Monday 30 June 2014

Stephen Keshi: World Cup elimination painful, calls for unity in defeat

Braslia - Stephen Keshi said that his side's World Cup elimination by France in the last 16 was "painful", but vowed that he would not seek out scapegoats.

Bidding to reach the quarter-finals for the first time, Nigeria stood toe to toe with France for much of Monday's match at Brasilia's Mane Garrincha National Stadium, only to lose to two late goals.

A handling error by goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama enabled Paul Pogba to head in a 79th-minute opener and France completed victory in injury time when Joseph Yobo scored an own goal from a Mathieu Valbuena cross.

While both French goals stemmed from Nigerian mistakes, Keshi was adamant that all of his players bore equal responsibility for the African champions' exit.

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi has stepped down from his position after the Super Eagles' exit from the World Cup in Brazil.

France scored twice in the last 11 minutes in Brasilia on Monday to reach the quarter-finals at their expense.

The 52-year-old was appointed Nigeria boss in 2011 and helped them become African champions two years later.

Nigeria captain Joseph Yobo also retired from international football following their exit.

Fenerbahce's Yobo, 33, scored a late own goal after Paul Pogba's header had broken Nigerian resistance.

Coach Keshi becomes the sixth manager to leave his job during the World Cup, following the departures of Honduras's Luis Suarez, Iran's Carlos Queiroz, Japan's Alberto Zaccheroni, Italy's Cesare Prandelli and Ivory Coast's Sabri Lamouchi.

Source

President Jonathan and His Political Deceits

President Goodluck Jonathan while presenting Ayo Fayose to the people of Ekiti state as the PDP candidate for the June 21 governorship election told the electorate in the state that "When you vote Fayose and PDP returns to Ekiti state again, I will join hands with him to develop this state"

My Take: Why is the president not joining hands with Governor Gabriel Suswam to resolve the ten months old strike of primary school teachers in Benue state, controlled by the PDP? Governor Suswam declared " I am cash-strapped and can't pay the money." O mase o.

He is therefore planning to reduce the state's workforce by 40 per cent. Can the state move forward with this problem?

Delta state is battling with the kidnappers and flood. What has the president done to assist the state controlled by his party?

A terrorists’ intelligence cell headed by a businessman who participated actively in the abduction of School Girls in Chibok has been busted by troops. The man, Babuji Ya’ari who is also a member of the Youth Vigilante Group popularly known as Civilian JTF which he uses as cover while remaining an active terrorist, also spearheaded the murder of the Emir of Gwoza. His main role in the group is to spy and gather information for the terrorists group.

Babuji has been coordinating several deadly attacks in Maiduguri since 2011, including the daring attacks on Customs and military locations as well as the planting of IEDs in several locations in the town.

The arrest of the businessman who is known to deal in tricycles has also yielded some vital information and facilitated the arrest of other members of the terrorists’ intelligence cell who are women. One of them, Hafsat Bako had earlier escaped to Gombe State to avoid suspicion but was tracked and arrested. Prior to her arrest, Hafsat coordinated the payment of other operatives on the payroll of the group. In her confession, she disclosed that a minimum of N10,000 is paid to each operative depending on the enormity of his task.

As the race to occupy the Osun State Government House draws nearer, accusations and counter accusations have continues to trail political camps each passing day. The Chairman of Aregbesola Campaign Committee for Ijesa North Federal Constituency, who is also the State Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro addressed some journalists where he took a swipe at the Gubernatorial candidate of the Social Democratic Party, Mr. Segun Akinwusi who was also a former Head of Service in the State, especially at the inception of Aregbesola’s administration. He took time to explain the management of state resources, dispelling alleged huge debt as well as other sundry issues. Correspondent Gbenga Faturoti was there. Excerpts:

What is your take on the SDP governorship candidate’s accusations of the present administration considering his involvement in it at inception?

An honest man would not pick information and intentionally misinterpret it for cheap political points. Neither Social Democratic Party (SDP) nor its gubernatorial flag bearer, Mr. Segun Akinwusi has good recognition within or outside the state to dissuade the good people of Osun about the need for continuity of good governance and excellent leadership of the current administration in the state. Though the recent comment of Mr. Akinwusi on the financial transactions in the state, as usual is mischievous, malicious, laughable and worthy of no attention, for the purpose of enlightenment however, I wish to re-emphasise that the guiding principle of the current administration in the state is transparency and accountability.

The second term bid of the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate in the August 9 governorship election, has received a boost, as findings of a survey scored him high in terms of popularity.

In the report of a survey conducted by a socio-political group, Good Governance Vanguard (GGV), Aregbesola has 82 per cent chance of winning the election, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Iyiola Omisore, has 9 per cent chance.

The Labour Party (LP) candidate, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade, according to the report, has 7 per cent chance of winning, while other political parties shared 2 per cent, with an error margin of 2.5 per cent.

Protest as KLM airline angers Mexico fans

What was meant to be a joke has turned into a PR blunder for Dutch airline KLM after it angered Mexican fans by taking to Twitter to celebrate the Netherlands' dramatic comeback victory in the World Cup.

Within minutes of the Netherlands' 2-1 victory over the Tri, KLM let loose on its Twitter feed a picture of an airport departures sign under the heading "Adios Amigos!"

The post immediately went viral, with A-list Mexican actor Gael Garcia Bernal using not one but two expletives in a 140-character Tweet to tell his 2 million-plus followers that he'll never fly the carrier again.

Amid the widespread protest online, the post was pulled a half-hour later without an explanation.

The 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil had its first cooling breaks of the competition during the Round of 16 match between the Netherlands and Mexico in Fortaleza.

It took place in both halves when referee Pedro Proenca signalled a three-minute time-out as temperatures reached above 32C inside the stadium.

Both set of players rehydrated with drinks, while both coaches took the opportunity to give team-talks.

The heat forced fans to move to the back of the stadium to get shelter.

“Climate conditions will be evaluated and should the temperature exceed 32 degrees, then the FIFA Venue Medical Office will recommend cooling breaks to the FIFA General Co-ordinator and Match Commissioner.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 - THEME: SEE YOURSELF IN A POSITIVE LIGHT BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 - THEME: SEE YOURSELF IN A POSITIVE LIGHT BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

MEMORY VERSE: Proverbs 23:7

For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Eat and drink, saith he to thee; but his heart is not with thee.

READ: JUDGES 6:11-16

11 And there came an angel of the LORD, and sat under an oak which was in Ophrah, that pertained unto Joash the Abiezrite: and his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress, to hide it from the Midianites.

12 And the angel of the LORD appeared unto him, and said unto him, The LORD is with thee, thou mighty man of valour.

13 And Gideon said unto him, Oh my Lord, if the LORD be with us, why then is all this befallen us? and where be all his miracles which our fathers told us of, saying, Did not the LORD bring us up from Egypt? but now the LORD hath forsaken us, and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.

14 And the LORD looked upon him, and said, Go in this thy might, and thou shalt save Israel from the hand of the Midianites: have not I sent thee?

15 And he said unto him, Oh my Lord, wherewith shall I save Israel? behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father's house.

16 And the LORD said unto him, Surely I will be with thee, and thou shalt smite the Midianites as one man.

The jihadist group, Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, also known as Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) has publicly executed and crucified nine men in Syria, eight of them rebels fighting both President Bashar al-Assad's regime and the jihadists, a monitor said on Sunday.

The report comes amid fierce clashes on the outskirts of Damascus between the ISIS, which is spearheading a major offensive in Iraq, and rebels, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

"ISIS executed eight men in Deir Hafer in the east of Aleppo province" on Saturday because they belonged to rebel groups that had fought against the jihadists as well as Assad's forces, it said.

We were No 5 in 1994...Mikel wants victory over France to make a statement that Nigeria has arrived at the soccer map of the world.

Nigeria midfielder John Obi Mikel is hopeful that victory over France and a first World Cup quarter-final appearance can help unite the African nation currently gripped by violence and bloodshed.

Mikel, 27, said the troubles had made an impression on the squad but he pressed the need for his team mates to focus on Monday’s last 16 match against France and do their bit to bring people together. “I think football is what unites everyone back home in Nigeria, everyone loves football, and as long as we keep doing well and as long as we keep winning, I think this football alone can bring unity back to these various places where we are having problems.”

Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi also pressed the need to bring cheer to the strife hit fans of the Super Eagles, who are the first African country to get past the World Cup group phase on three separate occasions. Peppered with questions about a bonus pay dispute involving the squad and the Nigerian Football Association, Keshi, known as “Big Boss”, was clearly bemused by the interest in a problem he explained was over and said his team were “good to go”.

At least 30 bodies have been recovered from two communities near Chibok in Borno State where suspected Boko Haram militants attacked Sunday, members of a local vigilante group have said.

Members of the vigilante group said they found 30 corpses from surrounding bushes and Churches in Kwada and Kautikari villages. Search was continuing in the area, they said. Gunmen stormed Kwada and Kautikari early Sunday burning Churches and shooting worshippers.

The Borno State police spokesperson, Gideon Jubrin, said he was informed of the attack, but said he did not have full details as of Sunday afternoon. Mr. Jubrin said he was yet to contact the district police officer in charge of Chibok.

Like when he speaks, when we see the president writes, it is something that jolts us. We the incurable optimists always rush out to the transistor radio or to the TV set, anytime we hear the president is up to speak. We expect something new. It is like when the women ululate, he who has a heavy one at home would expect baby’s cry from his hut. Imagine then, how disappointingly boring it would be when such rush to catch the good news is spoilt by a completely different one. Or, at worse, a more agonising experience when what is said, a la “You journalists know more than the president”, is unbefitting of the office and person of the president.

Then it occurs, our own President Goodluck Jonathan has written for the Washington Post. By my own reckoning, this is the first time a serving Nigerian president would write for an international publication, like the Washington Post. If there were any, please do not seek to remind me, in Nigeria we are all afflicted by amnesia. By the way, amnesia is a sweet affliction here, do not pity us. It is a nice way of forgetting our past misfortunes and, at the same time, a fine tool for political leaders who seek to misguide the people and rule over our ignorance.

Klaas-Jan Huntelaar scored an injury-time penalty Sunday to give the Netherlands a 2-1 win over Mexico and a spot in the World Cup quarterfinals.

The Dutch were awarded the penalty when Rafael Marquez took down Arjen Robben in the area. Wesley Sneijder equalized for the Dutch in the 88th minute, just when it looked like the Netherlands was headed home.

Giovani Dos Santos scored for Mexico in the 48th, pouncing on a poor headed clearance, chesting down the ball and sending a left-foot shot through three defenders and into the corner of Jasper Cillessen's goal. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa had kept his team in the match until Sneijder's strike with two great saves.

• Countless of Masses’ Properties are being Damaged and Lost;
• Ido LGA Caretaker Chairman Visited Apete, Stoned by the Residents. Operation Burst came to his rescue.
• Ajimobi’s Operation Burst in Sporadic Shootings at Apete. Residents Scampered for Safety;
• Apete Bridge for Completion September —Oyo govt. *Govt is yet to Pay Contractors - Reports!

More details have emerged that over 10 people are now confirmed death when the makeshift bridge constructed by the APC led government of Sen. Ajumobi collapsed. The victims were said to have drowned.

Witnesses said the bridge that links the outer community with Apete was submerged by water after the rain late on Saturday and that the victims were residents of the community who were returning home.The rain which started at about 5:00 pm, lasted a few hours and when it subsided, some of the residents who tried to use the bridge slipped into the river and were washed away.”

Having deliberately refused to heed calls to repair the bridge, the Ajumobi led government should be held responsible for these needless deaths.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) has strongly condemned the recent deadly terrorist attacks in Abuja and Bauchi that killed at least 37 people and injured many more, calling the Boko Haram group suspected to be behind the attacks despicable and inhuman in its misguided terror campaign.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party repeated its earlier statement that nothing can justify the spilling of the blood of innocent citizens, while commiserating with the families of the victims.

It called on the Federal Government to review its strategy for the fight against terrorism, saying whatever is being done now is definitely not working, hence the deadly terrorist attacks have almost become a daily affair.

Kano state Governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso has advised the 29 indigenes of the state, out of the 486 travelers from Northern Nigeria, who were arrested on transit in Abia state by security agents about two weeks ago, on the allegation of being insurgents, to continue pursuing legitimate businesses anywhere they found themselves in the country.

He made the call when the 29 freed indigenes visited him at the Government House in Kano following their release from detention in Abia state.

Governor Kwankwaso argued that there is no law in the country that restricts any citizen from traveling and doing business lawfully anywhere in the nation, lamenting that what the security agents did to the travelers was a clear violation of their fundamental human right.

With Vincent Enyeama in goal for the Super Eagles, the French team players are a bit intimidated by his credentials ahead of their round of 16 clash on Monday.

Enyeama who plays for Lille, this season went 11 games (1066 minutes) unbeaten in the French league 1 and was almost breaking the long time record of former Bordeaux keeper Gaëtan Huard (1176 minutes).
His experience of French football will come to play on Monday. Enyeama said that he is ready for the match.

“We do not fear anyone. France is the favorite but it is football, anything can happen. “They are easier than playing a South American team.”

French midfielder Yohan Cabaye said on Saturday that French players must resist falling into the trap of becoming arrogant otherwise it will present enormous problems for them.

Following the Nigeria and the Algeria qualification to the round of 16 in the ongoing FIFA world cup in Brasil, Caf President Issa Hayatou has contacted both federations to pass on his congratulatory messages as well as wishing them the best for the next phase of the competition.

Adding that the entire African continent is fully behind them. According to the CAF secretary general, Hicham El Amrani, who confirmed the Confederation's messages to both Nigeria and Algeria, said “We wish the best of luck to Algeria and Nigeria as the entire African continent is behind them.”

INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega concession to Omisore and PDP blackmail is a crude step to rig the August 9 election in Osun which will be highly resisted even if heaven will fall as INEC removes Akeju as Osun REC and Replaces him with Agbaje.

The reports has it that, barring any last minute change, the Osun State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Ambassador Toyin Akeju, will this week proceed on leave ahead of the state governorship election slated for August 9, 2014.

North Korea has fired two missiles into the sea from its east coast, reports from South Korea say. A South Korea defence ministry spokesman in Seoul declined to give further details, but Yonhap news agency said they were Scuds with the range of 500km (310 miles).

The apparent test comes just days after North Korea said it successfully fired new precision-guided missiles. North Korea frequently test-fires missiles to refine its military capabilities.

Reports of a new test come days before Chinese President Xi Jinping is due in South Korea to discuss the North’s nuclear weapons programme.

An attack, described as massive by residents, is currently ongoing in Kautikari village, seven kilometres away from Chibok town in the southern part of Borno state.

An official of Department of Security Service confirmed the ongoing attack. “Yes, we also received the report, I believe action is being taken about now…but no one has been able to ascertain the nature or magnitude of the attack for now”, said the security source.

Villagers in Chibok made a distress call to journalists and security operatives in Maiduguri calling for urgent help.

A 69-year old Brazilian fan died of heart failure while watching his country’s World Cup penalty shootout win over Chile, media reported Saturday.

The man was watching the tense encounter, which Brazil won on spotkicks after the sides were locked 1-1 after extra-time, in a nearby bar when he complained of feeling unwell.

The fan, who was diabetic, died shortly after being taken to hospital, web news portal G1 and the website of Estado de Minas newspaper reported.

Osun Civil Servants warned Sen. Iyiola Omisore to stop blackmailing them in his futile efforts to govern the state. The gathering of civil servants that were engaged on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with the way PDP has been mocking their names.

One of the civil servants lambasted Omisore, the man who gave a straight face said, yes! We are aware the way Senator Omisore has been boasting around that he will win this election based on the union members supports. I think he should wake up on time and get his things done by himself because we are not involved. He confirmed the speculation of bribery allegations against some corrupted and weak souls that doesn't have minds of their own within the union to be true. Yes! Few of us sold themselves to PDP for ranges of price and promises of appointments and juicy department.

RIO DE JANEIRO — His name is James, but he pronounces it Hahm-ez, and that was the way the Colombian fans shouted it on Saturday night. They have been singing James Rodríguez’s praises all along, in fact, but in the flurry of goals and teams and story lines in this World Cup, there was a chance a few people had not yet noticed Rodríguez. Everyone knows him now.

Rodríguez scored two more goals — giving him five at this World Cup — in a 2-0 victory over Uruguay that sent Colombia to the quarterfinals for the first time. Things become tougher now, to be sure, with a matchup against host Brazil on Friday in Fortaleza. But with Rodríguez having scored in each of Colombia’s games, and with Brazil struggling past Chile on penalty kicks earlier Saturday, anything seems possible.

“We’re very happy because we’re making history,” Rodríguez said. “We want to do even more.”

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2014 - THEME: AVERTING DISQUALIFICATION

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SUNDAY 29 JUNE 2014 - THEME: AVERTING DISQUALIFICATION BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Corinthians 9:27

But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

READ: 1 CORINTHIANS 9:26-27

26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly; so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:

27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

MESSAGE

....what if I can make it to 104 in Brazil?

For Joseph Yobo, the pre-match ritual is as much a part of the game as the half-time team talk. In his 16 years as a professional, the Nigeria defender has always readied himself for action the same way, slipping on his shirt and then singing and praying before stepping on to the pitch. It is a routine he has gone through innumerable times – but on precisely 100 occasions for the Super Eagles. A sterling servant for his country, Yobo had the honour of bringing up his century of caps against Argentina in Nigeria's final Group F game at Brazil 2014.

Although his side slipped to a 3-2 loss in that match, the 33-year-old came away with almost entirely positive memories. After all, not only did he hit a significant personal milestone, Bosnia and Herzegovina's 3-1 victory against Iran ensured that Nigeria tied down a berth in the Round of 16. "Qualifying for the knockout phase was our first objective," the Super Eagles' captain told FIFA.com. "We're very happy because that hadn't happened to us since 1998. This time, we did it with pride, by finishing second and trying to win first place against Argentina."

'I'm proud of our team'
They gave the South Americans a genuine scare too, though Yobo feels they could have done even more. "We're disappointed because we didn't play that game to win it from the very first minute," explained the Fenerbahce stopper, who spent the last six months on loan at Norwich City. "We thought a draw would be a good result, but in the second half we came out even stronger to try and win the match. That's what we should have done from the very first minute."

Nigeria soldiers have killed no fewer than 103 suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorist group in two different attacks in Borno State. A statement posted on the Defence Headquarters official website, defence.info.mil.ng, stated that 50 insurgents were killed in the clash with troops at Miyanti and Bulungu when their makeshift camps were raided.

It added that troops discovered a fuel dump used by the insurgents. Some of the terrorists’ vehicles and seven motorcycles were also destroyed by the troop during the raid.

The defence authorities also said that the soldiers also captured 15 rifles, 11 machine guns, hundreds of ammunition from the insurgents.

The statement added that men of the Multinational Joint Task Force killed 53 insurgents in another encounter at Duguri near the nation’s border with Niger Republic.

Torture increasing in Nigeria, Iraq and Libya— Amnesty International

Amnesty International has said torture and other forms of cruelty are on the rise in Nigeria, Iraq and Libya, with attitudes to torture appearing to grow passive.

AI has serious concerns about the increasing use of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment in Nigeria.

Recent Amnesty research indicates that police and military personnel routinely use torture and other ill-treatment to extract information and “confessions”, and to punish and exhaust detainees. In contravention of national and international law, information extracted by torture and ill-treatment is routinely accepted as evidence in court.

It is that time of the year when Muslim faithful all over the world take to spend the daylight hours in a complete fast where they abstain from food, drink, and other physical needs.

Muslims are expected to make peace with those who have wronged them, strengthen ties with family and friends, do away with bad habits, essentially to clean up their lives, thoughts, and feelings.

During Ramadan, every part of the body must be restrained, the tongue must be restrained from backbiting and gossip, the eyes must restrain themselves from looking at unlawful things, especially the half naked babes that strut the streets,t he hand must not touch (a woman or a man) or take anything that does not belong to it., the ears must refrain from listening to idle talk or obscene words, the feet must refrain from going to sinful places. In such a way, every part of the body observes the fast.

Islam gives guidance about all aspects of life, including matters of public decency. Islam has no fixed standard as to the style of dress or type of clothing that Muslims must wear. However, some minimum requirements must be met. Islam has two sources for guidance and rulings: the Quran which is considered to be the revealed word of Allah, and the Hadith or traditions of the Prophet Muhammad, who serves as a guide.

A political tsunami is ready to hit members of the Labour Party government in Ondo State, as some key members of the party have perfected plans to defect to the opposition Peoples Democratic Party at any moment.

The members include some Lawmakers from the State House of Assembly. At a secretly held meeting on Friday afternoon in Akure, the capital city, the disgruntled party members resolved to move out of the Labour Party, to join the Peoples Democratic Party.

It was learned that the meeting was held in one of the aggrieved lawmakers homes where they had perfected a plan of moving out from the Labour Party.

Is there anybody out there who can talk for these people in authority to listen? Nigeria is gradually grinding to a halt and the price is getting increasingly unbearable. Things are deteriorating fast and fast. They are going out of hand and it appears that the state whose major responsibility is the protection of our lives and property is exhibiting some measure of hopelessness.

Yes, hopelessness because what we see and hear across the country is murder and arson from restive groups and individuals while the state which posses the legitimate coercive apparatuses is fast joining the chanting crowds and is pointing fingers and singing in different tunes reminiscence of evidences of either helplessness pry failure.

What is really happening is the question that millions of our citizens are asking and answers do not seem to be coming from the right quarters.

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2014 - THEME: BE THOU PERFECT

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR SATURDAY 28 JUNE 2014 - THEME: BE THOU PERFECT BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

MEMORY VERSE: Matthew 5:48

Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

READ: GENESIS 17:1-8

1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

2 And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.

3 And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,

4 As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.

5 Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.

6 And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.

7 And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

8 And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.

MESSAGE

There was pandemonium on Friday at about 2pm as Kano State Police Command uncovered 13 high caliber Improvised Explosive Devices, known as IEDs, at Sauna Fafunga in the Dakata area of Nasarawa Local Government Area

The incident occurred when Muslims were preparing to observe their Jumat prayers.

The terrorists who had parked a starlet car, ox-blood in colour, at about 2 P.M. near a Juma’at Mosque, had primed the IEDs waiting for the Juma’at prayer to commence before carrying out their act.

It was later learned that a 10-year old boy had notified the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Dakata, Superintendent Sani Ahmed, that he became suspicious and suspected a rickety car parked by the side of the Mosque.

How Jonathan Hires U.S. Lobby Firm for N195 Million to Launder Image Over Handling of Chibok Abduction

The Nigerian government has come under local and international condemnation over its far-from-impressive handling of the Chibok abduction.

In order to whitewash its inept handling of the kidnap of over 200 schoolgirls kidnapped by the terrorist group, Boko Haram, the Goodluck Jonathan administration has awarded a N195 million ($1.2 million) contract to U.S. Public Relations and lobby firm, Levick, to help change "international and local media narrative" surrounding its efforts to rescue the girls, Washington DC based newspaper, The Hill, reports the awarded contract.

Boko Haram militants kidnapped the girls, who were writing their final examination, more than 70 days ago from their dormitory at the Government Secondary School, Chibok near Maiduguri .

In a video, Boko Haram leader, Abubarka Shekau, threatened to sell the girls into slavery. However the group later offered to swap the girls for Boko Haram fighters held by the government.

Muslims in Nigeria will begin fasting Saturday, following the sighting of the Ramadan moon, head of the Moon sighting committee of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, [NSCIA], Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, announced early Saturday in Sokoto, according to the Nigerian Televison Authority NTA and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, monitored in Abuja.

The new announcement updates an earlier statement by the NSCIA, which had asked Nigerian Muslims to commence the Ramadan fast on Sunday, because, according to the Secretary-General of the body, Ishaq Oloyede, a professor of Islamic studies, the moon had not been sighted.

Nigerian Vice President Namadi Sambo, on Thursday, visited the scene of Wednesday’s blast at Emab Plaza, Wuse II, Abuja which claimed lives of at least 21 persons and wounded many more, declaring that the Boko Haram’s evil was sustainable.

He said the terrorists could not dampen the spirit of Nigerians with their evil acts, as he expressed confidence that terror would never gain ground in Nigeria or anywhere else in the world.

He appealed for cooperation with security agencies as they tackle crime and criminality in the country.

The Emab plaza bomb blast in Abuja on Wednesday did caught many off guard, especially after it has been reported that several security agencies had been drafted to the capital city to tighten security in and around Abuja.

See the Video(Cope and past the URL) .... http://fbcdn-video-a.akamaihd.net/hvideo-ak-xpf1/v/t42.1790-2/10455705_912909415389307_1371814503_n.mp4?oh=3a041fec7a45597157b69b57e6958dd0&oe=53AE8D11&__gda__=1403955862_e3be82cc82dfb61ed7134222561e5223

Chibok: We will not stop until the missing schoolgirls are returned home - President Jonathan

Nigerian President, Goodluck Jonathan maintained that his silence over the disappearance of schoolgirls in his country was to protect the rescue mission and promised that Nigeria “will not stop until the girls are returned home and the thugs who took them are brought to justice.”

Jonathan said he was “deeply concerned” that by not giving updates on the ongoing search for the missing girls -- who were abducted by the terrorist organization Boko Haram in mid-April -- his administration was seen as weak or inactive.

“My silence has been necessary to avoid compromising the details of our investigation,” Jonathan said. “But let me state this unequivocally: My government and our security and intelligence services have spared no resources, have not stopped and will not stop until the girls are returned home and the thugs who took them are brought to justice.”

Mr Mark Simmonds, who is the British Minister for Africa on Friday expressed UK government’s condemnation of Thursday’s bombing of a shopping mall in Abuja. This is contained in a statement issued by the Head of Press and Public Affairs of the British High Commission, Mr Robert Fitzpatrick.

The Minister restated his government’s support for the recent UN action against the Boko Haram insurgency.

“I am deeply concerned by Thursday’s bombing in Abuja, the third since April. We condemn all acts of terrorism in the strongest terms.

European union leaders meeting in Brussels have nominated former Luxembourg PM Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European Commission.

The move came despite strong opposition from Britain. David Cameron has failed in his attempt to block the nomination of arch-federalist Jean-Claude Juncker as the next president of the European Commission

PM’s bid to block Jean-Claude Juncker has ended in defeat after the arch-federalist was nominated as the next president of the European Commission.

Mr Juncker was confirmed as the official nominee at the end of a tense lunch in Brussels during which Mr Cameron told EU leaders they could “live to regret” their decision.

"This is a sad day for Europe," Mr Cameron is understood to have told his counterparts.

Boko Haram: USA Delivers Military Equipment to Nigeria

In its avowed determination to give technical support to the Nigerian military, the United States of America yesterday confirmed the delivery of special military equipment to the Nigerian government as part of efforts to assist the country in the rescue operation of the over 200 school girls abducted from Chibok in Borno State over two months ago.

The United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria confirmed the delivery of the equipment.

The USA, according to a statement from the Public Affairs section of the embassy, delivered sophisticated military transportation and communication gadgets to the Nigerian Armed Force last Monday in Abuja.

The Nigerian Military has released 144 out of 486 Port Harcourt – bound travellers suspected to be members of the extremist Boko Haram group. They were arrested last week in Aba, Abia State, along the Enugu-Port Harcourt Expressway, while travelling at night in a convoy of 35 buses from Northern Nigeria.

The defence spokesperson, Chris Olukolade, had said that a wanted Boko Haram suspect was identified during the screening of those arrested. He did not name the suspect.

But a security source added that after the arrest and in addition to the lone suspect, 86 of the travellers were identified as suspected terrorists.

According to British Tabloid, The Metro, Ahmed Musa's two goals against Argentina might earn him a move to Liverpool after impressing the Merseyside outfit scout who watched the Super Eagles lose 3-2 to Argentina.

Aside from the team's scout watching Reds boss Brendan Rodgers is reportedly a fan of Musa, and he’ll definitely be an even bigger admirer when he sees the manner in which Musa took his goals. Liverpool Scouts Fernando Troiani and Stephen Aptroot watched Musa draw Nigeria level twice with two well taken strike in the fourth minute and 47th minute respectively to match Lionel Messi before Marcos Rojo scored what ended up being Argentina's winner three minutes later.

The Nigerian Super Eagles will face France on Mon, Jun 30, 5:00 PM at Round of 16 of the ongoing Fifa world cup at Estádio Nacional de Brasilia, Brasília.

France were held to a scoreless draw by ten-man Ecuador but still finished top of Group E to book their Afro-Franco grudge match against Nigeria in the last 16 on Monday in Brasilia.

Nigeria Eagles finished second behind Group F leader Argentina.

The meeting will be the 1998 champions first against Nigeria since June 2, 2009 in a friendly played in Saint Etienne that the Super Eagles won 1-0.

Wednesday 25 June 2014

World cup break for Michael Babatunde

For a split second, Nigeria's Ogenyi Onazi was annoyed when his shot on goal was blocked by a team-mate. That was until he realised he just broke his mate's arm in the process. In the match between Nigeria and Argentina, Onazi dribbled the ball to within 10 yards of the box and wound up for a long-range shot on goal.

He struck it perfectly and it might well have been the equaliser his team needed as they trailed 3-2, but the ball cannoned into the arm of striker Michael Babatunde, who just so happened to be right in the line of fire.

Incredibly, the pure speed and power behind the strike broke Babatunde's arm on impact. Slow motion replays show the sickening moment in the 64th minute when Babatunde's arm bends backwards - an unfortunate situation of simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United Nations Security Council sanctioned the leader of Nigeria's Boko Haram and a splinter group on Wednesday, the first individual and entity to be designated by the world body since the Islamist militant group was blacklisted, diplomats said.

Leader Abubakar Shekau and Boko Haram faction Ansaru will be banned from international travel and their assets frozen under the U.N. al Qaeda sanctions list.

Following the conclusion of the the JAMB exams, the board has released the official cut off marks for Nigerian universities.

See the list below.

Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma (AAU) 180

Adekunle Ajasin University Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) 200

Abia State University Uturu (ABSU) 180

Afe Babaa University (ABUAD) No official cut-off mark.

Former Super Eagles midfielder Austine Okocha says Vincent Enyeama’s poor positioning led to Messi’s brilliant curling free-kick that caught him napping for Argentina’s second goal.

Okocha, who was a guest in SuperSports World Cup studio for the match between Nigeria and Argentina believed Enyeama could have done better if he had positioned himself properly.

The former Bolton and PSG midfield maestro, however, hailed Enyeama for his wonderful saves to deny Lionel Messi and Angel Di Maria from scoring more goals against the Super Eagles.

Despite losing this encounter 3-2 against Argentina, Nigeria is guaranteed of a place in the last 16 of the FIFA World Cup thanks to Bosnia 3-1 win over Iran.

Independent

OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY 26 JUNE 2014 - THEME: DIVINE COMPENSATION BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

RCCG OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FOR THURSDAY 26 JUNE 2014 - THEME: DIVINE COMPENSATION BY PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE

MEMORY VERSE: 1 Peter 5:10

But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

READ: GENESIS 41:37-45

37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants.

38 And Pharaoh said unto his servants, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is?

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Monday 30 June 2014

Sunday 29 June 2014

We were No 5 in 1994...Mikel wants victory over France to make a statement that Nigeria has arrived at the soccer map of the world.

More details have emerged that over 10 people are now confirmed death when the makeshift bridge constructed by the APC led government of Sen. Ajumobi collapsed. The victims were said to have drowned.

....what if I can make it to 104 in Brazil?

Saturday 28 June 2014

Friday 27 June 2014

Thursday 26 June 2014

Wednesday 25 June 2014

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