Open Heavens 22 February 2016 Monday daily devotion: APOSTATE OR REFORMER?

APOSTATE OR REFORMER? 

Memorise: Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. – James 5:4

Read: 1 Kings 18:41-46 (KJV)

41 And Elijah said unto Ahab, Get thee up, eat and drink; for there is a sound of abundance of rain.

42 So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees,

43 And said to his servant, Go up now, look toward the sea. And he went up, and looked, and said, There is nothing. And he said, Go again seven times.

44 And it came to pass at the seventh time, that he said, Behold, there ariseth a little cloud out of the sea, like a man's hand. And he said, Go up, say unto Ahab, Prepare thy chariot, and get thee down, that the rain stop thee not.

45 And it came to pass in the meanwhile, that the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode, and went to Jezreel.

46 And the hand of the LORD was on Elijah; and he girded up his loins, and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel.

Bible in One Year: Luke 14:25-17:10; Job 27:1-12

MESSAGE

The Made In Nigeria Campaign by Reuben Abati

There has been renewed talk lately about the need for Nigerians to patronize locally made goods, (someone should have added… and services!). Championed by Senator Ben Murray Bruce, and supported by the Senate President Bukola Saraki, the Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Hajia Aisha Abubakar and a large crowd of online campaigners, so much ink, saliva, and emotions have been invested in this old, and perhaps boring story.

Senator Bruce, who goes by the moniker “the Commonsense Senator” even introduced a hashtag #BuyNaijaToGrowtheNaira. He hasn’t quite explained the connection, but with the exchange rate melting down and the Naira yo-yoing, everyone including our neighbourhood electrician, and his friend, the battery charger, have both become experts on the fortunes of the national currency. Senator Saraki has promised that the Public Procurement Act will be amended by the 8th National Assembly to make it mandatory for the government to patronize locally made goods. Minister Aisha Abubakar has proposed a “Patronise Naija Products Campaign.”

Naira hits record low of 400 against the dollar

The fall in the value of the naira is yet to abate as the Nigerian currency exchanged for N400 to a dollar Thursday at the parallel market.

Fresh pressure on the naira since last week Thursday has seen the currency fall further from N318 to N400 to a dollar.

Financial experts linked the persistent fall of the naira to panic buying of the dollar and other major hard currencies by importers, individuals and businessmen.

President Buhari appoints Ooni of Ife as UNN Chancellor

President Buhari has appointed the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja ll, as the Chancellor of University of Nigeria, Nsukka. The Ooni's appointment was announced by the Director of Media, Ooni’s Palace, Moses Olafare, yesterday February 18th, 2016.

“This appointment would develop further and enable the monarch to build more bridges of friendship most especially across the Niger,” the statement read

The Ooni would assume office as the institution's  Chancellor  on February 20th, 2016.

Donald Trump calls pope’s criticism of him ‘disgraceful’

Donald Trump on Thursday called remarks by Pope Francis “disgraceful,” after the pontiff argued the Republican White House hopeful could not claim to be a Christian based on his anti-immigrant stance.

“For a religious leader to question a person’s faith is disgraceful,” Trump said in a statement that he read out to a crowd at a campaign stop in South Carolina, which holds its primary vote on Saturday.

“I am proud to be a Christian and as president I will not allow Christianity to be consistently attacked and weakened.”

The comments framed an extraordinary public exchange between a candidate and the leader of the Roman Catholic church in the run up to a US presidential election.

Nigerian Army rescue 195 captives from Boko Haram

The Nigerian Army has rescued 195 persons held hostage by the Boko Haram sect.

The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, said in an electronic mail on Thursday that soldiers also recovered 300 cows, 200 sheep and 130 goats stolen by the insurgents.

Usman said that the troops of the 7 Division Garrison comprising the 112 Battalion and the Armed Forces Special Forces, who jointly attacked the camps of the insurgents on Wednesday, also recovered camouflages, rifle magazines and grenades from the insurgents.

He said that the troops cleared Boko Haram locations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State.

Open Heavens 19 February 2016 Friday daily devotion: Beware of Deceivers I

Beware of Deceivers I 

Memorise: All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: – 2 Timothy 3:16

Read: 2 Timothy 3:1-8 (KJV)

1 This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.

2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,

3 Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,

4 Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;

5 Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.

6 For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts,

7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

8 Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith.

Bible in One Year: Luke 9:21-10:42; Job 24:9-20

MESSAGE

Buhari Sacks Director General of the Budget Office, Appoints Replacement

  

President Muhammadu Buhari has relieved the Director General of the Budget Office of his duties and has appointed a replacement.

The Director General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Yahaya Gusau has been relieved of his duties.

The DG was appointed to the office on August 18, 2015, for a term of four years that could have been renewable for another four years.

However he has now been sacked following the widespread irregularities detected in the 2016 budget presently under consideration by the National Assembly.

According to PremiumTimes, Presidency sources revealed that Mr. Buhari believed that the sacked DG failed to effectively deliver on his mandate.

Open Heavens 16 February 2016 Tuesday daily devotion: TIME TO FIGHT I

 

TIME TO FIGHT I 

Memorise: To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: – Ecclesiastes 3:1

Read: I Timothy 4:1-6 (KJV)

1 Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

2 Speaking lies in hypocrisy; having their conscience seared with a hot iron;

3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.

4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing to be refused, if it be received with thanksgiving:

5 For it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer.

6 If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.

Bible in One Year: Luke 4:16-6:16; Job 22:12-30

MESSAGE

On the 2016 Nigeria Budget

By The Guardian's Editorial Board

Nigeria's 2016 Budget which has been submitted by President Muhammadu Buhari to the National Assembly, like any budget, should not be a mere expression of figures and facts. A national budget is an embodiment of a country’s strategic and policy priorities, and the politics and processes that throw them up. In these key areas, the 2016 spending plan before the National Assembly certainly can be substantially improved upon.

Budgeting is indeed intensely a political matter as both expenditures and revenues are about allocation of resources among competing constituencies within a political environment. What is of importance to the citizenry, constituencies and society at large is expressed through the political and democratic process.

Buhari orders sack of DG's of NTA, VON, FRCN, NOA, others

President Buhari has approved the sack of the heads of the six information-related parastatals under the ministry of information and culture. According to a statement shared on the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture's Facebook wall, Lai Mohammed, who is the Minister of information and culture announced their sack at a meeting he held with the chief executives. The statement reads;

Olajumoke (ex-breadseller) celebrates Valentine with stunning new photos

This has always been her destiny. She has the body of a model and can even pose like a pro...so happy for her. Beautiful photos of bread seller turned model, Jumoke Orisaguna, from her first paying modelling Job for April By Kunbi - A female apparel brand by Olakunbi Oyelese. Photos taken by Frank Ugah. Makeup by Christine Signatures. See more photos after the cut...

World’s best Universities, UNN Named

A Nigerian University, has been listed among the best universities in the world: The University of Nigeria, Nsukka, UNN, has been graded the best in the country and among the best 2,000 in the world in the latest Webometrics ranking released in January this year.

The Webometrics University Ranking, which provides indicators for more than 12,000 universities in the world, is based on university web presence, visibility and web access.

The ranking system measures how strongly a university is present in the web by its own web domain, sub-pages, rich files and published scholarly articles.

Kachikwu says, I lose not less than $1 million yearly for accepting to serve as Minister

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, has said although his former job was more rewarding financially, he decided to serve Nigeria for the love of his fatherland.

Kachikwu said in Abuja on Sunday that all hands must be on deck to build enduring institutions that would secure the future of the country and improve on the standard of living of Nigerians.

He said: “I believe that this country needs help.

“I believe that it is about time we began to perform for the young and upcoming.

“I believe that the sheer capacity of this country is unimaginable.

Open Heavens 15 February 2016 Monday daily devotion: COMMANDED TO REJOICE

COMMANDED TO REJOICE 

Memorise: For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. – Jeremiah 29:11

Read: Philippians 4:1-7 (KJV)

1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved.

2 I beseech Euodias, and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord.

3 And I intreat thee also, true yokefellow, help those women which laboured with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with other my fellowlabourers, whose names are in the book of life.

4 Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice.

5 Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

6 Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Bible in One Year: Luke 2:22-4:15; Job 22:1-11

MESSAGE

Lawyers aid corruption and stealing in Nigeria – EFCC chairman

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu, gave the umbrella body of lawyers, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) an earful on Wednesday. The NBA leadership was on a courtesy visit to Magu’s office.

The EFCC boss lamented that some lawyers have become “vandals of the temple of justice”.

In a statement issued by EFCC spokesperson, Wilson Uwujaren, after the meeting, the EFCC chairman said “Society is not served when prominent members of the bar not only take clearly tainted briefs, but even facilitate the commission of crimes by knowingly supplying the technical know-how and later, helping in the dispersal of the proceeds of crime.

Photos: EFCC seizes N5 billion houses of ex-NAF chief, Amosu, others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has seized houses and other properties belonging to the immediate past Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Adesola Amosu (rtd.), and other senior military officers worth N5 billion.

Punch learnt on Wednesday that the properties, which were seized in the Ikoyi, Ikeja GRA and Badagry areas of Lagos State, allegedly belonged to Amosu; the immediate past Chief of Accounts and Budgeting of the Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal J.B. Adigun; and Air Commodore O. O. Gbadebo, who was the Director of Finance and Budget at NAF.

President Buhari returns to Nigeria after 5-day break

President Muhammadu Buhari has returned to Abuja after a 5-day break. Aboard a presidential jet, the president touched the ground of Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport, Abuja at about 8: 45 pm on Wednesday.

Buhari returns It will be recalled that the president last week after attending the Syria conference in London, United Kingdom, announced his vacation and subsequently delegated the function of his office to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The president is expected to resume duties on Thursday.

Manchester United job a done deal - Mourinho

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has told close friends that he will take over as Manchester United manager this summer, according to British tabloids.

The Daily Mail, like the Daily Express and Daily Mirror, reports that he has said it’s done deal for him to replace Louis Van Gaal at Old Trafford. Jose Mourinho Mourinho, who has won three English Premier League titles in five EPL seasons, was fired in December by Chelsea, which collapsed this season after winning last year’s Premier League title.

Saraki's trial must go on- Suprem court rules

The Supreme court has ruled that Senate President, Bukola Saraki must continue his trial at the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). In a judgement delivered this morning, the apex court dismissed Saraki's appeal challenging the authority of the tribunal in trying him for a 13 count charge of asset falsification filed against him by the Federal government last year.

The apex court ruled that the tribunal had the constitutional power to try him and so his trial must continue.

Open Heavens 5 February 2016 Friday daily devotion: REVIVAL BY THE WORD OF GOD I

REVIVAL BY THE WORD OF GOD I 

Memorise: For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. – Hebrews 4:12

Read: Nehemiah 8:1-10 (KJV)

1 And all the people gathered themselves together as one man into the street that was before the water gate; and they spake unto Ezra the scribe to bring the book of the law of Moses, which the LORD had commanded to Israel.

2 And Ezra the priest brought the law before the congregation both of men and women, and all that could hear with understanding, upon the first day of the seventh month.

3 And he read therein before the street that was before the water gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women, and those that could understand; and the ears of all the people were attentive unto the book of the law.

4 And Ezra the scribe stood upon a pulpit of wood, which they had made for the purpose; and beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah, on his right hand; and on his left hand, Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchiah, and Hashum, and Hashbadana, Zechariah, and Meshullam.

5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people; (for he was above all the people) and when he opened it, all the people stood up:

6 And Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God. And all the people answered, Amen, Amen, with lifting up their hands: and they bowed their heads, and worshipped the LORD with their faces to the ground.

7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodijah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites, caused the people to understand the law: and the people stood in their place.

8 So they read in the book in the law of God distinctly, and gave the sense, and caused them to understand the reading.

9 And Nehemiah, which is the Tirshatha, and Ezra the priest the scribe, and the Levites that taught the people, said unto all the people, This day is holy unto the LORD your God; mourn not, nor weep. For all the people wept, when they heard the words of the law.

10 Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 26:68-28:20; Job 16:1-17

MESSAGE

Nigeria to deport six British citizens for breach of immigration law

The Nigeria Immigrations Service is set to deport six Britons who were arrested last Saturday for alleged breach of the country’s immigration law.

The Comptroller-General of the NIS, Mr. Martins Kure-Abeshi, made the disclosure in Abuja when he met with members of the House of Representatives Committee on Interior at the National Assembly.

According to him, violations of the Immigration Act, 2015, carried penalties including a term of imprisonment of 10 years or an option of N2m fine

Kure-Adeshi spoke as he defended the 2016 budget estimates of the service before the committee, which is headed by Mr. Adams Jagaba.

A member of the committee, Mr. Sunday Katung, had asked a question on the fate of the Britons.

Open Heavens 3 February 2016 Wednesday daily devotion: REVIVAL THROUGH RETREAT

REVIVAL THROUGH RETREAT 

Memorise: Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? – Psalms 85:6

Read: 1 Kings 19:4-8 (KJV)

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him, and said unto him, Arise and eat.

6 And he looked, and, behold, there was a cake baken on the coals, and a cruse of water at his head. And he did eat and drink, and laid him down again.

7 And the angel of the LORD came again the second time, and touched him, and said, Arise and eat; because the journey is too great for thee.

8 And he arose, and did eat and drink, and went in the strength of that meat forty days and forty nights unto Horeb the mount of God.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 23:37-25:30; Job 15:17-21

MESSAGE

Open Heavens 2 February 2016 Tuesday daily devotion: INTIMIDATED?

INTIMIDATED? 

Memorise: Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: – 1 Peter 5:8

Read: 1 Kings 19:1-4 (KJV)

1 And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and withal how he had slain all the prophets with the sword.

2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah, saying, So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I make not thy life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.

3 And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah, and left his servant there.

4 But he himself went a day's journey into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree: and he requested for himself that he might die; and said, It is enough; now, O LORD, take away my life; for I am not better than my fathers.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 21:28-23:39; Job 14:18-15:6

MESSAGE

Ekiti Election: Aluko Presents Evidence, Claiming The Election Was Rigged During His Interview on Channels Television.

Mr Tope-Aluko, A member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ekiti State is insisting that the Ekiti State governorship election was rigged, tendering evidences on how some areas were blocked in the state during the election.

On Politics Today on Sunday, Mr Tope Aluko gave a breakdown of how the election was rigged in favour of the PDP governorship candidate, now Governor, Ayodele Fayose.

Explaining a process he alleged was used in rigging the election, he said: “Before the Primaries, we had this believe that because Jonathan was coming out for second term and because we are going to be the first election in the south-west, at a meeting, we told him (former President Goodluck Jonathan) that north-east, north-west and north-central may not be too sure for him because the Hausas are clamouring for presidency and that you now have south-east and south-south, you must manage the south-west”.

Four Nigerian banks among top 500 banking brands in the world in 2016

According to the 2016 Top 500 banking brands ranking published in the February edition of The Banker magazine of Financial Times Group in conjunction with Brand Finance, London, United Kingdom, First Bank of Nigeria is in 320th position out of 500 top banks in the world in 2016. It has moved up from it's former position of 336th from last year.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited retained its number one banking brand ranking in Nigeria for the fifth consecutive year in the global ranking of banks by The Banker magazine.

West Ham sign Nigerian footballer Emmanuel Emenike

Emmanuel Emenike has signed for top English club West Ham on loan from Fenerbahce till the end of the season. The footballer who retired from the Super Eagles last year agreed to join the club in the late hours of Sunday, 31st of January, barely 24hours till the end of the transfer window.

Anti-corruption: The Judiciary is my main headache - Buhari

President Buhari says that the judiciary is his main headache in his ongoing fight against corruption in Nigeria. According to a statement released by the special adviser to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Buhari said this while speaking with Nigerians living in Ethiopia during his visit to the country over the weekend.

$2.1bn arms fraud: I will testify against Dasuki and others at ICC- Senator Ndume

Senate Majority leader, Senator Ali Ndume says he is willing to testify against former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and all those indicted in the $2.1billion arms deal at the International Criminal Court, ICC. Ndume said this in an interview with Daily Trust, while applauding the efforts of human rights Lawyer, Femi Falana, who says he will be approaching ICC to try all those indicted in the fraud with charges of War crimes.

I am going to suffer because I have no place to lay my head - Fr. Mbaka

Enugu Catholic priest, and founder, Adoration Ministry, Rev. Fr. Ejike Mbaka, has said he is going to suffer in his new parish.

Mbaka made the statement after he was moved from the Christ the King Parish, G.R.A, in Enugu metropolis, where he served as parish priest for over 20 years, to Our Lady Parish, in Emene, a suburb of the Coal City.

While handing over to his successor on Saturday, Mbaka said, “I know we are going to suffer, between now and few months to come, I am going to suffer.

“I am going to suffer because I have no place to lay my head; I am going to suffer because I have no place to keep the (Adoration) Ministry’s assets.

John Mikel: Does Jose Mourinho lacks this attribute?

John Obi Mikel has attributed Chelsea’s mini-revival under Guus Hiddink to his ability to communicate with his players, something that he suggests Jose Mourinho lacked.

Mikel has established himself as a key figure in the Blues’ recent turnaround, completing five of the six Premier League games since Hiddink took over having been very much on the periphery under former manager Mourinho.

The champions are unbeaten since Hiddink’s arrival and Mikel believes it is down to the squad responding to their new boss’s ability to interact with his players.

John Terry retires from Chelsea at end of season

It is still 15 games away to the end of the English Premier League, but Chelsea captain John Terry has hinted he will be leaving the club.

He dropped the bombshell on Sunday after the club decided not to renew his contract.

“I was in (for talks) last week before the Arsenal game and it is not going to be extended,” Terry, 35, told reporters after his side’s 5-1 win at second-tier Milton Keynes Dons in the FA Cup fourth round.

“It’s not going to be a fairytale ending. I’m not going to retire at Chelsea. It’s going to be elsewhere, which it took me a couple of days to get over.” But he ruled out playing for another premier league club.

Terry has made 696 appearances for Chelsea and is the club’s most successful captain, having won four Premier League titles, five FA Cups, three League Cups, the 2012 Champions League and the 2013 Europa League.

Open Heavens 1 February 2016 Monday daily devotion: LOOKING UNTO JESUS II

LOOKING UNTO JESUS II 

Memorise: Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; – Hebrews 12:2a

Read: Hebrews 12:1-2 (KJV)

1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,

2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Bible in One Year: Matthew 19:1-21:27; Job 14:7-17

MESSAGE

The phrase "Looking unto Jesus" contains three very important words of salvation, encouragement and direction for daily Christian living. Nicodemus, in his search for the true God and eternal life like every human being, approached Jesus for possible understanding. Jesus made the new birth very plain by using an Old Testament illustration of the fiery serpents of brass put on a pole for the Israelites to look upon as recorded in the book of Numbers 21:8-9.