Ayinde Barrister buried. Burial Place to become museum, tourist centre.

Wives, children and grandchildren
After being stranded in Europe for several days, the body of Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister was finally brought back to Nigeria for burial. He was buried right inside his room called Fuji Chambers at about 10pm on Thursday Dec 30th 2010. Among those who witnessed the burial were colleagues of the late musician, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, Kollington ayinla, K1 De Ultimate, Dele Abiodun, Saheed Osupa, Alabi Pasuma, Salawa Abeni, among others.

His final burial place, Fuji Chambers, his room at his Isolo, Lagos residence is to be converted into a museum and tourist centre. And to achieve this, the children and widows of the late Fuji maestro are to be relocated and the building renovated to meet up with its new status.

Photo source: Vanguard


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Eleweomo buried, as police arrest Senate Leader’s security details

Alhaji Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo)
The remains of a factional leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Oyo State Council, Alhaji Lateef Salako (a.k.a Eleweomo), were buried in his Amuloko residence on the outskirts of Ibadan, on Saturday amid tight security.

Salako was killed on Thursday at the IDC Primary School, Olunloyo in Ona Ara Local Government Area of the state during the Peoples Democratic Party local government congress.

The incident allegedly happened during a bloody encounter between his followers and loyalists of the Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin.

The burial attended by NURTW national executives as well as loyalists and friends of the deceased was emotion-laden as sympathisers wept uncontrollably and rained curses on his killers and their sponsors.

His corpse was conveyed from the Adeoyo State Hospital to his residence in a motorcade.

A short prayer session was conducted by Islamic clerics before his remains were interred.

The state governor, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, was represented at the burial by his Special Adviser on Political Matters, Mr. Asimiyu Alarape. The interim chairman of Ona Ara Local Government Area, Mr. Tunde Olayiwola, and some other PDP chieftains also witnessed the burial.

Alarape urged the mourners not to take the law into their hands, assuring them that the state government would ensure that Salako‘s killers were brought to book.

Meanwhile, the police in the state have arrested four security details attached to Folarin.

Confirming the development to our correspondent on Saturday, the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Baba Bolanta, said the men were arrested for questioning.

The CP also said that he was intensifying efforts to ensure that Folarin reported to the command to state his own side of the story.

He said that the PDP chieftain, as at press time, had refused to honour the police invitation extended to him.

Folarin had on Friday petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Hafiz Ringim, over an alleged threat to his life.

He alleged that the state police boss deliberately withdrew his security aides in order to expose him to danger.
Source:Punch

 

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I gave my wife much work patching my torn trousers — John Praise

John Praise

To clock 50 years old, celebrate 30 years as a pastor and to have spent 21 years pasturing one of the largest churches in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, is no mere feat for Bishop John Praise, as reported by KEMI ASHEFON It is a beautiful experience and only God could have done that in the life of any man,” he

enthused. To even think that nobody ever wanted him behind the pulpit, not even his late father! That was almost 20 years ago and as a graduate of engineering from the Federal Polytechnic, Kaduna, Bishop John Praise revealed that he chose the pulpit rather than his father‘s dream profession — engineering. “I was the first graduate in the family and my father had looked forward to having an engineer. Then, there was nothing attractive about pastoral job, but my mind was made up.

“The year I heard the call, I lost my father. If he were alive, he would have taken a cutlass and chased me away. He was a Christian; he sponsored my education to be an engineer and not a pastor. When I told my mother and step-mother about my dream, they wept. To them, I had registered for suffering. I would not blame them because the pastor in our village had 12 children and his monthly salary was N100! Everyone pitied me and I had to fast and pray for two weeks so as to get courage to tell my wife who had expected me to practise as an engineer,” he reminisced.

Born and raised in Kaduna, Praise confessed to have come to Abuja in pursuit of a lady! ”She was transferred to Abuja in 1982 and I visited. We married in 1984 and we now have four kids. She told me she would not stand in the way of what God had called me to do and she weathered the storm with me. I am from Southern Kaduna and while growing up, I had a passion for the things of God. I gave my life to Christ in 1976, but I never knew I would be a preacher until 1986. I was committed to what I heard, despite the odds; and I knew I had to die and give up everything to be somebody. We started from zero but today, the church has grown in leaps and bounds.

After his Higher National Diploma, the young graduate went for his youth service. “I was posted to Ondo State in 1988, but I was already a chaplain for the Christian community in Kaduna Polytechnic. I married early (after my OND in 1984) and I asked God to give me the highest position wherever I find myself during the youth service to confirm the call. I was made the president of the youth corps members‘ fellowship and I knew it was for real. I got a job with the Federal Capital Development Authority, but I resigned after a year. My boss thought I was crazy and wondered why I would leave an engineering job to be a pastor. He wondered how my family would be fed; but I went ahead and in 1989, Dominion Chapel International Churches was established.”

Then, nothing was attractive about his vocation. ”For four years, I was trekking about the city of Abuja and our church was under the Wuse Bridge. We were there for six months and it was tough. I was going about with a pair of shoes and trousers that were always torn by the trucks that were like cabs. There was no good means of transportation in Abuja then, and I gave my wife a lot of work patching my torn trousers! But I knew what I saw. I knew what God told me and I persisted.

“The problem with many people is their lack of vision. You are propelled by what you see. I knew I would pastor one of the largest churches in Africa and I saw the crowd. Even after we got a place, one of our churches was demolished thrice in Kubwa, but I was not deterred. The land was allocated to another church and we went elsewhere. The challenges of pioneering a church in Abuja are numerous. You have to get a place of worship. I was told by one of the former ministers that our under-bridge church was a security threat and the then minister of the FCT wanted to arrest me. Imagine if that had happened when I was such a young man in ministry. There was no good means of transportation and living in the FCT was quite expensive,” Bishop John Praise recalled.

The former national vice-chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Abuja, Praise holds a PhD in Church Growth and Management. There are over 20 awards in his kitty and he is still counting. To have stayed on the turf in the FCT for almost 20 years would have meant huge sacrifices. When challenged that some men of God do compromise to have bread on their tables, Priase refuted this vehemently, saying: “I don‘t believe any man of God should compromise, because the government does not feed us. We are called of God and he backs our vision. As long as the government does not feed me or pays my bills, I don‘t think I have to compromise my stand. Truth must be told, but being the national vice- president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, I have to be careful about what I say, so as not to destabilise the polity. There are times you would not say anything that could cause mayhem. As members of CAN andPFN, we say the minds of the organisation and we allow our heads to talk. There are times we say things as it is.”

Revealing that pastors are also human too, the bishop would not hide the fact that they are also exposed to temptation. He explained that: ”Pastors are first human beings before they are men of God. No one is above temptation, but you must take precaution and know what would deter you from achieving whatever vision you have.”

Just as the New Year is ushered in, Bishop Praise revealed that: ”A lot of young ladies would get married. Singles who thought they would never get married would get their spouses in 2011. It is a year of possibilities.”

Wondering how he merges his spiritual life with family life despite his many outreaches worldwide, he said, ”The family is an important aspect of a minister‘s life and demands commitment and dedication. You just have to know how to balance up because if you must really be successful in ministry, you have to carry your family along. You can‘t be a successful pastor and have a shattered home. You must dedicate time, even when you don‘t have all the time for them. My wife was telling a pastor that I was hardly around. He then asked her: ‘Do you want a 10 per cent husband or a 90 per cent husband?‘ According to him, a 90 per cent husband is one who has all the time and spends it with you at home, he does all that his wife wants in the house, but be sure the bills would not be paid. The 10 per cent husband would spend 10 per cent at home but is 90 per cent busy with whatever he is doing to make sure you live life at its best. Of course, she agreed for the 10 per cent!”

Source:Punch

 


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BRT: 171,894 commuters take free Xmas buses

Bus Rapid Transit buses 

A total of 171, 894 Lagos residents rode on the free mass transit buses provided by the Lagos State Government on the Christmas day.

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has also offered free bus ride to interested commuters on the New Year eve and January 1, 2011, to ease transportation challenges during the New Year celebration.

A statement on Thursday said that the Bus Rapid Transit buses would be available on Mile 12 - CMS, CMS - Lekki/Ajah, Jibowu - Oyingbo - Mile 2, Oyingbo - Fadeyi and Mile 12 - Oshodi routes.

The Bus Franchise Scheme, it added, would also be available on the Ikotun/Igando/Iyana - Ipaja - Maryland route.

About 108,010 and 63,884 commuters had used the BRT and BFS services, respectively on the Charismas day when similar free ride was provided.

The Managing Director, Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority, Dr. Dayo Mobereola, said the turnout of commuters on December 25, 2010 underscored the effectiveness of the bus schemes of the state government and the confidence of passengers continue to have in the operation of the system.

He urged users to reciprocate the gesture of the government by being orderly and courteous to other users and the BRT operatives.

Source: Punch




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Expensive Xmas

Today, like every other Christmas in the past, is a day for celebrations and festivities. In future, it will be the same. As in all celebrations, huge sum of money is spent on food, drinks, gifts, dresses and other things.

For most families, rice is top on the shopping list for consumables. Also, rice is top of the family menu for the season. Whether the family is rich or poor, it does not matter. Indeed, even if the family cannot afford three square meals a day, rice must be eaten on Christmas Day.

In the past, rice was mainly eaten two times in a year: on Easter Sunday and Christmas or New Year’s Day and only rich families afforded to have the food at all the festivals. Indigent children and the underprivileged used to visit homes of the affluent in order to savour a plateful of this all-important meal.

But times have changed the place and importance of rice in the list of must-buys for Xmas. Even casual observation gives proof that rice is major issue and factor in the season. People use it as gift and food. To find out exactly the quantity of rice Nigerians would consume this season, Saturday Sun went to town to investigate. We spoke with a rice importer, who revealed that he ordered for a shipload of rice that is about 5,000 metric tones or about 500,000 50kg bags.

He also said he is sure five shiploads were Lagos bound before this month. With such shipment, it means that 2.5m bags of rice came into Lagos alone. This is different from the ones that come in through the land borders, like Seme and Idiroko, etc. if this is added, it is estimated that at least four million bags of rice arrived Lagos this season, from where other cities would get consignment. At the current price of an average N7,500 per bag, Nigerians through the Lagos axis will cough out N30billion on rice alone this time.

Definitely, Christmas is not only about rice. Rice is prepared with some condiments, such meat, tomatoes, oil and spices etc. An importer of frozen poultry told Saturday Sun she got a consignment of 100,000 cartons of both turkey and chicken parts. At this time of the year, a carton of frozen turkey/chicken sells for an average of N6,000. From this importer’s shop alone, Nigerians in Lagos would make purchases amounting to N600million on the meat. She also noted that there are so many such importers in town. With a casual estimation and a figure she dropped, there are at least 20 importers that bought in a minimum of such quantity for Christmas and New Year. That will give a total spending on turkey/chicken at N12billion. Adding imported groundnut/vegetable oil, tomatoes, and salad stuffs to the estimated expenditure for Christmas, from the Lagos market, to about N45billion (rice and poultry)

It is common knowledge that rice comes into Nigeria through some other ports, like Abonema in Port Harcourt, Calabar and Warri ports and some land borders. That might contribute to about half of the quantity that comes in through Lagos or about N12billion to N15billion worth of consignment. So, within the season, Nigeria may cough out a bill of N60 billion on imported food items alone to make the celebration what it is expected to be.
Our call at the livestock markets proved revealing also, despite the fact that, there is no regulated system to get a figure of the number of cattle, goats, rams, locally produced turkey, chicken and others that get to the markets and ultimately the pots and tables of Nigerians this time. But for sure, these are factors worth taking note of, including fresh tomatoes that is procured solely in Nigeria, onions, pepper, palm oil and food spices. The bill does not include that on drinks – beer and non-alcoholic drinks. When put together, Christmas spending on food may hit a staggering bill not less than about N80billion.

However, unlike last year, many people may celebrate this yuletide without their favourite meal. A retailer at the Maza Maza area in Lagos, Mr. Paulinus Njoku, said sales during this period in 2009 was better because apart from the fact that a bag of 50 kg rice sold for N9,000, as against the current price of N7,500, many people bought rice for the festival. He attributed the high level of patronage to the exit of Prof. Chukwuma Soludo as governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the influx of Nigerians in the Diaspora, the high exchange rate of the dollar to the naira and the general situation of the economy. He argued that things are different this year, as sales is low due to what he called economic downturn and global recession, situations he said reduced the buying power of most people.

The retailer disclosed that last year he had sold over 50 bags of rice before December 20, lamenting that currently he had not sold up to 20 bags. Asked whether every brand costs the same, he said no, revealing that the cost of rice depends on the brand name. For instance, Aroso, premium parboiled, Royal Stallion, Saara from China, American or Thailand products have various price tags.

Njoku, however, expressed hope that with political campaigns around the corner, some politicians would come for rice, as a major item for wooing the electorate. He expressed optimism that volume of sales would peak in a few weeks’ time when there would be increased political activities.
The trader is not alone in his misery. Lamenting about the situation, a driver with the Young Shall Grow Motors, called Olokoro, said ferrying rice from Lagos to the eastern part of the country always brought extra income to transporters. According to him, desperate passengers would pay a reasonable amount to get the commodity home, which translates to a major source of income for the drivers mainly.

Checks at the Alaba Rago market, a suburb of Lagos, showed that a 50 kg bag costs N7,050, while at the popular Otto market near Ijora, a bag of same size and brand goes for N6,900.
Garnishing the meal
For every family, the most important part of every enticing meal is the meat. Children are the most expectant, although some adults would secretly pocket any careless meat that evades the eye of the ushers.
Saturday Sun discovered that the quantity of meat consumed during this season is double of what city dwellers consume before now.

At Mile 12 Market, Lagos, where almost all foodstuffs heading to Lagos arrives first, there has been a beehive of activities. Mama Beji Akinsola, a frozen food dealer, told Saturday Sun that in preparation for the high demand for frozen food, she imported up to 100, 000 cartons of frozen chicken and turkey, which would be sold on or before yesterday.

“I am travelling for Christmas this year; that is why I decided to order for just 100,000 cartons. From December 24, a carton of chicken will be sold for as much as N7, 500 and turkey will go for as high as N9, 000,” she revealed.

With the high cost of live chicken and turkey, frozen ones are more affordable. A healthy big turkey goes for as much as N6, 000 while the least chicken can be bought for as high as N2, 000, as against frozen chicken, which goes for N7, 000 and above, depending on the measure.
A ram seller at Gbagada, Lagos, admitted that the demand for the livestock is on the increase. On the demand or patronage, he said buyers are mainly individuals who use them as gifts.
“For this season, I have brought in about 10,000 rams from the North ready for the market. If one is lucky to get a government contractor, the season will be a story of smiles and fat returns. They buy livestock in thousands. If fact, the demand for ram this season is much more than it was during the Muslim festival because the celebration now comes in two folds – Christmas and New Year. He said that while Christians essentially celebrate Christmas, New Year is a celebration for everyone.

Checks revealed that a medium sized ram goes for as much as N30,000 at the Gbagada market, while a much bigger one goes for as much as N50, 000.
Fish remains the least patronised during the season, save for Croaker, which is expensive.

Source:sun



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I can’t be monitoring my husband because I trust him –Odochi Orji

ODOCHI ORJI

Mrs. Odochi Orji, the wife of Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, in this interview with Ada Onyema, speaks on her marriage and her passion for the underprivileged

Can you recall any childhood experience that has shaped your life?

As far as I’m concerned, I can’t really say there is a particular childhood experience that has influenced or propelled me to live differently today. Right from childhood, I have had the mind to reach out to people. I think it is what God has called me to do. It has become a part of my life. In life, your background goes a long way to determine the kind of life you live, because if you know where you are coming from, it gives you a definite direction of where you want to get to.

Again, knowing quite alright that I did not place myself here but God, I have to utilise the oppurtunity that God has given me to make the difference wherever I find myself. For years, Abia State was without someone they could call a mother. On assumption of office, I made a promise to God that I must impact on the lives of widows, vulnerable children, the physically challenged and indigent ones in the society.

Why are you called Osinulo mara mma?

Osinulo mara mma is a name given to me by the women group from my husband’s hometown. They gave me the name because of my role and contributions towards the building of the health centre in Ibeku time before I became the first lady. Funny though, the name has taken over my real name in the state.

Women generally love going to the market to shop. Do you still shop in the open market?

It is a known fact that women love shopping in the open market; you easily pick faults when you are helped. But with this position, there is nothing you can do but to adjust; you have to accept what is made available to you because you cannot help it. I cannot go to the open market now. I find myself making do with what is made available. In other words, I have limited choices. Even trying to buy online is a long process. I don’t have to go to the market.If I do, the SSS operatives, who work with me can write a report against me that I’m going against the security rules and thereby putting my life at risk. You never know who is monitoring you.

You are saying that being the governor’s wife has its own challenges.

Yes. The challenges are numerous. In the first place, the expectations of the people around you are unimaginable. They look at you as their saviour and God. They think you have solutions to all their problems, but inasmuch as you would want to meet the needs of everybody, you are incapacitated by the meagre fund available to you. It is a big challenge. As the governor’s wife of the state, everybody is looking up to you for one help or the other. If the Fedreral Government will do something and come to our aid by allocating funds to the office, I think we would go a long way in meeting up with people’s demand and expectations. No matter the way you look at it, virtually all the problems lie in our hands. Most of them find the office of the governor’s wife accessible than that of the governor. The lower cadre, who cannot penetrate the office of the governor, the easiest place is this place. At the end of the day, you have so much on your hand to cater for, but with limited resources.

As the wife of the governor, what do you miss most?

I have to be frank with you, I’m missing so many things. I cannot visit my friends. I miss going to the market because I love shopping. I love shopping for local foods and when you send your aides to buy them for you, they only come back to tell you stories. My privacy is gone because you have aides all around you, except when you go to the loo. Being the first lady has taken away my privacy and freedom to do the things I love doing.

But you enjoy all the glamour associated with it.

Which glamour? That is a wrong impression. As far as I am concerned, the governor’s wife is like any other woman out there. I don’t belong to that class that regards the office of the first lady as that of glamour. The office is very demanding. I’m not here to live a flamboyant life; rather I’m here to make impact on the lives of the people because without them, occupying this position would have been absolutely impossible.

Wives of governors are known to float different pet projects. What is your pet project and how do you intend to make it practicable?

Well, my pet project is the Family Empowerment Programme. It is different because I did not choose it alone. When we came into office, we had a series of deliberations on the effective and efficient areas that would impact and change the lives of the people of Abia State. So with the right information at hand, we set out to achieve our goals and objectives. Our women are talented in weaving and the use of other locally-made fabrics. The programme is about empowering women and youths through skill acquisition and support, even in agricultural activities. It is a new disposition towards earning a living by doing it yourself. If you are used to begging for money from people, why not try and do something for yourself that will earn you money? That is what we do at FEP Foundation. The skill acquisition centre has come to stay. It has event halls, catering sections and other amenities that generate money. So you can see that even when I leave office, the centre will conveniently run itself.

We hear that during your husband’s incaceration, you took over the political campaign. What was the push?

I knew that my husband was the popular choice, who was loved by his people.They came clamouring for him to contest and before the incaceration, he had already gone far in his campaign. So all I did was to continue from where he stopped. Withdrawing into my shell to cry would not solve the problem knowing that he had already started the campaign before that problem came up. God gave me the strength to pursue the cause. People came out en masse to support me. I was even advised to stop exposing myself to risk. I really suffered; it’s never a good experience and I don’t even wish my enemy to encounter such.

Were you involved in active politics before that time?

Honestly, I have never been but I have been in the corridors of power. My husband was the secretary to the Independent National Electoral Commission. My experience came from all I heard and learnt from people. I was only a civil servant, but I resigned and started my business to have enough time for the family.

How did you meet your husband; what was the attraction?

We met while we were young. He is quiet, loving, caring and a gentleman. We have the same values, love the same things. He is my best friend. The attraction for me was his mental stimulation. His patience, love, care for me, I cannot quantify. I noticed him because he is a handsome man. The list is endless. To cut the long story short, I was attracted to everything about him. Most of all, I think my husband is a true example of a Christian.

How do you manage your busy schedule and your home?

Playing the role of a mother does not in any way interfere with my role as a wife and that of being the first lady. I plan my schedule perfectly in a way that multi-tasking becomes easy and enjoyable.

Do you feel threatened or jealous whenever your husband attends to the opposite sex?

I don’t feel threatened or jealous in any way; it did not start today. My husband is a workaholic. His kind of job involves attending to both sexes. As his wife, I can’t be jealous with women – old and young – trooping into his office or even if he sleeps out. I don’t know how many times I have gone to my husband’s office. I have to mind and do my own work. He is a public figure; I don’t have to be chasing him here and there. Moreover, I trust my husband; he is not that type.

Are you of the opinion that Nigeria is ripe for a woman president?

We are all aware of the important role women play in good governance, economic development and politics of any country. The only way to enhance women equality and social status is to encourage women’s active participation in politics and elective positions. But we should not forget that in Nigeria, it is difficult for women to ensure full participation because they are the homemakers. If they do, who would take care of the home front? Beyond that, if women give themselves to it, who knows, maybe in the nearest future there may be a female president.

What is your definition of style?

Style to me means simplicity, elegance and carriage. Once you have the three, you are good to go. You can walk in anywhere and attract attention. My best fabric is ankara; it is cool and comfortable.

What would you like to be remembered for?

I would like to be remembered for the legacies I leave behind, like the FEP. It is a masterpiece that would continue to speak for a long time. Also, the Prayer Network we do every Wednesday. It is my own way of touching the lives of people. In short, the place is now known as a place of succour. People come there with different ailments soliciting various help and I thank God for His mercies.

What advice do you have for womenfolk, both old and young?

I think you should value yourself before anyone will put any value on you. Whatever position you find yourself, know that God put you there because you are special and no one can take that from you unless you give it to them. Be gracious and kind and at the end of the day, you will reach for greater heights.


 Source:Punch


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Nigeria First Lady has done it again...

"My husband, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Sambo is a quiet people" First Lady, Pateince Jonathan on NTA Network News, 9pm, Tuesday Dec 21, 2010

These people need to get a clues...lol 



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Delta community accuses task force of war crimes

Residents of Ayakoromo claim their lives and property were deliberately destroyed by troops

Residents of Ayakoromo Community, Burutu Local Government Area of Delta State have accused the military Joint Task Force (JTF) of war crimes and looting of N500 Million from the war-ravaged community during the recent operation of the military in the area.

In a press conference held yesterday in Warri, Delta State, the community leaders led by the Chairman, Ayakoromo Rehabilitation Council, Anthony Bamuza, said they would press for compensation from the Federal Government at the appropriate time.

Mr Bamuza, who was surrounded by hundreds of displaced persons from the community, said what was done to the people of Ayakoromo by the JTF amounted to war crimes.

He also held that in the execution of the war, the JTF deployed heavy artillery at the Ayakoromo people while its soldiers also cordoned off the town and shot many to death in the search of wanted John Togo.

"JTF, in its armed attack, killed innumerable persons - including children, women, handicaps, aged and clergy. Not satisfied with such barbaric atrocities, JTF raped their wives, women and children in their presence, ransacked houses, looted their monies, coral-beads, clothing apparels,

artifacts, and other valuable properties and thereafter set their houses on blaze after securely locking their people inside their houses," he said. "The arson committed by JTF span through the entire Ayakoromo Federated Communities; while the summation of monetary looting is over N500m, which is inclusive of communal funds."

Care for civilians

The community leader also called on the Federal Government to end the occupation of Ayakoromo Community by the JTF.

"We wish to declare that our people in various refugee camps are greatly suffering, malnourished and without water, toilet and sanitation, adequate clothing, shelter and medicals," he said. "These inadequacies have caused out-break of epidemic and also greatly jeopardised the health of our people; with few death reported. We therefore call for aid from the International Community. We shall give copies of our letter to all and sundry to enable Nigerians and the entire world ascertain the truth on this matter and collectively rise against an institution which ought to be the defender of our lives and territories, but regretfully and frequently undertakes its statutory responsibilities perversely." President Goodluck Jonathan recently called on the JTF to ensure that civilians are protected in Ayakoromor community despite their operations against criminal gangs in the area.

He also expressed his sympathy to the families of all those who are currently displaced as a result of the JTF operation.

There has been widespread criticism of the JTF's raid of camps suspected to be harbouring John Togo, a runaway militant leader in the region, which has led to some deaths and displacement of hundreds. Mr Togo, who has given mixed messages about his intention to lay down his arms, was responsible for recent attacks on oil installations in the delta.

Source:234Next

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Birth story of Jesus from the Quran

The Head of Deurat Training Programme, Dr. Muhammed Abdullahi Zarban Algamidi delivering his speech, during the closing ceremony of the 32 training programme for Arabic and Islamic studies teachers in Kano. With him (middle) is the Kano State Governor, Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau.
And (remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, God has chosen you, purified you (from polytheism and disbelief), and chosen you above the women of the ‘Alamîn (mankind and jinns) (of her lifetime.” O Mary! “Submit yourself with obedience to your Lord (God, by worshipping none but Him Alone) and prostrate yourself, and Irkâ’i (bow down etc.) along with Ar-Râki’ûn (those who bow down etc.).”

This is a part of the news of the Ghaib (unseen, i.e. the news of the past nations of which you have no knowledge) which We inspire you with (O Muhammad). You were not with them, when they cast lots with their pens as to which of them should be charged with the care of Maryam (Mary); nor were you with them when they disputed.

(Remember) when the angels said: “O Maryam (Mary)! Verily, God gives you the glad tidings of a Word [“Be!” — and he was! i.e. ‘Iesa (Jesus) the son of Maryam (Mary)] from Him, his name will be the Messiah ‘Iesa (Jesus), the son of Maryam (Mary), held in honour in this world and in the Hereafter, and will be one of those who are near to God.”

“He will speak to the people in the cradle and in manhood, and he will be one of the righteous.”
She said: “O my Lord! How shall I have a son when no man has touched me.” He said: “So (it will be) for God creates what He wills. When He has decreed something, He says to it only: “Be!” and it is.
And He (God) will teach him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] the Book and Al-Hikmah (i.e. the Sunnah, the faultless speech of the Prophets, wisdom, etc.), (and) the Taurât (Torah) and the Injeel (Gospel).

And will make him [‘Iesa (Jesus)] a Messenger to the Children of Israel (saying): “I have come to you with a sign from your Lord, that I design for you out of clay, as it were, the figure of a bird, and breathe into it, and it becomes a bird by God’s Leave; and I heal him who was born blind, and the leper, and I bring the dead to life by God’s Leave. And I inform you of what you eat, and what you store in your houses. Surely, therein is a sign for you, if you believe.

And I have come confirming that which was before me of the Taurât (Torah), and to make lawful to you part of what was forbidden to you, and I have come to you with a proof from your Lord. So fear God and obey me.
Truly! God is my Lord and your Lord, so worship Him (Alone). This is the Straight Path. Qur’an 3: 42-51


And mention in the Book (the Qur’ân, O Muhammad , the story of) Maryam (Mary), when she withdrew in seclusion from her family to a place facing east.
She placed a screen (to screen herself) from them; then We sent to her Our Ruh [angel Jibrael (Gabriel)], and he appeared before her in the form of a man in all respects.
She said: “Verily! I seek refuge with the Most Beneficent (God) from you, if you do fear God.”
(The angel) said: “I am only a Messenger from your Lord, (to announce) to you the gift of a righteous son.”

She said: “How can I have a son, when no man has touched me, nor am I unchaste?”
He said: “So (it will be), your Lord said: ‘That is easy for Me (God): And (We wish) to appoint him as a sign to mankind and a mercy from Us (God), and it is a matter (already) decreed, (by God).’ “
So she conceived him, and she withdrew with him to a far place (i.e. Bethlehem valley about 4-6 miles from Jerusalem).
And the pains of childbirth drove her to the trunk of a date-palm. She said: “Would that I had died before this, and had been forgotten and out of sight!”
Then [the babe ‘Iesa (Jesus) or Jibrael (Gabriel)] cried unto her from below her, saying: “Grieve not! Your Lord has provided a water stream under you;

“And shake the trunk of date-palm towards you, it will let fall fresh ripe-dates upon you.”
“So eat and drink and be glad, and if you see any human being, say: ‘Verily! I have vowed a fast unto the Most Beneficent (God) so I shall not speak to any human being this day.’”
Then she brought him (the baby) to her people, carrying him. They said: “O Mary! Indeed you have brought a thing Fariya (an unheard mighty thing).
“O sister (i.e. the like) of Hârûn (Aaron) [not the brother of Mûsa (Moses), but he was another pious man at the time of Maryam (Mary)]! Your father was not a man who used to commit adultery, nor your mother was an unchaste woman.”

Then she pointed to him. They said: “How can we talk to one who is a child in the cradle?”
“He [‘Iesa (Jesus)] said: Verily! I am a slave of God, He has given me the Scripture and made me a Prophet;”
“And He has made me blessed wheresoever I be, and has enjoined on me Salât (prayer), and Zakât, as long as I live.”

“And dutiful to my mother, and made me not arrogant, unblest.
“And Salâm (peace) be upon me the day I was born, and the day I die, and the day I shall be raised alive!”
Such is ‘Iesa (Jesus), son of Maryam (Mary). (it is) a statement of truth, about which they doubt (or dispute). Qur’an 19: 16-34
Source:Sun



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FRSC advises drivers on safety

The Federal Road Safety Commission Zonal Commander, Zone 2, Lagos, Mr. Danjuma Garba, has urged drivers of articulated vehicles to be safety conscious and avoid obstructing the roads, especially the Lagos-Abeokuta Road.

He lamented the high accident rate recorded on the Lagos-Abeokuta Road, saying that the agency had evolved strategies to reduce the carnages on the road.

In a statement on Wednesday on an ember month rally, he said FRSC organised a rally at Mowe, Ogun State to sensitise road users on road safety and driving ethics.

“The size of one‘s vehicle is not an excuse for the person to be reckless. That the roads are not good, therefore means that drivers must engage more caution. They must avoid over-speeding, overloading and must not drive when fatigued.”

Unit Commander, Mowe, Mr. Olalekan Murakinyo, said the provision of parks would reduce indiscriminate parking and obstructions on the road.

He said, “These trucks on the road side can not be removed unless there is a trailer park. We have had meetings with Bi-Courtney and they promised to create trade parks. Once they put that in place all these trailers will be removed and the union leaders had promised that their members were ready to comply once the parks were ready.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Road Safety Commission in Sokoto says it has adopted religious and community-based approaches to ensure accident-free Christmas and New Year celebrations in Sokoto State.

FRSC Sector Commander in the state, Alhaji Bawa Datsama, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Sokoto on Thursday.

He said the approaches would compel road users to adhere to the highway code.

“Our primary targets are the imams and pastors of various mosques and churches.

“They are expected to deliver special sermons on the need for all road users to be cautious during and after the Yuletide,” he said.

According to him, the command would do all that it could to ensure accident-free celebrations of Christmas and New Year through effective public enlightenment.

Datsama explained that the commission had briefed its sector and unit commanders on the role they should play for the exercise to succeed.

‘We will do everything humanly possible to mobilise and educate road users on the dos and don’ts of road users during the festivities and beyond,” he said.

He also called on Nigerians to appeal to drivers to be alive to their responsibilities of safeguarding their passengers’ lives.

Datsama called on officers and men of the sector command to work hard to reduce road crashes on the highways not only during festive periods but also beyond.

Source:Punch




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Yuletide: Spending without hurting your investment

With the Christmas and New Year celebrations near the corner, avoiding unplanned spending is not a very easy thing. Oftentimes, there is a feeling of excitement, and perhaps, self-fulfillment when we bring out wads of notes to pay for goods or gift items meant for our loved ones or clients.

In most cases, there is no budgetary provision for such expenditure – they are just triggered by impulse. For instance, in a big shop with a variety of enticing items, it is difficult to trust that your instinct will control your expenditure, especially during the Yuletide season.

However, experts say that if entrepreneurs and business managers don‘t imbibe the culture of spending by design during this period, and within a permissible ceiling, their disposable income or working capital will be severely eroded. This situation, they stress, can distort business plan – a situation that can result in embarrassing heaps of debt in the new year.

The Assistant Vice-President, Research and Intelligence, BGL Plc, Mr. Femi Ademola, says avoiding unnecessary spending starts with developing a sound, strategic spending plan. He adds that this will help to put flesh around the areas where the business lacks competitive advantage.

”The plan should be followed with a budget, which quantifies all the actions in monetary terms. The budget should be as clear and practicable as possible for it to be achievable,” he says.

Ademola notes that, although it is necessary to keep to the budget, an entrepreneur or business organisation should, however, be flexible to make room for an unforeseen occurrence that might not have been envisaged during budget preparation. He stresses that the decision to deal with such a situation should be rational and not emotional.

He says, ”Most business managers are fond of making financial commitments without proper consideration of the economic importance of their actions. While it is agreeable that not all expenditure come with financial benefits, the non-financial benefits should be determined before disbursement.”

An investment analyst, Mr. Nkem Jacobs, says engaging in unplanned spending at Yuletide can lead an individual into a debt trap. He says, ”When individuals and business organisations fail to adhere to a spending plan, they are tempted to pursue fanciful but unnecessary projects. And when important projects show up, they end up borrowing. So, in order to avoid unplanned spending, individuals and organisations should develop a spending plan and keep to it.”

He stresses that entrepreneurs and business managers can curb unplanned spending by preparing a shopping list; avoiding social shopping; reducing appetite for trendy items; creating major spending projects and by carrying less cash, among other things.

Similarly, experts, writing in Acceler8now.com note that when an individual carries wads of banknotes in his or her bag and heads for the shopping-mall, chances are that the person may buy more items if he or she has no shopping list.

They say, ”One of the ways out of this problem is to prepare a shopping list and abide by it. Then, target what you came for, deal with it and leave the environment. Roaming the shopping mall will expose you to all the captivating goods that have been cleverly and strategically positioned to entice and stir your buying impulse. So, the less you feast your eyes, the better for you.

“What all these uncontrolled habits do to you as a businessman is that you may eat or spend into your investment, thereby laying the foundation of your business collapse in the New Year.”

”You should choose where to shop. Don‘t go to an over-priced outlet just because it is where the ‘big boys‘ and ‘big girls‘ go to shop, especially when you know you can get the same items cheaper at a not-too-popular outlet,” experts caution.

Another way of keeping your business and investment‘s prosperity in perspective is to avoid a ‘buy now and pay later‘ arrangement.

”The best option is for you not to buy off your budget. And to achieve this, you must begin to learn how to say ‘no‘, politely. Don‘t buy to please, buy because of a planned need,” experts say.

They advise that it is better to create major spending projects for yourself as a businessman. It is normally the dream of every entrepreneur or business organisation to accomplish some landmark projects, such as building a new house or a production plant. If you don‘t focus on developing new projects, you leave a vacuum, which is exploited by weaknesses like the spending urge. You can help curb it by getting into a project that creates excitement for you and which eventually will bring a lot of value.


 Source:Punch


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At last, succour for helpless kid

Adeleye
Azeez Adeleye. Remember the name? He is that 12-year-old boy with a monstrous mouth, the boy that needs the sum of N134, 350 for a corrective surgery at the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH).
Well, for the boy, a 10-year travail may soon be over.

Twice, on Wednesday, August 11 and Tuesday, October 12, Daily Sun had published the story of the unfortunate youngster whose parents have been running from pillar to post in search of money to save their son. But no help was forthcoming.

But a non-governmental organisation, Global Initiative for Peace, Love and Care (GIPLC) has come to the aid of the boy. The group, after reading about the boy’s plight, commenced raising funds for him. It soon came up with some amount. And last week, the group stormed the corporate headquarters of The Sun Publishing Limited alongside Azeez and his mum.

There, they handed over the sum of N140, 000 to Azeez’s mum. The money would start the process that would enable the boy overcome the growth known as neurofibroma that has been tormenting him since he turned two.
Coordinator of GIPLC, Mr. Nuhu Kwajafa, made the presentation to Mrs. Iyabo Adeleye on behalf of the group.
The Consultant, Oral and Max. Surgery at LUTH, Professor G.T. Arotiba had said the sum of N134, 350 would be needed for a surgery to tackle the disease. In the breakdown of the estimate, Arotiba explained that admission for two weeks would cost N34, 000, operation fee N38, 250, drugs N25, 000, feeding N7, 000, haematology tests N3, 000, blood chemistry tests N3, 000 and miscellaneous N15, 000.

Kwajafa, who hails from Biu Local Government Area of Borno State, explained that he was moved with compassion to assist the boy after he read the story captioned: Strange growth ravages boy’s face, with a rider, Family needs N134, 000 to cure disease. “I was touched in my heart to render help to Azeez after I read his story published in the Daily Sun of Tuesday October 12, on page 16. After reading the story, I knew Azeez was going through a lot of pains. This made my NGO to appeal to people to donate to Azeez, and today, we have raised the sum of N140, 000 for Azeez to be able to undergo the surgery.”

It wasn’t the first time Kwajafa’s group would be involved in such charity. Two and a half years ago, Daily Sun reported the story of Ebuka Anene, a child with tumour of the eyes. The NGO was able to raise N445, 000 for the boy.
“I believe that The Sun newspaper is carrying out its own responsibility to the society. Without these publications, we wouldn’t have known the plight of all these people. We give glory to God that The Sun in one way or the other is contributing positively towards mankind,” he stated.

Kwajafa also delved into some projects embarked on by the organisation to help the needy in the society. According to him, one of the projects tagged Food For One Million, began about four years ago. Through the project, Kwajafa stressed, the organisation has been able to assist underprivileged Nigerians in different orphanage homes across Abuja, Nasarawa, Benue and Anambra states with food, clothing, toiletries and other items.

He continued: “In the last four years, we have been able to take care of over 7,000 children through our other project called Child Education Support. We usually pay the school fees of about 1, 500 orphans. “Our third project is called Save A Child, where we also raise money for children who cannot afford to pay medical bills. So far, we have donated over N45 million to children. I will say that we are a vessel of help to the underprivileged. We get information from the media and later we get across to relevant people in the society who we believe can support us financially.

“In my organisation’s account, we don’t have much money but we have the muscle and power to raise millions of naira. I was reading the newspaper and I saw another story of a girl that was raped by her father and I sent a couple of SMS to people and they replied that they are willing to assist me.

“In Nigeria, there is a lot of money and that is why GIPLC does not look for support from any foreign donor, rather we deal with our own people. Nigerians should remember that they have a purpose of being on earth and they should always look at the next person as their own. Nigerians should stand up and show love to one another.” Ecstatic Mrs Adeleye, while receiving the money, thanked GIPLC for the gesture. She prayed that God would continue to bless the organisation so that it would keep on assisting the needy in the society.

She asserted that following the publication of her son’s story in the Daily Sun of October 12, a sum of N85, 000 had been paid into the bank account opened for the purpose. “I am using this medium to thank you all and to appeal to you again that you should continue to render assistance to my son so that he will be saved from this strange disease. This surgery is the first of four that doctors said my son would need so that he would become normal. After this operation, we would still need financial assistance for subsequent operations. Please, we need your prayers for the success of this surgery,” she said.

Azeez currently studies at the St. Thomas Nursery and Primary School, a Catholic school in Ibefun, Epe area of Lagos. Despite the ailment that has taken the better part of his face, Azeez is described as a brilliant pupil who loves soccer. He hopes to combine his academics with the round leather game. The strange growth started like a boil when Azeez was two years old. It soon grew beyond normal proportions and defaced him. Since the strange ailment began 10 years ago, the family has spent a lot of money going from one hospital to the other.

Mrs. Adeleye can still be reached on 07087727561 and 07053133454.
Source:Sun



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Ojukwu wishes to die Jan 13

Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu

Ikemba Nnewi, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, 77, had a wish three weeks before he was admitted into the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital: to die on January 13.

One of his aides, who did not want his name in print, disclosed this on Wednesday as arrangements to fly him overseas were being finetuned by the doctors handling his treatment.

“Three weeks ago, while trying to feed him, he told (Odumegwu-Ojukwu)me that there were signs that his end was near and that he wished it would come in January 13, 2011 to coincide with the 41st anniversary of the end of the Nigerian civil war,” the aide said.

Odumegwu-Ojukwu, who was a Lieutenant Colonel in the Nigerian Army and governor of the old Eastern Region, declared the secession of the region from Nigeria in 1967. His action resulted in a 30-month civil war between Biafra Republic and Nigeria.

Feelers from the UNTH, Enugu, on Wednesday, indicated conflicting signals on the state of health of the elder statesman.

While a doctor in the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital told our correspondent that Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s health had deteriorated, one of his sons said he was doing well.

“My father is fine. He is getting better,” he said but refused appeals by our correspondent to give his name.

However, the doctor disclosed that the ex-Biafran warlord’s health condition had deteriorated to the level that the Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi, out of panic, had to rush down to the UNTH to see him.

Obi was accompanied by government officials; the National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Chief Victor Umeh, and other party stalwarts.

The doctor added that the governor had to provide funds when the hospital management informed him that it was one of the challenges hindering the moves to fly Odumegwu-Ojukwu abroad for further treatment.

He said, “He will be flown out soon. As at this morning (Wednesday), plans were being made for him to be taken abroad. The money issue that seemed a challenge, I heard, it has been settled by the governor who was in the hospital today (Wednesday).

“So when we notice any sign of improvement in the Ikemba, he will be flown out.”

Another aide of the elder statesman, confirmed that all was set for his boss to be taken abroad.

“Barring any last-minute setback, my oga (boss) should be flown out tonight (Wednesday) or tomorrow (Thursday),” he said.

The aide claimed that Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s son, who spoke earlier with our correspondent, was “only being economical with the truth.”

“He was even lamenting just yesterday (Tuesday) night, but he told me he did not want to take a different stand from that of his father’s wife, Bianca.”

Odumegwu-Ojukwu was rushed to the Accident and Emergency Unit of the UNTH on Sunday morning but was later moved to the ICU in the afternoon after he was diagnosed with Cerebral Vascular Accident.

CVA, according to seniorhealth.about.com, is “another name for a stroke. It is damage to the brain caused by a disruption of the blood supply to a part of the brain.

“This disruption of blood supply can be caused by a blood clot, or by a ruptured artery.

The website also states that “symptoms of a CVA depend on which part of the brain is affected. Common symptoms may include paralysis of a part of the body, loss of all or part of the vision, or loss of the ability to speak or to understand speech.”

The UNTH Chief Medical Director, Dr. Anthony Mbah, had confirmed on Tuesday that the elder statesman would be flown abroad in an air ambulance as soon as his health condition stabilised.

Source:Punch

 


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WISHING YOU MERRY XMAS AND HAPPY NEW YEAR

 Trillions of souls witnessed the herald of year 2009. Tenth died a minute to the D-DAY. Hundreds discovered and recovered their potentials therein. Thousands were victims of violence and non-violence crisis. What a statistic!

Does it even occur to you that it is of paramount to say ‘YOU ARE AWESOME LORD’ think of it. Now, look around, think across the globe, evaluate that year and see if anything was remarkable about it. Have you discovered one? I rejoice with you. Though, predicaments might exist on your way sometimes but these are challenges to prove God’s word true in your life. Or was there anyone that makes you feel sober. Feel free to tell it unto Him. He lightens yoke. Trust Him because he lives you can face tomorrow.

Wishing you merry Xmas and Happy New Year in Advance.

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The name and face of the man who kidnapped Sharon Omolayo

His name is Dare Akamo, and he was a trusted family friend. He's since been arrested. 



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From cocaine to cultism to Christ

A crowd at one of the Helping Hand programmes

At 15, he had started experimenting with all manner of hard drugs – from marijuana to cocaine. And when he was admitted into the University, he promptly got himself enlisted into one of the most dreaded campus cult groups. In Igbole, his hometown, as well as other communities in Ido/Osi Local Government area of Ekiti State, his name was synonymous with trouble.

Then without warning, his story was dramatically altered and he started serving the Lord. Meet Pastor Olaitan Aromolaran, pastor-in-charge of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Covenant of Peace Parish, Ikorodu, Lagos.

He might not be a household name yet among Nigerian clerics, but Pastor Aromolaran is steadily carving a niche for himself as a committed vessel of God, especially in the Lagos area.
Besides being the parish pastor of the RCCG, Covenant of Peace Parish, Ikorodu, Lagos, he’s also a zonal pastor in Zone 4 of Province 16 as well as the Provincial Evangelist for Lagos Province 16 of the RCCG.

Each Thursday morning, you see people trooping out in their thousands to partake of the spiritual blessings embedded in Helping Hand, a special early-morning prayer programme initiated by this young man of God in his church. Helping Hand has also attracted several notable names in God’s vineyard to the Ikorodu-based church, with many coming to minister during the weekly prayer programme.
General Evangelist of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) worldwide, Prophet S.K. Abiara, General Overseer of Decross Gospel Ministries, Evangelist Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, Pastor J.T. Kalejaiye, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Pastor Kunle Ajayi, Prophet Olowoporoku, Evangelists Bola Are, Ojo Ade, Dunni Olanrewaju, Lanre Teriba, Esther Igbekele Iwalesin, Ayewa Gospel Singers, Pastor Kingsley Ike, Evangelist Ifeanyi and many others have also been part of the programme.

Besides Helping Hand, the church also holds another programme, Joy Cometh which also draws people to the church.
So since when has he been working in the church vineyard? “I started working for God as soon as I gave my life to Christ in my university days at the then Ondo State University, now University of Ado-Ekiti,” the man of God said recently during a programme in his church. “I felt that I had done so much evil that if Christ could save me, then I shouldn’t waste any further time. I felt I should start working for him immediately. So from then, I had been going from village to village in Ekiti ministering to people.”

According to him, never in his wildest dreams did he imagine he could ever become a pastor. “As a teenager, I did much evil,” he recollected. “I was a cult member in school. I was introduced to drugs, to cocaine as a teenager. So I never thought I could ever become a pastor. Even when the traditional ruler of my town came here, he said if God could touch this man, then there is nobody that God could not touch.

“I was a public nuisance. I was introduced to cocaine at 15. I became addicted. I got to the University a nuisance. I was in the cult where I was given the mandate to look for the skull of a lady. The day I met Christ, I was even coming from the hotel where we went to strategise on our activities. I was having a cigarette in my hand when I heard the voice that said, you must give your life to Christ. And I told my friends that, today, I’m giving my life to Christ. They couldn’t believe it. Nobody preached to me that day. My friends were shocked. That was how my life changed.

“When I came to Lagos, I started worshipping at the Redeemed Church. I went for the youth service, came back and started worshipping at Redeemed again. Then one of my pastors then called me and said I should become a minister. I laughed and told my sister that this pastor has made the greatest mistake of his life. Well, eventually, I became a parish pastor and God has been faithful since then.”

He recalled that in 2001, after noticing the various problems people were undergoing around him, Pastor Aromolaran said he was directed by God to commence a programme called Joy Cometh in his church then. “I remember that at the first Joy Cometh, about 180 people attended. To me, it was a great crowd. So I went into thanking the Lord. Then around 2002, we were holding the programme when some people brought a dead body, a corpse, into the church. I will never forget that day. Well, I just started thanking God. I said God of Adeboye, you must do something. Suddenly, the girl came back to life. That was the beginning of the great revival. The programme began to grow from strength to strength, with great crowds attending and testifying to the glory of God. Normally, as a pastor in this church, you are moved from place to place. So I have been transferred from place to place.

“In January this year, we had a 21-day fasting and prayer programme. At the end of the programme, the Lord said we should start the Helping Hand programme. So we started the programme in February. And since then, God has been wonderful. We now have people in their thousands filling this entire street just to behold the wonders of God.

“We now hold the programme all over Lagos. Helping Hand and Joy Cometh hold in about 20 locations in Lagos. The Lord gave us a mandate that this year, we must reach at least two million souls. And the Lord has been helping us.”
Also in his church, Pastor Aromolaran has been making prophetic declarations. For instance, he had told the congregation of the recent changes in government in Ekiti and Osun states.

So, what’s the next thing for the man of God? “The next thing is that we are going to be holding a mega crusade very soon. The Lord said we should hold a mega crusade that has not been seen in Ikorodu before. The Lord said we should gather a hundred thousand people and minister to them. And we believe the Lord will see us through.”
But that is not all. The man of God said he had been mandated to reach three million souls in the new year. “It might appear hard, but nothing is beyond God. I believe he will do it.”

Pastor Aromolaran cautioned, however, that nobody should ascribe any glory or greatness to his person. “I don’t believe any man would be under Pastor Adeboye and would still be sluggish. Daddy Adeboye is a man that will give you every support that you need. I believe I’m just privileged to be under that great leadership. That is just the grace that I’m enjoying. Remove me from this place and you might not hear anything about me again.”
He also has nice words for his wife, Oluyemi, praising her for being very supportive of his works in the Lord’s vineyard. “She had been a Christian before me, and she has been more than a pillar of support,” he said.
 
Source:Sun

 


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Oprah's Mom Upset About Barbara Walters Interview

Remember when talk show queen, Oprah Winfrey, sat down with Barbara Walters and said that her best friend Gayle King was like the mother she never had? [click here if you missed it]. Well her mum saw it too and wasn't happy about it.

From the National Enquirer

OPRAH WINFREY's ailing mother ravaged after her famous daughter humiliated her in front of a TV audience of millions, say insiders.

Not only did the talk-show diva confess to Barbara Walters that she wasn't close to mom Vernita Lee - she went on to gush about best pal Gayle King, referring to her as "the mother I never had."

"Vernita is devastated," divulged a close family friend.

"It was the final straw after years of insults and betrayals. She just doesn't understand why Oprah still has to be so cruel to her."

Vernita, 75, was said to have been "so proud" when she sat down to watch the Walters interview at her Milwaukee condo.

"But her joy turned to tears and embarrassment as Oprah described her friendship with Gayle," maintained the friend. "Vernita knows she wasn't the perfect mother, but she loves Oprah, and she is hurt by the way her daughter put her down in public.

"Vernita says Oprah keeps bringing up the fact that she was the result of a one-night stand, that Vernita didn't protect Oprah from abuse or help her when she was raped when she was 9 years old .

"She wishes Oprah would forgive her after all these years."

Vernita, who suffers from high blood pressure, diabetes, blurred vision and kidney problems, tried to build a stronger relationship with Oprah over the years, but her efforts have been hampered by the fact that she doesn't even have her daughter's private phone number!

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2face Idibia's younger brother, HI, marries

Hyacinth Idibia,Tuface Idibia's immediate younger brother, and former member of hip hop group, Da Natives, is married. He married his Sierre Leonean girlfriend of many years on Sat Dec 18th. The wedding took place at the bride's home town.
Congrats to him and his new bride.  

 



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Missing five-year-old pupil, home help found

Sharon Omolayo

Sharon Omolayo, a five-year-old pupil of Avi-Cenna International School, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, and a member of her household, Dare Akamo, have been found.

Although efforts to speak with Omolayo’s mother proved abortive, a friend of the family, who spoke with PUNCH METRO on the telephone on Monday, said they were found on Sunday in Ifo, Ogun State.

The friend of the family, who declined to give her name, spoke with our correspondent through Omolayo’s mother’s telephone line.

“She has been found in Ifo along with the home help (Akamo),” she said.

In response to our correspondent’s text message, the Police Public Relations Officer, Lagos State Police Command, Mr. Frank Mba, said he had not been briefed on the status of Omolayo’s case.

According to a statement signed by Omolayo’s parents and the principal of her school, the girl and the home help were declared missing on December 13, 2010.

“Sharon Omolayo was collected from Avi-Cenna International School in GRA, Ikeja, Lagos, by a trusted member of her household, Dare Akamo. It is thought that they travelled home by public taxi but never reached home and have neither been seen nor heard from since,” it said.

Source:Punch

 


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Sex Steel marries UK lover

Hip hop singer, Sexy Steel married the mother of his two children, Omoluwa Falua, a nurse based in Dublin, on Sat Dec 18th, 2010. The two who met in a church in Lagos, dated for several years before tying the knots last weekend. Wishing them a happy married life. 




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