Saturday 30 November 2013

Daily Manna: A Blessed Union. Sunday 01, December 2013

Daily Manna: A Blessed Union
Sunday 01, December 2013
TEXT: GENESIS 24:61-67

KEY VERSE: “And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death” (Genesis 24:67).

Marriage is a unique relationship established by God to fulfill His plan and purpose on earth through man (Genesis 1:27,28). No wonder Solomon, the wisest man of his time, said, “live joyfully with the wife whom thou lovest all the days of the life of thy vanity” (Ecclesiastes 9:9). The marriage institution is established to better the lives of both spouses. The benefits of marriage are best realized when both spouses are committed to it. A breach in the duties and obligations of marriage by either or both partners, often leads to frustration and disappointment.

Our text x-rays the possibility of a joyful, blissful and fulfilling marital life in the midst of all negative experiences arising from different quarters. The basic indispensable ingredients of a satisfying relationship in marriage as revealed in our text are acceptance and love on the part of the husband and submission from the wife. Isaac loved Rebecca and brought her to himself and she became his wife. Rebecca on her part, submitted to the headship of the man and became a comfort to him. A home where there is peace is a home where there is no fault-finding, hardness and bitterness on the side of both husband and wife.

Godly communication is the lubricant of marriage and family relationship. There must be a cordial relationship, with a determination to produce a lively and productive togetherness.

Couples must learn to accept and appreciate one another. No two individuals can ever be the same. Hence, offences must be overlooked to create room for reconciliation even as both strive to create the enabling environment for children to flourish.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: A blessed conjugal union is the product of two blood-washed saints, free from ego and pride.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE!

Friday 29 November 2013

Daily Manna: Effectual, Fervent Prayer Please! Saturday 30, November 2013

Daily Manna: Effectual, Fervent Prayer Please!
Saturday 30, November 2013
TEXT: ACTS 4:23-37

KEY VERSE: “And when they heard that, they lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, Lord, thou art God…And when they had prayed, the place was shaken where they were assembled together; and they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and they spake the word of God with boldness” (Acts. 4:24a,31).

A Professor once remarked that there are elements that will always stand against success in life. “When one starts a project,” he said, “they (elements) want to truncate it; when one has a goal or vision in life, they threaten to obliterate it.” “Therefore,” he concludes, “those in quest of excellence, must take appropriate action, buckle up and be determined to achieve success at all costs.”

The devil knew quite well that Jesus Christ had commissioned His disciples, before His ascension, to “Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature”, and that this must begin from Jerusalem (Mark 16:15; Acts 1:8). Therefore, he wanted to truncate that move which had rightly begun in Jerusalem by the disciples.

As soon as the disciples performed their first notable miracle, it facilitated the preaching of the gospel by attracting many to the Lord. The enemies of the gospel moved swiftly to stop it. They arrested Peter and John and locked them up.Their intention was to instill fear in the hearts of the disciples thus preventing them from fulfilling Jesus’ mandate. Thank God the disciples knew the appropriate action to take. They were determined to be successful in ministry and that they did! They employed the appropriate instrument of prayer and God came to their rescue.

It is good to know that the only solution when confronted with any problem is to seek the face of God in prayer. A mindless resort to complaining, grumbling and despondency is unhelpful. The prayer that will cause the Holy Ghost to come down will be the effectual fervent prayer of the righteous (James 5:16). This prayer cannot be ignored by heaven; a prayer that causes things to happen!

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Importunate, fervent prayer is key to overcoming the challenges of life.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE!

Thursday 28 November 2013

Daily Manna: Eli's Compromise. Friday 29, November 2013

Daily Manna: Eli's Compromise
Friday 29, November 2013
TEXT: 1 SAMUEL 2:20-36

KEY VERSE: “Wherefore kick ye at my sacrifice and at mine offering, which I have commanded in my habitation; and honourest thy sons above me, to make yourselves fat with the chiefest of all the offerings of Israel my people?” (1 Samuel 2:29).

Someone once wrote: ‘some sins, like the falling of heavy burden in still water, produce wider and more violent effects than do others. The effect is always pernicious but when prominent men and professed servants of God sin, the consequences are painfully and conspicuously injurious’.

In the earlier verses of this chapter, we read about the nature of the sin of Eli’s two sons and how they carried them out with recklessness and mindless frivolities. In an apparent sinful acquiescence, Eli their father had only said: “I hear of your evil dealings, by all this people” (verse 23). He could have gone ahead to invoke the necessary penalty. Yet, he curiously refused to do so.

On the other hand, Hannah and her husband never relented in their desire that Samuel should turn out an acceptable servant of God as they continued to visit him with precious and encouraging presents. Little wonder then, the Lord visited Hannah so that she conceived and bare three sons and two daughters. They lent one child, Samuel, to the Lord and got five back. What a gracious God!

Our text teaches us some very vital lessons on sowing and reaping. The lending of the child Samuel to the Lord resulted in a more bountiful blessings as the woman who was mocked for her barrenness became a mother of six.

But Eli’s failure both as a father and a minister of God to discipline his sinful sons attracted God’s judgment upon the entire family. Disrespect and disregard for the priesthood will always attract a just recompense of judgment from the Lord who is of purer eyes than to behold iniquity. Paradoxically, the laity who walk humbly and justly with a contrite disposition will surely receive a glorious upliftment from God.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It is safer to daily work out one’s salvation with fear and trembling.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE!

Tuesday 26 November 2013

Details on JAMB registration for 2014/2015 academic session.

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) invites applications from suitably qualified candidates for admission into Nigeria Tertiary Institutions through the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for the 2014/2015 academic session which shall be on Computer Based Test (CBT) with the option of Dual Based Test (DBT) and Paper Pencil Test (PPT).

2.0 Registration Period
2.1 The registration period is 4th November, 2013 to 14th March, 2014 and the website closes on Tuesday, 25th March, 2014.

3.0 General Entry Requirements
3.1 The general entry requirements approved for admission into the First Degree, National Diploma (ND), National Innovation Diploma (MD), and Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in Universities, other Degree-Awarding Institutions, Monotechnics, Polytechnics, Innovation Enterprise Institutes and Colleges of Education are available in the Brochure which accompanies registration materials.

3.2 Please note that a matriculated student in any university is not eligible to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) except those who are transferring from foreign Universities.

3.3 Entry by Direct Application (DE)
Applicants with one of the following qualifications may be considered for admission by Direct Entry:
A minimum of five (5) subjects passed at not more than two sittings with at least two at the Principal or Advanced level of the G.C.E. and the others, at credit level of the SSCE/GCE, NTC/NBC. No subject shall be counted at both Ordinary and Advanced levels.
Two passes at the LIMB Advanced Level Examination or Cambridge moderated Schools of Basic Studies Terminal Examination or Institute of Baccalaureate from recognised institutions with SSCE/GCE, NTS/NBC credits equivalent in three other subjects (SUBJECT TO UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS).
Passes in two major subjects in the NCE with S.S.C.E, NTC/NBC credits or equivalents in THREE other subjects (mainly for Education Courses). Education may be accepted as a third A’Level subject for those taking courses in Education.
4.0 Change of Courses and/or Institutions.
Change of course(s) and/or institutions shall be allowed by the Board after the release of results.
The fee for change of course(s) and/or institutions is N2,500.00 (Two Thousand, Five Hundred Naira only).
5.0 Date and Venue for the 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination
The date for the conduct of the examination is Saturday, 5th April, 2014 for Paper Pencil Test (PPT) and Dual Based Test (DBT). The date for Computer Based Test (CBT) will be announced later.
The venue of the examination will be at the candidates’ chosen town during on-line registration.
6.0 Registration Fees
6.1 Registration fee for the 2014 Unified Tertiary Matriculation
Examination is Four Thousand Naira (N4,000) only payable in cash in any of the approved banks listed below:
Union Bank Plc
Zenith Bank Plc
Skye Bank Plc

6.2 Application documents can also be obtained from any of JAMB Offices across the country with Bank Draft addressed to THE REGISTRAR, JAMB and made payable in Abuja.

7.0 Registration Documents.
At the point of purchase of the c-registration scratch cards, the following documents shall be made available for collection by every candidate.
Writing Materials and Calc1ilator. These should be kept and brought to the examination centre on the day of the examination.
Syllabus for the examination in soft copy.
Guidelines on admission (Brochure) in soft and hard copies, detailing list of Tertiary Institutions and available programmes of study.
7.1 Please note that the items listed above are at NO EXTRA cost to the candidates.

8.0 Registration Centres
The Board has obtained the list of accredited cyber-cafes throughout the country from the National Communication Commission (NCC).
All cyber-cafe owners who are interested in the UTME registration exercise should visit JAM B’s website for necessary documentation.
Documentation of cyber-cafes is compulsory as it is being introduced to prevent fraudulent practices that can jeopardise the interest of the candidates.
Candidates are advised to register at such cyber-cafés only for a fee not more than Seven Hundred Naira (N700.00).
9.0 General Information
The registration fee, once paid is not refundable.
Registration for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is On-line (via internet) and all applicants are advised to register by themselves. All required information must be provided.
Applicants are advised to read and understand the instructions on how to complete the on-line registration before visiting any cybercafé that has flatbed scanner or digital camera to handle passport photograph capture.
Candidates should study the guidelines on admission before registration.
Candidates who damage or lose their scratch cards before registration will have to purchase another scratch card.
Multiple entries are not allowed. Candidates who register more than once will have their entire results cancelled.
Candidates should note that their uploaded image or photograph will be embossed on their result slips and admission letters.
Candidates can access the Board’s website on www.jamb.org.ng for registration using the registration scratch card. Registration can be done on the website at anytime within the stipulated registration period through any of the accredited and authorised internet cafes.
Candidates are to note that irrespective of their choice of course of study or method of testing, they will also be tested on these two general books.
The Successors by Jerry Agada
The Potter’s Wheel by Chukwuemeka Ike
Candidates are to note that there will be no extension of the date of registration.

Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board
National Headquarters
Suleja Road, Bwari,
P.M.B. 189, Gark1, Abuja, Nigeria.
Phone: 08072522813, 07031283713, 07031283662, 08080116631.
Website http://www.jambng.com, http://www.jambonline.org, http://www.jamb.org.ng. Email: enquiries@jambng.com .

LAGOS
11, Ojora Road, Ikoyi
PMB 12748, Lagos
Lagos State
Email: jambconsult@hyperia.com
Tel: 08058510273 (Mr. Kamaldeen Oladeji)

HEADQUARTERS ANNEXES
Liaison Office (FCT)
2nd Floor, Annex II
Federal Secretariat Complex
Shehu Shagari Way, Abuja
Tel: 08035769697 (Mr. Ademiloye Babatope)

KADUNA
Tafawa Balewa Way
PMB 2200, Kaduna
Kaduna State
Tel: 08033338039 (Mr. Matthew Audu)

Wednesday 20 November 2013

Daily Manna: Be Not Deceived. Thursday 21, November 2013

Daily Manna: Be Not Deceived
Thursday 21, November 2013
TEXT: 1 CORINTHIANS 6:1-20

KEY VERSE: “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind” (1 Corinthians 6:9).

Man’s entire being is to be regulated by sound moral principles. God in His unique wisdom knew that man’s freedom to choose his actions must be moderated by a stronger force, the force of God’s law, which if he obeys, his choice of action would not be his ruin.

The brethren in the church that was at Corinth displayed a lot of carnal behaviours. Disagreements among them were rife and they took easy recourse to the law courts. Litigations were very common and should not have been so. This is because it is doubtful whether the unbelieving court official’s could adjudicate in matters brought before them with appropriate godly wisdom.

Man, as a free moral agent, must choose to honour God. Moreover, believers have a binding duty to preserve their body and stay away from sin for the purpose of inheriting God’s kingdom. Sinners may make a joke of hell and heaven. Yet, the truth remains unflagging that “it is appointed unto men once to die but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27).

The escape route is still open to all. Today, “if you will hear his voice, harden not your heart.” The door of salvation is still open. Do not mortgage an endless eternity for the brief so-called enjoyment of sin today. Christ is still receiving sinful men and women and He will receive you if only you will come to him now in repentance.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: It’s deadly to toy with sin.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE!

Tuesday 19 November 2013

South African Bafana beat the World Champs Spain

South Africa recorded a famous 1-0 win over World and European champions Spain in an international friendly at FNB Stadium on Tuesday night.

Bernard Parker scored the decisive goal 10 minutes into the second half as Bafana Bafana racked up a victory that will boost both their self-confidence and placing in Fifa World Rankings.

Spain dominated the opening quarter hour and enjoyed the majority of possession, though they didn’t really create any clear scoring chances. Striker David Villa twice had the ball in the back of the net for the visitors, but he was correctly flagged offside on both occasions.

Bafana Bafana gradually grew into the game and on 18 minutes they almost opened the scoring via a deflected Oupa Manyisa shot that bounced away off the top of the crossbar with goalkeeper Iker Casillas left stranded.

Two minutes later Casillas was called upon to make the first notable save of the match, punching away a well-struck long-range effort from Bernard Parker.

Juventus forward Fernando Llorente had a free header in the 27th minute after some weak defending from Bongani Khumalo, but the tall Spaniard put his effort wide of the target with only Itumeleng Khune to beat.

The last chance of the first half went the way of Khumalo in injury time. The centre-back got on the end of Parker’s corner kick, but put his header wide of the near post to leave the game goalless at the break.

International Friendly: South Africa v Spain

Duration: 5 min, 0 sec
Highlights of the International Friendly match between South Africa and Spain from FNB Stadium

Bafana also created the first clear opening of the second half, with Tokelo Rantie put free on goal down the right of the penalty area, but he blazed a shot over the bar when a square pass may have seen Parker score a tap-in.
On 54 minutes Spain created a great chance to break the deadlock, with left-back Nacho Monreal put through on goal, but his attempt to beat Khune at his near post was well saved by the goalkeeper.

Two minutes later Bafana Bafana took the lead against the run of play. Rantie played a low cross from the left, Oupa Manyisa provided a perfectly weighted ball for the run of Parker, who was able to chip substitute goalkeeper Victor Valdes and find the back of the net despite an attempted clearance on the goal line.

Spain ran into a problem late in the game when ‘keeper Valdes went down with a knee injury and was forced off the pitch with the visitors having used up their allotted six substitutions. Alvaro Arbeloa initially put on the goalkeeper’s jersey, but – after much argument on the sidelines – Pepe Reina was allowed on and the visitors were able to end the game with a full complement of players.

Reina made a crucial save in the 85th minute to deny Rantie one-on-one and keep the Spaniards in with a chance of rescuing the game, but it wasn’t to be for the World Cup winners, whose return to FNB Stadium ended in defeat.

South Africa (0) 1 (Parker 56’)

Spain 0

SA: Khune, Ngcongca, Khumalo (Xulu 46’), Nthethe, Matlaba, Furman, Jali (Mokotjo 50’), Manyisa (Zungu 63’), Claasen (Tshabalala 46’), Parker (Patosi 90+3’), Rantie

Spain: Casillas (Valdes 46’ [Reina 81’]), Arbeloa, Albiol, Ramos, Monreal, Busquets, Alonso (Mata 62’), Iniesta (Koke 75’), Pedro (Navas 62’), Villa (Negredo 57’), Llorente (Cazorla 46’)

Source: SuperSport.com

Nigeria’ll sell oil refineries next year – Diezani

NIGERIA, Africa’s largest oil producer, plans to begin privatizing its four state-owned oil refineries before the end of the first quarter, Petroleum Minister Diezani Alison-Madueke said.
Alison-Madueke said in an interview with Bloomberg TV Africa in London, “We would like to see major infrastructural entities such as refineries moving out of government hands into the private sector. Government does not want to be in the business of running major infrastructure entities and we haven’t done a very good job at it over all these years.”
Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke
Mrs Deziani Alison-Madueke
A presidential audit of the facilities last year recommended their sale due to inadequate government funding and “sub-optimal performance.” The refineries, which have a combined 445,000 barrel-a-day capacity, should be privatized within 18 months, according to the report submitted to President Goodluck Jonathan in November 2012. Nigeria, a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, produced 1.99 million barrels a day of crude in October, data compiled by Bloomberg show.
While Nigeria is also Africa’s top crude exporter and the most populous with more than 160 million people, it relies on fuel imports to meet more than 70 percent of its needs. Its state-owned plants operate at a fraction of their capacity because of poor maintenance and aging equipment. Nigeria also exchanges 60,000 barrels a day of crude for products with Trafigura Beheer BV and a similar amount with Societe Ivoirienne de Raffinage’s refinery in Ivory Coast, according to Nigeria National Petroleum Corp.
“We are right now undergoing a major turnaround maintenance program” of the refineries, Alison-Madueke said.
Improvements to the two-unit 210,000 barrel-a-day Port Harcourt refinery, the country’s biggest, will be completed by the end of the year, to be followed by enhancements at the Warri and Kaduna sites in 2014, according to the NNPC. Warri has a daily processing capacity of 125,000 and Kaduna 110,000 barrels.
Towards the end of former President Obasanjo’s administration in 2007, the refineries were sold to companies owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote and Femi Otedola, but the sale was reversed by the President Musa Yar’Adua government that took over from Obasanjo.

Source: Vanguard
- See more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2013/11/nigeriall-sell-oil-refineries-next-year-diezani/#sthash.WCv5gozF.xaPMZRvt.dpuf

Monday 18 November 2013

NIGERIA vs ITALY. - today, get the full gist and kick off time.

Kick-off:  8.45 p.m.
Africa champions Nigeria are set to close out a phenomenal 2013 with a clash against Italy today at Craven Cottage.
Both sides have secured their place at next year’s FIFA World Cup, with this match offering them an opportunity to set the tone for next year.

NIGERIA, Calabar : Nigeria’s (top L-R) midfielder John Obi Mikel, defender Kenneth Omeruo, forward Brown Ideye, forward Emmanuel Emenike, defender Godfrey Oboabona, defender Efe Ambrose, (bottom L-R) midfielder Victor Moses, defender Uwa Echiejile, goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama, midfielder Ogenyi Onazi and midfielder Ahmed Musa pose for a group picture before the 2014 FIFA World Cup African zone second leg play-off football match between Nigeria and Ethiopia in Calabar on November 16, 2013. Nigeria won 2-0. AFP PHOTO/
The respective mangers will be free will to tinker with their line-ups in London as they begin preparations for Brazil.
Nigeria will have to consider a replacement for Godfrey Oboabona,
while Italy will look to cover for Andrea Barzagli after both players were injured and pulled off in their team’s respective matches this past weekend.
The Super Eagles were unbeaten in all eight matches of their World Cup qualifying campaign. They topped Group F to set up a contest against Ethiopia in the mandatory playoffs.
The men from west Africa won with a 4-1 aggregate score, after beating Ethiopia 2-1 away in the first leg and 2-0 in the return leg played on home-soil on Saturday. Goals by Victor Moses and Victor Obinna cemented their place in the showpiece.
While Nigeria played their CAF play-off, the Azzurri tested themselves against Germany at the San Siro.
AC Milan right-back Ignazio Abate cancelled Mats Hummels’ goal to secure a 1-1 draw and maintain Italy’s record of having not lost to the Germans since 1995.
Cesare Prandelli’s charges were convincing in their qualifying campaign, also going unbeaten to top Group B four points ahead of Denmark.

Source: Vanguard

WELCOME TO DAY 3 UPDATES OF ANAMBRA ELECTION - 18th November, 2013.


6:10am: INEC declares Anambra Governorship Election ‘inconclusive’. To hold supplementary election across the state.
6:50am: In the official result announced by INEC, out of 21 Local Governments,APGA candidate,Willie Obiano won in 16 LGAs.
7:10am: Comrade Tony Nwoye of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Dr Chris Ngige of All Progressives Congress won in two councils each. While PDP won in Dunukofia and Oyi, APC won Idemili North and Idemili South where Ngige holds sway.
7:15am: Dr Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour Party only won in his local governemt area, Nnewi North Local Government.
7:20am: Summary of election results
APGA won 16 LGAs, with 174,710 votes
PDP won in 2 LGAs, with 94,956 votes
APC won in 2LGAs, with 92,300 votes
LP won in 1LGA, with 37,466 votes
8:30am: 16LGAs won by Obiano of APGA are: Aguata, Ayamelum, Anambra East, Anambra West, Anaocha, Awka North, Awka South, Ekwusigo, Ihiala, Njikoka, Nnewi South, Ogbaru, Onitsha North, Onitsha South, Orumba North and Orumba South.
8:33am: Tony Nwoye of PDP won Dunukofia and Oyi LGAs; Dr Chris Ngige of APC won Idemili North and Idemili South councils,while
Ifeanyi Ubah of Labour Party won Nnewi LGA

Banks plan shut down nation wide over DSS detention of officers

Indications emerged, weekend, that banks operating in the country may shut down operations nation wide in protest over the continued detention of key officers of about 18 banks by the Department of State Services over allegation of money laundery.
The arrest and detention of the officers was generating panic and furor in banking quarters following over two weeks arrest and detention without charges brought against the concerned bankers.

*File Photo
Senior personnel of 18 Nigerian banks have been languishing in detention in the holding facility of the Department of State Services  for almost two weeks over allegations of terrorist financing and money laundering alleged by government functionaries to have been perpetrated by Aminu Suleiman Lamido, son of Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Sule Lamido.
Aminu and his brother, Mustapha Lamido were arrested by Economic and financial Crimes Commission, EFCC,  over an alleged N10 billion fraud.
They were arrested in Kano and flown to Abuja and have since been under interrogation at the Commission’s headquarters.
The banks whose staff have been picked up are Fidelity Bank Plc, First City Monument Bank Plc, FCMB, Wema Bank Plc, Access Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, First Bank Nigeria Limited, FBN, Sterling Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, Zenith Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc, Ecobank Plc, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, GTBank, and Citibank. The DSS, it was learnt, which has been on the trail of Aminu Lamido, had sought an ex parte motion from the Federal High Court, Abuja, to freeze the accounts, in 13 banks, of Adold Engineering Company Limited, believed to be owned by the governor’s son.
The ex parte motion was granted by Justice A.F.A Ademola on November 6, 2013.
The fear of the banks, it was gathered, was that the DSS had no capacity to analyse information sent daily to CBN and EFCC related to money laundering.
They argue that banks on daily basis send report on suspected money laundry activities to the CBN and the EFCC.
stated that: “An order is hereby made freezing the accounts of the underlisted corporate body and financial institutions in the banks (1st  14th respondents) indicated against their names for their suspected involvement with acts of terrorists= financing and money laundering.
“An order is hereby made compelling the 2nd to 14th respondents (the banks) in this case to deliver up and furnish the State Security Service/applicant in this case with the respective bank statements and mandate cards of the 1st (Adold Engineering) and 2nd respondents (Fidelity Bank) in this case.
“An order of the Honourable Court is hereby made keeping the above listed accounts frozen until the conclusion of investigations. The ex parte order of the court made is to last for one month from date of service on the respondents with liberty to party(ies) to comply to this court as they deem fit within the said period.”
A bank chief Executive said that in some of the above banks, the chief inspectors were picked. According to the bank executive who do not want his name in print, last week in one of the banks the Department of State Security officials visited  the head office under the guise of inviting the officials to their Lagos office, but unknown to them they were flown in military aircraft to Abuja. Since then no one has been allowed access to the officials. In one of the first generation banks an Executive Director was picked. Among those being detained by the Department of State Security are Bank Treasurers, head of Information Technology and other key officers whose day to day activities in the banks are key to the operations of banks. The absence of such key officers is causing the banks a lot


Source: Vanguard

Anambra Governorship Election: Ngige, Nwoye, Ubah reject election

AWKA -The three governorship candidates of PDP, APC and LP, Tony Nwoye, Chris Ngige and Ifeanyi Ubah vowed last night to reject whatever result that would be announced by INEC from Saturday and Sunday gubernatorial elections in
Anambra State.
At a joint news conference addressed at 8pm at Finotel Hotel, Awka, Senator Ngige presented the official position of the three contestants on the election.
The three candidates who had earlier in the day expressed their dissatisfaction with the outcome of the election which is yet to be announced by INEC as at press time last night.

From Left; Labour Party candidate, Dr. Ifeanyi Ubah, All Progress Congress candidate Dr Chris Ngige and People Democratic Party candidate Comrade Tony Nwoye at a joint press conference by the  candidates in Awka, Sunday.
Ngige said: “Our stand is that Saturday election was characterized by fraud, malpractices and massive irregularities and we call on INEC to put in place another process to conduct a fresh election to enable the people of Anambra elect their governor that will take over from the present governor on March 17 next year.
“The irregularities clearly noticed included the omission of the names of many voters in the registers presented for the election in the over 4,000 polling units.
We were assured that the process will be free and fair during the stake holder’s meeting with the INEC Chairman, Prof Attahiru Jega, but little did we know that they had planned to disenfranchise many of our supporters by deleting their names from the register everywhere in the local government areas. It was so massive and we hereby reject the voters registers used for this election.
“We were assured by the INEC chairman that the electoral process would be transparent but we experienced was to the contrary.
“Thirdly we discovered that result sheets were translocated other than the purpose for which they were meant. For instance some result sheets meant for some polling booths in Idemili were taken to another area even when they were coded.
“There were massive. harassment and intimidation of voters and our party agents. The party agents’ accreditation cards were described as fake and they were hounded out hence we had no agents at most poling booths.
“There was massive deployment of money by APGA through its serving commissioners, party chieftains, contractors and some other individuals who were deployed to pay each voter as much as N10,000 to vote for APGA.
“Having noticed the various flaws …we have come to inevitable conclusion that this commission is determine to go back to its old ways and that the much gains made in 2011 election is being reversed.
“We therefore urge the INEC to cancel the charade called election conducted in Anambra and deploy transparent officials including a new Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC to conduct a fresh election in the state.
“No election result should be announced as the elections have not been concluded. What they are doing now is an exercise in futility.
“We are peace-loving people in Anambra state and they should not provoke the people to violence. A word is enough for the wise.”
Both Ubah and Nwoye said they all agreed to take a common position on the issue, insisting that the election should be cancelled.

Source: Vanguard

Friday 15 November 2013

Don't miss the final countdown to Brazil 2014

Don't miss the final countdown to Brazil 2014



In the next seven days, the final pieces still missing in the 32-piece puzzle that is the 2014 Fifa World Cup will fall into place.

Twenty one nations, including hosts Brazil, have all booked their place in next year’s football extravaganza. Twenty two will battle it out for the 11 spots still up for grabs, to be broadcast exclusively live on SuperSport.

The World of Champions will broadcast all 15 of the final playoff matches live.

On the continent, Ghana look to have snatched one of the spots after blacking out Egypt’s campaign 6-1 in Kumasi in the first leg.

The second leg should be all but a formality barring a miracle. The Ivory Coast are in a similar position having swatted aside a lacklustre Senegal 3-1.

There’s still everything to play for in the three other fixtures: Nigeria and Burkina Faso hold slender leads against Ethiopia and Algeria respectively while there’s nothing separating Cameroon and Tunisia going into the second leg.

The biggest disappoint looming over Brazil 2014 is that the tournament will be without one of the two most in-form players in the world, Cristiano Ronaldo and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. Portugal and Sweden go head-to-head for one of the four spots still up for grabs for Europe.

The dynamic duo of Edinson Cavani and Luis Suarez are also in danger of missing the World Cup.

After failing to finish in the top four of the South American qualifying campaign with Uruguay, which guarantees automatic qualification, the duo have one last chance to make Brazil 2014 through an intercontinental playoff against Jordan.

BROADCAST DETAILS (CAT, SA, GMT+2)

Wednesday, November 13
Jordan v Uruguay - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N (4:55pm)
Friday, November 15
Greece v Romania - SS8 (8:40pm)
Portugal v Sweden - SS6HD/Maximo (8:40pm)
Iceland v Croatia - SS9 (8:55pm)
Ukraine v France - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N (9:55pm)
Saturday, November 16
Nigeria v Ethiopia - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N/Maximo2/Select (4:30pm)
Senegal vs. Ivory Coast - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N/Maximo/Select (8.30pm)

Sunday, November 16
Cameroon v Tunisia - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N/Maximo/Select (4pm) Tuesday, November 19
Egypt v Ghana - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N/Maximo/Select (5:30pm)
Romania v Greece - SS2HDA/SS5HD/SS5/SS5N (7:55pm)
Algeria v Burkina Faso - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N/Maximo360/Select (8pm)
Croatia v Iceland - SS8 (8:10pm)
Sweden v Portugal - SS7/SS7N/Maximo (8:45pm)
France v Ukraine - SS1HDA/SS6HD/SS6 (9:55pm)

Thursday, November 21
Uruguay v Jordan - SS3HD/SS3/SS3N (10:15pm)

Source: Supersports.com

Monday 4 November 2013

Daily Manna: Praise That Enthralls. Tuesday 05, November 2013

Daily Manna: Praise That Enthralls
Tuesday 05, November 2013
TEXT: PSALM 147:1-20

KEY VERSE: “Praise ye the Lord: for it is good to sing praises unto our God; for it is pleasant; and praise is comely” (Psalm 147:1).

There is a direct relationship between enthralling praise and supernatural intervention. The Bible is replete with such proven examples. Jehoshaphat praised the Lord and the confederacy of enemies against Judah scattered. The Lord Jesus Christ thanked God at Lazarus’ grave and the dead man came back to life. Paul and Silas sang praises too. To those who praise the Lord from truly transformed hearts, God often responds with immediacy. Real praise brings the power of God to bear in our world.

David didn’t praise God just because it caught his fancy. His praise was borne out of an intimate relationship with God, a keen awareness of His majesty and a tacit acknowledgement of His great deeds. He acknowledged God as great in power and understanding. He blessed the Lord for sending forth His commandment upon the earth. Praises ignite God’s power.

Accepted praise cannot be acted out. It is a voluntary acknowledgement of the wholesome nature of the Almighty that is worthy of infinite adulation. Acceptable praise needs be sincere, relational and enthralling.

Do you find it difficult sustaining your praises and thanksgiving before the Lord? Then ask the Lord for a walk in the spirit that compels an instinctive praise and thanksgiving even in the face of stiff challenges. From today, give praise a prominent place in your prayer. Let your praise outstrip narrow supplications and self serving prayer schedule. You will surely discover the awesome power that moves mountains.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Real praise has the capacity to open doors and confound adversaries.

***Share your thoughts and what you've just learnt in the comments section below. Don't forget to SHARE!

TCN To Ration Power For Six Days Due To Shutdown Of Afam Power Plant For Maintenance

Starting from today, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) will ration power across the country for six days so as to carry out a scheduled maintenance work.

A statement by the TCN yesterday announced a reduction in power generation by 400 megawatts due to plant shutdown for maintenance by Shell.

“Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) will be carrying out scheduled maintenance work on Okoloma Gas Plant which supplies gas to Afam VI Power Plant, thereby leading to the shutdown of the power plant, resulting in nationwide power rationing”, the statement said.

The shutdown of Afam VI power plant became necessary to allow SPDC inspect and carry out routine maintenance work on the Okoloma natural gas station in Afam, Rivers State, to ensure its technical integrity.



SPDC revealed that maintenance work on Okoloma gas plant was important to guarantee continuous and uninterrupted supply of gas to Afam VI for power generation into the national grid.

The statement quotes TCN as regretting any inconveniences the six-day power rationing will cause all electricity consumers nationwide.

-Daily Trust

Sunday 3 November 2013

Daily Manna: Avoid That Trap! Monday 04, November 2013

Daily Manna: Avoid That Trap!
Monday 04, November 2013
TEXT: LUKE 4:1-15

KEY VERSE: “And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God” (Luke 4:4).

Hunters who set traps for animals do so not because of their love and care for those animals but to catch them and possibly kill them. They do it to entice and destroy them. Baits are put in traps to entice and kill their victims. Satan uses different kinds of attractions to distract people and ensnare them. Jesus says, “the thief cometh not but for to steal, and to kill and to destroy…” (John 10:10).

The devil tried to make Jesus Christ satisfy His hunger in an ungodly and illegitimate way but He wisely said that man shall not live by bread alone; but by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Satan also demanded worship from Christ and to use His power for vain glory, but Christ defeated him by the word of God. Happily, the Saviour overcame the temptations of the devil.

Temptation is a common experience of every one since the fall in the Garden of Eden. It is an enticement to do evil and sin against God. Circumstances of life are generally the means the devil uses to gain an inroad into every heart. Many of our desires may be normal and good; yet, God wants us to satisfy them in the right and legitimate way.

Every situation has the potential for possible temptation from Satan. Believers must be careful and watchful not to fall into temptation. Christ overcame and lived a holy life, so we can. An attempt to fulfil legitimate desires outside of God’s will is a manipulation of the devil to sin against God. To avoid his trap, we must constantly cross-check all suggestions and align them with the word of God.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Prayerfulness and watchfulness give the victory

Have a wonderful week

Friday 1 November 2013

FG Set To Hand Over Power Assets

As the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) readies to withdraw its members from all Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) facilities across the country tomorrow, plans have also been concluded by the Vice-President, who is also the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation (NCP), Alhaji Namadi Sambo, to formally hand over the physical assets of 14 PHCN successor companies to their new owners.

The event is expected to occur simultaneously at the headquarters of the successor firms across the country where the vice-vresident would be represented by ministers and other top government functionaries.

A statement from the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), which was signed by its spokesman, Chigbo Anichebe, however said the Sapele Generation Company (SGC) would not be affected by the exercise since the NCP had directed its legal committee to undertake a comprehensive legal review of the status of the company following the failure to complete payment by the preferred bidder.

The successor companies expected to be handed over to the new investors include Abuja Distribution Company (owned by KANN Consortium Utility), Benin Distribution Company (Vigeo Power Consortium), Eko Distribution Company (West Power & Gas), Enugu Distribution Company (Interstate Electrics Ltd) and Ibadan Distribution Company (Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Limited).

Others are: Ikeja Distribution Company (NEDC/KEPCO Consortium), Jos Distribution Company (Aura Energy Limited), Kano Distribution Company (Sahelian Power SPV Limited), Port Harcourt Distribution Company (4Power Consortium) and Yola distribution Company (Integrated Energy Distribution & Marketing Limited).

The generation companies expected to be handed over are Shiroro (owned by North-South Power Company), Kainji (Mainstream Energy Solutions Ltd), Geregu (Amperion Power Distribution) and Ughelli (Transcorp Ughelli Power Plc).

Expected to represent the vice-president at the various hand over venues are: Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo (Abuja), Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (Ibadan): and Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Deziani Alison-Madueke (Enugu).

Others are Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga (Eko), Minister of Transport, Senator Idris A. Umar (Kainji/Jebba) and Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed Bello Adoke (Yola).

Others include the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Mohammed Musa Sada (Kano), Minister of Information, Labaran Maku (Jos), Minister of Labour and Productivity, Chief Emeka Wogu (Ughelli) and Minister of State (Works), Ambassador Bashir Yuguda (Shiroro).

Director General of BPE, Mr. Benjamin Ezra Dikki (Ikeja & Egbin), Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Power, Dr. Godswill Igali (Port Harcourt), Chairman, Presidential Task Force on Power, Mr. Beks Dagogo-Jack (Benin) and Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mr. Andrew Yakubu (Geregu), will also participate in the exercise.

Out of the 14 successor companies scheduled for handover, a total of US$2, 525,824,534 has been realised as proceeds so far. US$1,256,000,000.00 out of the amount came from the Distribution Companies (DISCOs), while the Generation Companies (GENCOs) raked in US$1, 269,824,534.

According to the federal government, it has set aside the entire proceed of N384 billion from the transaction to settle labour liabilities.

In its determination to resolve all labour issues before the handover, the BPE said it had despatched a team of consultants and its staff for the biometric data capture of 1, 478 employees of the Enugu Distribution Company who could not be audited because of virus attack on the system where their names were stored.

Meanwhile, the federal government yesterday disclosed that it had paid a total of N214.22 billion to 40,093 workers of the workers as severance allowance, adding that the sum of N80.290 billion had been paid as pensions and gratuities.

While briefing State House correspondents at the end of a meeting of stakeholders in the power sector at the Presidential Villa, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Power, Godknows Igali, said government would ensure that all PHCN workers, whose record had been validated are duly paid their entitlements.

He further said the payment was coming ahead of the handover of the assets of the PHCN by private investors tomorrow simultaneously across the country, stressing that an additional 605 workers have also been validated on Tuesday and their payment have just been paid.

In a statement signed by NUEE’s Secretary, Joe Ajaero, the group claimed that only 68 per cent of the gratuity payment had been made, noting that “no member has received a dime of the pension funds savings into his/her Retirement Savings Account (RSA) as agreed.”

Daily Manna: Be Courageous! Friday 01, November 2013

Daily Manna: Be Courageous!
Friday 01, November 2013
TEXT: JOSHUA 1:1-9

KEY VERSE: “Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest” (Joshua 1:9).

Courage is a contagious virtue, but discouragement and despair are strong weapons in the hand of Satan to destabilise and derail a seemingly mighty strategist. Many mighty men have lost the battles of life in moments of discouragement and despair. So, add to your faith courage to have good success.

Joshua was a brilliant military strategist, a warrior and a special assistant to Moses before the latter died. God told him to take over the leadership of Israel to lead them to the Promised Land. He repeatedly encouraged Joshua to be strong and of good courage.

Change is a natural occurrence in life. Times of difficulty, depression and dire needs often come and go. These periods of crises and challenges are not strange to men and women of God in every generation. Standing on the promises of God courageously is the only panacea when believers are faced with illness, fear, discouragement, disappointment and seemingly overwhelming tasks and circumstances of life. The exit of one person does not necessarily close the chapter of God’s promises for His own people.

Moses’ death was a great blow to Joshua and the nation of Israel. Joshua needed courage to move ahead and fulfil God’s instruction for his life because he was afraid to lead a rebellious nation like Israel.

Courage is the bedrock of success or achievement in life. Only those with persistence, faith and courage can obey divine commands when the task seems impossible. Attitude of dependence on God moves Him to pour His grace upon us and we are empowered to achieve great things.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY: Courage is like a propeller that moves the engine

HAPPY NEW MONTH


Don't forget to share or comment