Wednesday 31 May 2017
Hong Kong Court Hears Daughter Who Had Sex With Father To Stop Him From Marrying Fiancée,
It happened because of 'misplaced love, infatuation and devotion', her lawyer tells the court
A teenager tried to prevent her father marrying his fiancée by having sex with him because of "misplaced love", a court in Hon Kong reportedly heard.
As her father's marriage approached in 2008, the 19-year-old tried to change his mind, according to the South China Morning Post .
Her lawyer told the District Court that it happened because of "misplaced love, infatuation and devotion to her father" and because she had been deprived of her mother's love, the paper reported.
Both the woman, now aged 26, and her father, 58, have admitted incest. But a judge has asked Hong Kong's probation service to prepare a psychological report about the daughter.
He will consider a non-custodial sentence for her, but not her father, the Post reported.
"This case is highly unusual," the woman's lawyer said in mitigation. "It serves no purpose to society to lock her up and punish her."
The pair's sexual encounters were uncovered when the woman's younger brother found a video recording and called the police.
The court was told the woman had initially asked prosecutors to lay the blame entirely on her, and let her father off.
"That shows the extent of devotion and infatuation the defendant had for her father," her lawyer said.
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Obasanjo Shocks Nigerians, Speaks On Buhari’s Death And Other Heart Touching Issues
Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, on Sunday, pleaded with Nigerian youths, not to wish President Muhammadu Buhari death, or any leader in the country.
This came as the social media has been awashed with the news of Buhari’s demise, as a result of an undisclosed illness, and very poor communication from the Presidency.
Obasanjo who spoke on other sundry issues, stated that his “greatest fear about Nigeria” today, remained the “anger and frustration of the youths”, adding that, if not managed, it could lead to “youth explosion.”
Obasanjo noted that when he left secondary school, he received letters of appointments from five establishments, and wondered whether any Nigerian University graduate could have such opportunities today.
“Don’t wish us dead, don’t wish us to disappear, because you will need us. You need us mentors and advisers, to mentor and prepare you for the future. You need our experience and assistance of some of us, to guide you through life.
“You should not lose hope, you should not feel frustrated. Wherever I go, they always ask me, what is my fear about Nigeria and Africa. And I said my greatest fear is youth anger, frustrations, and youth explosion, which have no bound.
“We have the Boko haram in the North, the MASSOB and IPOB in the South-East, the Militants in the Niger Delta, and the Oodua Peoples Congress in the South-West. All of these are expression of anger and frustrations.
“We have what it takes to be great as a nation, and we can’t transform this country without the youths. My greatest hope in this country, is also the youth. You the youth should work to help yourselves. You must be ready to pay the price for what you stand for”, Obasanjo said.
Tuesday 30 May 2017
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL WEDNESDAY MAY 31ST 2017. By Pastor E.A Adeboye
THEME: WHOSE WILL?
MEMORISE:
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
READ: Matthew 6:9-13
9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Acts 20-21 & Jeremiah 38:24-39:10
MESSAGE:
“And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” Romans 12:2
God is a God of purpose, and He is highly organized. He plans far ahead of His deeds. For instance, Ephesians 1:4 says that long before God laid the foundations of the earth, He had already chosen us to live a holy and blameless life before Him. God knows exactly what He wants and where He is going. God could not have created the world and everything in it without a definite plan or purpose for His creation (Isaiah 45:18). He has a will which is clearly revealed by His word. May God cause you to know His plan for your life and give you the grace to follow it in Jesus’ Name.
From the teaching of Jesus commonly known as “the Lord’s Prayer”, one thing is very clear: only the will of God is done in Heaven where He dwells. No one can violate His will or commandment over there and continue to stay there. He cannot live with rebels; hence, Lucifer and the angels who rebelled against God were thrown out of Heaven (Isaiah 14:12-15). Everyone and everything existing in Heaven conforms to God’s will and plan, and they all make Him happy. How about on earth? Since the fall of man, Satan and his demons have done a lot to cause men to take after rebellious path. For this reason, Jesus Christ came so that we can once again unite with those in Heaven in doing God’s will and pursuing His pleasure. Matthew 6:10 says,
“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”
Why were you saved? God saved you so that you can join His family in Heaven in doing His will. David had this understanding, and so he said in Psalm 143:10:
“Teach me to do thy will; for thou art my God: thy spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness.”
You are here on earth to do His will and not to please yourself (Romans 12:2). For this reason, Colossian 1:16 says we were created by Him and for Him. You were created for His purpose. At the end of time, only those who follow God’s will diligently on earth will be translated to continue doing so in Heaven. Whose will are you following? Are you daily doing God’s will or yours?
PRAYER POINT :
Father, teach and grant me grace to do your will with all of my heart.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 14: TAKE MY LIFE
1.Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.
2.Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee,
Swift and beautiful for Thee.
3.Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee,
Filled with messages from Thee.
4. Take my silver and my gold,
Not a mite would I withhold.
Take my intellect and use
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose,
Every pow’r as Thou shalt choose.
5. Take my will and make it Thine,
It shall be no longer mine.
Take my heart, it is Thine own,
It shall be Thy royal throne,
It shall be Thy royal throne.
6. Take my love, my Lord, I pour
At Thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself and I will be
Ever, only, all for Thee,
Ever, only, all for Thee.
"IPOB" Biafra Agitators Urged To Shelve Sit-At-Home Call: Ekweremadu
Deputy President of the Senate, Chief Ike Ekweremadu and Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, have appealed to Biafra agitators calling for a sit-at-home compliance on Tuesday to allow people to go about their normal business.
Ekweremadu and Umahi made the appeal during an Interdenominational church service organised by the Ebonyi State Government to mark this year’s Democracy Day in Abakaliki.
They noted that a bad approach to a genuine struggle was not good, and encouraged the Igbo’s to work in unity in order to achieve their aim irrespective of how long it takes.
Ekweremadu said, “On the issue of IPOB and stay at home order, I just have one advice. You cannot have two governments in a state. If anybody says you should stay at home, if you are a trader you can choose to stay at home or go out. But if you are a civil or public servant, you are under obligation to go to work.
“I addressed the World Igbo Congress in Enugu and I told them that we all condemn the marginalisation of our people. We can never support it and we will continue to fight against it wherever we find ourselves. It is our life but I advise that no one or group should engage in any arm struggle no matter the level of provocation. The idea of trying to force people to do your will, I don’t think it’s right.
“Those who want to stay at home should please stay at home but those who want to work should be allowed to go out. I believe that if we have a struggle which I believe we have, it may take us a long time to get there but surely, no matter how long the darkness is, the day will eventually break” Ekweremadu said.
Meanwhile, Ekweremadu commended Umahi for his infrastructure development and the mature way he has piloted the affairs of Ebonyi State, adding that the state has changed for good.
In his remarks, Governor Umahi said he had directed that markets should be opened on Tuesday and that residents should feel free to go about their lawful businesses just as he condemned the idea of asking people to stay at home and advised IPOB members to embrace dialogue rather than pursuing their genuine struggle the wrong way.
Umahi maintained that the leaders of South-East were handling the concerns of IPOB, assuring that efforts to solve the problem would soon materialise.
“Let me say it; I have all the lists of their agitations and most of what they are saying are correct but the way they are saying it may not be correct. I met with the market people and I said our market will remain open on 30th of May.
“The governors of South-East are not noise makers behind the scene, we are tackling our problem with National Assembly members and our other leaders and I’m very sure that the modest effort we are making is fast yielding result.
We believe that we can win this war not through violence but through persuasion and dialogue and understanding,” the governor explained.
The governor appreciated the State Executive Members, the legislators and the Judiciary for their commitment to service delivery.
In his sermon, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Religion and Welfare Matters and the Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Ebonyi State Chapter, Very Rev. Fr. Abraham Nwali, eulogised the governor for his achievements within two years in office.
Dignitaries who attended the church service include former Governor of the state, Senator Sam Egwu; Senator Obinna Ogba; Chief Judge, Aloy Nwankwo and Heads of security agencies in the state.
Benue State Student Arrested With Gun Confesses To Be CULTIST In University Of Agriculture Makurdi.
Student in University of Agriculture Makurdi, Benue state arrested with gun confesses to be CULTIST
Men of the Benue State Police Command on stop and search duty along Aliade-Otukpo road intercepted one Victor Ogbu 25yrs, on May 19, who was in possession of a locally fabricated Beretta pistol with four live ammunition.
The suspect who confessed to be a cultist and a student of University of Agriculture Makurdi, alleged that he purchased the firearm in Makurdi. Investigation is ongoing.
In another development, the Command arrested a kidnapper and rescued his victim. Acting on information, policemen trailed and arrested one Isaac Atsor, 33, on May 24, at a hideout in Ushongo LGA where they kept thier victim, one Mr. Ape the proprietor of Excel Grace School Gboko.
He was arrested with the supposed ransom of ₦500,000, a locally fabricated Beretta pistol and one live ammunition.
The suspect confessed to have committed the crime with four others who escaped when the hideout was raided.
The victim has since being reunited with his family,while investigation and manhunt of the fleeing members of the gang is ongoing.
Preliminary investigation, however, revealed that the suspect just finished serving a jail term on 22/03/2017 and was released from prison custody .
The Command had also on May 14 at about 10pm, arrested the following suspects with fabricated dummy guns while committing their nefarious activities at Ikyowe village in Katsina ala.
a. Zahemen Avaa- 24yrs
b. Ebenezer Ikyereve - 20yrs
c. Teryima Orkeghen - 21yrs and
d. Lubem Torhile - 22yrs
This notorious armed robbery gang who have been terrorising innocent motorists along Katsina ala- Zaki biam road and dispossessing them of thier valuables, met thier waterloo when operatives responded to a distress that some robbers had blocked the road.
They will all be charged to court as soon as Investigation is concluded.
Rapper Olamide "Noise Maker" As He Turn On Abuja Fans
Nigerian rapper, Olamide Adedeji also known as ‘Baddo,’ on Monday thrilled Abuja fans with a superlative performance, as part of activities marking this years democracy day.
The event which was organised by the Adron Edge Homes tagged “Children reloaded Party” took place at the Magic land near the City Gate of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Bariga born artist performed several of his songs including ‘Rapsodi,’ ‘Eledami,’ ‘Fada Fada (ghetto gospel),”Eyan Mayweather’ and ‘Who you Epp’ to the admiration of children, parents and fun seekers at the event.
Before leaving the stage, the 28-year old rapper appreciated guests at the event adding that he loved his Abuja fans.
Meanwhile, Ms Adetun Onajobi, the Head of Brand and Media, Adron Homes told News Agency of Nigeria in an interview that Olamide was brought to Abuja on popular demand.
Onajobi said the party was for children to celebrate children’s Day which eventually coincided with Democracy Day in the country.
“This is an event that we hold for our young subscribers; they are our future and is a way we celebrate them every Children’s Day, so we do this every year.
“Last year was tagged ‘Edges’ and this year is ‘Edges Reloaded’ and next year will be ‘Edges xxx Reloaded’.
“We brought Olamide because you know he is a ‘noise maker’; all work without play makes jack a dull boy; so when the children finished work in school, Olamide is hear to burst their brains.
“We figure out that nobody can do this but the ‘Baddo’ himself, the baddest guy that ever liveth,” she said.
According to her, Adron Homes was able to to make children, parents and other fun seekers stay together and experience happiness with the performances of Olamide
Barcelona New Coach; Ernesto Valverde.
The club took to their twitter handle to confirm the news.
According to them, “Ernesto Valverde is the new @FCBarcelona coach. Welcome, Ernesto!#HolaValverde.”
Valverde, 53, stepped down from his role in charge of Athletic Bilbao last week having led the Basque club to seventh place in La Liga and Europa League qualification.
He has also managed Villarreal, Valencia and Barça’s city rivals Espanyol in a varied coaching career that included two years in Greece with Olympiakos. Valverde also had a two-year spell as a Barcelona player in the late 1980s and will now return to the Camp Nou after a 27-year absence.
Ernesto Valverde named as new Barcelona coach
Barcelona lifted the Copa del Rey with a 3-1 win against Alaves in Enrique’s final game in charge on Saturday, the ninth trophy of his three-year reign.
However, the victory came at the end of a campaign which included disappointment in both La Liga and Europe, with the title going to Barça’s bitter rivals Real Madrid, who are also in the Champions League final on Saturday, aiming to retain the European Cup by beating Juventus.
Enrique had announced in March he would be leaving the club at the end of the season to take a one-year break from management.
The Barcelona president, Josep Maria Bartomeu, said: “Valverde has the ability, the judgment, the knowledge and the experience. He promotes the youth players and he has a Barça way. He is a hard worker and he is a fan of using technology in training and in managing matches.
“He was not the only name on the table. From the moment Luis Enrique said he was not going to continue (technical secretary) Robert Fernandez began a search. He spoke to a lot of people and studied the market. Many people took part in this decision and we did look at different names but our conclusion was one name and one coach. We know him, we know what he can do.
“Robert explained he was looking for a coach who had the Barcelona profile and knows the style. Ernesto is a very hard worker. He has knowledge, experience and has a philosophy similar to ours. He works a lot, he likes using technology
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL TUESDAY MAY 30TH 2017. By Pastor E.A Adeboye
THEME: THE ULTIMATE DESTINATION
MEMORISE:
Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Matthew 7:13
READ: Matthew 7:13-14
13 Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat:
14 Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Acts 18-19 & Jeremiah 38:14-23
MESSAGE:
God wants to change your life, but beyond this, He wants to change your final destination. Over the ages, many people have had to move from one location to another within the same country. Others have had to relocate to other countries for one reason or the other. However, at the end of the day, irrespective of where we live, we shall all arrive at a final destination. That destination is eternal and cannot be changed after we die. There are two eternal destinations: Heaven and Hell. Whether you believe it or not, you are heading towards one of these. The Bible is very clear on the truth that every sinner is heading to Hell. Psalm 9:17 says,
“The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.”
If you are still living in sin, Jesus Christ has come to change your eternal destination from hell to heaven. For this change to happen, you have to accept the remedy for sin which He has made available in His Blood. If a person does not achieve this crucial change before death, all other achievements during his or her lifetime will fade into nothingness, and the fellow will be faced with an eternity in Hell.
The shocking truth about this is that God will never force a person to change his or her final destination. He won’t force you to change from the hell-bound broad way to the heaven-bound narrow path. He allows you to make your decision and to live with the eternal consequences hereafter. I was talking to an important personality recently about being born again. He kept arguing with me, and so I told him this: “Sir, it is not something we should quarrel about. It is not compulsory for you to go to heaven. If you prefer to go to hell, it’s your choice.” Then he said, “Why are you begging me to be born again or give my life to Jesus?” I laughed and replied, “Me, begging you? I am not begging you but only sounding a note of warning. If you chose to wind up in Hell, it is your choice.” Some people think that as long as they do not believe in the existence of hell, they cannot go there. Hell is real! Many people are entering into Hell every day, and yet it is not full (Proverb 27:20). If the only feat you can achieve on earth is to avoid hell, it is worth the trouble. Many people were mocking those who preached the gospel of Jesus Christ to them during their life time until they ended up in Hell. Hell is worse than any type of suffering or punishment you know on earth. Do everything possible to avoid it by genuinely giving your life to Christ today.
ACTION POINT :
To make Heaven your final destination, do the following: repent and confess your sins to God; ask Him to cleanse your sins with the Blood of Jesus; invite Jesus into your life and confess Him as your Lord and Saviour and ask God for grace to live for him till you die.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 11: I HAVE DECIDED TO FOLLOW JESUS
1. I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
I have decided to follow Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
2. Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow;
Though none go with me, I still will follow
No turning back, no turning back.
3. My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
My cross I’ll carry, till I see Jesus;
No turning back, no turning back.
4. The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
The world behind me, the cross before me;
No turning back, no turning back.
Monday 29 May 2017
Celebration Of Biafra Day; What Police IG Should Do.
The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, has said the Inspector general of Police, Ibrahim Idris should go after Boko Haram and rampaging Fulani herdsmen who are attacking innocent people, instead of dissipating energy on attack and arrest of Biafra agitators.
MASSOB gave the remark while reacting to the directive by Idris to Police Commissioners in the South East that they should deal decisively with pro-Biafra agitators over the sit-at-home order on May 30.
In a statement by its Anambra State Coordinator and Secretary, Augustine Egbeh and Joseph Nnaji, MASSOB said no threat order by the Inspector General of Police will stop them from carrying out the sit-at-home order on May 30.
The group maintained that Nigerians, particularly the people of South East have already accepted to honour Biafra heroes and heroines by accepting to comply with the sit-at-home order.
MASSOB noted that, in view of the aforementioned, there will be no need for them to “pursue people up and down to comply, thereby giving the police and the military the opportunity to confront and kill them.”
The statement reads, “We have told our men what to do on that day and it will be a waste of time, energy and resources, for the security agents to come out in pursuit of members of MASSOB, IPOB and other Biafra agitators on Tuesday when they will be observing the sit-at-home style of Biafra Day celebration in their homes.
“We therefore appeal to Nigerians and the people of South East in particular, to give Biafra fallen heroes and heroines the respect they deserve by complying with the planned sit-at-home directive by the IPOB and MASSOB, to avoid any embarrassment by the police and the military, whom we gathered, have perfected their plan to arrest and kill innocent people they will see on the streets, and brand them Biafra agitators.”
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL MONDAY 29TH 2017. Pastor E.A Adeboye
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL
DATE: MONDAY 29TH 2017
THEME: BREAD OR CRUMBS?
MEMORISE:
Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me: Proverb 30:8
READ: Proverb 30:7-9
7 Two things have I required of thee; deny me them not before I die:
8 Remove far from me vanity and lies: give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food convenient for me:
9 Lest I be full, and deny thee, and say, Who is the Lord? or lest I be poor, and steal, and take the name of my God in vain.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Acts 16-17 & Jeremiah 38:1-13
MESSAGE:
What you get from God depends on how contented or dissatisfied you are. While some people ask nothing from the Almighty God who has all things and who can do all things, some others ask for crumbs. Your desire and request go a long way in determining what you get in life. In Matthew 15:21-28, when the woman whose daughter was tormented by demons met the Lord, all she asked for was crumbs:
“And she said, Truth, Lord: yet the dogs eat of the crumbs which fall from their masters' table. Matthew 15:27
Even today, after Jesus had said that the children of the Kingdom are meant to eat at God’s table, many of these children still prefer crumbs that fall from the Master’s table (Luke 12:32, Matthew 15:26). Where is your focus: the table or crumbs?
Similarly, there is a correlation between your desire and your trust in God. If you really have faith in God, you will be able to ask big. The Bible says those who know their God shall do exploits (Daniel 11:32). In other words, when you know little or nothing about God, when asked to make a request, you will be afraid of asking for too much, and so you will be confined to asking for so little. However, when you know how inexhaustible the resources of God are, it will stir up courage in your heart to ask for big, great and impossible things. Therefore, if you are asking for a used car, a tiny rented apartment or a job that can barely take you away from starvation, it is very possible that you do not know or trust God enough. In today’s Bible reading, Agur made a very humble request. He asked for neither poverty nor wealth. He feared poverty, lest he might be tempted to steal; and he also feared wealth, lest he deny God. Just enough was what he asked for. Using the children of Israel as a model of God’s plan for your life, you will observe that God took them from the wilderness, where they had Manna that was just enough for each day, to a land flowing with milk and honey, where they had more than enough (Exodus 16:15-19, Deuteronomy 6:10-11, Joshua 5:12). Just enough might mean not having reserves to take care of emergencies. That means, in an emergency, you may be forced to go cap in hand borrowing. Are you asking for little in consideration of others who are also asking God for the same thing? You can never exhaust God’s resources. Ask big and stop limiting yourself!
ACTION POINT :
Ask God for something really big that only He can do for you.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 10:
THERE SHALL BE SHOWERS OF BLESSINGS
1. There shall be showers of blessing:
This is the promise of love;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
Sent from the Saviour above.
Refrain:
Showers of blessing,
Showers of blessing we need:
Mercy-drops round us are falling,
But for the showers we plead.
2. There shall be showers of blessing,
Precious reviving again;
Over the hills and the valleys,
Sound of abundance of rain.
[Refrain]
3. There shall be showers of blessing;
Send them upon us, O Lord;
Grant to us now a refreshing,
Come, and now honour Thy Word.
[Refrain]
4. There shall be showers of blessing:
Oh, that today they might fall,
Now as to God we’re confessing,
Now as on Jesus we call!
[Refrain]
5. There shall be showers of blessing,
If we but trust and obey;
There shall be seasons refreshing,
If we let God have His way.
[Refrain]
Saturday 27 May 2017
Jigawa State Toad Sellers Make Brisk Business In Thousands
Toad is an amphibian animal with a drier and less smooth skin that lives on land but breeds in water. It is a frog family with long back legs for jumping.
Toads are of different species and not all are eatable or good for human consumption, as some of it produced dangerous poison.
Althouh it is not on the popular menu in the north, but it is in high demand in some communities in central and southern parts of the country.
A NAN check at the Hadejia market showed that toad sellers were making brisk businesses due to a significant increase in the demand for the animals.
A big stick, which contains about 20 toads, was being sold for N1, 000 and a small size-stick with 10 toads attracts N450.
Traders at the market described the trade as lucrative in view of the growing market.
Alhaji Haruna Shuaibu, a dealer, said that he was making good sales due to the rise in the demand of toads.
Shuaibu explained that the demand had surpassed the supply, adding that the animals were very rare in the dry season.
“Toad trade is good; it attracted many people due to its lucrative nature.
“Buyers are coming to the market from other states to buy.
“They preferred dried toads, but some buy fresh ones,” he said.
According to him, traders at the market transport hundreds of sticks of toads to other parts of the country on weekly basis.
Zakari Hadi, a toad hunter, said that he was making between N2, 000 and N3, 000 from the sales of toads, adding that this enables him to meet his basic financial needs.
Hadi said that he used nets to trap and catch the toads, adding that the animals were available at ponds in the area.
He explained that toads are of different species, which were categorised into those that are poisonous and those that are edible.
He said toad hunting was hectic because it requires skills to enable one identify the type of toad to catch.
“We catch toads in waters and sometimes we dig them out from the mud on the river bank.
“The toads are arranged on a stick and spread in the open for days to dry,” he added.
Another trader, Mr Sam Akiboh, said that he used to come to the market from Benue to buy toads.
Akiboh said it was in high demand in his area due to its good taste and low price.
“I make about N20, 000 gains from the sales of toads weekly”.
Miss Phoebe John and Gabriel Tondo, who corroborated Akiboh, said they made good savings from toad’s trade.
They called on the government to adopt measures to encourage toad farming.
NAN reports that the Jigawa Government had in 2000 introduced commercial toad farming but the programme was abandoned by the successive administration.
The programme was designed to accelerate toad production for export, provided job opportunities and boost state’s revenue base.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SUNDAY MAY 28TH 2017. By Pastor E.A Adeboye
THEME: ANY FRUIT OF REPENTANCE?
MEMORISE:
Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance. Matthew 3:8
READ : Matthew 3:1-10
1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,
2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.
4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
5Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judaea, and all the region round about Jordan,
6 And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.
7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees come to his baptism, he said unto them, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come?
8 Bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance:
9 And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
10 And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Acts 14-15 & Jeremiah 37
MESSAGE:
“Therefore also now, saith the Lord, turn ye even to me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:” Joel 2:12
Fasting can be used to demonstrate genuine repentance before God. Exemplifying the above scripture, Prophet Daniel embarked on a fast to show repentance for his sins and the sins of the children of Israel in Daniel 9:3-20. All through the Old Testament, when individuals or a group of people fell into sin and judgment was imminent, they returned to God in fasting and mourning, expressing sorrow for sins committed. How truly sorrowful are you when you sin against God? Is there any deep sorrow for sin anymore? Today, when you see a believer asking God for pardon over a wrong he or she has committed, you will be amazed. A few seconds after he or she has apologized, he or she is seen carrying on as if nothing ever went wrong. There is no manifestation of godly sorrow. People do not see offending God as anything anymore. They hide behind grace to cover up their evil lifestyle. However, can God be fooled?
The “repentance” of some people today is highly questionable. True repentance must be backed up by godly sorrow. 2corinthians 7:10 says
“For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation not to be repented of: but the sorrow of the world worketh death.”
Genuine repentance must exhibit the fruits of humility, confession, brokenness, a desire for restitution where necessary and a commitment to never return to the evil act. Take King Ahab as a case in point. He was a wicked king with a satanic wife, jezebel. The wickedness perpetrated during his reign far exceeded that of other regimes (1Kings 21:25). Yet, when God spoke to him about an impending judgment, he immediately readjusted, tore his royal robe, wore sackcloth, humbled himself and fasted (1 King 21:27). When God saw the fruit of repentance in him, He deferred his judgment till the next generation. When you say to God “Father, I’m sorry, please forgive me”, is there any fruit of repentance to back it up? Some leaders get involved in terrible sins, and after whispering, “Father, I am sorry”, they continue as if nothing ever happened. Is that genuine repentance? People hardly weep or mourn over their shortcomings anymore. They hardly set themselves apart in fasting and prayer to reach out to God for mercy. No wonder they continue in their sins. If you are sorry, you will bring forth fruit consistent with repentance through your actions. Do you have such fruits?
KEY POINT:
Repentance goes beyond just saying, “I am sorry”. Your comportment and inner resolve go a long way to validate or discredit your claim.
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 6: DEEPER, DEEPER
1. Deeper, deeper in the love of Jesus
Daily let me go;
Higher, higher in the school of wisdom,
More of grace to know.
Oh, deeper yet, I pray,
And higher every day,
And wiser, blessed Lord,
In Thy precious, holy Word.
2. Deeper, deeper, blessed Holy Spirit,
Take me deeper still,
Till my life is wholly lost in Jesus,
And His perfect will.
3. Deeper, deeper! though it cost hard trials,
Deeper let me go!
Rooted in the holy love of Jesus,
Let me fruitful grow.
4. Deeper, higher, every day in Jesus,
Till all conflict past,
Finds me conqu’ror, and in His own image
Perfected at last.
5. Deeper, deeper in the faith of Jesus,
Holy faith and true;
In His pow’r and soul exulting wisdom
Let me peace pursue.
What Salman Abedi Told His Mother Before Carrying Out Attack At Manchester Bomb Blast
Ariana Grande Manchester concert bomber, Salman Abedi reportedly put a call across to his mother, Samia Tabbal hours before carrying out the attack that killed many people.
It has been revealed that the terrorist called his mother and said “forgive me” before embarking on the deadly mission.
Metro UK, reports that the suicide bomber made the call hours before killing 22 people and leaving many more others injured at Manchester Arena.
A Libyan anti-terror official, the Deterrent Force spokesman, Ahmed bin Salem said that the 22-year-old and three of his siblings in Libya were summoned for questioning.
Bin Salem revealed that Tabbal told interrogators her son left Libya for England just four days before carrying out the cowardly attack.
Salem said that Libyan investigators believe “the bomber acted alone” based on comments from his younger brother Hashem Abedi, who has been arrested in Libya.
Salman’s father, Ramadan Abedi was also arrested in Libya, while his other brother Ismail Abedi was arrested in the UK.
It was previously claimed that the terrorist called his brother in Libya and asked Ms Tabbal to call him back.
It has since emerged that Abedi was known to security services and his risk to the public was listed as “subject to review” ahead of the attack.
Abedi’s sister has said he “wanted revenge” for western military strikes in the Middle East.
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL SATURDAY MAY 27TH 2017. By Pastor E.A Adeboye
THEME: SOUL-WINNING: A MARK OF LIFE
Memorise:
Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.John 15:2
Read: john 15:1-6
15:1 I am the true vine, and my Father is the husbandman.
15:2 Every branch in me that beareth not fruit he taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit.
15:3 Now ye are clean through the word which I have spoken unto you.
15:4 Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, except it abide in the vine; no more can ye, except ye abide in me.
15:5 I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing.
15:6 If a man abide not in me, he is cast forth as a branch, and is withered; and men gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.
Message:
Just as it was needful to fast and pray, it is also needful to win souls to God’s Kingdom regularly. Don’t just win one, two or five souls and stop, continue to win souls at all times. John 15:16 says
“Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.”
Do you know that regular evangelism can keep you in shape spiritually? If you belong to Christ, you are like a living tree that produces fruit (Psalm 1:3). Any tree that produces good fruit will definitely be appreciated by its owner. Bearing spiritual fruits is one obvious sign that you are still spiritually alive. If you are winning souls often, it shows you are growing spiritually. It takes obedience to the Holy Spirit and partnership with Him to win a soul and to give life to the spiritually dead. If you are not bearing fruit, it could be because you are dead or separated from God. A dead fellow cannot be used as an agent of life. Moreover, in the course of soul-winning, there are some ideas, teachings and abilities that the Holy Spirit will endow you with which you may not easily access through any other means.
The truth is that those who go out for evangelism never go out alone. Why? Since they are out to obey the Lord’s command, which is so important to the Godhead, the Trinity works with them (Mark 16:20). The Lord sees to it that the word of the evangelist does not fall to the ground (Hebrew 2:3-4). The evangelist is a true fellow-worker with God. On the other hand, the fellow who does not win souls is not bringing joy to God’s heart and is also not showing signs of spiritual life. If you continue your Christian life without leading others to Christ, you may be cut off from your source (John 15:2, Luke 13:7). It therefore follows that if you want to grow spiritually, you must make soul-winning a regular activity. You must win souls and continue to win more souls. If you are actively winning souls, you will experience God’s special love and attention. God will also answer your prayers more easily, and increase your capacity to be fruitful by taking away hindrances to fruitfulness from your life. Using your attitude to soul-winning as a benchmark, are you dead or alive?
Action Point:
To catch up on the number of souls you should have won in the past, launch an aggressive personal evangelism outreach drive to bring in at least 100 souls to God’s kingdom.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Acts 12-13
Jeremiah 36:20-32
AUTHOR: PASTOR E. A. ADEBOYE
HYMN 13: WONDERFUL STORY OF LOVE
1. Wonderful story of love;
Tell it to me again;
Wonderful story of love;
Wake the immortal strain!
Angels with rapture announce it,
Shepherds with wonder receive it;
Sinner, oh, won’t you believe it?
Wonderful story of love.
Refrain:
Wonderful! Wonderful!
Wonderful, wonderful story of love.
2. Wonderful story of love;
Though you are far away;
Wonderful story of love;
Still He doth call today;
Calling from Calvary’s mountain,
Down from the crystal-bright fountain,
E’en from the dawn of creation,
Wonderful story of love.
[Refrain]
3. Wonderful story of love;
Jesus provides a rest;
Wonderful story of love;
For all the pure and blest,
Rest in those mansions above us,
With those who’ve gone on before us,
Singing the rapturous chorus,
Wonderful story of love.
[Refrain]
Friday 26 May 2017
NNPC Invite Investors From Chinese For Research Venture
This the NNPC Chief Operating Officer, COO, Ventures, Dr. Babatunde Adeniran said was necessary for the Corporation to stay afloat amidst oil market volatility.
Dr. Adeniran who declared this recently at the 10 edition of the Annual Sub-Saharan Africa Oil and Gas Conference in Houston, Texas, affirmed that response from the Chinese prospects had been favourable.
Dr. Adeniran said in addition to the Chinese who were being invited to partner with NNPC in Research and Development, NNPC had also flung its dragnet wide open to let in American investors too.
He said there had been low investment in Industry R & D in Sub-Sahara Africa, necessitating NNPC’s commitment to key in to maximize available opportunity in the sub-sector.
Dr. Adeniran further outlined other non-core oil and gas sectors that are of interest to NNPC to include: healthcare, shipping as well as telecommunications.
Dr. Adeniran, who made a presentation alongside other West African Industry Stakeholders at the conference, said NNPC had 52 clinics across Nigeria, a healthcare investment which he observed, fewer establishments could boast of.
In his words ‘””NNPC Medical is already talking to top class medical centres across the world for partnership. Billions of dollars went into medical tourism in Nigeria yearly. NNPC is poised to take advantage of the gaps in the healthcare delivery in Nigeria,”.
‘ From 2014 to 2016, the global oil and gas industry has witnessed a precipitous dip in crude oil prices, bringing in its wake, more than 25 per cent drop in global spend on exploration and production.
The slum has been attributed mostly to excess in supply of the black gold’ he added.
Dr. Adeniran enjoined oil companies worldwide to think outside the box to fix challenges currently plaguing the industry.
To weather the storm in the current dispensation, Dr. Adeniran, proposed to oil companies to re-think the essence of their business and their role in the value chain, while demonstrating astuteness in spotting and capturing business opportunities in ancillary services, among others.
He added that oil companies, at a time like this, must prioritize profitable growth to guard against dissipating valuable resources and energies on developing unprofitable assets, adding that the current situation in the industry also required workforces to be flexible enough to navigate the new era of volatility.
Job Vacancies In Nigeria
CIVIL DEFENCE, FIRE, IMMIGRATION, AND PRISONS SERVICES BOARD (CDFIPB)
ADVERTISEMENT FOR VACANCIES
Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates for full time appointments to fill existing vacancies in the following positions in the Nigeria Immigration Service:
POSITIONS
CATEGORY A: Superintendent Cadre
Assistant Superintendent of Immigration II (ASI II) General Duty, CONPASS 08:
Applicants must possess first degree from recognized universities.
CATEGORY B: Inspectorate Cadre
Senior Inspector of Immigration(SII) General Duty, CONPASS 08:
Applicants must be holders of HND obtained from recognized institutions.
Assistant Inspector of Immigration (AII) General Duty, Secretaries and Other Specialized Fields, CONPASS 06:
Applicants must be holders of NCE / ND obtained from recognized institutions.
CATEGORY C: Assistant Cadre
Immigration Assistant III (IAIII) General Duty, CONPASS 03: Applicants must be holders of Ordinary Level SSCE/GCE/ NECO or their equivalents with a minimum of four (4) Credits in not more than two (2) sittings which should include English and Mathematics from recognized institutions.
CATEGORY D: Assistant Cadre
Immigration Assistant III (IAIII) ARTISANS, CONPASS 03
Motor driver/Mechanics
Applicants must be holders of Ordinary Level SSCE, or its equivalents and appropriate Trade Test certificates.
2. METHOD OF APPLICATION
Application is online through www.nisrecruitment.org.ng Candidates are advised to print out the referee form which must be duly completed for submission during screening.
3. SUBMISSION OF APPLICATIONS
Applications should be submitted online within six (6) weeks of this publication
4. STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS FOR RECRUITMENT:
A. Requirements
i. Applicant must be Nigerian by birth.
ii. Applicants must possess the requisite qualifications and Certificates. Any certificate or qualification not declared and accepted at the recruitment centre shall not be accepted after recruitment.
Iii Applicant must be medically fit and present certificate of medical fitness from any government hospital.
iv. Applicant must be of good character and must not have been convicted of any criminal offence;
v. Applicant must not be a member of a secret society, cult, a drug addict e.t.c.;
vi. Applicant must be free from financial embarrassment;
vii. Applicant must be between the ages of 18-30 years.
Viii Applicant’s height must not be less than 1.65m for males and 1.60m for females;
Viii Applicant’s chest measurement of not less than 0.87m for men.
ix. Computer literacy will be an added advantage.
B. Applicants with any of the following disabilities need not apply:
i. Impediment in speech (stammerer/dumb)
ii. Gross malformation of teeth
iii. Knocked knees
iv. Bent knees
v. Bow legs
vi. K-legs
vii. Flat foot
viii. Limb legs
ix. Bent arms/deformed hands/fracture
x. Defective eye sight (squint-eye, crossed eye, one-eyed and total blindness)
xi. Amputation of any part of physical body
xii. Hearing impaired (deaf)
xiii. Hunched back
xiv. Obesity
xv. Pregnancy
xvi. Medical challenges and any other physical deformity not mentioned
5. COMPUTER BASED TEST
There shall be computer based test for shortlisted candidates. Appropriate time and date shall be communicated to such persons.
6. APPLICATION
Candidates are expected to log into the website www.nisrecruitment.org.ng fill and submit the application form online. THIS APPLICATION IS ABSOLUTELY FREE
7. CLOSING
All applications are expected to be made within six (6) weeks from the date of this publication.
SIGNED:
Sunday Dan Ogu, FCAI
Secretary to the Board
Acting President Yemi Osinbajo Capable Of Leading Nigeria; Aisha Buhari
Aisha Buhari, wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, has said that Acting President Yemi Osinbajo has developed the ability to lead Nigeria in line with the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and ensure that a better Nigeria is realized.
She stated this on Wednesday in four consecutives tweets published on her handle, @aishambuhari, to hail Osinbajo on his 60th birthday
Her excellency Aisha Buhari wrote: “On the occasion of the birthday of Your Excellency, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo SAN, Ag. President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“I wish to extend my congratulations to you and to state that the years you have spent building your reputation in multiple capacities, have today resulted in your ability to carry out your duties in line with the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ensure that a better Nigeria is realized. Congratulations and Happy Birthday @ProfOsinbajo”
Recall that her excellency Buhari caused an uproar last year with an interview with the BBC Hausa
service where she criticized her husband for being taken hostage by a cabal, warning that if the trend continued, she would be unable to seek for votes for him in 2019.
The Reasons Why Jamb Will Not Release Results Of Many Candidates.
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Thursday said it would not release results of candidates identified in footages of Close Circuit Television, CCTV, to have indulged in malpractices during the just concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
This was disclosed by JAMB registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, who spoke as a guest on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily.
According to him, the agency had been busy reviewing recorded footages of the examination across the country.
He disclosed that a number of candidates had been marked out for sanction.
Oloyede, “Those who have not received (their results) are qualified not to receive for now. In all cases where there were no problems, we released results of the examination within 24 hours.
“But those who have not (received their results), they may not be culpable but we are investigating. Where we have reason to doubt anything or where we have report of anything that is not acceptable to us, we have withheld the results.
“And we will keep on releasing them as we clear them. For instance, this morning, we released another 15,000 results.
“But among those who sat in that centre, we have reasons, concrete evidence to say about 300 of them, their results will not be released because we know they were not in the hall where the examination took place.
“We are comparing those who sat for the examination, how long they sat in the hall, and how some of them took excuses that they were going to the toilet only to go to what they called VIP…
“All this we are now able to track. And we want to say that we will not hesitate to sanction anybody no matter how highly placed.”
Oloyede further explained that the CCTV cameras deployed at every Computer Based Test, CBT, centres across the country helped JAMB to detect and arrest unwholesome practices.
Final Showdown; Juventus Vs Real Madrid Champions League 2017 Final. From Statistics, Madrid FC 16/17 Champion
Juve's Stephan Lichtsteiner and Cristiano Ronaldo in the 2015 semi-final second legThe 2016/17 UEFA Champions League final pits the season's top scorers, holders Real Madrid CF, against a Juventus side who have conceded just three goals en route to Cardiff.
• Both clubs have plenty of recent final experience to draw from. Defending champions Madrid – bidding to become the first team to retain the trophy in the UEFA Champions League era – are in a third final in four years, having beaten city rivals Club Atlético de Madrid in both 2014 and 2016; Juventus, meanwhile, lost to FC Barcelona in the 2015 showpiece.
• This match is a repeat of the 1998 final in Amsterdam, won 1-0 by Real Madrid against a Juventus side featuring current Merengues coach Zinédine Zidane. That gave the Spaniards the seventh of their record 11 European Cups.
• Juve have won the trophy twice, in 1985 and 1996, but have lost in the final six times – more than any other club.
• Juventus have won nine and drawn three of their 12 games in this season's competition, and are seeking to become the first team to lift the trophy unbeaten since Manchester United FC in 2007/08.
United were the sixth club to win the UEFA Champions League without losing a match.
• Madrid and Juve will both be competing in their sixth UEFA Champions League final, equalling AC Milan's record.
• Madrid have won all five of their UEFA Champions League finals, a record number of wins, while Juve have lost the fixture more times than any other club – four. Indeed, their only victory was on penalties – against AFC Ajax in 1996.
Final pedigree
Juventus
• This is a ninth European Cup final appearance for Juventus, who have lost their last four. Overall their record is W2 L6:
1972/73 : AFC Ajax 1-0 Juventus
1982/83 : Hamburger SV 1-0 Juventus
1984/85 : Juventus 1-0 Liverpool FC
1995/96 : Juventus 1-1 AFC Ajax (aet, Juventus win 4-2 on pens)
1996/97 : Borussia Dortmund 3-1 Juventus
1997/98 : Juventus 0-1 Real Madrid CF
2002/03 : Juventus 0-0 AC Milan (aet, Milan win 3-2 on pens)
2014/15 : Juventus 1-3 FC Barcelona
• The 2015 defeat by Barcelona in Berlin was Juve's sixth final reversal – setting an unwanted new record. They had previously been level with FC Bayern München and SL Benfica on five final losses.
• Gianluigi Buffon is the sole survivor of Juventus's 2003 final appearance in their 2016/17 squad.
• Buffon, Stephan Lichtsteiner, Leonardo Bonucci, Andrea Barzagli and Claudio Marchisio all started the 2015 final for Juve, with Stefano Sturaro an unused substitute. Giorgio Chiellini missed out through injury.
• Sami Khedira was part of the victorious Real Madrid team in 2014; he, Mario Mandžukić, a winner with Bayern the previous year, and Dani Alves (Barcelona 2009, 2011, 2015) could join the list of 13 players to win the UEFA Champions League with two different clubs.
• Mandžukić and Juve's 2015 final goalscorer, Álvaro Morata, could both join the list of two players to score for different clubs in the European Cup final: only Velibor Vasović (FK Partizan 1966, Ajax 1969) and Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, Real Madrid 2014) have previously managed it.
• Juventus have also played in four UEFA Cup finals – winning three (1977, 1990, 1993) and losing one (1995) – as well as the 1984 European Cup Winners' Cup final, which they won.
Real Madrid
• Madrid have won a record 11 European Cups, and have triumphed in their last five finals. Overall their final record is W11 L3:
1955/56 : Real Madrid 4-3 Stade de Reims Champagne
1956/57 : Real Madrid 2-0 ACF Fiorentina
1957/58 : Real Madrid 3-2 AC Milan (aet)
1958/59 : Real Madrid 2-0 Stade de Reims Champagne
1959/60 : Real Madrid 7-3 Eintracht Frankfurt
1961/62 : SL Benfica 5-3 Real Madrid
1963/64 : FC Internazionale Milano 3-1 Real Madrid
1965/66 : Real Madrid 2-1 FK Partizan
1980/81 : Liverpool FC 1-0 Real Madrid
1997/98 : Real Madrid 1-0 Juventus
1999/00 : Real Madrid 3-0 Valencia CF
2001/02 : Real Madrid 2-1 Bayer 04 Leverkusen
2013/14 : Real Madrid 4-1 Club Atlético Madrid (aet)
2015/16 : Real Madrid 1-1 Club Atlético Madrid (aet; Real Madrid win 5-3 on penalties)
• Madrid want to become the first side to make a successful UEFA Champions League title defence. They are the fifth reigning champions to return to the final the following season, the most recent being Manchester United in 2009.
• No team have won the European Cup in successive seasons since Milan (1989, 1990).
• Zidane is also attempting to become the first coach to win the UEFA Champions League two years running, while Sergio Ramos is seeking to become the first captain to lift the UEFA Champions League trophy in consecutive seasons.
• Ronaldo (2008, 2014) and Ramos (2014, 2016) could become the first players to score in three UEFA Champions League finals.
Ronaldo and Ramos are two of five players to have scored in two finals, along with Raúl González (2000, 2002), Samuel Eto'o (2006, 2009) and Lionel Messi (2009, 2011), a list that Marcelo and Gareth Bale – who both netted in 2014 – and Morata, on target for Juve in 2015, could join this season.
• Dani Carvajal, Raphaël Varane, Ramos, Fábio Coentrão, Luka Modrić, Ronaldo and Karim Benzema started the 2014 final for Madrid, with Marcelo and Isco coming off the bench and Pepe an unused substitute.
• In 2016, Madrid's victorious final starting line-up included Keylor Navas, Pepe, Toni Kroos and Casemiro, plus Carvajal, Ramos, Marcelo, Modrić, Ronaldo, Bale and Benzema, with Danilo, Isco and Lucas Vázquez making substitute appearances. Kiko Casilla, Nacho and James Rodríguez were unused replacements.
• Should Madrid triumph in Cardiff, it will be the tenth UEFA Champions League win for a Spanish side – twice as many as the next highest-ranked nation, Italy.
• This is Madrid's 29th UEFA final. In addition to their 14 European Cup appearances, they were UEFA Cup winners in 1985 and 1986 and European Cup Winners' Cup runners-up in 1971 and 1983. They lifted the UEFA Super Cup in 2002, 2014 and 2016 having lost in 1998 and 2000, and won the European/South American Cup in 1960, 1998 and 2002, losing in 1966 and 2000.
Previous meetings
• This will be the 19th UEFA competition meeting between Juventus and Real Madrid –all in the European Cup – and there is virtually nothing between the sides. Both clubs have eight wins and two draws, with Juve scoring 21 goals to Madrid's 18.
• Their most recent encounters came in the 2014/15 semi-finals, when Juve won 3-2 on aggregate. Goals from ex-Madrid striker Morata – now back with the Merengues – and Carlos Tévez gave Juve a 2-1 first-leg victory in Turin, despite Cristiano Ronaldo's reply.
• The teams at the Juventus Stadium on 5 May 2015 were:
Juventus: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Sturaro (Barzagli 64), Marchisio, Pirlo, Vidal, Morata (Llorente 78), Tévez (Pereyra 86).
Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Pepe, Marcelo, Kroos, Isco (Hernández 63), James Rodríguez, Bale (Jesé 86), Ronaldo.
• Ronaldo was again on target in Madrid, only for a 57th-minute equaliser from Morata to earn a 1-1 draw and take Juve into their first final for 12 years.
• The line-ups at the Santiago Bernabéu on 13 May 2015 were:
Real Madrid: Casillas, Carvajal, Varane, Ramos, Marcelo, Kroos, Isco, James Rodríguez, Bale, Benzema (Hernández 67), Ronaldo.
Juventus: Buffon, Lichtsteiner, Bonucci, Chiellini, Evra, Marchisio, Pirlo (Barzagli 79), Vidal, Pogba (Pereyra 89), Morata (Llorente 84), Tévez.
• Juve are unbeaten in their last three meetings (W1 D2) with Real Madrid, since a 2-1 loss at the Bernabéu in the 2013/14 group stage with Ronaldo scoring twice in the first 30 minutes. That loss is the Bianconeri's sole reverse in the last seven matches between the pair (W4 D2).
• Ronaldo has hit the target in all four of his appearances against Juventus for Real Madrid – five goals in all.
• Madrid have already claimed one European title at Juve's expense, Predrag Mijatović's scrambled effort in the 66th minute proving enough to win the 1998 UEFA Champions League final .
• The sides at the Amsterdam ArenA on 20 May 1998 were:
Juventus: Peruzzi, Pessotto (Fonseca 70), Torricelli, Montero, Iuliano, Di Livio (Tacchinardi 46), Deschamps (Conte 77), Davids, Zidane, Del Piero, Inzaghi.
Real Madrid: Illgner, Panucci, Hierro, Sanchís, Roberto Carlos, Redondo, Karembeu, Seedorf, Raúl (Amavisca 90), Morientes (Jaime Sánchez 81), Mijatović (Šuker 90).
• That was not the clubs' only tussle at a neutral venue. In their first tie, in the 1961/62 quarter-finals, each team won 1-0 away, meaning a replay in Paris. Madrid won that third game 3-1 .
Match background
Juventus
• The 2-1 victory against AS Monaco FC in their semi-final second leg (4-1 aggregate) was the first goal Juve had shipped in six knockout matches in this season's competition. It ended their run of not conceding at 690 minutes, the second longest in UEFA Champions League history behind Arsenal's 995 minutes in 2005/06.
• Juventus have played 53 games against Spanish clubs in UEFA competition, with the record W19 D14 L20 F61 A55.
• The Bianconeri have already tasted success against Liga opposition this term, drawing 0-0 at home to Sevilla FC on matchday one before a
3-1 away win in the group stage. In the quarter-finals, Barcelona were beaten 3-0 at home and
on aggregate .
• Juve's first tie against Spanish opponents resulted in a European trophy, with an away goals victory against Athletic Club in the 1976/77 UEFA Cup final (1-0 h, 1-2 a).
• The Italian team's shoot-out record is W3 L3:
2-3 v AC Milan, 2002/03 UEFA Champions League final
4-2 v AFC Ajax, 1995/96 UEFA Champions League final
1-3 v Real Madrid CF, 1986/87 European Cup second round
4-2 v Argentinos Juniors, 1985 European/South American Cup final
1-4 v Widzew Łódź, 1980/81 UEFA Cup second round
3-0 v Ajax, 1977/78 European Cup quarter-final
Real Madrid
• Before their 2-1 reverse at Atlético in the semi-final second leg (4-2 aggregate), Madrid were unbeaten in this season's competition (W8 D3) and had won all five fixtures in the knockout stage.
• The Atlético loss halted a 16-match unbeaten run in European competition (W11 D5), since a
2-0 defeat at VfL Wolfsburg in last season's UEFA Champions League quarter-final first leg.
• Madrid have won their last four games against Italian opposition, going back to that 2015 semi-final against Juve. In this season's round of 16, they overcame SSC Napoli 3-1 both home and away.
• The Merengues' record against Italian clubs is P69 W33 D11 L25 F104 A87.
• Madrid's shoot-out record in European competition is W2 L2:
5-3 v Club Atlético de Madrid, 2015/16 UEFA Champions League final
1-3 v FC Bayern München, 2011/12 UEFA Champions League semi-finals
3-1 v Juventus, 1986/87 European Cup second round
5-6 v FK Crvena zvezda, 1974/75 European Cup Winners' Cup quarter-finals
Coach and player links
• Zidane represented Juve between 1996 and 2001, collecting two Serie A titles and playing in the 1997 and 1998 UEFA Champions League final defeats, the latter against Madrid.
• Zidane's chipped penalty beat Buffon in the 2006 FIFA World Cup final in Berlin. The Frenchman was then sent off in extra time as Italy prevailed on penalties.
• Massimiliano Allegri's Milan lost 2-0 at Madrid – Ronaldo registering the first goal – in the 2010/11 group stage, before a 2-2 draw at San Siro.
• Gonzalo Higuaín played for Madrid between 2007 and 2013, notching 121 goals in 264 games in all competitions and landing three Liga titles.
• Morata came through Madrid's youth system and then played for Juventus between 2014 and 2016, registering 15 goals in 63 league appearances.
• Khedira was at Madrid between 2010 and 2015, winning the UEFA Champions League in 2014 and the Liga in 2012. He made 102 Liga outings, scoring six times.
• Mandžukić played for Atlético Madrid in 2014/15, facing Real Madrid seven times (W4 D2 L1). His only defeat (0-1) came in the UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg .
• Mandžukić won both Liga derbies against Real Madrid with Atlético, netting in a 4-0 home victory on 7 February 2015. He also struck in Atlético's 2-1 aggregate triumph in the Spanish Super Cup.
• Dani Alves spent 14 seasons in Spain, six at Sevilla and the following eight with Barcelona; his record against Real Madrid was W22 D7 L13, scoring twice.
At Sevilla he was a team-mate of Ramos between 2003 and 2005, while he won three UEFA Champions Leagues at Barcelona, including the 2015 success over Juventus.
• Mateo Kovačić played for FC Internazionale Milano between January 2013 and 2015; his record against Juve was W0 D2 L3.
• Buffon, Bonucci, Barzagli, Chiellini and Marchisio played in Italy's 4-0 defeat by a Spain side containing Ramos in the UEFA EURO 2012 final in Kyiv.
• Kroos, starting alongside Khedira in Germany's midfield, faced Buffon, Barzagli, Bonucci and Chiellini in the UEFA EURO 2016 quarter-finals.
Bonucci scored a penalty in the 1-1 draw but missed in the shoot-out; both Barzagli and Kroos converted as Germany prevailed.
• Chiellini got the first goal as Italy scalped Spain 2-0 in the UEFA EURO 2016 round of 16 to eliminate the holders. Buffon, Bonucci and Barzagli also played for the Azzurri, with Ramos, Morata and Vázquez featuring for Spain.
• Ramos slotted home his penalty as Spain outlasted Italy 7-6 on penalties in the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup semi-final. Bonucci missed the decisive kick.
• Benzema scored and also missed a penalty as France beat Lichtsteiner's Switzerland 5-2 in the 2014 World Cup group stage.
• Morata struck for Spain in a 2-1 defeat by Croatia in the UEFA EURO 2016 group stage, Ramos missing a penalty. Modrić and Mandžukić were unused substitutes for Croatia, Marko Pjaca and Kovačić coming on in the second half.
• International team-mates:
Toni Kroos & Sami Khedira (Germany)
Marcelo, Danilo, Casemiro & Dani Alves, Alex Sandro (Brazil)
James Rodríguez & Juan Cuadrado (Colombia)
Mateo Kovačić and Luka Modrić & Mario Mandžukić, Marko Pjaca (Croatia)
• Former club-mates:
Danilo, James Rodriguez & Alex Sandro (FC Porto, 2011–13)
Danilo & Alex Sandro (Santos FC, 2010–11)
Toni Kroos & Mario Mandžukić (FC Bayern München, 2012–14)
Mario Mandžukić & Luka Modrić (GNK Dinamo Zagreb, 2007/08)
Karim Benzema & Miralem Pjanić (Olympique Lyonnais, 2008/09)
Dani Alves & Sergio Ramos (Sevilla FC, 2003–05)
Thursday 25 May 2017
OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL FRIDAY MAY 26TH 2017. By Pastor E.A Adeboye.
THEME: STAND UP FOR SOMETHING
MEMORISE:
So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Revelation 3:16
READ: Revelation 3:15-16
15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.
16 So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.
BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:
Acts 10-11 & Jeremiah 36:4-19
MESSAGE:
“I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot.”
Revelation 3:15
If there is one state that God never wants His children to be in, it is the state of lukewarmness. As seen in the above scripture passage, the Lord speaks His mind on this issue in very strong terms. He says if you want to be hot, be hot, and if you want to be cold, be cold; if you are neither cold nor hot, He will spit you out of His mouth. God has zero tolerance for lukewarmness. As foretold by the Holy Spirit long ago, many Christians in these last days are falling into the state of lukewarmness. Lukewarm people are tasteless in God’s mouth, and hence He cannot stand them. You cannot mix your worship of God with the worship of an idol. How can you put the Ancient of Days on the same platform as an idol that is the contraption of men’s hearts? God is greatly insulted by this. If you want to be a Christian, be a completely devoted one. Serve Him with your life and ensure you glorify Him in all that you do. If you however do not want to be a Christian, do not pretend to be one.
One soul I wish I could have won for Christ is Fela Anikulapo kuti, the late Nigerian Afro-beat music icon. I loved him for one thing: he was not a pretender. His lifestyle clearly showed that he was not on the side of Christ. This man married 27 wives in one day! He was a law unto himself. Some people say they are serving God, and at home they have one wife but outside, they have several mistresses. Stop pretending! If you want to serve, serve Him, but if you don’t want to serve God, stay away from Him. Whatever is worth doing is worth doing well. A lukewarm fellow will say he likes something, whereas he hates that same thing in his heart. He or she lives a false life. Some people appear to be very active and zealous for God when they are in their country of origin, but when they travel abroad, you will not believe they are the same person you thought you knew. Such people are unable to stand for the truth, and so will find excuses to justify their lack of zeal for the things of God. Lukewarm people are dream-killers and acts as bad influencers. If you are hot and you stay around them, they can discourage you by their attitude. Are you lukewarm? It’s time to come out of that state today! Take a stand for the truth and for living right!
KEY POINT :
Those who find it difficult to stand up for Jesus still love the world.
HYMN 9: ON THE HILL FAR AWAY
1. On a hill far away stood an old rugged cross,
The emblem of suff’ring and shame;
And I love that old cross where the Dearest and Best
For a world of lost sinners was slain.
Refrain:
So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross,
Till my trophies at last I lay down;
I will cling to the old rugged cross,
And exchange it someday for a crown.
2. Oh, that old rugged cross, so despised by the world,
Has a wondrous attraction for me;
For the dear Lamb of God left His glory above
To bear it to dark Calvary.
[Refrain]
3. In that old rugged cross, stained with blood so divine,
A wondrous beauty I see,
For ’twas on that old cross Jesus suffered and died,
To pardon and sanctify me.
[Refrain]
4.To the old rugged cross I will ever be true;
Its shame and reproach gladly bear;
Then He’ll call me someday to my home far away,
Where His glory forever I’ll share.
[Refrain]
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