly refused to allow his estranged ex-wife, Precious Chikwendu, access to her her children after making her wait for over eight hours.

Precious who made this known on Sunday in a post on her Instagram page accompanied with a video, said FFK made her wait for over eight hours without being allowed to see her children.

Precious and FFK have been locked in a legal battle over the custody of their four sons since they announce the breakup of their marriage last year.

A Customary Court at Kubwa, Abuja, had, on December 8, 2021, ordered that Fani-Kayode allow Precious access to their four sons at a neutral ground during the Christmas and New Year periods.

In the letter titled, “Request for Access to the Petitioner’s Four Male Children,” she had chosen the Abuja Central Park to meet with the children on Saturday, December 18, 2021, from 9am till 6pm.

Another scheduled date for the visitation was for Saturday, January 1, 2022, New Year’s Day at same venue and time.

However, Precious said she went to the Central Park Abuja, on December 18, 2021, from 9am till 6pm but her kids were not brought to her.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ffk-refuses-to-allow-estranged-wife-see-her-kids/

Former Deputy-Leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Uche Mefor, believes that the agitation for a Biafran Republic will not end even if the South-East produces a President in 2023.

Mefor, said in a statement on Monday that the clamour for a president from the South-East region in 2023 has nothing to do Biafran agitation and will not stop the demands for a republic.

In the statement he posted on his Facebook page, Mefor said an Igbo president will even do more to intensify the agitation for the restoration of Biafra.

In the statement titled ‘Will the Nigerian President of Igbo-Biafra extraction stop Biafra agitation?’ Mefore said it was very unlikely for an Igbo president to end the quest for Biafra.

“This is very unlikely. An Igbo president of Nigeria will even intensify the agitation for the restoration of Biafra. Biafrans must concentrate on the Biafra territorial politics with a view to controlling the political space in Biafraland.

“Nigeria, as a ideal candidate, would be completing the cycle of the status of an ideal contender highly and likely to be subjected to remedial secession if she manhandles the Igbo bid for the presidency and denies or schemes them out of the presidency in 2023, will be justified as a last resort in extreme case of oppression.

“It will also mean an arbitrary or systematic human rights violations against a group that qualifies as a ‘people’ or ‘peoples’ and ultimately, the denial of INTERNAL SELF-DETERMINATION against such group(s) by a state (in this case, Nigeria).

“When that happens, and to such an extent that the territorial intergrity of such state (in this case, Nigeria) is called to question, that state loses her claim to her sovereignty because she has failed to adequately represent her whole population in the governance of her affairs.

“No doubt, there are consequences but if crafted and guided and guarded strategically, the group(s) is/are likely to succeed with recognition of the members of the international community.

“If the Igbos (either alone or in collaboration with others) decide to seek for a separate country by exercising their right to self-determination through the LENS OF REMEDIAL SECESSION, they are strongly and likely going to be justified subject to external RECOGNITION...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/uche-mefor-says-igbo-presidency-will-not-end-biafra-agitation/

Former Akwa Ibom State Governor, Obong Victor Bassey Attah, has blamed ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo, of truncating true federalism in Nigeria, accusing him of not being a true democrat.

Attah who made the accusation in an interview on Arise TV monitored by NRTC on Monday, also said Obasanjo was the brain behind Nigeria not moving forward despite its huge potentials.

Attah, who was governor when Obasanjo was president of Nigeria between 199 and 2027, said the country would have seamlessly transformed into true federalism with a parliamentary system of government if Obasanjo had not trampled upon the sovereignty of the people by taking unilateral decisions that set the country many years back.

While answering a question that bordered on restructuring, Attah said the former President had the opportunity of writing his name in gold if he had done what was expected of him at the time.

“Former President Obasanjo truncated true federalism in Nigeria by his actions when he had the opportunity of writing his name in gold,” Attah said.

“Like we all know, sovereignty resides with the people but Obasanjo did not follow the principles of true sovereignty. Some of the actions he took while in power are the malaise we are still facing today.

“Sovereignty belongs to the people of Nigeria and there should be an act of parliament that we need a sovereign conference that will come out with a new constitution for Nigeria based on the 1963 constitution that placed mineral resources found in the regions as belonging to the owners of the land.

“Recently, Obasanjo wrote a letter to Pa Edwin Clark saying that the oil in the Niger Delta belongs to Nigeria and not the people of the region. I want to disagree with him on that.

“The oil in the Niger Delta belong to the people of the region and he 1963 constitution clearly spelt that out and they were supposed to contribute to the center and not the other way round.

“As a governor, I championed the cause of resource control which would have recognised the Niger Delta people as the true owners of the oil but Obasanjo did everything to jeopardize resource control which is why we are where we are today.

“If you go back to the 1963 constitution, there was an arrangement that the FG should pay 50% to the states where the mineral resources found, which clearly means that the mineral resources belong to the states.

“But when the military took over power, the rules were changed and that was what Obasanjo stood on, even as a democratically elected president.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/victor-attah-blames-obasanjo-for-truncating-true-federalism/

The Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has a way of blooding young players at every edition and the 2021 edition currently going on in Cameroon is not an exception.

The Afcon tournament is usually a huge platform for teams to unearth new talents and over the years, many youngsters have been unearthed at the tournaments who have gone on to do great things for both clubs and countries.

NRTC brings you a list of the six youngest players at this year’s Afcon.

Beyatt Lekweiry – Mauritania

The Mauritanian midfielder is the youngest player at the 2021 Afcon at only 16 years old. Lekweiry, who plays for AS Douanes in Senegal, was also a key member of his country’s Under-20 Arab Cup last at aged only 15 years.

New coach, Didier Gomes da Rosa, has decided to make the young midfield enforcer a part of the team by handing him a chance with the big boys.

Ibrahim Sesay – Sierra Leone

The Leone Stars of Sierra Leone have in their fold, a 17-year old goalkeeper, Ibrahim Sesay, who is being touted to become one of the best shot stoppers to come out of Africa in a few years to come.

Though Sesay is not expected to be an outright starter in Cameroon, he will have plenty of experience to pick from mixing it up with the seniors.

The 17-year-old, who made his topflight debut this season, came in for huge praise during Sierra Leone friendly game with The Gambia for his outstanding performance.

Sesay started his career with the East End Tigers and has been very exceptional in the Sierra Leone Premier League throughout the season.

The young goalkeeper recently made a breakthrough with the Leone stars squad and was also exceptional in the Leone stars recent friendly match against Morocco.

Karim Konaté – Ivory Coast

The Asec Mimosa youth team product is another young prospect who will showcase his huge potentials at the Afcon tournament in Cameroon.

Coach Patrice Baumelle took the bold step by calling up the 17-year old striker into the main team after scoring seven goals in 18 matches in his debut season for the Ivory Coast ASEC Mimosa senior team.

He made his debut for the national team in a 0–0 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification tie with Mozambique in march 2021.

Abdul Fatawu Issahaku – Ghana

Ghana also has a young player in their fold in Issahaku who is only 17-years-old. Issahaku was named as the Most Valuable Player at the 2021 Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations in Mauritania, where he led Ghana’s young team to the title with emphatic performances.

Issahaku also represented Ghana and was the captain of the national under-17 team in 2020, playing during the 2021 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations qualifiers.

The midfielder who now plies his trade with Dreams FC in the Ghanaian league, made his debut for the senior national team last September in Ghana’s 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in a World Cup qualifier.

He also played in Ghana’s 3-0 loss to Algeria in their pre-AFCON friendly match played in Doha.

Ilaix Moriba – Guinea...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/meet-the-youngest-players-at-afcon-2021/

The 2022 African Nations Cup (AFCON 2022) is finally here, and 16 teams will fight for the top prize in Cameroon.

What comes to mind are the chances of each team to winning the trophy. Afterwards, comes the favourite tag of the ones that could emerge champions.

Fortunately, Nigeria always fall into this category. The reason is not far-fetched- the Super Eagles have pool of talents.

It is no longer news that they will be in Cameroon without Leon Balogun, Victor Osimhen and in-form Dennis Bonaventure.

These three are no doubt in their prime and could have added a lot of bite to the team, especially in the attacking department.

In the defense department, we can still rely on Kenneth Omeruo who is not a stranger to Troost-Ekong, having partnered with him at the last edition.

But what surprises Nigerians is the excuse of the same Watford that released William Troost-Ekong and failed to release Dennis.

There will be another day to criticise the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) for not doing the needful.

No doubt, the English club is in a relegation battle and won’t want to lose an important player at this moment, but not giving Nigeria the due respect is unacceptable.

On the part of Osimhen who personally seek exclusion, it is reasonable for a player who almost lost his eye and needs his recovery.

It won’t be surprising to see him back in action for Napoli while the AFCON is ongoing. And thus, he just got injured in the Serie A clash played today agunst Sampdoria, having recovered from COVID-19.

The Super Eagles would have been compensated with the return of Odion Ighalo, but his non-release by his club means that Nigeria would Sadiq Umar, who plies his trade in Spain with Almeria.

We can also be happy with the inclusion of Kelechi Iheanacho.

Who are in the Nigeria’s 28-man squad for AFCON 2022...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/afcon-2022-nigeria-and-another-opportunity/

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that; the Omicron variant of Covid-19 is killing people across the globe and should not be dismissed as mild.

This was stated by WHO Director General – Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, according to him, the record number of people catching the new variant — is rapidly out-competing the previously-dominant Delta variant in many countries — meant hospitals are being overwhelmed.

“While Omicron does appear to be less severe compared to Delta, especially in those who have been vaccinated. It does not mean it should be categorised as mild. Just like previous variants, Omicron is hospitalising people and it is killing people,” he explained at a press conference.

“In fact, the tsunami of cases is so huge and quick, that it is overwhelming health systems around the world.”

About 9.5 million new Covid-19 cases were reported to the WHO last week. A record, up 71 percent on the week before.

Tedros, however, said it was an underestimate because it did not reflect the backlog of testing around the Christmas-New Year holidays, positive self-tests not registered, and overburdened surveillance systems missing cases.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/covid-19-who-reveals-how-deadly-omicron-is/

Five times world footballer of the year, Cristiano Ronaldo, has been omitted from the final top three list of the FIFA male best player of the year.

Salah currently tops the Premier League’s scoring chart with 16 goals, having finished second to Harry Kane last season.

The winners will be announced at the Best Fifa Football Awards in Zurich on 17 January.

The awards are voted for by international managers, captains of international teams, journalists and fans.

Lewandowski had won the men’s award in 2020.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Erik Lamela is on the shortlist for the Fifa Puskas Award, which recognises the best goal in world football during the year. The Argentine got nominated for his ‘rabona’ finish in the north London derby against Arsenal last March.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ronaldo-omitted-as-lewandowski-salah-and-messi-tops-fifa-best-player-list/

President Muhammadu Buhari has said he won’t interfere in the judiciary pertaining to treasonable felony trial of leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPoB), Nnamdi Kanu.

Buhari stated this in the exclusive interview with Channels Television monitored by Newsroundtheclock on Friday night[.

“I don’t interfere with the judiciary. Let’s allow the judiciary to do its job on Kanu.”

When asked if there could be a political solution to Kanu’s case, Buhari responded in affirmative.

It could be recalled that some South-East leaders had paid Buhari a courtesy visit, requesting for the release of Kanu.

Buhari had promised to consider their request.

Buhari speaks on restructuring

https://newsroundtheclock.com/lets-allow-judiciary-to-do-its-job-on-nnamdi-kanu-buhari/

I accidentally stumbled into a video every Nigerian must watch in 2022. The video was shot on the streets of Harare by African Tigress and premiered on Youtube on the 17th of December 2021.

It focusses mainly on getting the opinion of Zimbabweans on what they knew about Nigeria and what they also think of Nigerians. I wasn’t sure if it was worth my time watching this video. But I am glad I fell for the urge to click and watch it. As I thoroughly enjoyed watching it and felt proud to be a Nigerian and African at the same time.

The best part was when I checked the comments section and it does show the admiration Zimbabweans have for Nigerians. The comments, unlike some which can be very dirty and unpleasant also highlights the respect other Africans have for Nigerians.

Without further ado, I would encourage you too to click on the video below. Watch, enjoy and feel proud to be a Nigerian like I just did.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/viral-video-what-zimbabweans-think-of-nigerians-will-surprise-you/

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally aired his opinion on the call for state police, expressing the belief that it’s not an option for the nation.

He made the remark in an exclusive interview with Channels Television, monitored by News Round The Clock.

There had been calls for state policing by several Governors as a way to solve insecurity across the country. Some said governors might use it as an instrument of the state against their opponent if such requests is granted.

Nigeria’s current policing system is controlled by the Federal Government.

Alluding to the propensity for Governors to abuse their powers, Buhari said: “State police is not an option.”

“Find out the relationship between local government and the Governors. Are the third tier of government getting what they are supposed to get constitutionally? Are they getting it? Let the people in local government tell you the truth, the fight between local governments and the Governor.”

Buhari calls for support from traditional rulers
On the security situation in the country, the President urged traditional rulers to play a huge role in bringing peace to communities.

He also advocated for more dialogue in solving the farmer-herder clashes recorded across the country.

“The role of traditional rulers must not be undermined, because in their areas they know who is who, even by families, not to even talk of individuals,” he said.

“So, we have to revert to that system for us to have effective security in the localities.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/buhari-reacts-to-call-for-state-police/

The Presidency has explained the reason behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s decision to sign the 2022 budget despite some changes and alterations made by members of the National Assembly to earlier estimates.

Buhari had complained about the changes made to the budget estimate by the lawmakers after he signed the budget on Friday and expressed concerns at the introduction of 6,576 new schemes worth N37 billion in the budget by the parliament.

While explaining the rationale behind the President’s decision to sign the budget, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the President, Garba Shehu, noted that although Buhari disagreed with the National Assembly over the changes made in the budget, he was not in conflict with the lawmakers.

In a statement to clarify the President’s position, Shehu said:

“Given Mr. President’s commitment to improving the lot of the common man, it was felt that it would not be wise to throw away the baby with the bathwater.

“Mr. President was clear and candid in expressing his reservations with the numerous changes to the 2022 budget made by the National Assembly, which would hamper its implementation.

“However, to respond to critics that question why assent to the budget if it was so severely tampered with, we wish to respond as follows:

“Need to Save Value-Additive Projects, Programs & Policies:

“Although over 10,733 projects were reduced and 6,576 new projects were introduced into the budget by the National Assembly, there are tens of thousands more provisions in the 2022 budget, all of which, when efficiently and effectively implemented, will have a significant developmental impact on the lives and livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.

“Ongoing Capital Projects, Critical Recurrent Votes, Priority New Projects – all featured in the 2022 budget and Mr. President’s forbearance in assenting to the budget will save these provisions from implementation delays and other challenges.

“President Buhari is a democrat who deeply believes in the supremacy of the Constitution, with its checks and balances across the three arms of government.”

The presidential spokesman insisted that disagreements amongst the arms of government were normal and would lead to actionable plans to better the economy.

“While we note that there are people who are trying to create a fiasco between the two arms of government on account of the budget, we assure that they will, in the end, be disappointed.

“The Executive and the 9th National Assembly have since moved away from the wild, destructive political games of the past, conducting themselves in a way that puts national interest supreme in their decisions.

“Indeed, if Mr. President had declined assent to the 2022 Appropriation Bill, the National Assembly has powers to override the President’s veto if they can drum up a 2/3 majority vote. This is the constitution.

“Happily, this situation has not arisen during the tenure of Mr. President’s administration, and the Executive’s relationship with the Leadership of the 9th National Assembly is much improved over what happened with the 8th National Assembly.

“It is on account of his confidence in the strength of this excellent working relationship that Mr. President has directed that an Amendment of Budget Proposal should be prepared and submitted to the National Assembly, once they return from their recess.

“It is hoped that the National Assembly will carefully consider and approve the 2022 Amendment Budget Proposals, once presented to them in due course, for the benefit of all Nigerians.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/presidency-gives-reasons-why-buhari-signed-budget/

The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has banned the singing and reciting of the Nigerian national anthem in schools in the South-East region of the country.

The group which placed the ban on Monday via a statement by its Director of State, Chika Edoziem, said the decree was part of its New Year resolve to Igbo people, insisting that the directive would take effect from Monday night.

Edoziem added that school authorities in the region would henceforth teach the students how to recite “the Biafran national anthem or have themselves to blame”

“The following are some of the programmes and actions which the leadership will vigorously pursue in 2022. These are the ones we can make public for now. Others will be made known at the appropriate time,” Edoziem said in the statement.

“We will embark on worldwide campaign for the unconditional release of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu (A Prisoner of Conscience). The campaign will be called the ‘prisoner of conscience campaign’.

“In furtherance of this campaign, all IPOB family members, Biafrans and friends of Biafra are hereby urged to change their profile pictures on social media with our official campaign poster.

“Secondly, all IPOB families worldwide are hereby directed to activate the earlier instruction passed down to them. We shall embark on a worldwide protest in cities and capitals around the world.

The focus of our protest shall be British embassies, the British Parliament, 10 Downing Street, the Kenyan Embassies, the Zoo Nigerian embassies and International Organizations like the United Nations, the European Union, Amnesty International and media houses.

“The DOS will be creating a new department in IPOB to add to those already existing under the Directorate of State. The department will be designated as the IPOB education department.

“Primary responsibility is to teach our history, language, tradition and culture to our children. We have about three books that will be published this new year in furtherance of this.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ipob-bans-nigerian-anthem-in-south-east-schools/

The latest information from The presidency says visitors to the presidential villa in Abuja would be required to take rapid COVID tests before they are given access.

While noting that the new development is not unusual, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu explained that it is a growing practice in government offices in other countries. He further stated that every visitor including state governors is required to take the COVID-19 rapid test before entry into the presidential villa.

According to the Presidential Aide, the test kits are issued for free at the gate. He also said it is a temporary measure against the backdrop of the recent spike in the number of cases of the COVID-19 virus in the country.

“Yes, a new regime of COVID-19 regulation has been put in place for all visitors to the Villa, not for Governors alone.

“Every visitor to the Villa, not just those seeing the president, is now required to do a rapid test at the gate.

“The kits are freely issued so no one is required to make payment. This is purely temporary in view of the recent spike in cases and will be removed any moment the situation abates. It’s a growing practice in government offices in many countries.

“Although some exceptions have been made for a few leaders in government coming from outside the Villa, they too are encouraged to do those tests.

“This policy has rightfully been justified following the discovery of COVID-19 positivity in some of those tested since the last few days of the practice,” Shehu said.

Shehu was among the Presidential aides that tested positive to COVID-19 last week. He recovered a week after going into isolation.

Also, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mohammed Bello in a personally signed statement on Friday announced that he has tested positive for COVID-19.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/every-visitor-to-aso-rock-must-take-covid-19-test-presidency/

All is not well with veteran Nollywood actress, Kemi Afolabi, after she took to her Instagram page to reveal that she was diagnosed with an incurable disease in 2021.

The talented actress, who could not hold back her praises to her creator despite her condition, said she was on a reflection of her journey through the outgone year.

According to Kemi, she had undergone several Covid-19 tests as she was showing related symptoms and that she was on oxygen for about a month.

She revealed that she sold her properties after spending all her savings because she knew the thoughts of taking her condition to the public eye or soliciting for funds at that time would kill her faster.

The actress however stated that she was diagnosed with an incurable condition but one that is manageable with the regular use of drugs.

Posting a video to accompany her post, the actress added that her life had changed forever though she remains thankful to God that she’s still breathing even after she wrote her will and booked a space with a popular cemetery and undertakers, Ebony Vault.

“I wrote my will and booked a space with Ebony Vault this year 2021 but God showed me how faithful he is despite my unfaithfulness. Who am I that God is so mindful of my existence? Me, ordinary sand??

“That was a toss around from my private hospital to LASUTH, to Army Barracks Hospital, WAEC and finally LUTH where I spent over three months!

“I did Covid test every 48hrs at LASUTH emergency because I was short of breath, was on oxygen for about a month, still no diagnosis after several tests conducted.

“Only a mad man says there is no God ooo. I sold my properties after spending all my savings because I knew the thoughts of bringing my condition to the public eye or beg for funds at the time would kill me faster!!!

“Finally I was diagnosed of a condition that has no cure but can be managed by medications and takes me in and out of the hospital at will (SLE).

https://newsroundtheclock.com/actress-kemi-afolabi-diagnosed-with-incurable-disease/

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwunsi and his estranged wife, Queen Naomi Morenike Silekunola, who announced their separation on December 24, 2021, may have reconciled following the intervention of a former Ondo State governorship candidate of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Prince Eniola Ojajuni.

Prince Ojajuni took to social media on January 1, 2022, to lay claim to the fact that he has been able to reconcile the Ooni of Ife and Olori Naomi.

Ojajuni who made the claim in a post on his Facebook page said that the pair were reconciled after a meeting between some elders and some members of Naomi’s family.

According to him, the Ooni of Ife and Olori were reconciled on the evening of Wednesday, December 29, when elders from the Ooni’ side (Ile Ife) and elders from Akure, where Olori Naomi is from met at a meeting.

He also posted that the mother of the Queen “asked for forgiveness” on her daughter’s behalf during the meeting.

“Battle is over!” He wrote alongside a photo of the Olori being led to a waiting car by Palace aides and uniformed officials.

Also confirming that the Ooni and Queen Naomi had reconciled was the Deji Of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, who said he and prominent leaders in Ondo State made moves to intervene and reconcile Oba Ogunwusi and his wife, Prophetess Naomi.

A highly reliable source in the palace of the Deji said that Oba Aladelusi had held separate meetings with Oba Ogunwusi in Ile-Ife and the wife in Akure, the Ondo State capital.

According to the source, the meetings were successful as both the Ooni and his wife reportedly responded positively to the steps being taken by the Akure monarch to end the differences between them.

“lt is true that the Deji took it upon himself to wade into the matter between the Ooni and the Olori.

“It will interest you that the matter would soon be resolved as both parties have agreed to sheathe the swords. Don’t believe all the stories in the social media, the whole matter was over bloated, they would soon reconcile going by the intervention of the Deji of Akure.”

The Chief Press Secretary to the Deji of Akure, Michael Adeyeye, also confirmed the intervention of the monarch.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ooni-of-ife-and-queen-naomi-reconcile/

Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State has said that the security challenges confronting Nigeria could be fixed within 17 months.

Speaking during an interview with Arise TV on Saturday, Fayemi pointed out that insecurity is affecting the rating president Muhammadu Buhari. He added that security chiefs in the country know what to do to end banditry and other security challenges in the country.

While noting that not ending the security challenges within 17 months may mean that some people are benefitting from the “war economy”, he said: “If we can destroy that monster of insecurity, the opinion in the country will change dramatically. If we decide to go after these people without too much attachment to human rights and issues that may come up from the international communities. these people are not ghosts,”

“We know where the bandits are, so we can neutralise them and then begin to have the opportunity. It may not be completely finished under this government, but you can do that part of it under this administration.

“Neutralise all these elements that are responsible for the chaos that they have thrown our nation into. Unless there are people within the security institutions who are benefiting from the war economy itself, there is no question that they know what to do and we can fix it in 17 months.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/we-can-end-insecurity-unless-some-people-are-benefiting-from-it-fayemi/

Since October, NRTC have been celebrating the contributions of high profile British public figures of Nigerian origin; by running through a list of 50 notable icons.

In the last installment of this series, Vivian Adeyemo concludes with a “bang” to usher in 2022. Check out the following 10 high profile vanguards of excellence.

1. Ade Adepitan

Adedoyin Olayiwola “Ade” Adepitan is a Nigerian-born British television presenter and wheelchair basketball player. Adepitan was born in Lagos. As an infant, he contracted polio, resulting in damage to his legs that left him a wheelchair user. At the age of three, he moved with his family to the United Kingdom, where he grew up in East London.

Adepitan is an accomplished wheelchair basketball player, for his club Milton Keynes Aces and as a member of the Great Britain team that won the bronze medal at the 2004 Summer Paralympics in Athens and the gold medal at the 2005 Paralympic World Cup in Manchester.

Adepitan has featured on many television programmes and series as an actor, presenter or guest. For services to disability sport; appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2005.


2. Lemar

Lemar Obika, known as Lemar, is a British singer, songwriter and record producer. Obika was born in North London, to Nigerian parents. He rose to fame after finishing third in British reality talent show Fame Academy. Sony BMG signed him to their label; where he has released five studio albums, three of which are certified platinum or double platinum by the British Phonographic Industry (BPI).

Lemar has seen considerable chart success in the UK and Ireland, releasing ten top 20 singles, seven of which peaked in the top 10, and has sold over two million albums. Recognised as one of the most successful artists to come out of a reality TV show.

3. Alex Iwobi

Alexander Chuka Iwobi is a Nigerian professional footballer who plays as a winger for Premier League club Everton and the Nigeria national team. Iwobi was born in Lagos, Nigeria before moving to England at the age of four. His maternal uncle is former professional footballer Jay-Jay Okocha.

Iwobi began his career at Arsenal, making 149 appearances and scoring 15 goals, and winning the FA Cup in 2017. In August 2019, he transferred to Everton for an initial £28 million fee.

Iwobi represented England up to under-18 level. He made his senior international debut for Nigeria in October 2015, and was part of their squads at the 2018 FIFA World Cup and 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, coming third at the latter.

4. AJ Odudu

Onatejiro “AJ” Odudu is a British television presenter of Nigerian origin. Odudu was born in Lancashire. Her parents are Nigerian and she is one of eight children.

AJ has hosted a variety of television shows since 2009. More recently, in 2021, she was a competitor on the British dance show, Strictly Come Dancing.

5. Anne-Marie Imafidon


Anne-Marie Osawemwenze Ore-Ofe Imafidon is a British computing, mathematics and language child prodigy of Nigerian origin. Imafidon was born in London to Nigerian parents. She is one of the youngest to pass two GCSEs in two different subjects while in primary school. She passed two A level Examinations in mathematics and computer science at the age of 11.

At 13, in 2003, she received a British scholarship to study mathematics at Johns Hopkins University. She graduated from the University of Oxford with a Master of Mathematics and Computer Science (MMathComSci) degree in June 2010; aged 20, making her one of the youngest ever graduates from Oxford in those subjects. She speaks six languages.

Imafidon founded and became CEO of Stemettes in 2013, a social enterprise promoting women in STEM careers. She holds Honorary Doctorates from a variety of universities including the University of Bristol. For services to young women within STEM careers; appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), in the 2017 New Year Honours.

6. Femi Kuti...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/celebrating-british-nigerian-vanguards-of-excellence-part-5/

As we safely sail into the year 2022, it is important to remember that; we must change every day to remain relevant. Yet, although we change, our core values and principles must remain sacrosanct. Managing the balance between these two paradigms is the key to success in life.

Fixing Nigeria
I recently concluded work on my second book titled “Fixing Nigeria”. The central theme was to; identify the singular problem at the core of the Nigerian problem and then build a case for fixing this problem.

I concluded in this book that Nigeria is essentially a poor country, who thinks she is rich. And that, fixing poverty is her core issue. However, another problem that seems to linger underneath the surface in Nigeria, and across much of the African continent, is the issue of managing change.

Many of our brothers and sisters across the globe believe that Africa has not been fixed because Africans are simply too lazy to fix it. Of course, they may not come out and say this to our faces in such a blunt manner but that thinking dominate their minds and who can blame them.

Africans are not lazy
To be clear, Africans are not lazy, they are probably some of the hardest working people in the world. But even the holy books state it that “…if the tool is dull, more hard labour is required” – Ecclesiastes 10 v 10. In other word, if there is less planning and strategizing, more physical, hard work is required. It is in the lack of strategizing that we, Africans, get criticized for laziness.

Covid-19 Vaccinations

Recently, there has been a major uproar about the so-called “Vaccine Apartheid”. There were indeed a high level of righteous indignation amongst the African Liberal elite on why the “West” in particular were not sharing their COVID vaccines with African States.

Why should companies who have spent billions of their own resources. Researching a vaccine, release their formula for other nations to copy, is there a precedent for this?

My question on the other hand is why don’t Africans form a committee of some of their best brains. Put them in a lab in Addis-Ababa, in Cairo, in Lagos or Jo’ Burg and create their own vaccine.

The Chinese created a vaccine, the Russians did, the Americans did. So why can’t 600 million people in Africa do the same?

It is not the lack of ability, rather, it is simply our acceptance that we are incapable or helpless. And must always be dependent on others. That has put us in the position today where maybe less than 20% of the entire continent is vaccinated. Whereas many countries are almost fully vaccinated.

Part of the problem in 2020 was that, even if the vaccines were donated to us. Many African countries do not have the storage facilities, to store at the required 80 degrees required for the Pfizer vaccines. This is where the laziness hint comes into it. The ‘laziness’ of our inability to strategise, and act to make our own vaccine. Or to be able to store the vaccines, even when given to us for free.

Chinese Interests in Africa
Another big furore of recent weeks is the issue of China taking over the ownership of Uganda’s airport. Due to the latter’s inability to fulfil her loan obligations.

The narrative is why are African states constantly borrowing from China? Debtor countries like individual debtors have a simple problem, they are living above their means. Making poor investor decisions, or have simply fallen on bad times. For many African countries, it is the combination of all three and, we need our best people to get us out of this logjam.

The way forward for Africa
So how can we get out of this morass, discipline ourselves, and learn to take tough decisions. Mostly, in the areas of revenue and expenses?:

1. Revenue

Apart from the mid-eastern countries where the populace generally does not pay taxes, Africans pay the lowest taxes per capita. The argument is that we are a poor people. So why should we pay government for services we may never receive? But this is a cyclic argument. The UK recently made the decision to make their economy a high value-added economy. With the associated risk and rewards, the cost of goods will definitely go up in the UK. But so will wages and profitability of companies.

Countries like Norway, Singapore and the likes have always paid high taxes, and have high salary deductions. But their quality of life are also amongst the highest in the world. We can learn from them. We need to change this mindset of getting everything free. Low cost economy is synonymous with low level living. Let’s be clear until we learn to start paying taxes, our commodities will not save our economies.

2. Expenses...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/truth-carries-with-it-confrontation-and-africa-needs-both-to-change/

An Igbo group in the South East region by the name South East Democratic Civil Society Coalition (SEDSOC), has kicked against the alleged endorsement of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Anyim Pius Anyim, for the presidency in 2023.

Anyim was on Monday, endorsed by prominent Igbo leaders of thought and politicians including former Senate President, Adolphus Wabara, Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe; among other notable politicians.

However, the group, in a statement on Thursday, after its meeting in Enugu, described Anyim’s endorsement as “hasty, self-serving and does not have the mandate of the generality of Igbos,” and demanded the immediate withdrawal of the endorsement.

The statement which was issued by the National Convener of SEDSOC, Chief Willy Ezugwu, said Anyim was not the most credible candidate to fly the Igbo flag in 2023.

“The South East has eminently qualified persons capable of transforming Nigeria if given the chance by the electorate to serve as President in 2023,” the communique reads.

“To this end, we view Anyim’s endorsement as too hasty and self-serving. Those clamouring for him to run for the presidency chose to jump the gun in what can only be interpreted as self-serving and an attempt to stampede the South East bloc into their own private agenda.

“How Abaribe, who is one of our own, joined the bandwagon of some selfish South East politicians to engage in the controversial outing, is shocking and disappointing

“Whatever happened between Anyim and the politicians is a nullity and does not reflect the mood of South East people.”

The coalition further stressed that some South East leaders were already in the process of consultations across party lines to shop for the best candidate who would not only represent the interest of Ndigbo, but also has capacity and broad-mindness to carry along all Nigerians, irrespective of religion, tribe or political leanings.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/igbo-group-kicks-against-anyim-presidency/

The Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) has appointed Portuguese Coach, Jose Peseiro as the new Super Eagles coach to replace the sacked Gernot Rohr.

The appointment of the former Porto and Venezuela National Team manager who had previously worked in Africa with Al Ahly of Egypt, was announced on Wednesday by the NFF, putting and end to rounds of speculations by football lovers.

The 61-year-old previously worked at Panathinaikos, Real Madrid, Sporting CP, Al Ahly, Braga and most recently as Venezuela national team coach, before he resigned in August over unpaid salary.

Peseiro will be with the Super Eagles in Cameroon but in an observer role with technical director Austin Eguavoen charged to lead the three-time African champions.

The Portuguese manager will immediately assume his new duty after the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations with Nigeria aiming to qualify for the 2022 Fifa World Cup in Qatar.

“After careful consideration of a memo presented by Chairman of the Technical and Development Sub-Committee, the Executive Committee endorsed a proposal for the appointment of Mr Jose Peseiro as the new head coach of the Super Eagles, following the end to the relationship with Mr Gernot Rohr,” the NFF said in a statement while makine the announcement of the new coach.

“However, the committee resolved that Mr Augustine Eguavoen, named the interim head coach, will lead the Super Eagles to the Afcon 2021 in Cameroon with Mr Peseiro only playing the role of observer.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/portuguese-coach-jose-peseiro-announced-as-super-eagles-coach/

The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has admitted that insecurity that continued to “rear its ugly head in most parts of the country” was the only dent in President Muhammadu Buhari’s “impressive” scorecard of achievements in 2021.

Mohammed, who made this confession on Thursday during a press conference in Abuja to showcase the achievements of the president, admitted that insecurity was the major challenge faced by the Federal Government in the outgoing year 2021.

According to the Minister, “despite the long list of achievements by Buhari’s regime, insecurity was a major challenge” but however, explained that the Nigerian military was still able to score a High against the insecurity setback and recorded huge successes using a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations, coupled with a review of strategies.

“These strategies by our gallant military led to the neutralisation of over 1,000 terrorists, the rescue of 2,000 civilians and the surrender of over 22,000 terrorists including their families in the North-East,” Mohammed said.

He added that in the process, the Army was able to recover a huge cache of arms and ammunition, while several bomb-making factories of the terrorists were destructed.

“Let me admit straight away that the year has not been devoid of challenges. For the outgoing year, in particular, the major challenge has been that of insecurity.

“In spite of this and the usual economic challenges, especially the dwindling resources available to the government, the administration has availed itself creditably, as we will be demonstrating shortly.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/only-insecurity-spoilt-buharis-2021-achievements/

The 2019 governorship candidate of Action Alliance (AA), Chief Uche Nwosu, has revealed why he was arrested by the men of the Nigeria Police Force.

The Imo State former Chief of Staff was arrested by hooded operatives over an allegation that he was an arms supplier to militants and sponsor of the insecurity in the state.

Nwosu, therefore, called on the Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Usman, to investigate his arrest and the activities of the state Police command.

Speaking with reporters Owerri, the All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain had on Monday said the operatives threatened to blow off his head if he resisted arrest.

Nwosu was arrested during an outing service in honour of his late mother, Jemamah Nwosu, at St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Eziama-Obaire in Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State.

The incident led to a verbal altercation between the Senator representing Imo West in the National Assembly, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, and the Imo State Government.

“They accused me of sponsoring insecurity in Imo state. I want to thank the IGP who intervened and ordered my release.

He, therefore, appeal to IGP to look into the activities of the police personnel in Imo State.

“What happened was because it is Uche Nwosu, what about those that are not Uche Nwosu. I am not talking about me what about other Imo youths who have nobody to speak for them.

“I am appealing to the IGP to look into this. The IGP is a good person because, without him, something else would have happened to me.

“I was taken to the Tactical Squad Office, Abuja where I was told that someone wrote a petition against me alleging that I supply arms to militants.”

While noting that the incident was to malign his image, Nwosu such situation cannot deter him from being who he is or cause him to run away from Imo State.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/uche-nwosu-reveals-imo-govt-allegation-against-him/

In part 4 of our series in recognising British, high profile figures of Nigerian origin; we feature 10 public figures who have impacted British society in their specialist fields.


1. Kriss Akabusi

Kezie Uchechukwu Duru Akabusi, known as Kriss Akabusi, is a British former sprint and hurdling track and field athlete. Born in London to Nigerian parents. However; Akabusi would later be brought up in foster care; subsequently after his parents returned to Nigeria when he was four.

As part of the British 4×400 metres relay team, he won a silver medal at the 1984 Summer Olympics. In addition; he won golds at the 1986 Commonwealth Games and 1986 European Athletics Championships. At the 1987 World Athletics Championships; he won another silver.

At the 1991 World Championships in Tokyo, Akabusi won the bronze medal in the 400m hurdles. In addition, he won a gold medal as a member of the 4 x 400 relay team. He followed this with a British 400m hurdles record; of 47.82 seconds to take the bronze medal, at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics.

At the 1992 Olympics; he also won bronze with the 4×400m relay team. Since retiring from athletics, he has worked as a television presenter and motivational speaker.

2. Dele Alli

Bamidele Jermaine “Dele” Alli is an English professional footballer who plays as a midfielder for Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur and the England national team. Born in Milton Keynes, to a Nigerian father and English mother. Alli was initially brought up by his mother.

At the age of nine, he moved to Nigeria with his father. He spent two years in Nigeria before returning to Milton Keynes to live with his mother. At the age of 13, Alli was brought up by “adoptive parents”; parents of another young footballer with Milton Keynes Dons (MK Dons) – although he was never legally adopted by them.

February 2015. Alli played for the England U17, U18 and U19 teams, before making his senior debut in 2015. He was selected for UEFA Euro 2016 and the 2018 FIFA World Cup; helping England to the semi-finals of the latter.

3. Victor Adebowale, Baron Adebowale

Victor Olufemi Adebowale, Baron Adebowale, is the former Chief Executive of the social care enterprise Turning Point, current Chair of the NHS Confederation; and was one of the first individuals to become a People’s Peer. Adebowale was born to Nigerian parents, who both worked in the UK’s National Health Service. He was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in the 2000 New Year Honours. This was for services to the New Deal, the unemployed, and homeless young people.

Adebowale has a number of honorary doctorates. Namely from the University of Central England in Birmingham; University of Lincoln; the University of East London; the University of Bradford and the University of York.

4. NneNne Iwuji-Eme

NneNne Iwuji-Eme is a British diplomat. She was appointed High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Mozambique; in March 2018. She took up her post in July 2018. She became the first black woman to represent the United Kingdom as a High Commissioner.

Iwuji-Eme, was born in England to Nigerian parents who worked for the United Nations. Iwuji-Eme joined the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in 1999 as an economic advisor. In 2002, she moved to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) as Head of Africa, Middle East and Transition Economies. Prior to her appointment to her current post as High Commissioner of the United Kingdom to Mozambique; she was the UK’s First Secretary in Brazil.

5. Martha Osamor, Baroness Osamor

Martha Osamor, Baroness Osamor is a British-Nigerian Labour Party politician, life peer, community activist and civil rights campaigner. Born in Nigeria, Osamor moved to the UK in 1963 to join her husband who was then studying in London. Osamor and her husband settled in Tottenham, where they had four children. Her husband died unexpectedly in 1975.

Osamor was a co-founder of the United Black Women’s Action Group (UBWAG). From 1977 to 1997 Osamor worked at the Tottenham Law Centre (now called the Haringey Law Centre). During this time, she became part of the Broadwater Farm Youth Association Mothers’ Project; on the nearby Broadwater Farm housing estate.

From 1986 to 1990; she served as a Labour councillor representing the Bruce Grove Ward in the London Borough of Haringey. Jeremy Corbyn nominated Osamor for a life peerage in May 2018. On 26 November 2018; the Queen conferred upon her the title of Baroness Osamor, of Tottenham in the London Borough of Haringey; and of Asaba in the Republic of Nigeria.

6. Ugo Monye

Ugochukwu Chiedozie Monye is an English sports pundit and former rugby union player. He was born in England to Nigerian parents.

Monye played 14 times for England. He played 241 times for Harlequins. Moye also played twice for the British & Irish Lions on their 2009 tour to South Africa. He won both the second division; and then the Premiership title with Harlequins, as well as winning the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

From September 2021, Monye was a contestant on the UK dance show Strictly Come Dancing, his father died shortly before his appearance on the show.


7. Esther Odekunle

https://newsroundtheclock.com/celebrating-notable-british-nigerians-part-4/

The spokesman for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Chief Moses Olafare, says despite the decision of Queen Naomi Silekunola announcing that she was leaving the marriage, the revered King is still in love with his Olori.

The Ooni’s estranged wife who is also known as Prophetess Naomi, had announced the separation from the first class King on December 234 through a post on her Instagram handle.

The 28-year-old prophetess had, in a statement posted on her verified Instagram handle, @queen_silekunolanaomi_ogunwusi, announced an end to her three-year-old marriage with the Ooni, citing that she was not happy in the marriage and was only staying because of her son.

She also made it clear that she would like to be known and addressed as Queen of the world and not the Queen of the first class monarch.

The Ooni had, in his Christmas message amidst the trending controversy, taken to his official Facebook page (Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi – Ojaja II) to advise “everyone to reach out to neighbours, especially those who haven’t had it as easy through the year”.

“As we do take time to celebrate with our families and loved ones, I implore you to reach out to your neighbours, especially those who haven’t had it as easy through the year.

“It is my prayer that you’ll continue to find the strength to celebrate in joy, peace, and abounding love which is the bedrock of this special occasion.

“I join all and sundry in the joyous occasion of this particular season. As we all know it’s one of joy, celebrations and a deep reflection on what Olódùmarè has done through the year.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/ooni-is-still-in-love-with-estranged-olori-naomi-spokesman/

Former Imo State governorship aspirant and son-in-law to ex-Governor Rochas Okorocha, Uche Nwosu, has called on his supporters to remain calm after he was released by the police following his arrest inside a church on Sunday.

Nwosu was arrested by the police in a manner that led many to believe that he was abducted at the St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Eziama-Obaire, Nkwerre Local Government Area of Imo State, during the outing service for his late mother.

The heavily-armed security operatives had stormed the church with high-powered security vehicles and shot sporadically into the air before arresting Nwosu whom they forced into their vehicle and whisked to an unknown destination.

As eyewitnesses posted videos of the arrest claiming that he was abducted, the State Police Command came out with a statement that he was actually arrested and not kidnapped. But a few hours later, Nwosu was released and in a statement confirming his release issued by his media aide, Nwosu said his supporters should be calm as he did did not spend a night in custody.

“I have spoken with him and he extended his greetings to all of us out there. While we await police report on why the abduction and arrest, we call on everyone to remain calm and focused because God is in charge of the whole situation,” the statement read.

“The act of desecrating the House of God we all know is a direct affront and challenge to God Almighty. We leave God to do his fight because vengeance is of God but to all Christians, does it now mean that the Government has no more respect for God, and does it now mean that the House of God is no more a place one can take refuge? God prove your answers.”

https://newsroundtheclock.com/uche-nwosu-calls-for-calm-after-release/

The death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu on Sunday, December 26, 2021, brought to an end a lifetime of struggling for the freedom of South Africa from the clutches of its white supremacist masters.

Tutu was one man who stood toe to toe with Nelson Mandela and other iconic leaders as they struggled to free the country from the apartheid regime.

Desmond Tutu lived a life dedicated to the downtrodden and even in the face of persecution by the colonial masters, stood firm.

NRTC brings you a timeline of his life from to his demise.

Enjoy the excerpts:

1931 – Oct. 7 – Desmond Mpilo Tutu is born in Klerksdorp, near Johannesburg.

1947 – Contracts tuberculosis, as he recuperates, he is visited by Trevor Huddleston, a British Anglican pastor working in South Africa.

1955 – Marries Nomalizo Leah Shenxane and begins teaching at a secondary school in Johannesburg.

1961 – Is ordained as a minister in the Anglican Church, after quitting teaching in disgust at South Africa’s apartheid government’s inferior education for Blacks.

1962 – Studies theology at King’s College, London.

1966 – Returns to South Africa to teach at a seminary in the Eastern Cape.

1975 – Becomes the Anglican Church’s first Black dean of Johannesburg.

1976 – Serves as Bishop of Lesotho and voices criticism of apartheid in South Africa.

1978 – Becomes general-secretary of the South African Council of Churches and achieves global prominence as a leading opponent of apartheid, supports economic sanctions to achieve majority rule in South Africa.

1984 – Wins Nobel Peace Prize – “There is no peace in southern Africa. There is no peace because there is no justice. There can be no real peace and security until there be first justice enjoyed by all the inhabitants of that beautiful land,” Tutu said in his acceptance speech.

1985 – Becomes the first Black bishop of Johannesburg.

1986 – Is ordained the first Black Anglican Archbishop of Cape Town.



1989 – Leads anti-apartheid march of 30,000 people through Cape Town.



1990 – Hosts Nelson Mandela for his first night of freedom after Mandela is released from prison after being held for 27 years for his opposition to apartheid. Mandela calls Tutu “the people’s archbishop.”

1994 – Votes in South Africa’s first democratic election in which all races can cast ballots.

1995 – President Nelson Mandela appoints Tutu to be chairman of the country’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

1996 – Tutu retires as prelate with the Anglican Church giving him the title of Archbishop Emeritus of Cape Town.

1997 – Is diagnosed with prostate cancer and announces it to help with public awareness of the disease.

1998 – Truth and Reconciliation Commission publishes its report, putting most of the blame for abuses on the forces of apartheid, but also finds the African National Congress guilty of human rights violations. The ANC sues to block the document’s release, earning a rebuke from Tutu...

https://newsroundtheclock.com/a-timeline-of-the-life-of-desmond-tutu/

The Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami, SAN, is confident President Muhammadu Buhari will not sign the new electoral bill proposed by Nigerian lawmakers as the “law has not captured the interest of all Nigerians.”

Malami who was a guest on a phone-in program on Radio Kano, was emphatic that Buhari will not give his assent to the bill, insisting that the new electoral law has an excessive cost implication, is discriminatory, as well as supportive of insecurity, adding that signing it into law will only initiate a new crisis that will lead to court cases.



“What you should understand about the leadership of the country most especially as it regards President Muhammadu Buhari on any law presented to him for signing, the President is entitled to certain rights.

“When you talk about politics he has rights; if you talk about the economy, the business community also has rights on him; if you are talking about 60% of Nigerians that are not politicians, if you talk about the economy he also has rights, if you are talking about security, there is also what is expected from him. The President has to consider laws that are sustainable.

“The job of the President is that of politics, economy, business, security, legislation, politicians and non-politicians. This is because the leadership of the country is not for the politicians alone, it is a leadership that affects the social life of the people, their religion, economy, security and others. This is contrary to the leadership of the legislators which is solely political.

“Therefore, the lawmakers are only concerned about their political inclination while the President is concerned about the entire lives of Nigerians made up of politicians and non-politicians.

“Any bill signed into law by President Muhammadu Buhari is in the interest of all Nigerians irrespective of their inclinations. He is after satisfying the interest of the over 200 million Nigerians he is serving and not a particular sector,” Malami stated.

Describing the financial burden in the new electoral bill, Malami went on to say:

“For example, one of the reasons is that there are 18 political parties and a law is founded that will allow for direct primaries. The difference between this and the general election is small because it allows for all Nigerians to come about and say their opinions.

“This means that you will repeat the general elections 18 times. Today, INEC requires N305 billion for the 2023 general elections. Now if the general election, which is not the newly proposed electoral system, will cost this much, how much will it cost to do the same election in the APC? It might cost at least N200 billion because it will involve everyone.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/malami-gives-reasons-why-buhari-will-not-sign-electoral-bill/

Prominent leaders all over the world have continued to pay their tributes to the late iconic South African anti-apartheid crusader, Archbishop Desmond Tutu who died on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the age of 90.

The leaders have described the death of the Nobel Prize winner as the falling of a giant with former US President Barack Obama, in a statement on Monday, labeling Tutu as “a mentor, a friend, and a moral compass for me and so many others,”



“A universal spirit, Archbishop Tutu was grounded in the struggle for liberation and justice in his own country, but also concerned with injustice everywhere,” Obama said, adding that Tutu sought to “find humanity in his adversaries. Michelle and I will miss him dearly,” he added.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, hailed Tutu as ‘a guiding light for countless people globally’

“Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu was a guiding light for countless people globally. His emphasis on human dignity and equality will be forever remembered. I am deeply saddened by his demise, and extend my heartfelt condolences to all his admirers. May his soul rest in peace,” he tweeted.



South African President Cyril Ramaphosa also tweeted his tribute to Tutu:

“The passing of Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu is another chapter of bereavement in our nation’s farewell to a generation of outstanding South Africans who have bequeathed us a liberated South Africa,” he tweeted.

The Nelson Mandela Foundation called Tutu ‘an extraordinary human being’

“His contributions to struggles against injustice, locally and globally, are matched only by the depth of his thinking about the making of liberator futures for human societies. He was an extraordinary human being. A thinker. A leader. A shepherd.”

Dalai Lama also released a statement offering condolences to South Africa on the passing of Desmond Tutu.

“His Holiness the Dalai Lama sends his condelences on the passing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

Calling Desmond Tutu a ‘critical figure in the fight against apartheid’ UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson expressed his sadness at his passing.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu. He was a critical figure in the fight against apartheid and in the struggle to create a new South Africa – and will be remembered for his spiritual leadership and irrepressible good humour. I am deeply saddened to hear of the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/world-leaders-pay-tribute-to-desmond-tutu/

The recently crowned Miss Nigeria, Shatu Garko, has replied her critics, especially conservative Muslim who think her participation and emergence as the 44th winner in the pageant was immoral and a slap on Islam.

Shortly after she emerged as the winner of the Miss Nigeria pageant, Shatu and her family have been under severe attack with the Hisbah Police in Kano threatening to arrest her parents for allowing their daughter to participate in the pageant.

Even the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), had backed the reported move by the Kano Hisbah to invite the parents of the Hijab model over her ‘illegal’ participation in the just concluded Miss Nigeria beauty contest.

The Islamic human rights organization Director General, Prof. Ishaq Akintola, had, in an interview with The Punch Newspaper, stated that “no decent Muslim lady would participate in any beauty pageant like the Miss Nigeria beauty pageant.”

He also stated that the beauty pageant is not different from the television reality show, Big Brother Naija, insisting that Muslims do not participate in any beauty pageant, according to Quran Chapter 24, Verse 31; and Quran Chapter 33, Verse 59.

“These two verses emphatically insist that women should cover themselves and dress up decently and neither should display their body for the public.

“Being present in a beauty pageant even if she was in a hijab, she had done the cat walked with thousands of men eating her up with their eyes. It is not acceptable,” Akintola stressed.

However, the new beauty queen has fired back at her traducers. In an interview on Friday, the Kano State-born Shatu said that her critics can talk all they want, but the Miss Nigeria crown is already on her head.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/miss-nigeria-fires-back-at-critics/

President Muhammadu Buhari has, once again, assured Nigerians of an improved standard of living in the coming year 2022 in his Christmas message.

Buhari who gave this assurance on Saturday, said despite the current difficulties the country was going through, his government would do everything possible to ameliorate the sufferings of the citizens by providing the right leadership that would take the country out of the woods.

In the Christmas message, Buhari further urged Nigerians to “rekindle hope in the country, show love to one another, encourage ourselves so that the machinations of the wicked ones in our midst would find no place to thrive.”

“It is in the midst of hardship that the true test of a nation emerges. I urge Nigerians to invoke the indomitable spirit in us and see the present order of things as a phase that will also pass, just like other unsavory situations in the nation’s history.

“This government will not abandon the promises made to Nigerians for a better lease of life,” he said.

He noted that his administration’s economic diversification drive was yielding positive fruits and would continue to create opportunities for youths to “ventilate their tremendous energy positively.

“I rejoice with Christians in Nigeria as they join fellow believers all over the world to celebrate this season.

“It is a special period that brings peoples of the world together with one purpose; to celebrate togetherness, joy, peace, and above all, to share love with one another through exchange of goodwill and gifts.

“For the second Christmas running, the world will not be able to celebrate as we used to in years past.

“The COVID-19 pandemic, with its attendant debilitating impact, has remained with mankind, mutating and leaving in its wake devastating consequences on the economy, social interaction, and curtailing certain freedoms.

“The silver lining, however, is that humanity has been able to rise up with one voice and purpose, to confront the foisted conditions.

“I want to use this opportunity to appeal to our dear citizens to embrace vaccination, which is the best scientifically known bulwark against the pandemic.

“Recent events have shown that vaccination greatly reduces the effects of the virus on the human body. I will also urge those that have taken the two doses to go ahead and take the booster as advised by the Presidential Steering Committee (PSC).

“I commend the efforts of members of the PSC under the headship of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation as they continue to chart a roadmap out of the pandemic and associated issues.

“On security, despite the remarkable successes generally recorded, we still have some challenges. “Our courageous security forces, bolstered by the necessary support from this administration, daily confront the wicked ones amongst us, who continue to threaten the peace of the land.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/buhari-assures-nigerians-of-better-life-in-christmas-message/

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has decried the fact that under President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians have been forced to celebrate this year’s Christmas in hardship, pain and hopelessness due to the harsh economy and insecurity in the nation.

The PDP, in its Christmas message issued by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and “incompetence and insensitivity of the Buhari-led administration” for the myriad of challenges facing Nigeria.

While rejoicing with Nigerians on the Christmas celebration, the PDP counseled Nigerians to support its bid to reclaim power in 2023 so as to end the reign of sufferings the APC has fostered on Nigerians.

“The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas to further unite, show love to one another and reinforce their determination for national rebirth in line with PDP’s mission to Rescue and Rebuild our nation from misrule.

“Indeed, Christmas which marks the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to redeem humanity presents us with a momentous opportunity to rekindle our hope and work together as one people under God to pull our dear nation out of the quagmire of the rudderless and inhumane All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

“The PDP is deeply worried that in the last six years, Nigerians have been forced to mark Christmas in gloom, pain, anguish, and utter despondency following excruciating economic hardship and worsened insecurity; the result of having an incompetent and insensitive administration in office.

“The PDP is saddened that while people celebrate in other parts of the world, many Nigerian families could not afford the basic items of celebration or even travel, as they do in the past, to meet and bond with their loved ones due to high costs, worsened insecurity and deplorable state of roads which are now death traps in our country under the APC administration.

“However, as a resilient people, the PDP urges Nigerians not to allow the suffering they face today to dampen or destroy their inner personalities as happy people and make them lose sight of the message of hope, salvation, and brighter future which Christmas offers.

https://newsroundtheclock.com/pdp-slams-buhari-over-hardship/