IS ABUBAKAR SHEKAU DEAD? NIGERIA MILITARY SAYS SHEKAU IS ALIVE

The Cameroonian military, yesterday claimed they had killed the Boko haram Kingpin Abubakar Shekau. Reports says he was killed during a raid by the Cameroonian military. But the Nigerian Military has countered the report through sahara reporters, the Nigeria Military Intelligence said the man is Bashir Mohammed an Islamist sect leader in Uye camp. See full report  from sahara reprters below...

CHIBOK GIRLS: FG IN SECRET TALKS WITH BOKOHARAM, REDCROSS INVOLVED IN PRISON SWAP

Last week, there was news from the international media that the Federal Government is on the negotiating table with Boko Haram for the release of the Chibok Girls.

According to UK Telegraph, the International Committee of the Red Cross is involved in a secret prisoner swap deal to secure the release of the girls. 

Read the report below...

Officials from the Geneva-based organisation have sat in on talks between the Nigerian government and a senior Boko Haram leader currently held in one of the country's maximum security prisons. The Red Cross officials have also visited a number of other jails, identifying a list of 16 senior commanders that Boko Haram wants freed in exchange for its hostages.
The ICRC's role in the talks represents the first official confirmation that the Nigerian government is actively engaged in talks with Boko Haram over the release of the girls. Publicly, Nigeria's president, Goodluck Jonathan, has maintained that the government would never agree to any kind of negotiations.

The ICRC, whose global remit includes prisoners' welfare, has agreed to act as an independent party in ensuring that the two sides, neither of which trust each other, honour any prisoner swap agreement. It has also offered to monitor and oversee any co-ordinated exchange of the schoolgirls for the militants. Continue after the cut.....

AUDIO PROOF: T.B. JOSHUA OFFERS JOURNALISTS A BRIBE OF N50,000 EACH

The brown envelope is not uncommon amongst journalist and politicians but coming from a "MAN OF GOD" that is a shocker. 

A Journalist Nicholas Ibekwe has revealed that T.B Joshua bribed them to change the story of the collapsed building. Nicholas has a raw recording of the supposed to be journalist briefing. According to Nicholas, he is the only journalist to reject the cash.

I couldn't attach the audio to this post but you can click on the link to listen to the 4 mins audio recording. LINK TO THE RECORDING

According to the recording, T.B Joshua gave journalist 50,000 naira each to fuel their car and gave them tips on what to publish in their different media houses.

CONTINUE BELOW TO SEE TWEETS FROM NICHOLAS....

OYEDEPO DEFENDS HIGH TUITION FEE CHARGED BY PRIVATE UNIVERSITITIES

The founder of the Living Faith Church, Bishop David Oyedepo, has defended the  high tuition fees charged by schools owned by the church, describing the provision of quality education as an expensive venture.

Oyedepo  said this on Friday in Ota, Ogun State, in a media chat organised in commemoration of his 60th birthday coming up on September 27, 2014.

Private schools have been criticized for the exorbitant amount they charge for fees, but Oyedepo highlighted some of the church’s humanitarian programmes which include providing scholarships and bursary awards to assist students. See his answer below.....

He said, “I’m sure we all agree that education is expensive. Education carries cost; nothing of value is free. Our mission for years long, before we started any university or secondary school, was a bursary awarding church and we have not stopped doing that till tomorrow.”Oyedepo said that the church was committed to providing quality education to youths, adding that many Nigerians complain about the cost of education in private universities because they have got their priorities misplaced.

“Our problem most of the time is priority; an average Nigerian can spend N1m on burial but to spend N200,000 on education (is a problem), because of wrong priority.“On a yearly basis, we have N1.5trn that Nigerians spend to overseas universities, so people thrive on it. Nigerians spend N463bn a month on recharge cards, how much are they paying for schools fees? So it’s all a matter of priority. This is the largest market for telephone in the world. Now, to pay N500,000, some people have only one son, they have huge business and houses all over the places, they will never pay it.”

PHOTO OF THE DAY: AKALA HAND SANITIZER "DAPADA"

We brand books, T-shirts, bags of  rice, semovita, now it is hand sanitizers. Isn't this way too much. Politics.... 2015 elections still unfolding.

DELE MOMODU WRITES AN EXPOSE ON NIGERIA AND THE BIG ABUSE

This is an article written by Dele Momodu, Quite lengthy and witty, Read on...

Fellow Nigerians, this is a very difficult moment in our country. It is also a confusing period for many of us. The only way to make sense out of the nonsense is to join the madness. We need to put ourselves in the position of those who see nothing wrong with our present predicament. If you’re on social media, you would be amazed at the contributions of some Nigerians who believe we actually live in Eldorado. Perhaps.

I’m beginning to think they are right and we are wrong. May be, we’ve been blinded by our inability to see and appreciate what the Federal Government has been able to achieve monumentally. I have no doubt that they are trying their best. My worry is if they can ever rise above this level even if they spend eternity. I decided to join their train this week and wish to invite you all to join me as I experiment a new style of reasoning.

What you are about to read therefore is the voice from the other side of the divide. I’m determined to discover what drives those guys [in the Presidency], why they don’t feel what we feel and we can’t feel how they feel. Is it that life is so good for them and so bad for the rest of us? For once, let’s try their shoes on and imagine their thought process. Why is it so difficult to accept their way of life and vice versa? Can there ever be a meeting point for us? The number of PDP operatives stuns me. What principle and ideology drives their faith? I see some very bright people and just wonder endlessly.

As I started writing this piece today, one song we used to sing in my childhood days came to my mind: “come and see, American wonder; come and see, American wonder.”

Ours is a wondrously terrific country...... CONTINUE AFTER THE CUT....

WORD FOR TODAY

A

WHO AM I? FINDING MYSELF...

Losing and Finding is part of being human. But sometimes we lose so much that we do not realize that we are lost and it affects everything around you.

Losing in this case does not mean failure rather it is a state of mind created by oneself because of the situation they find them-self. At a point in my life i realized that i was getting easily upset with people around me due to a difficulty i was going through. I had to embark on a personal evaluation and find the root cause because i didn't want to be that person.

Losing oneself can be as a result of losing a child, financial instability, unemployment, the death of a very loved one, sometimes heart break etc, the list is endless. Despite all the situation that makes us lose our cool we cannot allow ourselves and humanity go with an indefinite situation. Indeed, situations are indefinite, as a famous saying goes"No condition is permanent". Let not a situation define the man, rather let the man define the situation

To really find yourself you need to ask yourself , WHO AM I?  search the depths of your heart for answers, Who am i? The true man is not what is shown to the world but the man in the heart. When you find out who you are, find out who you were and who you want to become, these questions will be of great value to you. But also knowing who the Creator(God) wants you to be is  the greatest of all. The creator is the first man who knows you, so you must seek him diligently to find yourself.

Finding yourself is realizing that being strong is the option you have. Finding yourself is understanding who God wants you to be, Finding yourself is an opportunity to re-create yourself, finding yourself is Finding Joy.

Have a fine weekend....

SYNAGOGUE CHURCH: SOUTH AFRICAN DEATH TOLL IN COLLAPSED BUILDING RISES TO 84

According to news report, the death toll of South Africans who died in the collapsed building of the Synagogue church of all nations has increased from 67 to 84. The 84 death toll contradicts the 80 death toll being reported by the Nigerian media.

The South Africa's high commissioner to Nigeria, Lulu Louis Mnguni, who spoke this Friday morning, said "the number has risen to 84," Mnguni said. "The search... has come to a conclusion. There were still 17 bodies outstanding," said Mnguni

A total of 349 South Africans were in Lagos on matters connected to the church when the disaster occurred.

Out of the 349, 265 were found alive.

The Synagogue church should release the list of people in the building as at the time of the incident to ease the conflicting numbers.

2015 ELECTIONS: PDP ADOPTS JONATHAN AS PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party Governors Yesterday endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan as their sole candidate for the 2015 presidential election. The National Executive Council(NEC) of the party took this decision yesterday at the party's national Secretariat, Abuja.
A similar decision was taken by the PDP led governor's forum on Wednesday and the Board of Trustees of the party.
Yet Still, the unanimous desicion by the party has not moved Mr. president to declare his intensions to either contest or not.

Should GEJ contest again?

COLLAPSED BUILDING: T.B. JOSHUA OF THE SYNAGOGUE CHURCH DESCRIBES SITUATION AS "HARD TIMES".

As the Death toll of the Collapsed building at the Synagogue church continues to rise, the Founder of the church Temitope Joshua popularly known as T.B. Joshua as described the current situation as a hard time for him. The message which he wrote via the church's Facebook page said “Hard times may test me, they cannot destroy me".
Read more after the cut.....

AYO ORITSEJAFOR OWNS PRIVATE JET CAUGHT WITH $9.3MILLION IN SA

There were reports that a private Jet had been seized in South Africa, yesterday and two Nigerians and an Isreali were been investigated for trying to smuggle in $9.3 million cash into South Africa.

Today, CAN president Ayo Oritsejarfor has claimed ownership of the jet with US registration number N808HG. Although Pastor Ayo via a statement he released today said he had leased the jet to another company and he cannot be held responsible for actions carried out by the company.

"On behalf of Pastor Oritsejafor, we can confirm that although he holds an interest in Eagle Air, the aircraft in question is not operated by Pastor Oritsejafor. The aircraft was leased to, and is operated by Green Coast Produce Limited since August 2” a statement from the church read.

The management of Green Coast Produce Limited also confirmed via a statement that the aircraft was leased to them. But the aircraft was hired by John Ishyaku and therefore they are not liable for any alleged infractions either in Nigeria or South Africa after the hire.

“On the 5th of September 2014 the aircraft was hired from us by a John Ishyaku. The charter to John Ishyaku was upon the following documented terms: (a) Depart Abuja-Johannesburg on the 5th of September 2014 (b) Return to Abuja on the 6th of September 2014 (c) To wait and return with the passengers. All cargoes were accompanied by passenger who could readily defend the contents. We are not and cannot be privy to any alleged extraneous cargo transported on the aircraft other than that declared in the agreed terms of hire. We are not liable and cannot be construed as a party to any alleged infractions, either in Nigeria or South Africa as he case may be, after the hire of the aircraft." the company said.

Two Nigerians and an Israeli who were caught with the money allegedly meant for buying and supplying weapons to the Nigeria intelligence services. A South Africa-based newspaper,City Press, reported that the trio, who are already facing investigations landed at Lanseria International Airport, Johannesburg on September 5, in the jet from Abuja with the money loaded in three suitcases. 

POPE FRANCIS WEDS 20 COHABITING COUPLES

Pope Francis, today 14th September, held a mass wedding for 20 couples at the Vatican including some who were cohabiting, one whose marriage has been annulled and one with a child.

According to reports,Pope Francis had asked to marry 40 people from different social backgrounds who represented modern couples.

This is the first papal marriage ceremony of its kind in 14 years. Continue to read more and see Pictures....

MAN UNITED DEFEATS QPR 4-0

Manchester United makes their first Glorious win in this season by defeating QPR at the Old Trafford 4-0. Angel Di Maria scored the opening goal, Ander Herrera scored the second goal and his first goal for the club, Wayne Rooney and Juan Mata added the other goals. May be the new Playing style seem to have worked for Van Gaal by placing, Rooney, Falaco, Di maria and Persie at the Frontline.

United fans are still expecting the Dutchman to sit in perfectly in the new play style to see him shine. Did i mention that this win has moved us up the EPL table to NO 9 ahead of Everton, well i just did.

I guess all the price tags on our new players were worth it, UP UNITED, UP RED, YIPEE EXCITED. IT IS GOING TO BE A GOOD SEASON FOR THE RED!!!

SYNAGOGUE CHURCH BLAMES STRANGE AIRPLANE FOR BUILDING COLLAPSE

The Synagogue church of All Nations is blaming a strange airplane for the collapse of its  building. Read the article below,written by Freelance journalist Ihechukwu Njoku, who reports for The Synogogue Church of All Nations. They also shared an eerie video(pictured above) purportedly showing a plane flying over the building before it collapsed. Read Njoku's report below....

On Sunday 14th April 2014, Prophet T.B. Joshua played to his congregation and Emmanuel TV viewers worldwide shocking footage captured by security cameras of the horrific moment a guest-house collapsed within the church premises.
Joshua, speaking to a packed auditorium of worshippers seemingly undeterred by the tragic incident that transpired days earlier, began by thanking officials involved in the extensive rescue operation, as well as supporters worldwide for their prayers." Continue..
He then recounted the events that preceded the building collapse at exactly 12:44pm on Friday afternoon. “I know this is not the right time to talk,” the cleric started. “I will just say a little because I don’t want to interfere with the job of security personnel.”
Joshua narrated how on Friday morning at approximately 8am, he left the ‘prayer mountain’ where he ‘lives’ to return to the church, only to be alerted by phone that “there was a jet hovering, moving around at very close range at the mountain which I had just left.” CONTINUE...

B'HARAM: AIR FORCE JET ON BOKO HARAM MISSION DECLARED MISSING

An Alpha Jet belonging to the Nigerian air Force used in combating Boko Haram is missing, including the two fighter Pilots. The Jet disappeared from the radar around Adamawa state after it went for a routine operation attack on Friday September 12th. The Ministry of Defence posted the statement below on its website;

WORD FOR TODAY

We are thankful to God when something good happens to us, in the same vein lets be thankful to God when things turn the other way. Be thankful to God. Don't let the praise be occasional or seasonal. Be Thankful for today, Tomorrow, days gone and the future to come. Be Thankful for everything , for he alone deserves all the praise. Psalm 34:1, Psalm 51:15, Psalm 145:10.

Have a lovely sunday

2 PEOPLE FEARED DEAD AS A BUILDING IN SYNAGOGUE CHURCH OF ALL NATION COLLAPSES

At least 2 persons are confirmed dead, and many others trapped and injured following the collapse of a building in the premises of the Synagogue Church of All Nations, (SCOAN) Ejigbo in Lagos this afternoon around 2pm.
The collapsed building is reserved for foreign guests right behind the headquarters of the Synagogue Church of all Nations.
According to reports, ambulances and emergency services are at the scene trying to removed trapped victims from the debris, and about 30 people are said to have been rushed to the Isolo general hospital.

Photo journalists are been denied access and so far journalists haven't succeeded in taking pictures.

Will bring more details later....

Culled from MDB

ANAMBRA STATE UNIVERSITY ULI RENAMED AFTER ODUMEGWU OJUKWU

The Anambra House of Assembly on today September 11th passed a bill, changing the name of the state-owned university at Uli to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University.

The bill was passed during the plenary of the legislature in Awka to honour the former Biafra hero.
The decision followed the report of the House Committee on Education which recommended the change of the name.

Mrs Rita Maduagwu (APGA Nnewi South 2), the Chairman, House Committee on Education, recalled that the bill had been read the second time on the floor of the house on Dec. 17, 2013.

She said that the committee found that the university’s name had been changed before from Anambra State University of Science and Technology and that there were a number of provisions in the extant law that required review. Continue......

2015 ELECTION: DESMOND ELLIOT GOES INTO POLITICS

Desmond Elliot has joined the team of Artiste going into politics. Olusola Desmond Elliot is contesting under the Flagship of APC for the position of the Lagos State House of Assembly. 
Desmond Elliot has alot of Agenda for Lagos State. Continue below to read....

OSCAR PISTORIUS FOUND GUILTY OF CULPABLE HOMICIDE

The South-African athlete Oscar Pistorius was not found guilty of pre-meditated murder yesterday. But this morning, Judge Thokozile found Oscar guilty of culpable homicide.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said the athlete acted negligently when he fired shots through the door in the belief that there was an intruder.

The Judge said the state could not prove he(Oscar) intended to kill his girlfriend(Reeva Steenkamp) but was found guilty of the following:

*He was also found not guilty of the first firearm charge - (firing a gun through the roof of his car)
*He was found not guilty of the third firearm charge (unlawfully possessing 38 rounds of ammunition at his home without having a license).
*He was found guilty of the second firearm charge. He discharged a weapon in a public place, a restaurant called Tashas and asked his friend to take the blame. The judge says Oscar was sufficiently trained in the use of firearms, so should not have asked for a firearm in a public place.

Oscar is most likely to get 15 years in jail but legal experts are saying 7 to 10years. The verdict will be passed in a few weeks.

The question is will Oscar Pistorius go to jail or walk away?