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Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Open Heavens 29 June 2016:Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Dancing unto the Lord

Topic: Dancing unto the Lord [Wednesday 29, June 2016]

Memorise: Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs. –Psalms 150:4

Read: Psalms 150:1-6 (KJV)

V1 Praise ye the LORD. Praise God in his sanctuary: praise him in the firmament of his power.

V2 Praise him for his mighty acts: praise him according to his excellent greatness.

V3 Praise him with the sound of the trumpet: praise him with the psaltery and harp.

V4 Praise him with the timbrel and dance: praise him with stringed instruments and organs.

V5 Praise him upon the loud cymbals: praise him upon the high sounding cymbals.

V6 Let everything that hath breath praise the LORD. Praise ye the LORD.

MESSAGE:

There are many people who think that it is only when they pray to God that help comes down. The greatest victories that the children of Israel experienced manifested in an atmosphere of praise. There is always a point where you don’t know what to do again, especially when you have done all you can. This is the time when you should begin to dance to the Lord and praise Him. Paul and Silas were unjustly thrown into the prison, when they did not know what to do next, they turned to praise. The next moment, all the doors leading into the prison flung open, not for them to escape, but for the people to know the potency of the God they were praising. Are you in prison? Do you think there is something the enemy has stolen from you? Have you just lost something very precious to you? Have you just received a sack letter or a negative medical report? Whatever your case is, just begin to dance before the Lord. This is a way of committing God to rise on your behalf.

Thousands Of Protesting Youths Gather In Massive Support For Gov Fayose In Ekiti. Photos

Youths in Ekiti State under different groups gathered today in support of Governor Ayodele Fayose. According to the youths who gathered in their thousands, they are frowning at the APC led FG's rascality, flagrant disrespect of rule of law and disobedience to the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The placard wielding crowd of protesters moved from Fajuyi area of Ado Ekiti through Okesa, Ojumose, Oke Iyinmi, Old Garage, Ijigbo, Irona, Oke Ori-Omi, Old Governor's Office and later converged on Fajuyi.

A 41-year-old man, Raymond Anyanwu, who reportedly raped and impregnated his 15 years old daughter, said that frustration led him into the act.

Anyanwu, who committed the offence at Ajao Estate, Isolo, said: “I started sleeping with my 15-year-old daughter sometime around January, after I lost my job.

“I am a transporter, but I took to alcohol after I lost my job and could not meet up with my responsibilities as the head of the house.”

Raymond Anyanwu sleeps with his daughter when his wife has gone to work. However, trouble started after the victim’s aunt suspected that she was pregnant. After carrying out a test at home, they discovered she was pregnant.

The victim, it was learned, revealed that her father was responsible for her pregnancy, and the mother decided to play it down as a family issue after her husband beat her up, warning her not to disclose the incident to anyone.

Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development alerted the police and the suspect was arrested last Wednesday.

Meanwhile, the victim’s mother had arranged for an abortion, which had been carried out before she was rescued and taken into protective custody by the Lagos State government.

The case, which is currently being investigated at the Gender Unit of Lagos State Police Command, will be charged to Ikeja Magistrate’s Court today.

Argentina begs Messi not to quit

Argentine football legend Diego Maradona and the country’s President Mauricio Macri urged Lionel Messi on Monday not to leave the national team despite his vow to quit after a humiliating defeat.

The Barcelona superstar left the field in tears after missing a spot-kick in the Copa America Centenario final shootout against Chile on Sunday.

He promptly told reporters he was quitting, throwing Argentine football into turmoil ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

“He has to stay because he still has playing days ahead of him,” Maradona was quoted as saying by La Nacion newspaper online.

“He will go to Russia in form to be world champion.”

About 4 percent of Indian women in the age group of 29-34 years show signs of menopause, according to a survey conducted by the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC). The problem is worse for women in the age group of 35-39 years, with nearly nine percent of them reported to hit early menopause, the survey said, according to a Hindu report.

Globally, the average age at which a woman shows signs of menopause is 51 years.

According to experts, women who hit early menopause may have irregular menstrual cycle patterns that stop completely later on. The modern day lifestyle, coupled with the other medical conditions, may be the reason for Indian women experiencing premature menopause.

The changing dynamics of the Indian family, increased stress upon women to be financially independent and whittling down of the familial support structure have all put tremendous physical, emotional and mental strain on the women, gynaecologist Ranjit Chakraborti wrote in indmedica.com.

A 22-year-old woman, Bara’atu Rabiu, has been remanded in the Minna Medium Security Prison for allegedly cutting off the penis of her rival’s one-month-old baby, Buhari.

She was arraigned on Monday on one count of attempted homicide before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Minna.

Bara’atu allegedly cut off the victim’s penis at their home in Kuta town, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.

It was learnt that the suspect had been married to her husband, Mohammed Rabiu, for seven years, without a child.

She allegedly cut off the baby’s penis to punish him for marrying a second wife.

The Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Bala James, explained that the suspect wanted to kill the victim, adding that the child, who was named after President Muhammadu Buhari, survived the attack.

He said, “The woman used a sharp knife to cut through the genitals of the one-month-old baby. She had been married to her husband for seven years without any child. So, out of pressure, the man decided to marry a second wife.

“When the second wife had a baby, she became angry and frustrated. She thought the best thing to do was to kill the child.

Unbelievable! What This 20-Year-Old Girl Can Do With Her Body Will Amaze You. Photos

Pictured is a 20-year-old super-flexible girl who belongs to the Oroqen ethnic group of northern China. She started to practice contortion 12 years ago (i.e at the age of 8). Although she is gifted of body flexibility, she believes practice makes perfect. See some of her pictures below;

Topic: In Jesus’ Name [Tuesday 28, June 2016]

Memorise: If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. – John 14:14

Read: Philippians 2:9-11 (KJV)

V9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

V10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

V11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

MESSAGE:

The Name of Jesus is God’s password for answered prayers. There is something very unique about the Name of Jesus. It carries so much power and authority. It is not just a Name like other names; it is a seal of authority that commands results for the children of God. There are several reasons why the Name of Jesus is very distinct. The moment you put the Name to work, things are bound to yield to your request. At the mention of the Name of Jesus, there is a release of immeasurable miracles. A believer that has an understanding of this will enjoy the boundless riches that the power in the Name of Jesus can perform in the lives of those who commit the Name to action.

I will be happy to go to jail, says Saraki

Bukola Saraki, president of the senate, says he is prepared to carry his cross rather than yield to “the nefarious agenda of a few individuals who are bent in undermining our democracy and destabilising the federal government to satisfy their selfish interests”.

Speaking after his first appearance in court alongside three others for alleged forgery, Saraki described his latest legal battle as proof of the “persecution and distraction” that have been visited on him.

Saraki, who is still facing trial at the code of conduct tribunal (CCT) for false assets declaration, vowed to fight on, saying: “…let the doors of jails be thrown open and I shall be a happy guest.”

THE FULL STATEMENT

Today we the leaders of the Nigerian Senate reiterate our innocence against the charges filed by the Attorney General of the Federal Government of Nigeria at the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court on the allegations of forgery of the Senate Standing Rules document.

BREAKING: Court orders Ikpeazu’s removal from office

A federal high court sitting in Abuja has ruled that Okezie Ikpeazu, Abia state governor, was not qualified to hold the office.

‎Okon Abang, the presiding judge, gave judgment in a suit filed by Uche Ogar, a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member‎, against Ikpeazu.

In the suit, Ogar contended that the governor evaded tax prior to his election, and as such was‎ not qualified to hold an elective office.

The judge upheld the argument, ordering the removal of Ikpeazu for submitting false information to the PDP in the course of the party’s primary election.

It also ordered the independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare Uche Ogah, the man who placed second at the PDP primary, as the elected candidate.

At the primary, Ogah received 103 votes to place a distant second to Ikpeazu, who had 487 votes.

This is the latest‎ in a series of legal battles Ikpeazu has faced.

His election was previously challenged by Alex Otti, candidate of All Progressives Grand Alliance‎ (APGA) in the April 2015 governorship election.

Although, an election petition‎ tribunal upheld his election, the appeal sacked him. However, the supreme court returned him to power.

Awesome! University Prof helps a nursing mother writing exams back her crying baby

This is awesome. According to twitter user @adewryght who shared the photos, this happened in Bouake, Cote d'Ivoire.

Pope Francis said Sunday that Christians and the Roman Catholic Church should apologise to gay people and seek their forgiveness for the way they have been treated.

Speaking to reporters at he flew back to Rome from Armenia, the pope was asked if he agreed with comments by German Cardinal Reinhard Marx that the Church needed to say sorry for the way it has treated the gay community.

“We Christians have to apologise for so many things, not just for this (treatment of gay people), but we must ask for forgiveness. Not just apologise — forgiveness,” he said.

“The questions is: if a person who has that condition, who has good will, and who looks for God, who are we to judge?” the pope added, repeating his famous “Who am I to judge?” remark about homosexuality made early in his papacy.

Woman Becomes Internet Sensation After Photo Of Her Br*astfeeding Her Baby Goes Viral.

A heartwarming photo of a bride breastfeeding her nine-month-old baby girl during her wedding has gone viral on social media. Christina Torino-Benton, from Montreal, Quebec, married her now husband Danny Benton on June 18 and decided to breastfeed her baby, Gemma, in the middle of the ceremony. Mrs Torino-Benton said the response had been mixed but mainly positive.

Lionel Messi sensationally announced his retirement from international football on Sunday after Argentina crashed to an upset defeat against Chile in the final of the Copa America.

The heartbroken Barcelona superstar was distraught after missing a spot-kick as Chile snatched victory in a penalty shoot-out — Messi’s fourth straight defeat in a major final while representing Argentina.

“For me the national team is over,” the crestfallen 29-year-old told reporters.

“I’ve done all I can, I’ve been in four finals and it hurts not to be a champion.

“It’s a hard moment for me and the team, and it’s difficult to say, but it’s over with the Argentina team.”

Messi’s dramatic announcement followed Argentina’s third loss in a major final since 2014.

BREAKING: Saraki, Ekweremadu granted conditional bail

Yusuf Haliru, justice of the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, has granted Senate President Bukola Saraki bail.

He also granted bail to Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, and two other accused persons — Salisu Maikasuwa, former clerk of the national assembly, and Benedict Efeturi, deputy clerk of the legislature.

‎The judge held that the essence of bail was to enable an accused person to stand trial.

He also said that accused persons had not been proved guilty, hence the need to release them on bail.

However, he ordered that the defendants were to provide two reasonable sureties who must be Nigerians and who must own property in Abuja, the failure of which they would be remanded in Kuje prison, Abuja.

Paul Erokoro, Saraki’s counsel, ‎had asked the court to grant his client bail on self-recognition.

He said that Saraki, being senate president, was “too big” to run away from trial.

“The entire proof of service did not mention the third defendant (Saraki) in this case. The police never investigated the third defendant,” he said.

“It is a notorious fact that the third defendant has been standing trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal, (CCT) so it is ridiculous to say he will run away.

Economic situation is affecting One Chance business — Robbery suspect

According to one of the six On Chance robbery suspects arrested by operatives of Rapid Response Squad, RRS, in Lagos, yesterday, the economic situation in the country is affecting ‘business.’

The suspect, Adeleke Rasaq, 24, who was arrested alongside his gang members, Lucky John, 22, in Abule-Egba, Agbado Oke Local Council Development Area, they do not make much money from One Chance as they used to in the past. One Chance is the popular name for a type of robbery in Lagos, where unsuspecting passengers are robbed in commercial buses, Danfo, whose ‘driver’ and some ‘passengers’ are members of a robbery gang.

The arrested Adeleke, who resigned as a factory worker to join One Chance robbery gang, said: “We do not make much money like before. The present economic condition in the country has greatly affected One Chance business. We have not been able to make much money— everywhere is dry.”

Corroborating Adeleke’s confession, his gang’s member, Frankly, said: “We have not made much money since Monday (last week). We have been sharing N20,000, N30,000 and N40,000. “This is unlike before. When I operate alone, I could make close to N150,000 daily. Now, business is so difficult.”

The All Progressives Congress, APC-led Federal Government is not focused on probing members of the party, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Mr. Babachir Lawal, has said.

SGF Engr Babachir David Lawal The SGF, in an interview, weekend, affirmed that the government would, in the light of declining revenue, reprioritise the 2016 budget with emphasis on the administration’s priority projects and would not prioritise the constituency projects inputted by the National Assembly.

Lawal, in his first major interview since assuming office last August, also gave reasons for the failure to name ambassadorial nominees in certain states just as he justified the recent recruitment into the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS and the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN.

Lawal, in the interview, said the report of the 2014 National Conference organised by the Goodluck Jonathan administration was not a priority of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.

A 28-year-old woman, Ifeoma Daniel, has been arrested by the police in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for allegedly turning six girls to sex slaves.

Daniel, who hails from Ahiazu Mbaise, Imo State, and a suspected accomplice, Collins Madueke, 28, were arrested in the Apo area by the Special Intelligence Response Team of the Inspector-General of Police.

Our correspondent gathered that the six victims, whose ages ranged from 19 to 22, were found locked up in a room before the police rescued and handed them over to officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons and other related matters.

Our correspondent learnt that the girls were rescued on Friday, June 17, 2016.

Senate President Bukola Saraki and Ike Ekweremadu, deputy senate president, have arrived at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, Abuja where their trial for alleged forgery commences.

They arrived at 8:48am in company of at least 30 senators.

They came in two Coaster buses and a string‎ of cars.

After a series of failed attempts to get them to court, Yusuf Haliru, the judge, on June 21, ordered that they be served the court summons through substituted means.

The summons was then pasted on the notice board of the national assembly, ordering them to come before the court on Monday.

How Brexit could hurt Nigerian footballers

The decision of the UK to leave the European Union has far reaching effects on the global economy, but who would believe that it also has its effects on the conduct of the round leather game in Africa’s most populous nation — Nigeria?

Perhaps we never saw this coming, but the realities of Brexit will definitely change the face of football in Nigeria and the rest of the world — forever.

PRE-BREXIT ERA

From George Ndah, who played for Crystal Palace from 1992 to 1995, to Daniel Amokachi (Everton), Celestine Babayaro (Chelsea and Newcastle United), and down to Watford star, Odion Ighalo, Nigeria has always had an heavy presence in English football.

Players from all over the world flooded the English and soon began ousting the home boys out of their own league. English Premier League (EPL) began seeing teams with one or two English players and a host of foreigners.

The Football Association (FA) then made a rules and regulation to groom national talents on the league from. By 2015, every team in England was obliged to have eight of its 25 first team players as home-grown talents.

Soccer - Barclays Premier League - Crystal Palace v Manchester City - Selhurst Park

City would have had to choose between Frenchman Nasri (left) and Nigerian Iheanacho to fill non-homegrown slots

These reduced the number of foreigners allowed in the UK to a maximum of 17 per team.

Topic: Good Parenthood [Monday 27, June 2016]

Memorise: And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. – Ephesians 6:4

Read: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 (KJV)

V4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:

V5 And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

V6 And these words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart:

V7 And thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children, and shalt talk of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, and when thou liest down, and when thou risest up.

V8 And thou shalt bind them for a sign upon thine hand, and they shall be as frontlets between thine eyes.

V9 And thou shalt write them upon the posts of thy house, and on thy gates.

MESSAGE:

Effective parenting must be properly planned if you will be really rewarded by God at the end. There are many people today who are leaving the responsibilities of parenting to strangers, and at the end of the day, the children also turn out to be strangers. Godly parents do not leave their responsibilities to chance; they make deliberate sacrificial choices, having an expected end in mind. Today, it is increasingly becoming very difficult to raise godly children because Western culture and ideas have infiltrated our background. God is longing for fathers who will love and care for the home. God is longing for mothers who will help the children become the best that God wants them to be. One of the people I will eternally be grateful to God for is my

Sport CAF kicks ES Setif out of Champions League

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has disqualified Algerian side ES Setif from further participation in the ongoing 2016 African Champions League competition.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the club’s disqualification followed the ugly incidences which marred their Group B match against visiting Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa on Saturday.

This decision followed the regrettable incidents which took place during match no.98 of the 2016 CAF Champions League between ES

Setif and Mamelodi Sundowns, whereby the referee was obliged to abandon the said match before its end,’’ a statement on the CAF website disclosed.

It added that match officials noted especially the pitch invasion as well as numerous throws of missiles, stones, bottles, and firecrackers.

White Man Delights Ooni Of Ife And His Crew With His Dancing Skills In The U.S. Photos

The Ooni of Ife Oba Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, his queen Olori Wuraola and other high chiefs -were given an epic show by a white man who entertained them by dancing to the tune of the drums played by the Ooni's boys. The man danced joyfully for the monarch and his entourage during one of their public functions in Washington D.C. See photos below;

Portuguese captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, took many by surprise on Wednesday when he threw the microphone of Diogo Torres, a reporter with CMTV, a Portuguese television station, into a lake.

The incident happened as Ronaldo was walking out of his hotel in Lyon, France, for a training session.

The reporter had asked him if he was ready for the match against Hungary – the final Group F game for the team – which has come under intense pressure as a result of poor performance.

The Portuguese team, which has not won a single game in the competition, will need at least a draw in the match against Hungary to secure a place in the last 16.

Narrating the encounter to BBC Sport, Torres said the footballer would have done otherwise if he had taken a moment to reflect about his action.

With fast declining revenue, the Federal Government said yesterday it is now faced with the prospect of borrowing to meet the monthly civil service wage bill of N165 billion.

Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, who had met with protesting workers of her ministry on Wednesday, said in a statement in Abuja yesterday that she does not have any power to pay N1.2 billion, which was not in the budget of the Ministry.

The minister said she had put all government departments to real squeeze in finances as the country grapples with the financial crisis inherited from previous administrations.

Pointing out that many people across the country are now struggling to find work, with some losing theirs, while civil servants in many states are not getting their salaries, the minister urged her ministry workers to be grateful for getting their salaries on consistent basis and work together to get the whole economy back on its feet.

At the meeting to reconcile all parties involved in the workers’ protest, it was agreed that the ministry’s management would meet with unions to consider the issues raised and map out ways to reach resolutions on of before today.

The minister had met with staff unions at the ministry on Wednesday to discuss the ongoing dispute over additional payments, where she urged them to present their grievances in a structured and articulated manner so that each issue would be formally presented and addressed on its merit.

While she expressed understanding for their demand for additional bonuses, based on their past dealings with the previous administration, she explained that she does not have any power to pay N1.2 billion, especially the one that is not in the budget.

The minister added that while government is determined to end the ongoing impasse over bonus and allowance with the workers, the labour unions should propose modalities that would increase revenue generation and structure to pay the bonuses.

Furthermore, Adeosun revealed that the Director of Administration has been ordered to review all the claims and present solutions for all legitimate claims relating to working materials and ensure that such claims are resolved immediately through the ministry’s processes.

According to Adeosun, the most important thing at the moment is for management and staff to get a common understanding of what the government needed to do to regain financial stability.

A reliable source from the ministry told The Guardian that the minister warned of a grave impact on all Nigerians and consequent delay of the payment of June 2016 salary should there be a further lockout.

David Cameron Announces His Resignation After Britain's Vote To Leave EU. Read Full Speech.

Prime Minister David Cameron has announced his resignation following Britain's vote to leave the European Union.In a speech given outside Downing Street this morning, he explained he would step down by October to ensure the country has a "strong, determined and committed leadership".

Here is Mr Cameron's speech in full:

"Good morning everyone, the country has just taken part in a giant democratic exercise, perhaps the biggest in our history.

Over 33 million people from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Gibraltar have all had their say.

We should be proud of the fact that in these islands we trust the people for these big decisions.

We not only have a parliamentary democracy, but on questions about the arrangements for how we've governed there are times when it is right to ask the people themselves and that is what we have done.

The British people have voted to leave the European Union and their will must be respected.

Nollywood actor, Seun Akindele is set to wed his hearthrob, Tolu and has released lovely pre-wedding photos in preparation for the big day.

Many have speculated that the TV series star was in a relationship with acting colleague, Sotayo Sobola. However these photos have come to quell such rumours. See more photos:

Topic: Contented? [Friday 24, June 2016]

Memorise: And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. – 1 Timothy 6:8

Read: Ecclesiastes 5:10-12 (KJV)

V10 He that loveth silver shall not be satisfied with silver; nor he that loveth abundance with increase: this is also vanity.

V11 When goods increase, they are increased that eat them: and what good is there to the owners thereof, saving the beholding of them with their eyes?

V12 The sleep of a labouring man is sweet, whether he eat little or much: but the abundance of the rich will not suffer him to sleep.

MESSAGE:

Lack of contentment is a sin because it is a sign of ingratitude to the Almighty God. There are many people who focus so much on what God is doing in the lives of other people and ignore what God is doing in their own lives. If you don’t want to end abruptly, do not give room for greed. Do not envy others. Envy is a sin.

Contentment means a life that is satisfied with the faithfulness of God. It is to be delighted with what God is doing in your own life, even as you appreciate what He is doing in the life of others. A contented person is someone who is thrilled and captivated with the grace of God upon his life. When God is on your side, it doesn’t matter what your present level may be, you can be rest assured that your tomorrow will be much better. You need to remember that it is only the blessings of the Lord that makes rich and adds no sorrows.

Prophet seeks dissolution of 10-year-old marriage for allegedly disturbance to his ministry

A prophet, Akinyemi Ilesanmi on Thursday urged an Agege Customary Court to dissolve his 10-year-old marriage to his wife, Comfort for allegedly disturbing his ministry.

Akinyemi of Akute Area in Ogun also told the court that there was threat to his life, no more love, peace of mind and he was fed up with the marriage. “l have not been at peace since l got married to my wife, she is so quarrelsome.

“I am a prophet of God, but since l married her, she has been disturbing my ministry work. “Whenever am on long fasting, she makes me break it with her bad attitude, ‘my wife is a devil’ even those in my neighbourhood calls her a witch,” he alleged.

He said their marriage, contracted in 2006, had been fruitless. “A fake prophet my wife introduced to me prophesied that she is my wife and we got married under two weeks of meeting ourselves. “She is disturbing my work of God and due to her troublesome ways, l have developed high blood pressure.

“My Lord, I want an end to this marriage because I cannot cope with my wife’s troubles anymore,” said the petitioner. The respondent, who denied all the allegations, objected to the prayer of her husband, saying she was still interested in the marriage. The respondent burst into tears when the court asked her to respond to the allegations against her.

The President of the court, Mr Philip Williams, called the estrange couple into his chamber for an Alternative Dispute Resolution. Williams adjourned the case till July 28 for the report of settlement or continuation of hearing.

Senator Ben Murray Bruce Reacts After His Properties Were Seized By AMCON Over Debt

Senator Ben Murray Bruce has reacted after his property -Silverbird Galleria was taken over by the Assets Management Company of Nigeria (AMCON). The company (AMCON) secured an order from a Federal High Court in Lagos, to take over companies owned by Ben Murray-Bruce and his business partners after they defaulted in the repayment of N11bn loan to Banks.

Below is what the senator wrote on his Facebook page few minutes ago;

I have been on an international flight and have only just landed. The situation is being resolved and things will be back to normal. In 36 years, Silverbird has grown and as with any institution, it will face challenges. Tough times dont last. But we, as tough people, outlast them.

NDLEA advises parents to counsel children on drugs

The National Drug Law Enforcement Agency has called on parents to sensitise their children to the dangers of using illicit drugs.

The NDLEA Director- General, Mrs. Roli Bode-George, who lamented drug abuse and trafficking among youths, said parents needed to join hands with the agency in the campaign against illicit drugs.

Bode-George spoke in Lagos State on Wednesday during a walk against drug abuse and trafficking.

The walk, which aimed at creating awareness on the dangers of narcotics, was part of the activities to mark the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking which would hold on June 26.

She said, “The agency seeks to increase the level of awareness concerning drug abuse and trafficking. There are people who have drug abuse challenges but do not know how to get solutions. Some of these people have died while others are confined to psychiatric hospitals. Parents can help to save a life from illicit drug use today if only they can listen more and seek help for children before and when they get hooked on illicit drugs.”

Speaking on the theme of the World Drug Day, tagged, “Listen First,” the DG urged parents and guardians not to be provoked by the involvement of their loved ones in drug abuse. She appealed that drug addicts should be given attention and counselled accordingly.

Male hairdressers: Why women prefer them

WHEN you think hairdressing, you naturally think women and nothing more. But that isn’t the case anymore as more and more young men continue to give female hairstylists a real run for their money. A visit by Woman’s Own to major hairdressing hubs around town proved this—and we’re sure you’ve got proofs in your neighbourhood too.

Interestingly, these men do not require luxurious shops to steal the hearts of customers. With a make-shift salon of any kind, any female hairstylist who has got a shop near one of them either folds up in no time or branches into other trades to stay relevant and earn a living.

It however still remains a mystery how men would become better at dressing a woman’s hair—a business that was traditionally female, than women themselves.

Attention to detail: But are they (men) actually better at hair making or is it all in the mind of women who are perhaps thrilled about having the opposite sex touch their hair? Why do customers swarm around them like bees to honey? “I think they pay more attention to detail.

That’s where they beat female hair stylists. Women around me prefer them too. If you go to prominent hairstylists in Surulere in Lagos for example, you’ll find that they are owned by men and also attract A-list artists and celebrities from across the country. In fact, one of the best hairstylists in Nigeria today is Ugo Igbokwe and he is male.

The Super Eagles will fall into the same group with one among Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ghana and Senegal in the Russia 2018 World Cup final qualifiers, which draw will hold in Cairo tomorrow.

This follows the latest decision by world football governing body, FIFA, to alter the seeding for the group draw with Egypt promoted to Pot One, Guinea and Cameroun climbing to Pot Two, while Tunisia, Nigeria and Mali have been demoted to Pot Three.

In Pot One are Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt; Pot Two contains Tunisia, Cape Verde, Democratic Republic of Congo, Guinea and Cameroun, while Pot Three has Congo Brazzaville, Nigeria, Morocco, Mali and South Africa.

Pot Four comprises Uganda, Burkina Faso, Zambia, Gabon and Libya.

The 20 teams going for the final round of the qualifiers will be split into five groups with the winners qualifying for the finals in Russia.

At least three persons were feared dead while several others were injured after an oil tanker caught fire in the Kara-Ibafo, Ogun State end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the explosion occurred around 10pm on Tuesday.

It was gathered that the explosion, which spread to another tanker and three other vehicles, caused a serious gridlock on both lanes of the expressway.

While some motorists passed the night in the traffic, others spent several hours before they could navigate through the scene of the crash.

Many residents returning from their workplaces had to walk miles to reach their destinations as the standstill persisted till 1pm on Wednesday when the wreckage was removed by emergency officials.

The emergency officials comprised those of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps, the Ogun State Fire Service, the Nigeria Police Force and the Nigerian Army.

Vehicular movement along the axis was at snail pace as of 7pm on Wednesday as the gridlock had stretched to the Ojodu Berger area of Lagos State and the Mowe area of Ogun State.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the fuel-laden tanker, which was heading for Ibadan, Oyo State, had fallen around 9pm on Tuesday, after crashing into a concrete used to demarcate the road as a result of the ongoing construction work on the expressway.

Regular intake of okra soup could provide novel ‘cure’ for diabetes, breast and prostate cancers, stomach disorders, prolonged labour during childbirth and goitre (caused by iodine deficiency). However, okra may not be very good for males who are still producing children especially those that have previously had infertility problems. CHUKWUMA MUANYA, Assistant Editor (Head Insight Team, Science and Technology) writes.

Commonly called okro, okra or Lady’s fingers in English; the French call it gombo or gumbo and to the Portuguese it is quiabo, quiabeiro or quingombo.

Scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, okra belongs to the plant family malvaceae. In Nigeria it is called ikhiavbo in Edo, etigi in Efik, ikhiabo in Esan, okmi in Gwari, bera or dan dawan betso in Hausa, oro kpoloko in Igala, atike in Ibibio, okwulu or okwuru in Igbo, ihaa in Isoko, dena in Jukun, gebalgo in Kanuri, kpanmi roko in Nupe, ishavbo in Urhobo, ila in Yoruba, among others.

Can okra help reduce symptoms of diabetes – a group of diseases that includes type 1 diabetes; type 2 diabetes, and gestational diabetes?

Musician, Duncan Mighty in an Instagram post on Wednesday said that he had a successful meeting with the Niger Delta Avengers.

He is currently serving as the Coalition of South South Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture Youth/Brand Ambassador and he said that because of this meeting he had, he is proud of his job.

Photo Credit:Instagram/ Duncan Mighty

Open Heavens 23 June 2016: Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A Worthy Offering

Topic: A Worthy Offering [Thursday 23, June 2016]

Memorise: Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. – 2 Corinthians 9:7

Read: Luke 21:1-4 (KJV)

V1 And he looked up, and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury.

V2 And he saw also a certain poor widow casting in thither two mites.

V3 And he said, Of a truth I say unto you, that this poor widow hath cast in more than they all:

V4 For all these have of their abundance cast in unto the offerings of God: but she of her penury hath cast in all the living that she had.

MESSAGE:

Out of her poverty, this widow gave all she had. Those who lack understanding can never fathom why this woman had to give all she had. She did it because she was grateful to God for the salvation for her soul. For all that must come to Jesus, must express their appreciation for the salvation of their souls. Those who find it difficult to give a worthy offering to God are usually those who believe that it is the effort of their hands that has earned them all that they have. But this is not true because it is the blessing of the Lord that maketh rich and addeth no sorrow. There are people who are so selfish, that they prefer to consume their wealth upon their lusts rather than meet a desperate need even when it is so glaring. The widow simply gave out of her heart of gratitude for all that the Lord had done in her life. Every opportunity we have to give to God is an opportunity to respond to the grace of God which is extended to us for our enjoyment.

Lagos Warns Residents To Stay Away From 'Dry' Ogun River

The Lagos State Government on Monday warned residents to keep off the Ogun River, near the Kara Cattle Market which was recently blocked by vegetation, saying that the river could open up at any time with dire consequences.

Last weekend, the river was taken over by vegetation, caused by a heavy storm, which created a compacted layer over the river.

Residents in the area were stunned by the incident and turned the area to a tourist site of some sort, with some residents seen walking on the blocked river and taking pictures.

But the State Government in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Waterfront Infrastructure Development, Engr. Adebowale Akinsanya, said it was dangerous for residents to besiege the dry area as the flow of the river was still active beneath.

2018 FIFA W/Cup draw holds Friday

The draw for the qualifying tournament for the 2018 World Cup in Russia will be staged Friday by 4pm Nigerian time at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt.

Twenty teams will be drawn into five groups of four teams each to play on home and away basis from October 2016 to November 2017 with the overall winners advancing to the World Cup.

The qualifiers include Algeria,Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Tunisia, Egypt, South Africa, Mali, Guinea, Cape Verde and Cameroon. Nigeria have qualified for five World Cups previously – 1994, 1998, 2002, 2010 and 2014.

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick has sworn to ensure Nigeria qualifies for the Mundial. “We will do everything humanly possible to ensure our qualification,” Pinnick said.

Meanwhile, The world football governing body FIFA has released the special ranking for African teams ahead of the draw for the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

According to the new rankings, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are likely to be in pot three that includes Congo, Morocco, Mali and South Africa. Algeria, Cote d‘ Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal and Egypt are the top seeded teams for the continent and are drawn in pot one.

Tunisia, Cape Verde Islands, Congo Democratic Republic, Guinea and Cameroon are drawn in pot two.

I’ll give Nigerians nothing but the best, says new IGP

Ibrahim Kpotum Idris, acting inspector-general of police (IGP), says he will do everything possible to give his best to Nigeria.

Addressing state house correspondents at the end of a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Idris laid emphasis on accountability and integrity.

Idris was accompanied by Solomon Arase, his predecessor.

“That is the issue of integrity and accountability, issue of respect for diversity, issue of compassion, issues of ensuring that our streets, our neighbourhoods, our communities remain safe,” he said.

“We are going to do everything possible to ensure that we provide the best service to this country.”

Man, 30, beats sister-in-law to pulp over barrennes

One Ojeriahi Victor, 30, yesterday, appeared before an Ogudu Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State for allegedly beating his elder brother’s wife to a pulp because she was barren. It was alleged that the accused told their neighbours that he beat up his sister-in-law because she had refused to give his elder brother a child after five years of marriage.

Ojeriahi, a businessman who lives on Ibefun Street, Alapere, is facing a one-count charge of assault occasioning harm. The prosecutor, Mr. Lucky Ihiehie, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 14 at the complainant’s residence. Ihiehie said that the incident happened shortly after the complainant, a trader, came back from the market that night.

Ihiehie said: “She looked for the key where her husband normally kept it for her, but did not find it. As she waited outside for her husband to come back, her brother in-law came into the compound. “He walked to where she was standing and pushed her. She fell.” The prosecutor, a sergeant, said that the accused took the torchlight the complainant was holding and started hitting her face.

“The accused beat her to a pulp until neighbours came to her rescue,” he added. Ihiehie said that as soon as the complainant’s husband came back and saw what his younger brother had done, he confronted him and was about to beat him up when neighbours stopped him. He said that the accused narrated to the neighbours that he beat up his sister in-law because she had refused to give his elder brother a child after five years of marriage.

The prosecutor said that the offence contravened the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused, who pleaded not guilty to the offence, alleged that the complainant refused to let him into the house when he came back from work. The magistrate, Mrs O. S. Amzat, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N10,000 with two reliable sureties and adjourned the matter till July 17.

Euro 2016; England Players Return To Their Base Looking Dejected After Disappointing Match. Photos

A dejected England squad returned to their base in Chantilly following a laboured 0-0 draw with Slovakia on Monday night which saw them surrender top spot in Group B at Euro 2016. The Three Lions finished runners-up in the group with five points, while rivals Wales were first with six after beating Russia 3-0.

The most dejected seemed to be Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere, who was pictured holding the team's cuddly toy mascot Leo, with his mournful frown.

After two days of protest by workers of the ministry of finance which led to a total shut down of business activities at the headquarters of the ministry, the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun on Wednesday finally showed up at the ministry.

The finance minister who had for the past two days avoided the protesting workers by staying away from the office arrived at the ministry at about 8am with her convoy amidst tight security.

An indication that the minister would come to the office was given during the early hours of the day as over 70 security personnel from the Nigerian Police Force were stationed at strategic locations both within and outside the premises of the ministry.

Their presence according to one of them who spoke in confidence was to prevent a breakdown of the law and order and to also forestall any form of attack on the minister, the workers had for the past two days protested the non payment of their Special Overtime Allowance which according to them is about N1.2bn.

Rep. Ikon writes US ambassador: I couldn’t even have sex so why would I seek a prostitute?

Samuel Ikon, one of the three lawmakers named in an alleged sex scandal in the US, has written to the country’s ambassador in Nigeria to defend himself, maintaining that he was not in good health to have sought the company of a prostitute.

James F. Entwistle, the US ambassador to Nigeria, had written to Yakubu Dogara, speaker of the house of representatives, alleging that Ikon (Akwa Ibom), Mohammed Gololo (Bauchi) and Mark Gbillah (Benue) allegedly sought illicit sex while attending the Leadership Visitor Program in the US in April.

He said Gololo grabbed a housekeeper in his hotel room and solicited her for sex, while the others asked a park attendant to help procure the services of prostitutes.

But Ikon, who represents the Etinan/Nsit Ibom/Nsit Ubium constituency, said he almost did not make it to the US because he had malaria and typhoid.

He also said he was treating high levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) and could not have sex even if he wanted to.

Ikon promised to make the evidence available, and also wondered why the US government did not give him fair hearing before concluding that he was involved in the alleged scandal.

Sports Minister, Solomon Dalung, believes the leadership crisis in Nigeria’s football has continued to fester because “there’s more money there than in the oil industry,” reports african football.com.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has been embroiled in a leadership tussle for the past two years since elections to the executive committee in Warri.

Dalung has now traced the crisis to the money in the game and the many selfish interests chasing this money, which he said is more than what is obtainable in the oil sector where Nigeria is one of the leading players in Africa.

“There’s more cash in football than in the oil sector and there is so much selfish interests and as a result we have this crisis,” Dalung said on a Hausa interview programme broadcast by Freedom Radio Kano yesterday morning.

See Photos Of Inside Michael Jackson's Secret Underage S*x Closet As Revealed By Authorities.

A new video has been released of the November 2003 raid of Michael Jackson's home by 70 members of the Santa Barbara County District Attorney's Office and Sheriff's Department which uncovered his collection of p*rnography and photos featuring young boys unclad.

The video shows almost all of Jackson's home, from the arcade room to his bedroom and the many life-size mannequins he had throughout his Neverland Ranch.

This raid also revealed for the first time the King of Pop's secret closet, hidden in the back of his bedroom and kept closed with three deadlocks.

Many of these books and videos found in the raid were also detailed in court papers from the time, submitted after a young boy came forward claiming that he had been sexually abused and assaulted by the singer on multiple occasions.

Ooni Of Ife And His Crew Cause Panic During Traditional Performance In Washington D.C. Photos

The Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and his crew caused quite a scare as they performed traditionally at the Smithsonian Museum of African Art, Washington DC yesterday June 21st. The Washington D.C fire brigade stormed the venue after they were called in following displays of fire and smoke. They later left after they were informed of what was really happening. See pictures below;

And the trend continues. A lady seeking for employment -was spotted carrying a placard with her details this morning at CMS traffic in Lagos. According to her, she has HND in Hospitality Management.

Open Heavens 22 June 2016: Daily Devotional by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Acceptable Sacrifice

Topic: Acceptable Sacrifice [Wednesday 22, June 2016]

Memorise: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. – Romans 12:1

Read: Isaiah 66:1-5 (KJV)

V1 Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?

V2 For all those things hath mine hand made, and all those things have been, saith the LORD: but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.

V3 He that killeth an ox is as if he slew a man; he that sacrificeth a lamb, as if he cut off a dog's neck; he that offereth an oblation, as if he offered swine's blood; he that burneth incense, as if he blessed an idol. Yea, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delighteth in their abominations.

V4 I also will choose their delusions, and will bring their fears upon them; because when I called, none did answer; when I spake, they did not hear: but they did evil before mine eyes, and chose that in which I delighted not.

V5 Hear the word of the LORD, ye that tremble at his word; Your brethren that hated you, that cast you out for my name's sake, said, Let the LORD be glorified: but he shall appear to your joy, and they shall be ashamed.

Wednesday, 29 June 2016

Tuesday, 28 June 2016

Monday, 27 June 2016

PRE-BREXIT ERA

Friday, 24 June 2016

Thursday, 23 June 2016

Wednesday, 22 June 2016