Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor speaks for the first time on the $9.3m arms deal scandal

The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, yesterday speaks about the $9.3m arms deal scandal in which his private jet was used to carry the huge sum of money out of Nigeria to South Africa.

Speaking at the National Executive Council meeting of CAN at the National Christian Center in Abuja, Pastor Oritsejafor absolved himself of any wrong doing, saying he would never do anything that would tarnish the image of Jesus Christ.

"I wish to assure you that I will not do anything to tarnish the image of Jesus Christ or compromise the divine standard of the church. As you are all aware, the media has been awashed in the past few days about an unfortunate incident involving the movement of funds from Nigeria to South Africa. In the unfortunate news reports, attempts have been made to link me directly with the transaction. So far, I have refrained from making any direct public response pending the time that I would have briefed the leaders of the church and explained my position on the issues to them. Continue...

Tuesday's Open Heaven Devotional - FEAR NOT

TUESDAY 30/09/2014.

THEME : FEAR NOT!

MEMORISE : Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and shew thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not. JEREMIAH 33 : 3.

READ : ISAIAH 43:1 - 7.

1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.

2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee. Continue...

10 Nigerian Pilgrims Die in Mecca

10 Nigerians who traveled to Saudi Arabia for Islamic Hajj rites have passed away.

Coordinator of the National Hajj Commission in Mecca, Aliyu Tanko, confirmed the news, Premium Times reports. However, the cause of their death was not revealed.

Some sources have attributed the deaths to harsh weather conditions in Mecca. Others say pre-existing health conditions of the deceased may have played a role in their deaths.

Tanko has urged pilgrims to always seek medical advice before embarking on pilgrimage activities.

May their souls rest in peace.

Photo Credit: Dreamstime

'My father died because of an extra-marital affair' - Fela Durotoye

In an emotional interview with Samuel Olatunji of iCampus, motivational speaker, author, CEO of Visible Impact (Management consulting firm) and husband of make-up entrepreneur Tara Durotoye, Fela Durotoye opens up for the first time about how his professor father left his mum for a nursing student and died just as he was about to leave his mistress and reconcile with his wife. The woman later confessed (after running mad) that she killed his father. Read his emotional story below...

My father died because of an extra-marital affair. He had a great marriage but at one point in time he cut it off and left his home, few years later he died. He even died some days to when he was supposed to return home to my mother. He died a mysterious death because the lady said, if I will not have you, nobody will. Few years later, the woman ran insane and was saying all over that she killed my father. So now that I’ve seen what a strange woman can do to a man, it makes sense to stay in one place so I don’t put so many life at stake. Continue...

PTDF Begins Payment of Scholars' Allowances In Naira

  

The Petroleum Technology Development Fund, PTDF has began implementing a new policy of remitting the allowances of its Scholars Studying in foreign Universities in NAIRA denominated VISA debit cards.

There are over 600 Nigerian youths currently undergoing different study programmes in oil and gas related disciplines at undergraduate, masters and doctoral levels in various universities abroad under PTDF Overseas Scholarship Scheme.

Apart from paying the tuition fees of its scholars directly to the universities of study, the Fund also pays allowances covering living, accommodation, utility, books, laptop and other incidentals directly to the scholars.

The Fund resorted to the paying the allowances of its Overseas Scholars in  Naira due to the difficulties in accessing scarce foreign exchange and the high cost and delays associated with processing and remittance in foreign currency. Continue...

Photos and Sweet 60th Birthday Message to Bishop David Oyedepo from his Lover

 On Saturday 27 September, Bishop David Oyedepo, founding Bishop of Living Faith Worldwide, aka Winners' Chapel, turned 60 and it was celebrated in grand style! Read his wife's birthday's message below:

"In 60 years, you have by the help of God made your footprints stick in the sands of time. I pray that Proverbs 4:18 will continue to be your experience! Your light shall continue to shine brighter and brighter! Fresh oil will be the order of the day for you! Greater unction and greater impact shall be your testimony! Better days alone, shall you see ahead in Jesus’ name! You are the most daring, fearless, thorough, humorous, visionary, energetic, passionate, generous, spiritually depth-filled and diligent man I know and I celebrate you with passion! I am excited to see what more God is set to do through you and am so privileged, blessed and honoured to be such a part of you.

Happy birthday, my affectionate husband of over 30 years! With love and deep appreciation, Faith Abiola Oyedepo".

Continue after the cut to see more photos...

Today's Open Heaven Devotional - Next Level

Next Level - 29/9/2014

MEMORISE Matthew 23:12: And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.

READ: Psalm 40:1-3
1 To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. I waited patiently for the LORD; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.
2 He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.
3 And he hath put a new song in my mouth, even praise unto our God: many shall see it, and fear, and shall trust in the LORD.

MESSAGE:
The world operates at various levels, so do the people living in it. When we talk about health, there are those who are healthy, there are those who are sick, there are those who are seriously sick and there are those who are dying. When we talk about wealth, there is the destitute, the poor, the comfortable, the rich, the very rich, the wealthy, and the flourishing. Continue...

An Amazing Story

 Gold medals aren't really made of gold. They're made of sweat, determination, and a hard-to-find alloy called guts. - Dan Gable.

We all have dreams. But in order to make dreams come into reality, it takes an awful lot of determination, dedication, self-discipline, and effort. - Jesse Owens

Circumstances may differ but how you react to it determines your outcome. Everyone in life is faced with different challenges. Don't let this limit you. Press forward and believe there is always a way through. Remember though, God makes a way where there is none.

Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) - For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland;

1 Corinthians 10:12 (NLT) - The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

I never could have done what I have done without the habits of punctuality, order, and diligence, without the determination to concentrate myself on one subject at a time. - Charles Dickens

watch the video of how Jennifer (who was born without legs) was able to realise her goal.

Kenyan 'radical madrassa' closed in Machakos

Police said the profiling of terror suspects found some of them had attended the Machakos madrassa

The authorities in Kenya have closed a madrassa - or religious school - for teaching radical Islamic ideologies.

The school in Machakos, about 65km (40 miles) from the capital, was targeted after local youths were detained on suspicion of joining Somali militants.

It is the first Kenyan madrassa to be closed because of allegedly extremist teachings. A police chief warned that others could follow. Continue...

MPs support UK air strikes against IS in Iraq

After a seven-hour debate, MPs voted for military action by 524 votes to 43.

The Conservatives, Lib Dems and Labour leaderships all backed air strikes although some MPs expressed concerns about where it would lead and the prospect of future engagement in Syria.

Britain will now send the Royal Air Force to reinforce the US-led bombing campaign in Iraq, as MPs voted overwhelmingly to back air strikes on Islamic State (IS) militants.

The BBC's political editor Nick Robinson said RAF planes could be called into action as early as Sunday.

Speaking after the vote, Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said a long campaign lay ahead and there would not be a "series of immediate hits".

Mr Cameron said the UK has a 'duty' to act and could not leave responsibility for keeping the British people safe to other countries. Continue...

Senate Approves GEJ’s $1 Billion loan Request To Fight Boko Haram

 Senate has approved the $1 billion loan requested by President Goodluck Jonathan to tackle terrorism and insecurity in Nigeria.

Some lawmakers had argued that President Jonathan breached the process set down by the Constitution for requesting extra budgetary funds, but the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, said President Jonathan is in full compliance of the law on this matter.

President Jonathan had written a letter asking the Senate in July to approve a $1 billion (about N 165 billion) loan for the fight against Boko Haram.

The President said he needed the money to upgrade military equipment and for training as well as logistics for the Armed Forces.

Nigerian Army confirms Boko Haram leader Shekau is dead

The Defence Headquarters has released a statement confirming to have killed a man posing as the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau in an attack in Konduga Borno state between 12th to 17th September. Read their statement below.

Nigerian troops have been conducting coordinated air and land operations in furtherance of efforts at containing the terrorists in the North East part of the country. Somehow, it became apparent that the terrorists in continuation of their campaign of terror were determined to take over communities around Maiduguri which is their prime target. 

There was therefore the need to ensure that communities such as Konduga were protected. It is noteworthy that the terrorists made not less than four attempts between 12 and 17 September 2014 to violate the security and enter Konduga to perpetrate their atrocities. Air and land forces were subsequently deployed to handle the situation.

 The convoy of combat vehicles typical of terrorists’ mission that involves their top commanders, were fiercely engaged by the land and air forces. Several of the terrorists including some of their commanders lost their lives in the encounters which lasted an average of about 5 hours each. Continue...

FUTA students head for US for exchange programme

Eight students of the Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State have travelled to the Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, US, for an international exchange programme.

The students are the second batch from FUTA to benefit from the exchange programme between the university and FAMU.

The collaboration, which began in 2013, will enable the students to proceed for their master’s degrees as well as earn the FAMU postgraduate certificates.

FUTA Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebiyi Daramola, while speaking at a pre-departure event organised for the beneficiaries, advised them to be upright and focus on their programme in order to achieve excellence in their academic pursuit.

The Chairman, Committee of Deans and Dean, School of Sciences, Prof. Ibiyinka Fuwape, counselled them to remain focused in their studies.

She said, “America rewards excellence. It will take care of you but you have to excel.” She further urged them to be good ambassadors of the university and the country.

Source: PUNCH

Singer Lara George speaks on challenges of marriage and the time she was fed up

Speaking to Encomium magazine on the challenges of marriage, singer Lara George recalled a period in her 10 year old marriage where she was fed up and had to turn to her pastor for guidance.

"There were many times like that. We have had our fair share. I remember a time we weren't talking to each other. It got really serious I had to call my pastor that I was fed up of my marriage. I can remember that my pastor was not around then but he spoke to my husband that Jesus loves the church unconditionally and things were sorted out. I am glad my husband allowed someone he sees as a mentor to step into the situation" she said

Lara also talked about other challenges she had faced in the last 10 years of being married to her husband, Gbenga George, she said understanding each other has been a major challenge for them.

"Understanding one another has been a challenge for me. When you are going out as boyfriend and girlfriend, you will think you have known everything about the person until you get married to the person. It is not as if I don't understand him, but there are different types of communication and understanding. When communication is complete, it means we have completed the journey. So the journey is still on, we are learning to understand each other daily" she said.

The cash, the jet and Pastor Oritsejafor

Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, speaks on the recent events in South Africa concerning the Nigerian-owned jet that was found loaded with millions of dollars. Read his comments below as reported by PUNCH.

Much ado has been made about recent events in South Africa concerning the Nigerian-owned jet that was found loaded with millions of dollars and that was in the process of procuring arms and a fighter helicopter for the Nigerian military and security agencies. As a former Minister of Aviation, I wish to assure the general public that the flying of large sums of cash by security and intelligence agencies for the purchase of arms in a time of war and conflict is something that is quite normal and it happens quite often. As a matter of fact, it has happened under successive Nigerian governments, both military and civilian. Continue...

2015 Presidency: IBB, Abdulsalami, Atiku, Ciroma, Govs Lamido, Aliyu Make Underground Moves

The jostling for the 2015 presidential election is gathering momentum among numerous Northern politicians.

The Street Journal revealed that several political groups have emerged in the North. One is anchored by former military leaders, Generals Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Adamu Ciroma and a retired university professor and administrator, Ango Abdullahi, the other by Christian elements in the North who are backing a second term for President Goodluck Jonathan.

Both groups have gone underground in order to strategize for the next presidential election.
Members of a political bloc led by the retired generals and Mr. Atiku have held several late-night meetings in Kaduna, Abuja and outside the country.
A competing group, whose top leaders are mostly Christian politicians, is anchored by Jerry Gana, and Labaran Maku. The group supports a second term for Mr. Jonathan. Continue...

SSS Foils Attempt To Kill IBB, Dasuki

Three suspected terrorists, who plotted to kill ex-military President, Gen Ibrahim Babangida, and the deposed Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Ibrahim Dasuki, have been nabbed by the State Security Services (SSS).
They are allegedly linked to espionage and terrorist activities with the backing of some Iranian fundamentalists. SSS spokesperson Marilyn Ogar named the main suspect as Abdullahi Mustapha Berende, who trained in modern Shi’a Islamic teaching (Da’ awa) at the Imam Khomeni University, Iran.

Investigation by the SSS revealed that Berende was recruited by some Iranian elements when he returned to Iran for further studies in 2011 and was trained in the use of AK 47 assault rifle, pistols, production and detonation of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDDs). Berende, who hails from Ilorin, Kwara State, told reporters yesterday that his Iranian sponsors did not disclose their mission to him initially. Continue...

Scottish referendum: Scotland votes 'No' to independence

 

Scotland has voted to stay in the United Kingdom after voters decisively rejected independence.

With the results in from all 32 council areas, the "No" side won with 2,001,926 votes over 1,617,989 for "Yes"; meaning Scotland rejected independence by 55% to 45%.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond called for unity and urged the unionist parties to deliver on more powers.

Prime Minister David Cameron said he was delighted the UK would remain together and said the commitments on extra powers would be honoured.

Mr Cameron said the three main unionist parties at Westminster would now follow through with their pledge of more powers for the Scottish Parliament.

"We will ensure that those commitments are honoured in full," he said.

He announced that Lord Smith of Kelvin, who led Glasgow's staging of the Commonwealth Games, would oversee the process to take forward the commitments, with new powers over tax, spending and welfare to be agreed by November, and draft legislation published by January.

PDP adopt Jonathan as sole candidate for 2015 elections

 

Members of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party in a meeting today adopted President Jonathan as PDP's sole candidate for the 2015 elections. The meeting was held at the party's national headquarters in Abuja.

The deputy President of the senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu defended the position of the BOT saying that internal democracy has not been compromised.

"We are borrowing from other democracy, including the United States of America where a sitting president who have done so well is expected to be rewarded by his party wit a ticket. So, we are building a tradition which we hope that those who will come after us will be able to imbibe. This is also within the tenet of democracy, not only in Nigeria but in other parts of the world".

The President, VP Sambo, Senate President, and many PDP governors were at the meeting.

UK employers looking for ONP and NMC Pin Numbered nurses

The new registration process set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) for overseas registered nurses, who want to work in the UK, will be changing in October 2014: It will comprise of an online application and a two part competence test which will replace the current Overseas Nurses Programme (ONP). NMC decision letters already secured by overseas nurses are still valid. Those who hold this Invitation letter and are asked to take the ONP can complete the program and will not need to undergo the tests of competency.

In addition, applicants who are already at the second stage of registration will still fall under the old NMC system. As per NMC, applicants who are processed before October 2014 will still be able to complete the ONP.

Applicants who will be awarded NMC decision letters before September 2014, will be offered a choice of either the ONP or the competence tests. Continue...

CAN reacts to Seized aircraft in SA

The Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, released a statement yesterday reacting to reports about the seized private jet in South Africa that implicated its National President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor. CAN called out El Rufai and APC national spokesperson, Lai Mohammed for attacking Oritsejafor and Sahara Reporters for reporting in their own words 'falsehood'. Read the statement below.

Four British institutions ranked in top six of world's universities

Improvements in research have seen Cambridge University and Imperial College London surpass Harvard University in the latest authoritative annual ranking of the world's top universities, published on Tuesday, with four British institutions in the top six.

The QS ranking of world universities, regarded as the most rigorous of its type, places Imperial and Cambridge as second equal, behind only the Massachusetts Institute of Technology on the international stage in 2014, thanks to a year of impressive citations measured by QS's survey of academic output.

Harvard dropped from second to fourth overall. It was followed by Oxford and University College London in joint fifth place, with Stanford, Caltech, Princeton and Yale of the US filling out the rest of the top 10. Continue..

"Why I like to expose my cleavage" singer Emma Nyra explains

In a recent interview with Encomium magazine this week, singer Emma Nyra explained why she likes to show off her cleavage. Find the interview below...

"It's not that I flaunt them but part of your selling point as a female artist is your body, your voice, your look, your hair, everything. Chidinma's lack of hair is her selling point, you understand. Each part of you is your selling point"

Asked why she flashes the boobs even though they are not big, Emma responded;

"Its confidence, you understand. Somebody like Toolz for example, her selling point is her body. Before her voice, it's her body. As a woman, her own packaging is always different. I have grown up to be comfortable with the way the skin is because I have accepted the fact that I can't change it, I have to accept the way I am. Men don't look at me, the women look at women. If I go out with or without makeup, a man will not notice. But if I go out and I see a woman, she will say Emma Nyra you are looking different from how I see you on TV. She would comment on everything to my eyebrow but a man won't look that deep unless he is into fashion and everything. I have learnt to accept myself. If you are not confident about yourself, people won't buy your brand" she said. Continue...

The Nigerian woman and the challenge of finding Mr Right - Alibaba

In this piece which he posted on his Facebook wall, comedian Alibaba discusses the Nigerian woman and the challenges of finding Mr Right. Read below...

I have a serious matter at hand that I want to share. In fact, I should have shared this long ago, but the primary message from a friend that prompted the matter, was lost in between the series of inbox messages from those strange girls that are looking for romantic friendships on Facebook. Continue...

"Finally bought my brand new 2014 Range Rover"

Celebrity blogger, Linda Ikeji will add another year to her age on Friday, 19 September and her father finally agreed for her to buy the 2014 Range Rover.

Linda has been longing to buy herself one before now but, her father kicked against it on the grounds that she's still single and the car would be too much for her status.

But her father finally agreed and went with her to shop for the car. The successful blogger also used the opportunity to encourage ladies to be self dependent and hard working as there's nothing they can't achieve if they follow their dreams.

Read her touching and encouraging story below;

MUST READ! Through the Valley of the Shadow of Death…Dr. Ada Igonoh survived Ebola – This is her Story

As Nigeria battles with the outbreak of Ebola, we consistently commend the dedication and selflessness of the doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals. Lives have been lost, and families have had to undergo the trauma of isolation. The fear of the unknown even very crippling. We read about the numbers in the news, but when we put a face to the news reports, it brings it home. Dr. Ada Igonoh of First Consultants Hospital is one of the doctors who attended to Patrick Sawyer. She was infected by the virus and miraculously, she survives to share her story with BellaNaija.

It is a long read but definitely worth reading as Dr. Ada details her experience. It’s a really gripping read which shows the story of strength, faith and dedication. Continue...

PM: If you don't like me, I won't be here forever!

Speaking in Aberdeen, the prime minister said the outcome of the referendum voting on Thursday could "end the United Kingdom as we know it", and argued that there would be "no way back" if Scotland does decide to leave the UK.

Mr Cameron said: "On Friday, people could be living in a different country, with a different place in the world and a different future ahead of it.

"This is a decision that could break up our family of nations and rip Scotland from the rest of the United Kingdom.

"And we must be very clear there is no going back from this, no re-run. This is a once and for all decision. If Scotland votes 'Yes' the UK will split and we will go our separate ways together".

"When people vote on Thursday they are not just voting for themselves but for their children and grandchildren and the generations beyond".

"We are a family of nations. We want you to stay. If you don't like me or my face, I won't be here forever. We need change, don't need to tear country apart. vote to stick together, vote to stay, vote to save our UK".

'Django Unchained' Actress Mistaken for Prostitute, Accosted by LAPD

An African-American actress who appeared in Django Unchained says she was accosted by Los Angeles police who mistakenly thought she was a prostitute.

Danièle Watts, who portrayed CoCo in Quentin Tarantino’s Oscar-winning film and currently plays Martin Lawrence’s daughter on FX’s new comedy series Partners, wrote on her Facebook page that she and husband Brian James Lucas, who is white, were being affectionate in public when the incident occurred. Continue...

Just Believe

"Jesus was matter-of-fact: Embrace this God-life. Really embrace it, and nothing will be too much for you. This mountain, for instance: Just say, ‘Go jump in the lake’—no shuffling or shilly-shallying—and it’s as good as done. That’s why I urge you to pray for absolutely everything, ranging from small to large. Include everything as you embrace this God-life, and you’ll get God’s everything." (Mark 11:22-24 Message Bible).

You will be surprised to know that many people pray and only very few get results, because many people don't believe in their prayers. How can you begin to speak against what you just prayed about and you tell me you believe God; No friends! That you pray to God and you didn't receive the answer immediately doesn't necessarily mean that it isn't God's time for you to get your answer - only BELIEVE. Apart from asking with a wrong motive (James 4:2), one of the main reasons why our prayers aren't answered is because of unbelief (which is tantamount to calling the integrity of God into question). Of course you know God doesn't listen to a sinner's prayer.

If you have to see it before you believe it, then it isn't faith. We do not walk with our senses but by God's word. Circumstances may not support or show that you already have it, people may even mock you at times; however, we call things that be not as though they were, and God is making you. Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping (Romans 4:17-18). There may not be wind or rain but the valley shall be filled with water (2 Kings 3:17). Nothing is impossible with God. Just put your trust in Him. Go out this week and trust God for that thing, you will surely share your testimony.

Breaking news: Oscar Pistorius found guilty of manslaughter

Yesterday Oscar Pistorius was found not guilty of premeditated murder and second degree murder because according to the judge, his conduct after the shooting was 'inconsistent' with someone who intended to commit murder. But he has been found guilty of manslaughter this morning. The judge said he acted negligently when he fired shots into the toilet door. He could now face a prison term of up to 15 years, but equally may walk free from court with a suspended term when he is sentenced at a later date. 

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.

The judge said no one submitted that there was an intention to pull the trigger, but that does not absolve him of the crime of negligently handling a firearm.

Response on the Marriage Survey

Divorce rates all across the globe have been rising rapidly owing to certain problems like incompatibility between couples, infidelity issues, lack of trust and understanding, and financial pressures. It is sad to observe the rising divorce rate across the world and see marriages breaking. However, the above table suggests that education (information) can help to a reasonable degree to salvage our marriages.

"50% of all marriages in America end in divorce". (here).

I have carried out a mini-survey; which saw people aged between 31 and 64, that have been married for 2 to 33 years detailed some of their experiences in their marriages. I have selected five of them (A - E). See their comments below after the quotes.

“Men marry women with the hope they will never change. Women marry men with the hope they will change. Invariably they are both disappointed.” ― Albert Einstein.

“I don't want to be married just to be married. I can't think of anything lonelier than spending the rest of my life with someone I can't talk to, or worse, someone I can't be silent with.”  ― Mary Ann Shaffer.

“Marrying means to halve one's rights and double one's duties” ― Arthur Schopenhauer.

“To catch a husband is an art; to hold him is a job.” ― Simone de Beauvoir.

“Just start off with the same goals in mind. If you have the same values, same goals then you'll be on track for the same future.” ― Angelina Jolie. Continue...

RBS and Lloyds to relocate from Scotland in event of 'Yes' vote

Royal Bank of Scotland and Lloyds Banking Group will relocate to England from Scotland in the event that Scots votes for their country to become independent.

After Lloyds Banking Group said it planned to move its headquarters to London, RBS confirmed a similar move due to "material uncertainties" arising from the vote.

Scotland's First Minister Alex Salmond dismissed the plans as part of a Westminster-led "political campaign" that will have no impact on either bank's jobs or operations in Scotland.

David Cameron meanwhile made an emotional plea to Scottish voters, insisting "I care more about my country than about my party".

The Prime Minister was in Scotland on Wednesday along with Ed Miliband and Nick Clegg to try to gather support for the 'No' campaign.

Tottenham to move out of White Hart Lane for one season

The club has announced a delay in the construction of their new stadium.

A High Court challenge means a revised programme, with the shortest build time meaning Spurs must leave White Hart Lane to allow the new stadium to be built.

However, this will not be in time for the start of the 2017-18 season.

South African judge clears Pistorius of premeditated murder

 

The judge has said that there are "not enough facts" to support the charge of premeditated murder.

"The state has not proved beyond reasonable doubt that the accused is guilty of premeditated murder. There are just not enough facts to support such a finding," she said.

She said that the evidence for this claim is purely circumstantial.

The 66-year-old Masipa (Judge), the only second black woman to rise to the bench in South Africa, has remained impassive throughout the often dramatic and gruesome court proceedings, seemingly impervious to the global interest in a case that has drawn comparisons to the 1995 murder trial of American football star OJ Simpson.

The decision will be a relief to Pistorius, who would have faced a mandatory life sentence - effectively 25 years before parole - but he could still be convicted of a lesser murder charge, or culpable homicide, both of which could carry lengthy jail terms.

British nurse who caught Ebola in Sierra Leone plans to return there

William Pooley, the 29 year old British nurse who recently got treated of the Ebola virus which he contracted while working as a volunteer nurse in Sierra Leone, says he plans to go back to the country to continue working there and help other victims. Speaking with UK Guardian, Pooley said...

"While I'm happy to be recovered and alive, there's a lot of stuff on my mind with what's going on back there. It would be relatively safe for me to go back and work there, and it's really the least I could do having received all this amazing care and have people look after me and potentially save my life. It's the least I could do to go back and return the favour to some other people, even just for a little while. The more help they get, the less chance there is they get sick.” he said. Continue...