May 2016-Flatimes

Tuesday 31 May 2016

Could this be Nigeria’s wedding of the Year? [Utibe Oton and Precious Uzoka]

The wedding between Engr. Utibe Oton and Precious Uzoka has got people talking since their pictures went viral online.

Mr. Oton, who is the MD/CEO of You Travel Services, got married to his sweetheart last weekend in Umudimagu community in Ideato South, L.G.A, of Imo State.

Sports Minister of Ivory Coast and Mayor of Cocody Presenting the Trophy to Abidjan Ramblers

Celebrations are still ongoing in Abidjan, Capital of Ivory Coast as the Abidjan Ramblers defeated Lagos Warriors on Saturday, 29th of May, in an exciting battle to become the Champions of the inaugural season of the African Basketball League.

The Championship Game was opened by the Ivorian Minister for Housing and Construction, Mr. Mamadou Sanago, and his host, the Minister of Sports, Franciose Amicha. Mr. Sanago welcomed fans and congratulated both teams on a wonderful season, and invited everyone who traveled from various African countries for the game to visit the beautiful city of Abidjan again.

Nigerian military telling lies, none of our members were arrested - Niger Delta Avengers

New militant group responsible for the bombing of oil facilities in the Niger Delta region, the Niger Delta Avengers, NDA, on Tuesday, said claims by the Nigerian Military that no fewer than 10 of its suspected members were arrested on Sunday, was false.

The Nigerian Army said it arrested 10 suspected militants and pipeline vandals in the Niger Delta region, on Sunday.

Compassion is Key to Addiction Recovery

If you had any doubt about how much God loves us, just look to the Bible. The most powerful verse is probably that contained in John (3:16) which states: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” God loved all of us alike – those who follow his path and those who stray, those who ‘walk through green pastures’ as well as those who may have fallen off course, succumbing to an addiction to drugs or alcohol.

If you are on the road to recovery from addiction, it is important to understand that without self-compassion, little progress can be made. If every set back involves judgement and criticism of ourselves, if we cannot forgive ourselves for the hurt we have caused ourselves and others, how can we make it through one of the biggest challenges we will be called to face: that of quitting drugs?

Lawmakers of the Delta State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, praised Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Speaker, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya and other principal officers of the House for strengthening the bond of unity, fostering the spirit of oneness, enhancing development and promoting good governance.

The lawmakers also passed a vote of confidence on the Governor, Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Monday Igbuya and other principal officers of the House.

Fresh concerns as mobile phones, long driving hours cause cancer

By Chukwuma Muanya

Contrary to earlier report published last week that gave mobile phones a clean bill of health, a major trial backed by the United States (U.S.) Government has found a link between mobile phones and cancer.

The peer-reviewed study published in DailyMailUK found rats exposed to the type of radio waves emitted by mobile phones were more likely to develop tumours in their brains and hearts.

British scientists last week stressed that extensive research on humans has found no evidence that mobile phones pose health risks – and said the new research is not strong enough to raise concerns.

Hamza Al-Mustapha, chief security officer to Sani Abacha, the late military dictator, says he would soon give the details of what killed Abacha and MKO Abiola, self-acclaimed winner of the June 12, 1993 election.

Abacha died on June 8, 1998, while Abiola died exactly a day to the first month anniversary of the dictator’s death.

Ants and a cube of sugar

By Ray Ekpu

The story is not one of an earthquake proportion but it seems to cause some excitement in high and low places. And what is the story? That former President Goodluck Jonathan is on exile in the Ivory Coast. He has countered the story sharply and angrily. “I am not on exile. I have no cause to go on exile. It is a wicked and malicious report. I was Vice President for two years and President for six years. I did everything I could and I served my country very well. This is what they keep saying any time I am outside the country. I was in Ecuador. They said I was on exile. This is my second time in Cote d’ Ivoire and I am rounding up my visit. It is a wicked attempt to link me with the renewed Niger Delta crisis.”

Daily Devotional: Don't Join Force to Fight God

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [31/05/16]

Topic: Don't Join Force to Fight God

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the LORD, and against his anointed, saying, Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us. Psalms 2:2-3. Read: 2:1-5

Can the clay fight against the Potter and win? Of course no. We are the clay while God Almighty is the original Potter and He determine what stuff we are made of. When a servant raises his/her eyebrow against his/her master, an end has come to that servant stewardship. If God created us, why would a mere mortal try to fight against Him? Can a mere man fight against God his Maker? In the real sense, man cannot fight God, but many of us are fighting Him every now and then.

Today’s Scripture: “You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed.” - (Psalm 139:16, NLT)

Topic: Your Story Ends in Victory [May 31, 2016]

Did you know that all of your days have already been written? God has already recorded every part of your life from the beginning to the end. He knows every disappointment, every loss and every challenge. The good news is that even though you’ve had some challenges, even though you’ve faced some setbacks, your story ends in victory. Your final chapter concludes with you fulfilling your God-given destiny and experiencing His eternal restoration.

Topic: The Log in My Eye [May 31, 2016]

You hypocrite, first get the beam of timber out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the tiny particle out of your brother’s eye. - Matthew 7:5

Loving people unconditionally is the greatest gift we can give them (and ourselves). I have learned that one of the secrets to my own personal peace is to let people be who God made them to be, rather than try to make people be who I would like them to be. I do my best to enjoy their strengths and be merciful toward their weaknesses because I have plenty of my own. I don’t need to try to take the speck out of someone else’s eye while I have a telephone pole in my own.

Written by the Editorial board of The Guardian Newspaper

The tide may be beginning to turn and the fight against corruption would seem to have started yielding some results. A statement on this was made the other day when a former accountant with the Federal Civil Service Commission (FCSC) was convicted and imprisoned for six months without option of fine, for crimes that included stealing, abuse of office and forgery. Nigeria needs more of such convictions for the anti-corruption train to move full-steam!

Topic: God's Witnesses [Tuesday May 31, 2016]

Text: Micah 6:1-5

Key Verse: "Hear ye now what the LORD saith; Arise, contend thou before the mountains, and let the hills hear thy voice" (Micah 6:1).

Hard rocky mountains and cliffs are two of the common physical features of Palestine. Sound experts tell us that these objects are among some of the most effective natural producers of sound echoes. If tested at a quiet moment, a whisper within appropriate distance of a flat, the hard wall of a cliff may be heard nearly 40 metres away.

Imo Governor, Rochas Okorocha has denied having anything to do with the posters of the governor of Borno State, Alhaji Kashim Shettima running for the 2019 Presidency Rochas as the Vice President.

The governor said the posters were another mischief by mischievous elements cowed by his monumental achievements in Imo and what he represents in the politics of the South-East and Nigeria in general today. A statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo said those behind this mischief first invaded the social media with the fake posters and when they discovered that the comments by decent men and women doubted the source and the genuineness of the posters, they decided to paste them in Abuja.

More than 160,000 people have signed a petition calling for police to investigate the parents of a child who fell into a zoo’s gorilla enclosure, prompting keepers to shoot the animal.

Outrage has mounted over the Cincinnati Zoo’s killing of Harambe, a Western lowland gorilla, whose species is listed as endangered.

Winning Wisdom Devotional: Share in His Love

Topic: Share in His Love [31/5/2016]
Text: Romans 5:6-8

Preachers will say "God's love is unconditional." While that is true, it is not the total truth for every one in the world, when it comes to experiencing God's love. Experiencing God's love is on the condition of accepting His love and all that it brings. So, while the one who has received Jesus as Lord and Saviour has and experiences God's love unconditionally, a person who does not have Jesus as Lord and Saviour does not have such privilege.

But the will and wish of God is for everyone in the world, that He so loves, to experience His love - His unconditional love. The unfortunate thing is that more than half of the world's population are living outside of God's unconditional love, even though all they need to do to share in it is just to believe in their hearts in the saving and life-giving sacrifice of Jesus, and confess Him as Lord with their mouth (Romans 10:9-10).

Topic: Live in Power [May 31, 2016]

Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4

As a believer, you actually have residing in you the same new life God gave Jesus when He raised Him from the dead. The old sinner you once were has died. You’ve become a new creation on the inside.

Topic: Knowing and Doing [May 31, 2016]

With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God. Mark 10:27

Chinese philosopher Han Feizi made this observation about life: “Knowing the facts is easy. Knowing how to act based on the facts is difficult.”

A rich man with that problem once came to Jesus. He knew the law of Moses and believed he had kept the commandments since his youth (Mark 10:20). But he seems to be wondering what additional facts he might hear from Jesus. “ ‘Good teacher,’ he asked, ‘what must I do to inherit eternal life?’ ” (v. 17).

Topic: A Glass of Water? [Tuesday 31, May 2016]

Memorise: For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward. – Mark 9:41

Read: James 2:14-18 (KJV)

14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

I’m under pressure to devalue Naira – President Buhari

It is exactly one year since Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Ahead of the official commemoration of his ascension to power, Buhari spoke with some journalists on the issues that have dominated his reign. Excerpts:

Looking at the last one year, how would you assess what has happened in terms of your expectations when you took office, the challenges you met and the progress made or lack of it?

I am sure you will recall that during our campaign, we identified three problems for our country. First was security — the situation especially in the North-East then. Second was the economy — unemployment; and third was corruption. I am sure you can recall that these were what we identified.

Tennis tourney: Surprises as winners emerge

Club tennis came to its best on Saturday at the weekend inside the Lagos Country Club (LCC) Ikeja, where finalists in the two-week event that saw players in different categories filing out to compete for honours and trophies.

It was a day that saw the men’s single ending in an upset, when unseeded Matt Holmes, defeated the seeded Akin Akirinmisi, former captain of the section, who had been winner of many tournaments within and outside the club and eventually lifted the trophy, in a sweaty, tension-soaked encounter.
At first, the game appeared to be going towards the expected, when Akirinmisi took the first set 6:1.
Homes came back to win the second set at 6:4, setting the stage for the third and final set, where both players gave all they got to win.

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: Maximising Family Finance (4)

Dear Reader,

God, via His Word has been exposing to us secrets of financial management. This week, I will be looking at Earning Money.

Before you can spend money, it is very important you know how to earn money. Each member of the family ought to be gainfully employed. Discourage idleness. The Bible is clear on this point in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, which says: This we commanded you, that if any WOULD NOT, WORK, NEITHER SHOULD HE EAT. There is dignity in labour …He that gathereth BY LABOUR shall increase (Proverbs 13:11).

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State has declared President Muhammadu Buhari an honourary son of the Niger Delta, saying that he has in only one year in office demonstrated his great love for the region and determination to fast-track its development.

The party in a statement issued in Port Harcourt to mark the first year anniversary of the Buhari Administration cited the inclusion of the Calabar – Lagos Rail Line and Calabar – Itu Road in the 2016 budget, as well as the impending Ogoni clean-up exercise to justify its position that President Buhari has done enough within a short while to qualify to be regarded as a Niger Delta son.

While Nigerians were celebrating their Democracy Day, the special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and the Coordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme was busy in the creeks finding a lasting solution to the recent attacks on the nation’s oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta region.

After series of meetings in Warri, Delta State, Rtd General Boroh surprised many by paying an unscheduled visit to Oproza in Gbaramatu Kingdom.

Author: Pastor Faith Oyedepo

Topic: The Secret of a Remarkable Marriage! (4)

Dear Reader,

I welcome you to the last week of the month. No doubt it has been a great and glorious month unveiling the secret of a remarkable marriage. I started by telling you what marriage is all about, before unveiling the secrets to that order of marriage weekly.

Victoria Island is the beauty of Lagos city. The neighbourhood is so well known that even the names of its streets have become iconic across the nation. This island is only one of Lagos’ districts that has the most inimitable skyline.

Originally surrounded entirely by water, It was bordered by the Atlantic ocean on the south, the mouth of the Lagos Lagoon on the West, the Five Cowrie Creek to the north North, and swamps on the East.It has since, however, been filled (by the British colonial government to reduce mosquito breeding areas), creating land bridge between Victoria Island and Lekki Peninsula , and ending its existence as a true island.

Daily Devotional: The Creator of All Things

A Promise For You From Bible Promises: [30/05/16]

Topic: The Creator of All Things

And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ: Ephesians 9:3. John 1:1-5

I am often baffled when people try to treat God like a beggar or a poor God probably when they are commanded by God to give away their possession for His use or to give it out to His servant. They complain and murmur. They use mental ascent (instead of heart faith) to analyze the situation and give God the reasons why they cannot give that thing away. They quickly forget that, "A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven". "And that, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights". John 3:27, James 1:17. God is not a beggar and certainly not a poor God because, "The earth is the LORD's, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein". "And For every beast of the forest is mine, and the cattle upon a thousand hills". Ps 24:1, 50:10. God created everything, owns everything and controls all things by His power.

On January 22, 2016, I tweeted a joke which went viral. I had said that at meetings of the Federal Executive Council, the minister of information, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, would address members and say 'turn to your neighbour and say, neighbour have you blamed Jonathan today'!
Yes, it was a joke, but like most good jokes, it had and still has a basis in reality!

The President and his ministers appear ill prepared for office and the evidence of this is their inability to take responsibility for the situation of things in Nigeria.

Today’s Scripture: “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” - (John 15:13, NIV)

Topic: Greater Love [May 30, 2016]

Today is Memorial Day in America. It’s a time to honor all those who have given their lives in service for our country. As we remember what these brave men and women did, let’s honor the gift they have given us by choosing to show greater love to others.

By Olamide Bakare

“…As I said in my New Year message, living in the State House does not in any way alienate me from your daily struggles. I read the newspapers and listen to the TV and radio news. I hear your cries. I share your pains.

We are experiencing probably the toughest economic times in the history of our nation. I want to commend the sacrifice, resilience and toughness of all Nigerians, young and old, who have, despite the hardships, continued to have hope and confidence of a great future for Nigerians…I cannot promise you that this will be an easy journey, but in the interest of so much and so many, we must tread this difficult path. I can assure you that this government…will work with honesty and dedication…to ensure that our country prospers and that the prosperity benefits all Nigerians…”

My Dear Presido,

You know how hard and for how long you have fought for this your job, now that you have it, we cant wait to see how our lives will CHANGE!! People already don begin dey throw stones, but me know say many things spoil, one year no fit balance anything.

How far? You see say this matter no dey as easy as you think am, but I know say many of your yarns before you enter, Na political, rhetorical acrobatic, jingoism. Na him make I talk say I go ride my bike reach China if one dollar equal to one Naira. I know that was part of your sound bite during your campaign. Nothing spoil, na Una way.

Topic: True Strength [May 30, 2016]

Sing to God, sing praises to His name, cast up a highway for Him Who rides through the deserts—His name is the Lord—be in high spirits and glory before Him! A father of the fatherless and a judge and protector of the widows is God in His holy habitation. God places the solitary in families and gives the desolate a home in which to dwell… - Psalm 68:4-6

The world is filled with single mothers whose husbands walked out on them and refuse to support their children financially. Men who merely walk away need to remember that strength does not walk away, but it works through situations and takes responsibility.

Corruption and insecurity were two massive challenges faced in Nigeria before President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR assumed office on 29th May 2015.

Fast forward to today, exactly a year after the new sheriff was sworn in, almost everyone who gives the matter serious thought would admit that there is renewed hope in the anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). They have successfully exposed so many goats who stole our yam.

Winning Wisdom Devotional: God Loves You

Topic: God Loves You [30/5/2016]
Text: 1 John 3:1

God's love for us is so much that we, most times, cannot comprehend it. Let me explain our much God loves us. God sees and loves us just as Himself. He loves us as He loves Him self. Apostle Paul, writing to the church in Ephesians, says "so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church."

God loves Himself so much, and that is how much He loves us. And He wants us to understand this. God will not act inimical to His goals and success, so also He will not act inimical to yours. God will do anything to make sure of His success, so also God will do all he must do to make sure of your success.

Written by the Editorial board of The Guardian Newspaper

It is indeed a sad commentary on the affairs of the main opposition party in Nigeria, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which ruled Nigeria for 16 years from 1999 to 2015, that it is now a house divided against itself. Its last convention was fractious and different persons started laying claim to the party’s leadership to the extent that the police authorities had to seal off the secretariat of the party. This is not only sad, it is a blight on the nation’s democracy. All efforts must, therefore, be encouraged to re-position the PDP, for Nigeria needs a credible opposition to the government of the day.

23-year-old mother Becki-Jo Allen was shocked when she was told she was expecting triplets.

Now thriving at home after spending six weeks in intensive care, little Roman, Rocco and Rohan had another surprise in store for their mum. After being told how similar her triplets looked by other mothers, Becki sent off samples of DNA to be tested – and she has now been told that against odds of up to an incredible 200 million to one, the naturally conceived trio are identical.

Fortunately for their 23-year-old mother, tell-tale features plus the ten-month-old triplets’ emerging personalities mean she for one has no trouble telling them apart.

Topic: More Than Earthly Display [Monday May 30, 2016]

Text: 1 Kings 10:14-29

Key Verse: "So king Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth for riches and for wisdom. And all the earth sought to Solomon, torn hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart" (1 Kings 10:23, 24).

A major breakthrough in medicine was the discovery of the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic to render people insensitive to the pain of surgery in 1847. Behind the discovery was a medical doctor from Edinburgh, Sir James Simpsom. His discovery has saved millions of people the excruciating pains of surgery and popularised him.

Topic: Always on Time [Monday 30, May 2016]

Memorise: Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. – John 11:21

Read: John 11:21-26 (KJV)

21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died.

22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee.

On May 28, 2016, the spokesperson to immediate-past Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan, Reuben Adeleye Abati tied the marital knots with his wife Lara in Ibadan for the second time.

We gathered, it was a traditional wedding that attracted very important personalities from the immediate past administration.

Supreme Players and Officials

Players of one of Nigerian National League, NNL campaigners Supreme Court football club of Abuja have expressed their readiness to go all out and fight for every point in the ongoing league season.

Despite not taking part in the first matches played at weekend after both the league body and Nigeria Football Federation, NFF ruled that their opponent FC Taraba have not been certified to feature in the current campaign, Supreme Court FC Captain Hilary Nkaru said his teammates are prepared for action when they take on Kwara United on Friday.

Qua iboe primary school, Idah

.....Hails Governor Yahaya Bello, Hon Buba Jibril's support

The chairman of Kogi Football Association, Sulieman Isah Umarr, has congratulated Qua Iboe Primary School, Idah for making the state proud finishing second at the just concluded Channels National Kids Cup in Lagos.

Impressive Kogi's Qua Iboe lost 3-0 to the LGA Mohammed Kabir from Kaduna to settle for the silver medal and one million naira cash reward as runners-up.

Topic: Tell the Good News [May 30, 2016]

God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself, not imputing their trespasses unto them; and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation. - 2 Corinthians 5:19

Very few unsaved people today have ever really heard the “good news.” Why? Because too many Christians are busy telling the world God is mad at them. And telling them that they’re terrible and wrong. Some call that “good news,” but it’s not, and it’s not what God has commissioned us to share.

In an effort to finding a lasting solution to the recent unrest in the Niger Delta region, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and the Coordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigedier General (Rtd) P.T. Boroh has engaged ex militant leaders from around the region.

A meeting that was well attended by leaders of the Amnesty Programme beneficiaries, Phase 1, 2 and 3, held on Saturday 28 May in Benin City, Edo State.

Topic: Praise from Pure Hearts [May 30, 2016]

A broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise. Psalm 51:17

During my friend Myrna’s travels to another country, she visited a church for worship. She noticed that as people entered the sanctuary they immediately knelt and prayed, facing away from the front of the church. My friend learned that people in that church confessed their sin to God before they began the worship service.

Russia to Establish Nuclear Centre in Nigeria

The Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Nikolay Udovichenko, on Saturday announced that the Nigerian and Russian governments plan to sign an agreement for the establishment of a multifunctional scientific research nuclear centre in Nigeria.

Mr. Udovichenko, who disclosed this in Lagos at this year’s Alumni Congress of the Soyuznik Alumni Association in Nigeria, said the Nigerian and Russian governments had been negotiating for the centre’s establishment.

In economics, a recession is a negative growth for two consecutive quarters. For a layman's understanding, a recession is a period of general economic slow down. Recent information from the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and the National Bureau of Statistics indicates that the Nigerian economy is at the verge of a recession.

Here are some of the effects of an economic recession:

1. Decrease in sales of goods and services, due to decreased finances available to individuals and families, the purchase of goods and services decline.

“The main opposition party in the country will in 2019 take back the reins of governance at the centre” says the chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Chapter, Barrister Kingsley Esiso.

“Come 2019, we not only intend to return our Miracle Working Governor to Government House, but by the grace of God and the goodwill of the Nigerians, we intend to produce a president of PDP extraction to Aso Rock, in order to change the change that is presently so negative, so deceitful and so unpopular” he said.

We are giving the best representation to our constituencies, says Delta Speaker...Praises Okowa

The Speaker, Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Monday Igbuya on Saturday called for more proactive measures by leaders in the country to sustain the trust of followers in the democratic dispensation.

He applauded the role of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in the political and economic development of the state.“Governor Ifeanyi Okowa is pragmatic and truthful” he said.

Igbuya who spoke in Sapele said the social and economic conditions in the state gave great cause for cheers, citing progress in roads, public hospitals, agriculture, education and job creation as instances.

APC describes Corruption Accusations against Rt. Hon. Amaechi as Personal Vendetta

The Press Release by the Rivers State Information and Communications Commissioner, Dr. Austin Tam-George, linking the name of Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi to the unfortunate comments that Nigeria is fantastically corrupt by Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain is has been tagged by Rivers State APC as “nothing more than a worthless piece of mischief” by someone who continues to demonstrate that he is still very bitter that the former governor of Rivers State once did not oblige him a favour, adding that it would be an item for discourse on another day.

Winning Wisdom Devotional: Greater Victories

Topic: Greater Victories [29/5/2016]
Text: Haggai 2:9

The path of the righteous, scriptures say, is like the bright morning light, growing brighter and brighter until full day (Proverbs 4:18 NET). This scripture shows us that, as we journey through life, we are to move from one phase to another, growing in intensity and glory. And for every phase of our lives, there are victories to claim. The above scripture is actually telling us that we are to move from one level of victory to another even as we journey through the path of life that God has set for us.

Notice I did not say 'for every phase of our lives there are battles to fight.' We have been taught this erroneously over the years. We don't have battles to fight, but victories to claim because Jesus Christ have won the victory for us. We are only moving in to claim the spoils of the victory. For thanks be to God, who has made us more than conqueror (Romans 8:32), causing us always to triumph in Christ (2 Cor. 2:14).

One year ago today, Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as President of Nigeria. Below is the full text of his speech to mark the first anniversary.

My compatriots,

It is one year today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task of fixing nigeria. But i believe we can also learn from the obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place to put nigeria back on the path of progress.

Today’s Scripture: “...Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it...” - (Psalm 81:10, NLT)

Topic: Open Your Mouth [May 29, 2016]

Do you have your mouth open wide today? In other words, are you expecting God to fill you and increase you beyond measure? Are ready for Him to satisfy your needs and desires with good things? Think about a baby bird. When they are ready to eat, they open their mouths wide. They trust that they will be fed. They expect it. They look for it. They are ready for it.

Topic: Come as a Little Child [May 29, 2016]

And He called a little child to Himself and put himself in the midst of them, and said, Truly I say to you, unless you repent (change, turn about) and become like little children [trusting, lowly, loving, forgiving], you can never enter the kingdom of heaven... - Matthew 18:2-3

One thing children are not is complicated. Children have no trouble letting you know what they want, running into your arms when they are afraid, or giving you a big generous kiss, sometimes for no apparent reason. They are not sophisticated enough to hide their hearts or feelings very well, and as a result, communicating with them can be easy and refreshing.

Written by the Editorial board of The Guardian Newspaper

Is Nigeria better off than it was one year ago?

As President Muhammadu Buhari marks his first year in office today, Nigerians who have invested their hopes in him are the most qualified to dispassionately assess his administration, evaluate performances in all areas and pass their overall verdict. Although aides of the president and party acolytes have embarked on an image-laundering exercise, assessing the one year-old government is far beyond sycophantic loyalty expressed in flattering sentences.

A high ranking chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claims the party initially settled for Ali Modu Sheriff, who has been accused severally of being the brain behind Boko Haram, because he promised them N40 billion and 5 private jets.

Fresh facts emerged yesterday on why the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors had to dump Alhaji Ali Modu Sheriff as National Chairman at the May 21 convention ground in Port Harcourt.

Topic: A Heart-Felt Covenant [Sunday May 29, 2016]

Text: Hebrews 8:7-10

Key Verse: "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, saith the Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and write them in their hearts: and I will be to them a God, and they shall be to me a people" (Hebrews 8:10).

Since the introduction of writing by the Sumerians in the fourth millennium BC, it has been the most important means of communication known to man. Over the centuries, people have written on a great varieties of materials – stones, metals, leaves, textile, paper, and even bodies. But all human forms of writing have one weakness – they are directed at the brain (knowledge).

Topic: The Trial of Faith [Sunday 29, May 2016]

Memorise: Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: – 1 Peter 4:12

Read: 1 Peter 1:1-7 (KJV)

1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,

2 Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.

Topic: Don't Hesitate [May 29, 2016]

He that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. - James 1:6-8

What happens when you hesitate to do something God has told you to do? Your adversary takes the first step. The devil gets the jump on you.

Topic: Can’t Die But Once [May 29, 2016]

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Matthew 10:28

Born into slavery and badly treated as a young girl, Harriet Tubman (c. 1822–1913) found a shining ray of hope in the Bible stories her mother told. The account of Israel’s escape from slavery under Pharaoh showed her a God who desired freedom for His people.

Buhari says, I will never forget what Goodluck Jonathan did

President Muhammadu Buhari has finally ruled-out possibility of inviting ex-President Goodluck Jonathan for questioning over cases of corruptions, most especially, the popular armsgate scandal during his administration, saying the ex-President has earned respect world-over for a singular act after 2015 elections.

Buhari who said he was shocked to have receive Jonathan’s call even before the presidential election result was declared also said such incidence in his life remain unforgettable.

FG uncovers over 43,000 ghost workers

The Federal Government says it has uncovered more than 43,000 ghost ‎workers during the on going verification and biometric exercise aimed at ascertaining those genuinely on its payroll.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, disclosed on Friday, when she paid a scheduled visit to Sagamu Police Area command, Sagamu, one of the centres where policemen and civilian staff, did their biometric capturing.

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the all important spot-kick after Juanfran crucially missed as Zinedine Zidane's charges claimed their 11th European Cup at the San Siro on Saturday

Cristiano Ronaldo scored the all important spot-kick as Real Madrid overcame fierce rivals Atletico Madrid to claim their 11th Champions League crown 5-4 penalties after extra-time.

Kofi Bartels

The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, said it has come to the party’s notice that the Rivers State Government led by Gov. Nyesom Wike has declared a total war on local journalists in Rivers State.

L-R Brigadier General P.T. Boroh‎, Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme and Barr Kingsey Otuaro, ‎Deputy Governor Delta State

...Signs of Peace, Visible

The special adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Niger Delta Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brigadier General P.T. Boroh (Rtd), from all indications has relocated to the creeks of the region. This might not be unconnected to the recent activities of the Niger Delta Avengers.

According to a source, who simply identified himself as “Andy Spiff” claimed that the Amnesty Boss was sighted having interactions in Rivers, Delta and Edo states on the same day.

Tuesday 31 May 2016

Monday 30 May 2016

Sunday 29 May 2016

Saturday 28 May 2016