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...

German Scientists prove there's life after death

A team of psychologists and medical doctors associated with the Technische Universität of Berlin, have announced that they had proven by clinical experimentation, the existence of some form of life after death.

This astonishing announcement is based on the conclusions of a study using a new type of medically supervised near-death experiences, that allow patients to be clinically dead for almost 20 minutes before being brought back to life.

This controversial process that was repeated on 944 volunteers over that last four years, necessitates a complex mixture of drugs including epinephrine and dimethyltryptamine, destined to allow the body to survive the state of clinical death and the reanimation process without damage. Continue...

Divorce suit: Pastor Chris Oyakhilome Speaks

 

Pastor Chris Oyakhilome of Christ Embassy has responded to allegations against him following the divorce case filed by his wife, Anita.

He spoke on Sunday evening during the global communion service of the Church streamed from Canada.

The following is a transcript from the service. Continue after the cut...

Luton Airport evacuated as 'suspect package' found

 

Passengers have been evacuated from London Luton Airport after a "suspect package" was found.

A spokesman for the airport said passengers were sent out of the terminal after the package was "found in security" at about 14:00 BST.

James Blake on twitter, said there was "chaos" at the airport.

Bedfordshire Police said the terminal had been evacuated while the package was being examined.

Duchess of Cambridge pregnant with second child

 

The Duchess of Cambridge is pregnant with her second child, Kensington Palace has announced.

The Duchess and the Duke of Cambridge were "very pleased to announce" the happy news, their spokesman said.

It means Prince George will have a brother or sister in the spring of 2015. The new baby will replace Prince Harry as the fourth in line to the throne.

As with her first pregnancy, the Duchess is suffering from pregnancy sickness, for which she is being treated at her home in Kensington Palace.

The Duchess has not yet reached the 12-week stage of her pregnancy, but the couple took the "difficult decision" to announce the pregnancy now because they did not think they could keep it under wraps.

She has cancelled a planned visit to Oxford today, where she and the Duke were due to open the Dickson Poon University of Oxford China Centre Building. The Duke will instead attend on his own.

The Queen and members of both the Duke and Duchess's families are "delighted" with the news, Kensington Palace said.

Congratulations to the Royal family as we await the new baby's arrival.

Serena Williams beats Caroline Wozniacki to win her sixth US Open

 

Serena Williams wins her sixth U.S. Open women’s single tennis title by defeating Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-3 in just an hour and 15 minutes today Sunday September 7th. This is Serena's 18th Grand Slam title.

World number one Serena Williams won her 18th Grand Slam title at last, overpowering Caroline Wozniacki 6-3, 6-3 in just an hour and 15 minutes yesterday Sunday September 7th to capture her sixth US Open crown.

The world number one, shut out in the first three majors of the year, ended a year of waiting as she joined Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova on 18 majors -- trailing only the 22 of Steffi Graf on the Open era list and six behind the all-time record held by Margaret Court.

Williams, who turns 33 later this month, said the goal of an 18th Grand Slam had hung over her "because I was joining Chrissy and Martina, someone I never thought me, Serena Williams, would be in that name group.

"Who am I?" said Williams, who grinned with delight as Evert and Navratilova presented her with a gold bracelet bearing an "18" charm.

"I never thought you would mention my name with such greats and legends."

Williams lifted the trophy at Flushing Meadows for the third straight year, joining Evert as the only woman in the Open era to win three titles in a row and matching Evert's six US Open triumphs. She's officially a living sports legend. Congrats to her.

Capsules For Healthy Marriage

Paul in his letter to the Ephesians states that marriage is the mysterious transformation of two individuals into one flesh. The image of God was first placed in Adam, both male and female. Then Eve was removed from Adam. Now in marriage Adam and Eve are essentially reconnected as one new identity. Paul goes on to say that this new relationship is similar to that of Christ and the Church. Just as we are encouraged to put on the ‘new man’ of this new relationship with God (Ephesians 4:24), we should also put on the new man of this new relationship with our spouse in marriage (Ephesians 5:31).

Paul, they say, knew marriage on a spiritual level but Peter actually lived with a woman. There is a difference. Peter tells us to live together in understanding and honour. They are both correct. Marriage is both a deep spiritual mystery and a simple relationship between two people (one male and one female), choosing to live in a lifelong loving, trusting, and faithful connection before God. Get these scriptures into your heart, they will reinforce the mystery and enhance the journey.

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love” Continue after the cut...

 

London Beheading: First Picture Of Man Suspected Of Murdering 82-Year-Old Widow

Victim Palmira Silva and her alleged attacker Nicholas Salvadore

Details have begun to emerge about the man arrested for the murder of a great grandmother beheaded in her back garden.

He was named locally as Nicholas Salvadore, a 25-year-old would-be cage fighter who is believed to be a Muslim convert, who had been living a few doors from 82-year-old Palmira Silva.

Salvadore was under arrest and under armed guard in hospital today after the events in a street in north London yesterday. Detectives say they have ruled out terrorism as a motive. Continue...

Nigerian men are always in a rush when it comes to SEX - Sex Expert says

Sex Therapist, pastor Funmi Akingbade says the average Nigerian man is not the most patient lover. In an interview with City People magazine, pastor Akingbade said Nigerian men see foreplay and other activities before intercourse as a waste of time. She says to have a bliss marital life, great sex must be incorporated and that the woman should not be seen as an object just to 'release' into. 

Read the excerpts from the interview after the cut...  

British Ebola patient discharged

William Pooley, the first British National who tested positive to the deadly Ebola virus in Sierra Leone on August 23rd has been discharged from the Royal Free Hospital in London. He was discharged today September 3rd.

William Pooley, 29, has been treated in a special isolation unit at the Royal Free Hospital in London. He was given the experimental drug ZMapp and has praised the "world class" care at the hospital. Continue...

British national slums and dies at Lagos airport

A high ranking British envoy who arrived Lagos this evening September 2nd reportedly slumped and died shortly after landing at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport.

Immediately the man, who arrived on a United Airlines flight slumped, eyewitnesses said many passengers and airport officials took to their heels for fear of the Ebola virus disease.

The man was later attended to by airport health officials who after carrying out proper examinations on him found out he'd suffered a heart attack. His body is currently in the custody of airport officials.

I can take Kiev in two weeks, Vladimir Putin warns European leaders

The Russian president is reported to have boasted his forces could sweep into Kiev in a fortnight if he wanted to as Nato announced it would build a new “spearhead” rapid reaction force

Vladimir Putin has boasted to European leaders that his forces could sweep into Kiev in two weeks if he wanted. The Russian president reportedly made the threat to the European Commission president during talks on the Ukraine crisis. Continue...

US Wedding Ends in Bloodshed, Heartbreak & Arrests After Groom Flirts with Pregnant Woman

Three men were arrested after a big fight in Station Square early Monday morning.

Pittsburgh Police Spokeswoman Sonya Toler said a fight involving people from a wedding party broke out at 12:55 a.m. on Monday.

Police were called to the Gateway Clipper dock area at Station Square. When police arrived, they found two men covered in blood.

A woman who works for the Gateway Clipper told police the groom of the wedding party, Mark Williams, 33, was being “touchy feely” with her, while she was working nearby. She reportedly told her boyfriend the groom also tried to pour alcohol down her throat, even though she told him she was pregnant. Continue...

This is why marriage is spiritual

People are failing at marriage, whether broken up, patched up or barely tolerating one another for the sake of family members, church members, kids or what people will say generally. In this vain I have been researching why of cause this has been happening, where best to start than from the beginning.

God is Spirit and he instituted marriage (Gen 2:22-24) which essentially makes marriage spiritual and can only be lived by divine revelation, because if God is a spirit, everything that comes from him is spiritual, just as man is first a spirit, living in a body because he was made in Gods image (Gen 1:26). So first and foremost anybody who is married or about to be married who does not know or agree to this, is ignorant, so if you agree to this, then you would also agree that marriage can only be enjoyed by FAITH, as marriage is the only contract you sign without complete disclosure and lots of events will begin to unfold as the years roll by, so for a lot of couples this then becomes the issue, because as they begin to find out numerous things about their partners they want to bail out, withdraw, tolerate, manage but the bible says, faith is the substance of things hoped for (Hebrews 11:1). For a lot of us with un-real expectations, we are in for a shocker, as nobody promised you that your partner will not fail in one area or the other, but the instruction is to look unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (Hebrew 12:2) so your wife, husband may fail somehow, but only God cant fail you. Continue...

Ebola: NYSC reduces orientation course to one day

Against the backdrop of the presidential pronouncement that all schools in the country should not reopen until October 13, 2014 due to the current  measures to contain the Ebola Virus Disease, the directorate of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has indicated that graduates participating in the 2014 Batch B orientation course would spend between one and two days on the course, as against the normal 21-day programme.

The NYSC management made this known in an advertorial published in a national daily on Saturday.

According to the advertorial, the abridged version of the 2014 Batch B orientation course will run between September 1 and  8, 2014.

It added that prospective corps members deployed to the affected states scheduled for the exercise are to report at the designated orientation camps reflected in their call-up letters for registration.

The affected states are Adamawa, Bauchi, Borno, Gombe, Jigawa, Kano, Lagos, Osun and Yobe.

The NYSC did not however indicate what the said remaining formalities would entail. The abridged course means that the prospective corps members would miss the traditional rigorous activities on the NYSC camp, including the physical training, lectures, endurance trek, camp fire night, parade and others.

Do not tweet when naked, drunk or eating, police warned

 

Photo: AP

Police employees have been issued with a raft of guidelines in how to avoid bringing the force into disrepute via social media.

As of July 2013, around 129,584 full-time police officers were employed throughout England and Wales, according to the Home Office.

Police officers have long been aware of the risks of excessive drinking and public nudity, but new guidelines today warn officers against documenting their own exploits online. Continue...

Islamic State kills another US hostage

An Islamic State video has appeared which purports to show the beheading of Steven Sotloff, a US journalist being held hostage by the militants.

Mr Sotloff disappeared in Syria in 2013. He appeared at the end of a video last month showing fellow US journalist James Foley being killed.

After Mr Foley's death, Mr Sotloff's mother appealed to IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi to save her son's life.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said US officials were checking the reports.

The US has recently carried out dozens of air strikes against IS targets in Iraq.

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner says the apparent beheading is a way for IS to get back at the US for its actions.

Mr Earnest urged caution about the veracity of the video.

"I'm not in a position to confirm the authenticity of that video or the reports," he said.

"If there is a video that's been released, it's something that will be analysed very carefully by the US government and our intelligence officials to establish its authenticity."

Source: BBC 

Nigerian mum gives birth to white baby in odds that baffled midwives

When the midwife presented Catherine Howarth with her new baby, she was convinced she’d been given the wrong child. The little boy was completely white – whereas his mum, Catherine has the dark black skin of her Nigerian heritage.

For even though baby Jonah has a white father, doctors say the chances of him being white too were an incredible one in a million.

And it wasn’t only the “miracle” baby’s mum who was stunned. “The midwife looked at me and looked back down at Jonah and then at me again and couldn’t believe it,” said Catherine, 32.

“The doctors confirmed it was extremely rare.”

Her husband Richard, 34, a medical recruitment consultant, was equally astonished. He had expected his son, who was born at Milton Keynes Hospital on June 1, to have darker skin. Continue...

Tube Terror Attack Confirmed As Hoax

The government raises the terrorist threat level so some people starts a rumour of imminent attack on the London Underground.

A message circulating via text and messenger services over the weekend said: "They [the police] think there's a terror threat and that it will happen on the tubes tomorrow around the west end area.

"Every single police officer in the met has been called into work from 4am onwards, even people on holiday are being told to catch the next flight home. So don't go travelling on tubes!! It's better to be safe than sorry. Please share."

 

The police were on hand to quickly dispel the rumours...

 

Let us be security conscious and be more prayerful for our beloved city and should not spread fear. Should you notice any suspected move, contact the Police ASAP. This is also a wake-up call for our leaders to be on the 'offensive'.