February 2016-Flatimes

Monday 29 February 2016

World’s biggest solar panel activated in Morocco

The King of Morocco, His Majesty Mohammed VI, has officially opened the first phase of what will eventually be the largest global CSP plant - the same size as Morocco’s capital city Rabat.

The world's biggest solar power plant , Noor-Ouarzazate has been activated in the city of Ouarzazate in Morocco.

Ken Saro-Wiwa

Nigeria's former military ruler Sani Abacha reneged on a promise he made to South Africa that leading human rights activist Ken Saro-Wiwa would not be executed, South Africa's ex-leader Thabo Mbeki has said, in the latest Facebook post looking back at his time in government.

The emir of Kano, Malam Muhammadu Sanusi II, today ordered the state Sharia Commission to liaise with office of the Deputy Inspector General of police, zone 1 to commence process of repatriating the 14 year old teenager, Ese Oruru allegedly abducted by one Yunusa of Kura local government area of Kano state.

The Rivers State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed sadness over Saturday’s Victory Celebration by the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State, describing it as shameful and insensitive. “The so called Victory Celebration held two days ago, February 27, 2016, at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Elekahia, Port Harcourt, was nothing but the celebration of PDP’s bloody victory obtained through massive rigging and the shedding of the blood of over 100 APC members murdered by PDP agents to usher in the administration of Governor Nyesom Wike. The celebration is shameful, callous and insensitive to the injured feelings of families still grieving for their loved ones needlessly killed by PDP agents during the campaigns and the April 11, 2015 gubernatorial elections,” Rivers APC said in a statement issued on Monday in Port Harcourt by the Chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya.

All is set for the debut of the African Basketball League as top International Basketballers who will be featured throughout the season have arrived Nigeria for the league which tips off on 5th of March 2016 at the Landmark event centre.

Four cities in West Africa will play host to a hundred and twenty games in the first season; Lagos, Abijan, Dakar and Libreville. Lagos Islanders, Lagos Warriors and Stallions are the participating Nigerian teams.

Today’s Scripture: “Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is kept safe.” - (Proverbs 29:25, NIV)

Topic: Avoid the Trap of Fear [February 29, 2016]

Fear is one of the enemy’s favorite tools to keep us from going forward. As soon as we make a decision to step out in faith, immediately, the enemy will bring fear to stop us. He’ll put thoughts in your mind like, “What if I fail? What will others think? Maybe I don’t have what it takes.” He’ll do his best to use fear to try to convince you to shrink back and just stay right where you are.

‘Ijebu, Igbo are Jews from Israel’

By Sam Oluwalana, Ibadan Bureau Chief

Where are the historical roots of the Ijebu and the Igbo? For a Nigerian researcher, Dr. Fatai Ayisa Olasupo, these roots are firmly located in the Middle East, precisely Israel.

Olasupo who is a senior lecturer at the Department of Local Government Studies, Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife in Osun State, wrote a book on the claims of certain African tribes to the Jewish race.

The Chairman of Police Service Commission (PSC), Mr. Mike Okiro, said the recruitment of 10,000 policemen into the Force would commence in March.

Okiro disclosed this on Friday night in Lagos during the Achiever’s Award held in his honour by the New Telegraph Newspapers.

RMAFC, revenue and a true federation [The Guardian]

By The Editorial Board

When the National Assembly’s attention was drawn the other day to Federal Government’s collection, for its exclusive use, revenue from 31 government agencies against the provisions of the Constitution, it was obvious that adversity could truly concentrate the mind. With dwindling revenue and so little left to share by all tiers of government, loopholes and leakages are being found in a new regime of diligence. This is welcome as it means Nigeria may begin to do things properly.

One of the few surviving actors in popular old TV drama, The Village Headmaster, Joseph Adu, popularly known as Jab Adu, is dead.

The veteran actor passed on in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Sunday.

Shining Through Soul Winning

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Shining Through Soul Winning

And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever. Daniel 12:3

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has fined MTN Nigeria and Globacom Ltd (Glo) a total of N34 million for breach of the Mobile Number Portability (MNP) business rules and regulations. The regulatory body made this known in its “2015 Q4 Compliance Monitoring and Enforcement Reports’’ obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed, Mr Sunday Aghaeze, as Personal Assistant to the President, State Photographer. Sunday Aghaeze The appointment according to a letter signed by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal, took effect from June 1, 2015.

What you see above was The All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign billboard in 2015 revealing one of the many campaign promises promised by the APC/Buhari-led administration.

Since last year, Nigerian youths have been demanding a fulfillment of President Buhari’s election campaign promise of N5,000 monthly stipend for the unemployed.

Long queues of vehicles have returned to filling stations in Lagos. No thanks to fuel scarcity.

Many filling stations did not open for business. Others that opened and sold fuel at the official pump price of N86.50 were observed deducting N50 or N100 from buyers, depending on the quantity of litres they bought.

The House of Representatives has put on hold its plans to purchase 360 exotic cars for its members.

Investigations by our correspondent showed that the funds to prosecute the purchase remained the main drawback for the House in taking a final decision on the controversial “utility” or “committee” cars.

Topic: A Spiritual Sabbath [February 29, 2016]

Let us therefore be zealous and exert ourselves and strive diligently to enter that rest [of God, to know and experience it for ourselves], that no one may fall or perish by the same kind of unbelief and disobedience [into which those in the wilderness fell]. Hebrews 4:11

Leonardo DiCaprio’s win is the biggest moment of the 2016 Oscars and is currently trending on social media.

The 41-year-old actor picked up the award for his work in the movie The Revenant.

Leo has been nominated five other times in the past, four times for acting and one time as a producer. He previously got nominations for The Wolf of Wall Street in 2014 (Best Actor and Best Picture), Blood Diamond in 2007 (Best Actor), The Aviator in 2005 (Best Actor), and What’s Eating Gilbert Grape in 1994 (Best Supporting Actor).

The Independent People Of Biafra (IPOB), has warned the Ohaneze Ndigbo socio-cultural group or any other such groups working for the release of its leader Nnamdi Kanu; or issuing statements on his behalf, to immediately desist from doing so.

IPOB also quotes its leader Mr. Kanu as saying he would rather die in jail than for the Ohanaeze Ndigbo to claim credit for his release as he has no business with the Igbo Socio cultural organization.

Winning Wisdom: Be Thankful For His Mercies

Winning Wisdom
Topic: Be Thankful For His Mercies [29/2/2016]
Text: Lamentation 3:22-23

"Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David." - Isaiah 55:3

There are somethings that are constant with God. One of them is His mercies. God's mercies spring out from His love. His mercies brought forgiveness of sins to us. His mercies brought His compassion to us.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will visit four west African countries next week, including Nigeria, his office said Saturday in a new sign of Ankara’s desire to be a major influence in the region.

Erdogan will began his visit in Ivory Coast on Sunday, before travelling on to Ghana and then to economic powerhouse Nigeria. He will wrap up the trip in Guinea on Thursday, it said.

Nigeria’s finance ministry said Sunday that it had saved millions of dollars for the cash-strapped government by removing more than 20,000 “ghost workers” from the state payroll.

The eliminated ghost workers represented just a “percentage” of “non-existent” staff who had been receiving monthly wages, highlighting the brazen corruption in Africa’s biggest economy.

Topic: Destined For Elevation [Monday February 29, 2016]

Text: Ephesians 1:1-14

Key Verse: "According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before him in love" (Ephesians 1:4)

Be not afraid of greatness; some are born great, some achieve greatness, and some have greatness thrust upon them. Though the world has had great heroes as history-books have showed; but never a name to go down to fame compared with that of Jesus Christ.

Topic: Children! Follow the Way [Monday 29, February 2016]

Memorise: My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother: – Proverbs 1:8

Read: Ephesians 6:1-3 (KJV)

1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

2 Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)

Kano man abducts, forcefully converts 13-year-old Bayelsa girl to Islam, marries her

Tension is mounting high in Bayelsa state over the abduction and forced marriage of 13 year-old Ese Rita Oruru by one Yinusa who resides in Kano.

Yinusa who resides in Opolo, Yenagoa, had abducted Ese on August 12 2015 and eloped with her to Kano and has refused to allow her return home.

Support for the Speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya mounted on Sunday as member representing Ethiope East Constituency in the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Evance Ivwurie lauded his leadership qualities, describing him as “an inspiring and magnetic political figure.”

Winning Wisdom: It's A Daily Load

Winning Wisdom
Topic: It's A Daily Load [28/2/2016]
Text: Psalms 68:19

"Blessed be the Lord, who daily loadeth us with benefits, even the God of our salvation."

The life of God that we have received brings along with it lots of goodies. It's a win win situation for us. God did not only ensures a powerful life in Him, He also add to this life on a daily basis benefits, that is successes and victories.

Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the Rivers South East Senatorial District re-run election has disclosed a conspiracy hatched by Rivers State governor, Nyesom Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to malign his character and incite the Ogoni people against him before the March 19, 2016 State and National Assembly re-run elections. Speaking at Silverbird Rhythm fm 93.7 news and current affairs programme tagged:"The View Point”, in Port Harcourt, Abe said that the case of the military approved by Gov. Wike to raid the home of ex-militant leader Solomon Ndigbara was the script the governor and the party were using to malign his character and incite his people against him.

The Chairman of the Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress [APC], Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, has urged Rivers people, nay Nigerians to ignore the numerous campaigns by Gov. Nyesom Wike under the guise of thanksgiving service to mark his victory at the Nigerian Supreme Court but should ask the governor to provide further explanations to his confessions of how he got his victory at the Supreme Court.

Salvation Ministry Pastor, David Ibiyeomie prays for a young boy who he claimed had one hand longer than the other, and the hand started growing back to normal.

If you know your way around a chocolate bar, then you’re already pretty smart.

But according to a new study published in the journal Appetite, it’s possible that frequent chocolate consumption makes your brain even sharper.

A team of international researchers analyzed data using the Maine-Syracuse Longitudinal Study, which for four decades has tracked the ongoing health of a group of central New York residents.

President, Benin Republic, Boni Yayi and President Muhammadu Buhari

The Federal Government has donated 15 Hilux operational vehicles and 100 motorcycles to the Independent National Electoral Commission of Benin Republic to enable it conduct credible presidential election.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bulus Lolo, who presented the items in Cotonou, said that free, peaceful and credible election in Benin was of interest to Nigeria.

Applauding the NAF, Innoson deal [Vanguard]

We join other delighted Nigerians in applauding the recent deal between the Nigeria Air Force NAF and the Nnewi, Anambra State-based Innoson Vehicles Manufacturing (IVM) Company Ltd. Under this deal, IVM manufactures spare parts for the Air Force to keep its Alpha Jets platform fully operational in the war against the Boko Haram terrorists in the North East.

According to Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, the NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, the Force would have been made to ground the Alpha Jets had it not been for the gallant efforts of the indigenous motor manufacturer “as no help was coming from outside the country”. The IVM, according to the Air Force Spokesman, helps to modify and overhaul the brake assembly of the MB-339 for adoption on the Alpha Jets.

Today’s Scripture: “But then I recall all you have done, O Lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. They are constantly in my thoughts. I cannot stop thinking about your mighty works.” - (Psalm 77:11–12, NLT)

Topic: Recall His Deeds [February 28, 2016]

Everyone has difficult days when things don’t go according to plan. These days can be frustrating and sometimes overwhelming. It’s during times like these that we have to be especially careful about what we think and say. The scripture tells us that our lives will go in the direction of our thoughts. Do you need to change your thoughts today?

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, yesterday attended the Golden Jubilee grand reunion of FGC, Warri, his alma mater. Check him out happily dressed in his school uniform with students.

In the case of the State and Rev. Chukwuemeka Kingsley Ezeugo, the Supreme Court a few days ago, upheld the rulings of the lower courts and ruled that the bearded, self-styled “little god”, “Jesus Christ of our time”, and founder of the Lagos-based Christian Praying Assembly (CPA), deserves to be hanged, for enacting a form of horror movie which resulted in the death in 2006 of Ms Ann Uzoh.

Boutros Boutros-Ghali

By The Guardian's Editorial Board

When Boutros Boutros-Ghali, the first African to occupy the exalted office of the Secretary General of the United Nations died the other day at the age of 93, the world lost one of its best diplomats and Africa lost one of its most illustrious sons. Boutros-Ghali was the sixth Secretary-General of the United Nations but the first to suffer the indignity of being denied a second term.

In this first of a three-part article, my aim is to get President Muhammadu Buhari to re-evaluate his obvious discomfort with the workings of a market economy and change; so that he can effectively lead the CHANGE agenda that he promised Nigerians.

To the extent that the engine of wealth creation and poverty reduction is the private sector when enabled and not when crippled, this intervention is necessary to lend my voice to that of other concerned Nigerians.

The federal government has resolved to trace the whereabouts of the over N1.3trillion said to have been recovered from treasury looters by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Also to be investigated is the whereabouts of the N80billion and assets seized from corrupt public officers by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences and Commission (ICPC) and Pension Reform Task Team (PRTT).

A Niger-Delta youth leader and activist, Comrade Sheriff Mulade, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to be careful in handling the ‘thorny’ issues against former `General Officer Commanding’, Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta, MEND, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, to avoid giving room for the emergence of more dangerous militants in the region.

The Nigerian Senate came under harsh criticisms by eminent Nigerians on Saturday for defying Nigerians, including President Muhammadu Buhari on the purchase of exotic vehicles.

Eminent Nigerians including the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee Against Corruption, Prof. Itse Sagay (SAN), Senator Femi Okurounmu and Dr. Junaid Mohammed, condemned the Senate for purchasing the vehicles.

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose Governor Nyesom on Saturday accused President Muhammadu Buhari of mapping ways towards making Nigeria an Islamic nation.

Fayose made the allegations while delivering a speech at the inter–denominational thanksgiving held in Port-Harcourt to celebrate the victory of the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike after the supreme court ruling. Governor Fayose, who referred to himself as Peter, the rock who cannot be harmed by anyone, announced to the crowd that he had a secret to reveal.

Wise Through Evangelism

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Wise Through Evangelism

The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise. Proverbs 11:30

How investors withdrew N2.2 trillion from Nigerian economy in 2015

The confidence to invest in Nigeria reportedly dropped drastically over the last three years, while investors withdrew more than N2.2 trillion from the economy in 2015 alone.

According to statistics from Nigeria’s Data Bureau (NBS), as quoted by Quartz Africa, investor confidence in Nigeria rose significantly between 2010 and 2013, only to take a little dive in 2014, and a drastic drop in 2015.

Topic: Be Patient [February 28, 2016]

But let endurance and steadfastness and patience have full play and do a thorough work, so that you may be [people] perfectly and fully developed [with no defects], lacking in nothing. - James 1:4

James teaches us that we can rejoice when we find ourselves involved in difficult situations, knowing that God is trying our faith to bring out patience. I have found that trials did eventually bring out patience in me, but first they brought a lot of other junk to the surface—such as pride, anger, rebellion, self-pity, complaining, and many other things. It seems that these ungodly traits, with God’s help, need to be faced and dealt with because they hinder patience as well as other good fruit like kindness, love, humility, and other things.

Man excretes 30 wraps of cocaine at Abuja airport – NDLEA

National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (NAIA), has apprehended four suspected drug traffickers, including a Birmingham-based cleaner, with 6.822kg of narcotics worth N61 million.

The Cure for Sin

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

The Cure for Sin

He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil. - 1 John 3:8

Watch David Oyedepo LIVE: Sunday Service - February 28, 2016 (Covenant Day Of Financial Breakthrough)

You are watching the Covenant Day Of Financial Breakthrough, Sunday LIVE Service, February 28, 2016 with Bishop David Oyedepo at Living Faith Church aka Winners' Chapel, Faith Tabernacle Canaan Land Ota Nigeria.

Topic: Misplaced Priority [Sunday February 28, 2016]

Text: Song of Solomon 1:1-7

Key Verse: "Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept" (Song of Solomon 1:6).

We are enjoined by the Scriptures to love our neighbours as ourselves. In fact, we are to love all, especially members of the household of faith, and also our enemies. Yet, nothing should come between us and our love for God and the work we are to do in the Kingdom.

Topic: Love, the Fulfillment of the Law II [Sunday 28, February 2016]

Memorise: By this we know that we love the children of God, when we love God, and keep his commandments. – 1 John 5:2

Read: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 (KJV)

4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

Chinese scientists create functional sperm from stem cells in lab

Scientists from China has said on Friday, that they have finally succeeded in creating functioning sperm from mouse embryonic stem cells in the laboratory.

The report said that it is a major scientific development that could someday lead to a treatment for male infertility in humans.

Contrary to the belief in some quarters, the Presidency has disclosed that President Muhammadu Buhari has a Special Adviser on Economic Matters and that the present administration has an economic management team in place.

In view of the difficult economic terrain Nigeria presently finds itself, some citizens and economic experts have prevailed on the President to appoint an Economic Adviser as well as constitute his economic team.

American star Ciara who landed in Lagos yesterday for Darey’s Love Like A Movie concert, has probably discovered another ‘Olajumoke’.

Ciara spotted a well dressed woman selling some type of fruit in traffic yesterday. She took her picture and shared it with her 10 million instagram followers.

Today’s Scripture: “I remain confident of this: I will see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.” - (Psalm 27:13, NIV)

Topic: See His Goodness [February 27, 2016]

David was going through tough times when he made the declaration in today’s verse. Things weren’t going his way. But he said in effect, “I’m not worried. I’m not upset. I am confident I will see God’s goodness.” In other words, “This situation I’m in may be rough, but that’s not going to steal my vision. It’s not going to cause me to give up on my dreams. I am confident that this year, I will see God’s favor in a new way.”

Winning Wisdom: Stand on the truth

Winning Wisdom
Topic: Stand on the Truth. [27/2/2016]
Text: John 8:32

"And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free"

In Law, we are told that Ignorance is not an excuse; in other words, your failure to know the constitution is not a yardstick for acting against the constituted laws. In the Christiandom, your ignorance of the truth about who you are also affects you severely. Because it cuts short the blessedness you should have enjoyed in that area of your life that you are ignorant about.

United Kingdom ‘ready to repatriate’ looted Nigerian funds

United Kingdom is prepared to repatriate looted Nigerian funds in its banks, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Arkwright, has said.

The British government, according to Arkwright has no intention of holding onto the money.

The High Commissioner told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the looted funds belong to Nigerians and should be returned to the country.

Europe-based mega carrier, AirFrance-KLM, says it will change its planes servicing the Lagos-Paris and Lagos-Amsterdam routes effective March 27, 2016.

The airline said the development was part of the plans to meet its customers’ needs and improve services on the Nigerian routes.

The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is targeting a N200 to dollar exchange rate in the parallel market.

The naira which yesterday traded at N330 to dollar in the parallel market is expected to appreciate speedily, as the impact of the CBN’s measures to stabilise the currency volatility in the parallel market begin to materialise.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said yesterday that the building of a new residence for the nation’s number 2 is a waste of public funds.

The VP’s current residence – Aguda House – according to him is sufficient and up to standard.

Topic: Fellowship with the Lord [February 27, 2016]

Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. - Jeremiah 29:13

No matter how many principles and formulas you and I learn, we will never have lasting victory in our Christian life without spending time in personal, private fellowship with the Lord. The victory is not in methods; it is in God. If we are to live victoriously, we are going to have to look beyond ways to eliminate our problems and find the Lord in the midst of our problems.

Piper guineense is commonly called West African Black Pepper or Ashanti
pepper (Uziza in Igbo and Ata iyere in Yoruba).

By Chukwuma Muanya and Tayo Oredola

Before now, Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) persons were seen in some communities of the country as spiritually afflicted persons and were given names such as Abiku and Ogbanje among the Yorubas and Igbos respectively.

Currently, the level of technology has made it easy for SCD persons to manage the disease well, but the fact still remains that living with this genetic blood disorder in this part of the world largely comes with lots of challenges including stigma.

Topic: Be Addicted

“O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.” - Psalms 119:97

I was privilege to speak to someone about Christ sometime ago and the person complained of how he was addicted to a particular habit and didn’t know how to get out of it. He made it sound so serious, like there was no way out of it. So, I made him realise that even though addictions are controlled by a “strong force”, the power of right choice will always supersede it (Deuteronomy 30:19).

Monday 29 February 2016

Sunday 28 February 2016

Saturday 27 February 2016