Apostolic Faith cleric preaches righteousness, love

The District Superintendent, Apostolic Faith, West Africa, Rev. Emmanuel Adeniran, has urged Christians to embrace righteousness as a virtue in order to earn divine favour, which Nigeria needed to move forward.

Adeniran said this at the Christmas concert which held at the church Campground in Gbagada, Lagos.

He said that any nation with the fear of God, and filled with righteousness, would earn Gods’ favour.

He said, “I am praying that the lord god of heaven this Christmas will protect all Nigerians as they travel to enjoy this season.

“But beyond that I am praying that Nigerians will find a place for God in their heart, let Nigeria open their hearts, open their homes and let the quicken spirit of God deliver us from the scorn of corruption.

“I am praying that the glory and the goodness of God will be restored to this country, just as we had in those days.”

Also speaking, the Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Toyin Ayinde, advised Nigerians to show love to their fellow men through cheerful giving, especially considering the needy during the Yuletide.

He admonished Christians to emulate Christ in the spirit of the season, adding that the season was a season of love.

He urged Christians to spare some time to visit the lonely and the poor, the homeless and those in hospitals and prisons.

“What the birth of Christ has brought us is salvation; all we need do is cast our care upon him because he cares for us, so we don’t have to have any fear in the New Year, he said.

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I will not anoint any successor – Imoke

Cross River State Governor, Liyel Imoke, has said he will not anoint any person as his successor in 2015.

Imoke dropped the bombshell late Tuesday when he hosted the state’s Elders’ Consultative Forum at Government House in Calabar.

He said he was particularly disturbed by pressure from  a group of persons and the media compelling him to anoint his successor, adding that he had never been part of a process that foisted candidates on the people.

According to him, the people should own the process that throws up people for elective positions.

Imoke said, “I have seen publications where people say let the governor announce his candidate. For me, that is not democracy and it is not the right kind of politics. I believe strongly that even that process of producing the governor should be one that all of us own or can lay claim to.

“We should allow candidates who will say that they have met with the senatorial zones, elders, the caucuses and groups and we have discussed, and then the people will assess them based on their credentials, capacity and vision.”

Imoke, who stressed that the governorship of the state was too much of a risk to be personalised, warned that there would be no room for political jobbers to transform themselves into the voice of the people.

He said, “But when people stand up and say ‘I want to be governor by hook or by crook,’ we get worried and ask what is all that for? What is the motive? Is it a private or collective agenda and how do we sustain this in a very challenging environment?”

biggest catch: ‘JTF arrested 1,857 oil thieves, destroyed 1,951 illegal refineries’

Commander of Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta, Operation Pulo Shield, Maj.-Gen. Bata Debiro, has said the outfit arrested no fewer than 1,857 suspected oil thieves and destroyed 1,951 illegal refineries in 2013.

Maj.-Gen. Bata Debiro said this while briefing journalists on the operational activities of the outfit for 2013 in Yenagoa on Tuesday night.

During the year under review, he said that the JTF conducted 1,025 anti-illegal oil bunkering patrols.

He said during those patrols, the outfit scuttled 81 barges, 1,117 Cotonou boats, 82 tanker trucks and 1,873 surface tanks.

Debiro added that 39,760 drums of illegally refined petroleum products, 570 pumping machines and 75 outboard motor engines used as apparatus to facilitate oil theft were seized and destroyed.

He also said 46 vessels of various sizes and capacities were also arrested during the period.

The JTF boss said the outfit was able to achieve the above-mentioned feat through constant patrols based on credible intelligence obtained from various sources, particularly higher headquarters, other components of the JTF, informants and good citizens.

Debiro said, “In spite of the difficult environment in which it operates, the JTF has recorded modest successes, although still confronted with a handful of challenges and constraints.

“These challenges were inadequate maritime platforms, insufficient operational vehicles, lack of some essential kits and insufficient manpower.

“The task force is however optimistic that most of these challenges will soon be addressed through the efforts of Chief of Defence Staff, Defence Headquarters and the National Economic Council intervention plan initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan.”

He said the outfit could stop illegal bunkering completely in the region provided they were well equipped and the logistical challenges facing the outfit were fully addressed.

He commended his officers and men for their diligence in the fight against oil theft, piracy and other criminal activities in the region.

“We can stop illegal bunkering in our country. Afterall, it was started by someone. But this cannot be fully achieved if the logistical challenges facing the JTF are not addressed,” he added.

U.N. sends more peacekeepers to South Sudan as violence worsens

The U.N. Security Council approved plans  to almost double the number of peacekeepers in South Sudan in an effort to protect civilians as reports of mass graves fueled fears of a worsening of ethnic bloodletting in the world's newest state. The move came as the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the country said the death toll from the past 10 days of violence was likely now in the thousands, rather than the hundreds the world body had previously estimated. "I think it's undeniable at this stage that there must have been thousands of people who have lost their lives," Toby Lanzer told the BBC's Newshour program. "When I've looked at the hospitals in key towns and I've looked at the hospitals in the capital itself, the range of injuries, this is no longer a situation where we can merely say it's hundreds of people who've lost their lives," he said. Lanzer was speaking from a U.N. compound in the rebel-held city of Bentiu, capital of Unity state. With some 45,000 civilians seeking protection at U.N. bases, the 15-member Security Council unanimously authorized a plan by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to boost the strength of the peacekeeping force in South Sudan to 12,500 troops and 1,323 police. The additional personnel will reinforce U.N. bases where civilians are seeking shelter. However Ban warned that "even with additional capabilities, we will not be able to protect every civilian in need in South Sudan." Violence erupted in the capital Juba on December 15 and quickly spread, dividing the land-locked country of 10.8 million along ethnic lines of Nuer and Dinka. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 under a peace agreement to end decades of war. Western powers and east African states, keen to prevent more chaos in a fragile region, have tried to mediate between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and rebel leader Riek Machar, a Nuer, who was vice president until Kiir sacked him in July. "Whatever the differences, nothing can justify the violence that has engulfed their young nation," Ban told the council after the vote. "There is no military solution to this conflict. This is a political crisis which requires a peaceful, political solution." The fighting is affecting oil production in South Sudan, which accounts for 98 percent of government revenue. Petroleum Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said output had fallen by 45,000 barrels per day to 200,000 bpd after Unity state oilfields shut down. Dau said production in Upper Nile state, where most of South Sudan's oil is extracted, was safe and outside the reach of rebels.

The U.N. Security Council approved plans on Tuesday to almost double the number of peacekeepers in South Sudan in an effort to protect civilians as reports of mass graves fueled fears of a worsening of ethnic bloodletting in the world's newest state. The move came as the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the country said the death toll from the past 10 days of violence was likely now in the thousands, rather than the hundreds the world body had previously estimated. "I think it's undeniable at this stage that there must have been thousands of people who have lost their lives," Toby Lanzer told the BBC's Newshour program. "When I've looked at the hospitals in key towns and I've looked at the hospitals in the capital itself, the range of injuries, this is no longer a situation where we can merely say it's hundreds of people who've lost their lives," he said. Lanzer was speaking from a U.N. compound in the rebel-held city of Bentiu, capital of Unity state. With some 45,000 civilians seeking protection at U.N. bases, the 15-member Security Council unanimously authorized a plan by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to boost the strength of the peacekeeping force in South Sudan to 12,500 troops and 1,323 police. The additional personnel will reinforce U.N. bases where civilians are seeking shelter. However Ban warned that "even with additional capabilities, we will not be able to protect every civilian in need in South Sudan." Violence erupted in the capital Juba on December 15 and quickly spread, dividing the land-locked country of 10.8 million along ethnic lines of Nuer and Dinka. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 under a peace agreement to end decades of war. Western powers and east African states, keen to prevent more chaos in a fragile region, have tried to mediate between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and rebel leader Riek Machar, a Nuer, who was vice president until Kiir sacked him in July. "Whatever the differences, nothing can justify the violence that has engulfed their young nation," Ban told the council after the vote. "There is no military solution to this conflict. This is a political crisis which requires a peaceful, political solution." The fighting is affecting oil production in South Sudan, which accounts for 98 percent of government revenue. Petroleum Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said output had fallen by 45,000 barrels per day to 200,000 bpd after Unity state oilfields shut down. Dau said production in Upper Nile state, where most of South Sudan's oil is extracted, was safe and outside the reach of rebels.
The U.N. Security Council approved plans on Tuesday to almost double the number of peacekeepers in South Sudan in an effort to protect civilians as reports of mass graves fueled fears of a worsening of ethnic bloodletting in the world's newest state. The move came as the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the country said the death toll from the past 10 days of violence was likely now in the thousands, rather than the hundreds the world body had previously estimated. "I think it's undeniable at this stage that there must have been thousands of people who have lost their lives," Toby Lanzer told the BBC's Newshour program. "When I've looked at the hospitals in key towns and I've looked at the hospitals in the capital itself, the range of injuries, this is no longer a situation where we can merely say it's hundreds of people who've lost their lives," he said. Lanzer was speaking from a U.N. compound in the rebel-held city of Bentiu, capital of Unity state. With some 45,000 civilians seeking protection at U.N. bases, the 15-member Security Council unanimously authorized a plan by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to boost the strength of the peacekeeping force in South Sudan to 12,500 troops and 1,323 police. The additional personnel will reinforce U.N. bases where civilians are seeking shelter. However Ban warned that "even with additional capabilities, we will not be able to protect every civilian in need in South Sudan." Violence erupted in the capital Juba on December 15 and quickly spread, dividing the land-locked country of 10.8 million along ethnic lines of Nuer and Dinka. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 under a peace agreement to end decades of war. Western powers and east African states, keen to prevent more chaos in a fragile region, have tried to mediate between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and rebel leader Riek Machar, a Nuer, who was vice president until Kiir sacked him in July. "Whatever the differences, nothing can justify the violence that has engulfed their young nation," Ban told the council after the vote. "There is no military solution to this conflict. This is a political crisis which requires a peaceful, political solution." The fighting is affecting oil production in South Sudan, which accounts for 98 percent of government revenue. Petroleum Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said output had fallen by 45,000 barrels per day to 200,000 bpd after Unity state oilfields shut down. Dau said production in Upper Nile state, where most of South Sudan's oil is extracted, was safe and outside the reach of rebels.
The U.N. Security Council approved plans on Tuesday to almost double the number of peacekeepers in South Sudan in an effort to protect civilians as reports of mass graves fueled fears of a worsening of ethnic bloodletting in the world's newest state. The move came as the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in the country said the death toll from the past 10 days of violence was likely now in the thousands, rather than the hundreds the world body had previously estimated. "I think it's undeniable at this stage that there must have been thousands of people who have lost their lives," Toby Lanzer told the BBC's Newshour program. "When I've looked at the hospitals in key towns and I've looked at the hospitals in the capital itself, the range of injuries, this is no longer a situation where we can merely say it's hundreds of people who've lost their lives," he said. Lanzer was speaking from a U.N. compound in the rebel-held city of Bentiu, capital of Unity state. With some 45,000 civilians seeking protection at U.N. bases, the 15-member Security Council unanimously authorized a plan by U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to boost the strength of the peacekeeping force in South Sudan to 12,500 troops and 1,323 police. The additional personnel will reinforce U.N. bases where civilians are seeking shelter. However Ban warned that "even with additional capabilities, we will not be able to protect every civilian in need in South Sudan." Violence erupted in the capital Juba on December 15 and quickly spread, dividing the land-locked country of 10.8 million along ethnic lines of Nuer and Dinka. South Sudan seceded from Sudan in 2011 under a peace agreement to end decades of war. Western powers and east African states, keen to prevent more chaos in a fragile region, have tried to mediate between President Salva Kiir, a Dinka, and rebel leader Riek Machar, a Nuer, who was vice president until Kiir sacked him in July. "Whatever the differences, nothing can justify the violence that has engulfed their young nation," Ban told the council after the vote. "There is no military solution to this conflict. This is a political crisis which requires a peaceful, political solution." The fighting is affecting oil production in South Sudan, which accounts for 98 percent of government revenue. Petroleum Minister Stephen Dhieu Dau said output had fallen by 45,000 barrels per day to 200,000 bpd after Unity state oilfields shut down. Dau said production in Upper Nile state, where most of South Sudan's oil is extracted, was safe and outside the reach of rebels.
Read more at: http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000100840&story_title=un-sends-more-peacekeepers-to-south-sudan-as-violence-worsens

U.S. urges China to implement planned economic reforms

The United States urged China to quickly implement planned reforms to open up its economy and said it will keep a close eye on progress as officials work to resolve remaining trade tensions with the world's second-largest economy.

The Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) also said the United States would not hesitate to lodge new disputes with the World Trade Organization if bilateral talks on a range of contentious issues from agriculture to intellectual property failed.

China, a $450 billion market for U.S. goods and services that has become a key source of revenue for some American companies, announced plans last month to steer its economy towards more sustainable growth and liberalize markets.

The USTR said the reforms, which aim to boost productivity and switch the focus of China's economic model from goods exports to domestic consumption and services, had much in common with the U.S. trade agenda with China.

"The United States shares (the reforms') goals of reducing Chinese government intervention in the economy, accelerating China's opening up to foreign goods and services, reforming China's state-owned enterprises and improving transparency and the rule of law to allow fair competition in China's market," the USTR said in a report to U.S. lawmakers.

"The United States therefore will urge China to speedily implement these promising Third Plenum Decision economic reform elements."

In its latest scorecard of China's compliance with its WTO obligations, the USTR expressed particular concern at intellectual property infringements, including copyright violations and piracy which it said cost U.S. companies billions of dollars every year in lost royalties and revenue.

The U.S. is also concerned about the theft of trade secrets by or for the benefit of Chinese companies, and lax enforcement of existing legal protections which means many victims of such thefts do not lodge formal complaints.

"When bilateral discussions fail to resolve key issues, the United States will remain prepared to take other types of action on these issues, including WTO dispute settlement where appropriate," said the USTR, which reported seven active WTO cases against China during 2013.

Other key unresolved issues highlighted in the report include Chinese export restraints on rare earths and other raw materials and a ban on U.S. beef imports, which both countries have said they aim to lift by July 2014.

China, which joined the WTO 12 years ago, is the United States' largest agricultural export market with exports of more than $25 billion in 2013 but the USTR said the country remained "among the least transparent and predictable of the world's major markets for agricultural products."

The USTR's wish list for China includes reducing market access barriers, more transparency, less discrimination, requiring state-owned enterprises to compete with other enterprises on a level playing field and a stronger legal system.

At first Christmas as pope, Francis urges openness to God

25 Dec 2013 Discussed104Analysis: How the White House is rebranding Obamacare for ‘young invincibles’94U.S. tries again to calm India over accused diplomat57Obamacare’s signup deadline on Monday has its exceptions

Turkish PM reshuffles cabinet amid scandal

Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan has replaced nearly half his cabinet in a reshuffle prompted by a spiralling corruption scandal.

Erdogan announced on television late on Wednesday that he had replaced three resigning ministers and his EU affairs minister, while reshuffling the justice, transport, family, sports and industry portfolios, and one of his four deputy prime ministers’ posts.

The reshuffle was decided in a closed-door meeting with President Abdullah Gul, who had said since Tuesday that it was imminent.

Erdogan removed Egemen Bagis, the EU affairs minister, from his post, while outgoing minister Egemen Bagis, was excluded from the new line-up, replaced by politician, Mevlut Cavusoglu. Bagis was accused of being involved in the corruption scandal but has never been detained or formally charged.

Economy minister Zafer Caglayan, interior minister Muammer Guler and environment minister Erdogan Bayraktar resigned earlier on Wednesday over a high-level corruption crackdown in which sons of the ministers and renowned businessmen were arrested.

Ekiti: PDP aspirant seeks for peaceful election

A former Nigerian Envoy to Canada, Amb. Dare Bejide, has urged the people of Ekiti State to use the period of Christmas to reflect on the kind of leadership that they desire in the 2014 governorship election.

Bejide, a Peoples Democratic Party governorship aspirant in the state, said the festive season “is a reflection of the love God has for humankind and an opportunity to take stock and effect desired changes”.

The politician, while congratulating Christians and Ekiti people on the occasion, appealed to Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of love, forgiveness and tolerance for the country to move forward.

Bejide, who spoke at Ode Ekiti on Tuesday during his ongoing tour of the 16 council areas of the state, said, “As Ekiti inches towards the election year, there is no doubt that we have to pray for peaceful election.

“At the same time, it is necessary for us to reflect on the person we want as our governor in 2014. We, definitely, have to opt for the people-centred leadership which the present administration has been unable to provide.

“It is only right leadership that can bring about the much-needed development to our dear state and the fulfilment of the dreams of the founding fathers of the state”.

The former envoy said a PDP government in 2014 would bring about positive changes to the state.

He appealed to the Independent National Electoral Commission and the security agencies to ensure a hitch-free election in Ekiti State in the coming year.

FUEL SUBSIDY FRAUD: ABSENCE OF JUDGE STALLS JUDGEMENT.

The absence of Justice Ibrahim Buba on Tuesday stalled the trial of an oil marketer, Samuel Owa, and a cargo surveyor, Onassis Wajutom, over alleged N1.7 billion fuel subsidy fraud.

The trial could not continue at a Federal High Court in Lagos as Buba was said to be on an official assignment out of the state.

The trial will continue on 3 February.

Owa and Wajutom are standing trial along with their companies, Stone Bridge Oil Ltd. and Vibrant Ventures Ltd, respectively.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arraigned the accused on 18 June on a four-count charge.

The accused have pleaded not guilty.

Each of the accused was granted N500 million bail with two sureties in like sum.

At the last sitting of the court over the case, the Prosecutor, Mr Dania Abdullahi, called two witnesses, each from the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulating Agency and the Department of Petroleum Resources.

Both witnesses testified that the accused fraudulently claimed to have imported about 144, 999 metric tonnes of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

According to the EFCC, the accused fraudulently obtained N1.7 billion from the Federal Government on the pretext of having imported the tonnes of PMS.

The commission said that Wajutom and Vibrant Ventures aided Owa and Stone Bridge Oil Ltd. to fraudulently obtain the sum, while acting as cargo surveyors.

It said that the offences could lead to up to 20 years imprisonment.

XMAS: Eateries, recreational centres host fun seekers

Eateries, hotels and recreational centres in major towns on Wednesday witnessed large turnout of holiday makers seeking Christmas relaxation and fun.

The News Agency of Nigeria reports large turnout of people who came to have fun and enjoy the Christmas public holiday in some of the tourist centres visited.

At both the Fatilami and the Eunice Egwu Amusement Parks in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, hundreds of holiday makers, including children, the old and young, were seen engaged in recreational activities.

Some fun seekers at the parks said the Christmas holiday had afforded them the opportunity to relax and catch some fun.

Mr. Fred Abana, who was seen relaxing at the Fatilami Amusement Park, described the Christmas season as an important period when people forget their sorrows and stress and enjoy themselves.

He said, “I came to the park with my three children to relax and enjoy since we did not travel to the hinterland for Christmas holiday. I consider it wise to bring them here to celebrate with others who are here.’’

Miss Joy Elom, Uzoma Eke and Agnes Ogwu, who were also at the park, said they appreciated God for the gift of Jesus Christ, whose birth the whole Christendom were celebrating.

Elom said, “I have come to relax and have fun with others here; for me, it is a great relief and I am enjoying every bit of it. I thank God for the gift of Jesus, whose birth we are celebrating and it is unique.’’

A restaurant attendant at the Fatilami Amusement Park, Miss Ijeoma Okogwu, said the occasion was an opportunity to make huge sales.

“The influx of people into the park is an advantage for us to make brisk sales; we are making high sales this period.’’

Terrorism: Pope prays for Nigeria, S’Sudan, others

Pope Francis in his first Christmas Eve Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican, on Wednesday, prayed for Nigeria and other countries contending with terrorists’ attacks.

In his Christmas message,  the Pope specifically asked God to defend Nigeria’s innocent and defenceless people.

Other countries the Pope prayed for are South Sudan, Syria, Israel, Palestine, Iraq, Philippines, and Democratic Republic of Congo.

He said the countries had been torn apart by a spiral of violence and poverty, where so many people had become homeless, lacking water, food and the necessities of life.

He said, “Prince of Peace, in every place turn hearts aside from violence and inspire them to lay down arms and undertake the path of dialogue. Look upon Nigeria, rent by constant attacks which do not spare the innocent and defenceless.

“Child of Bethlehem, touch the hearts of all those engaged in human trafficking, that they may realise the gravity of this crime against humanity. Look upon the many children who are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts, and all those who are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers.

“Lord of heaven and earth, look upon our planet, frequently exploited by human greed and rapacity. Help and protect all the victims of natural disasters, especially the beloved people of the Philippines, gravely affected by the recent typhoon.”

The Pope also urged God to prevent tragedies from occurring in 2014, adding that peace comes from daily commitment.

He said, “True peace is not a balance of opposing forces. It is not a lovely ‘façade’ which conceals conflicts and divisions. Peace calls for daily commitment, starting from God’s gift, from the grace which he has given us in Jesus Christ.

“Lord of life, protect all who are persecuted for your name. May tragedies like those we have witnessed this year, with so many deaths at Lampedusa, never occur again!”

He advised faithful Christians to reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, saying, “Dear brothers and sisters, let us allow our hearts to be touched, let us allow ourselves to be warmed by the tenderness of God; we need his caress.

 “God is full of love; to him be praise and glory forever! God is peace; let us ask Him to help us to be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our families, in our cities and nations, in the whole world. Let us allow ourselves to be moved by God’s goodness.”

Atheists, work with us for peace, Pope says on Christmas

 VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis, celebrating his first Christmas as Roman Catholic leader, on Wednesday called on atheists to unite with believers of all religions and work for "a homemade peace" that can spread across the world.
Speaking to about 70,000 people from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, the same spot where he emerged to the world as pope when he was elected on March 13, Francis also made another appeal for the environment to be saved from "human greed and rapacity".

The leader of the 1.2 billion-member Church wove his first "Urbi et Orbi" (to the city and world) message around the theme of peace.

"Peace is a daily commitment. It is a homemade peace," he said.

He said that people of other religions were also praying for peace, and - departing from his prepared text - he urged atheists to join forces with believers.

"I invite even non-believers to desire peace. (Join us) with your desire, a desire that widens the heart. Let us all unite, either with prayer or with desire, but everyone, for peace," he said, drawing sustained applause from the crowd.

Francis's reaching out to atheists and people of other religions is a marked contrast to the attitude of former Pope Benedict, who sometimes left non-Catholics feeling that he saw them as second-class believers.

He called for "social harmony in South Sudan, where current tensions have already caused numerous victims and are threatening peaceful coexistence in that young state".

Thousands are believed to have died in violence divided along ethnic lines between the Nuer and Dinka tribes in the country, which seceded from Sudan in 2011 after decades of war.

The pontiff also called for dialogue to end the conflicts in Syria, Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and Iraq, and prayed for a "favorable outcome" to the peace process between Israelis and Palestinians.

"Wars shatter and hurt so many lives!" he said, saying their most vulnerable victims were children, elderly, battered women and the sick.

PERSONAL PEACEMAKERS

The thread running through the message was that individuals had a role in promoting peace, either with their neighbor or between nations.

The message of the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem was directed at "every man or woman who keeps watch through the night, who hopes for a better world, who cares for others while humbly seeking to do his or her duty," he said.

"God is peace: let us ask him to help us to be peacemakers each day, in our life, in our families, in our cities and nations, in the whole world," he said.

Pilgrims came from all over the world for Christmas at the Vatican and some said it was because they felt Francis had brought a breath of fresh air to the Church.

"(He) is bringing a new era into the Church, a Church that is focusing much more on the poor and that is more austere, more lively," said Dolores Di Benedetto, who came from the pope's homeland, Argentina, to attend Christmas Eve Mass.

Giacchino Sabello, an Italian, said he wanted to get a first-hand look at the new pope: "I thought it would be very nice to hear the words of this pope close up and to see how the people are overwhelmed by him."

In his speech, Francis asked God to "look upon the many children who are kidnapped, wounded and killed in armed conflicts, and all those who are robbed of their childhood and forced to become soldiers".

He also called for a "dignified life" for migrants, praying tragedies such as one in which hundreds died in a shipwreck off the coast of the Italian island of Lampedusa are never repeated, and made a particular appeal against human trafficking, which he called a "crime against humanity".

CHRISTIANS TARGETED BY JIHADISTS: Christmas bombings kill 34 in Iraq

BAGHDAD — At least 34 people were killed in three bombings in Christian areas of Baghdad yesterday (Dec 25), including a car bomb that exploded as worshippers were leaving a Christmas service, Iraqi police and medics said.

Elsewhere in Iraq, at least 10 people were killed in three attacks that targeted police and Shia pilgrims, police said.

Iraq is enduring its deadliest violence in years, reviving memories of the sectarian bloodshed between Sunni and Shia Muslims that killed tens of thousands in 2006 to 2007.

The day’s deadliest incident occurred in the Doura district of southern Baghdad when the car bomb went off as Christians were emerging from a Christmas mass, killing at least 24 people.

Two bombs in a crowded market in a separate, mostly Christian area of Doura killed another 10 people.

No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attacks in Baghdad, which also wounded 52 people.

Iraq’s fast-dwindling Christian minority has been a target of Al Qaeda Sunni militants in the past, including a 2010 attack on a church that killed dozens of people.

The United States embassy in Baghdad condemned the bombings, saying in a statement that Christians in Iraq had suffered “deliberate and senseless targeting by terrorists for many years, as have many other innocent Iraqis”.

Al Qaeda-linked militants have stepped up attacks on Iraq Prime Minister Nuri Al Maliki’s Shia-led government and anyone seen as supporting it in recent months. More than 8,000 people have been killed this year, according to the United Nations.

Car bombs, shootings and suicide attacks killed scores of Shia pilgrims in the week before the Shia holy day of Arbain, which coincided with Christmas Eve this year.

Possible heir apparent emerges at Coke after company shakeup

The surprise departure of a potential Coca-Cola Co chief executive has put the global chief customer officer in contention to eventually succeed CEO Muhtar Kent.

The world's largest beverage company said on Thursday that Steve Cahillane, head of all Coca-Cola operations in the Americas, would leave the company as part of a major organizational shakeup.

That has put Sandy Douglas, a previous head of the North American operation and currently global chief customer officer, in the running for the top job when 61-year-old Kent retires, analysts said.

A chief customer officer typically runs strategy to maximize customer acquisition, retention and profitability.

Coke said it would split its North American businesses into separate units - one for bottling and another for branding and marketing, the latter headed by Douglas.

Cahillane has long been considered Kent's heir apparent.

Coke said only that he was leaving to "pursue other opportunities."

"We have previously believed Cahillane to be a strong CEO-successor, but given the sudden and unexpected nature of his departure announcement, we can't help but wonder what happened?," Wells Fargo analyst Bonnie Herzog wrote in a note.

Cahillane joined Coke from Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc when the company bought CCE's North American operations in 2010 and created the Coca-Cola Refreshments division.

Coca-Cola Enterprises, now Coke's bottler in Western Europe, was Coke's main U.S. bottler at the time.

He became head of Coca-Cola Americas, the company's North American and Latin American operations, in 2012.

"Under Steve's leadership, our North America business delivered several consecutive quarters of volume and value share gains, despite operating in a very difficult economic environment the past three years," Kent said in a statement.

Coca-Cola generates almost 60 percent of its revenue from international markets and nearly 70 percent from soft drinks.

But in the United States, soda sales have been declining for years as customers choose healthier options such as fruit juices and organic milk.

Coke brands include Dasani mineral water and Minute Maid juices but it faces much more competition in these markets.

The company said its Coca-Cola Refreshments bottling business will become part of the Bottling Investment Group (BIG), which houses the company's bottling operations outside North America. It will be headed by Paul Mulligan, who has been the regional director of BIG in Japan and Latin America.

The company's Latin American operations will be merged with its international operations.

JP Morgan analyst John Faucher said the implications of Coke's management shake-up and organizational changes were difficult to assess and he kept his "neutral" rating on the stock.

Coca-Cola's shares were up 0.6 percent at $39.43 in midday trading. They have risen 9 percent this year, underperforming the broader S&P 500, which has risen 24.5 percent.
SOURCE: http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/12/13/cocacola-cahillane-idUSL3N0JS3BV20131213

STRIKE UPDATE: COLLEGES OF EDUCATION ACADEMIC STAFF UNION(COEASU) ON AN INDEFINITE STRIKE

The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union (COEASU) has embarked on an indefinite strike in order to "salvage the institutions from total collapse."

The strike was called on Monday, leading to the suspension of academic activities at the Federal Colleges of education nationwide.

The lecturers are concerned over the Federal Government's Integrated Personnel Payment System (IPPS) as well as on the decaying infrastructure in the colleges. The strike came soon after university lecturers ended a long-drawn industrial action that lasted nearly six months.

An official of COAESU, who does not want to be named because he was not authorised to speak, said the union went on strike because it appeared this was the "only language that the Federal Government understands."

"Our colleges are rotting away; no befitting libraries, hostels, lecture halls and other structures. The books in our libraries today are outdated," he said. The official said colleges of education needed adequate funds for transformation to enable them provide the expected services to the nation.

"Another vital issue which COEASU wants government to address is the implementation of migration on its junior staff to the IPPS system…. COEASU wants government to stop the implementation of IPPS on the colleges of education because it will disrupt its progress," he said.

He said "colleges of education as teacher-training institutions have unique features different from that of universities. We have teacher training and teaching practice programmes which are basic instruments for producing qualitative teachers but government is not allocating funds for these programmes."

The official added that colleges of education are sponsoring their products for such programmes out of their salary allocations, and that if the IPPS was implemented these programmes would automatically be wiped out from the system

Twitter shares touch new high, sail past $52

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GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHANS XMAS MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS

Dear Compatriots, I greet and felicitate with you all as
we celebrate Christmas once again. I join our Christian
compatriots and all other Nigerians in giving thanks to
God Almighty whose Grace and Benevolence has
helped our nation to overcome the many challenges it
has had since we celebrated Christmas last year.

The annual commemoration of the birth of our Lord,
Jesus Christ is a most auspicious time for us, as
individuals and as a nation, to rededicate ourselves to
the virtues and ideals which the Messiah preached
and exemplified during his earthly ministry.

Let us all therefore resolve this Christmas to make the
ideals of peace, harmony, tolerance, love and goodwill
to all even more manifest in our interactions with
others.

It remains my sincere belief that no height of human
accomplishment is beyond us as a nation, if we can
overcome our differences, such as they are, and forge
a binding national consensus to put the progress and
well-being of the country above all other
considerations.

My administration will do all within its powers and
abilities to ensure that when representatives of our
people assemble for the forthcoming national
conference next year, they will have every opportunity
and encouragement to make very significant
contributions towards forging the required consensus
for sustained national peace, unity and progress.
It is also my expectation that the national conference
will contribute in no small measure towards the
urgent resolution of contentious issues which
currently hinder our progress as a nation.

With God Almighty as our Guide, Strength and
Enabler, My Administration will continue to implement
its Agenda for National Transformation in furtherance
of its avowed commitment to improving the living
conditions of all Nigerians.
We will continue to count on the prayers, support and
cooperation of all patriotic Nigerians in the coming
year as we consolidate and build on our achievements
in several sectors including national security, power
supply, communications, transportation, health and
education.

As we commemorate the birth of the Prince of Peace,
let us all strive to honour Him more by living our lives
as He taught; by making personal sacrifices for the
good of others, by showing greater love for others, by
being fairer and more honest in our dealings with
others, by being ever-willing to forgive those who
offend us and by always extending goodwill towards
others.

On behalf of myself, my family and the Federal
Government, I wish you all very joyful Christmas
celebrations, and a peaceful and prosperous 2014.

Goodluck Ebele Jonathan
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria

INEC to issue permanent voters’ cards next year

The Independent National Electoral Commission would begin the issuance of permanent voters cards next year in preparations for the 2015 general elections, the commission’s Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega said on Friday.According to him, permanent voters cards would be for those who were registered since 2011.Jega who was represented by a National Commissioner in INEC, Dr Nuru Yakubu, said this during a workshop organised for the commission’s press corps and information personnel with the theme: “Information Management and the role of the media in the electoral process”.The INEC boss also declared that conducting credible elections in the country could not be the responsibility of the commission alone but “a multi-stakeholder endeavour that requires the collaboration and diligent commitment of other role players.”He said, “We have introduced the Smart-Card Technology to improve the accreditation of voters through rigorous voter identification and authentication process on election day. The commission has so far taken delivery of a greater portion of these smart permanent voters card that we will begin issuing to registered voters from next year (2014).”In his paper entitled: “Media and Democracy – A practitioner’s perspective”, a former Editor of THE PUNCH and Deputy President of the  Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, said the group had “volunteered to work with INEC to ensure that the 2015 general elections remained free and fair.”He further stated that this was part of NGE’s  social responsibility towards ensuring that the nation’s democracy remained deepened.Ayorinde also commended the contribution of NGE and the Newspapers Proprietors Association of Nigeria towards defending the nation’s democracy with a call on Journalists to adopt self-censorship in the practice of their profession in order to avoid publishing falsehood.He identified several challenges confronting the media to include poor and irregular payment of salaries which renders journalists susceptible to unethical practices and erodes the integrity of the profession.Others are heavy investments by politicians; media awards that  honour politicians and seek lifelines; and businessmen publishers with political ambition which results in editorial interference.

XMAS BONUS: FREE EBOOK ON ONLINE IMPORTATION

How is the seasons grooving going on with you? Hope you’re enjoying the season?

Anyway, I just felt like sharing my Xmas bonus with you. This bonus Is official from the owner of www.gistitup.blogspot.com. As usual, am going to K.I.S.S (keep it simple and short)

Here, am going to give out my e-book on how to make money online through mini importation business, or what people call “buying things cheap online e-book” this e-book is whot thousands, but am going to share it out for free to everyone here free In the spirit of the season we are into now. I uploaded this e-book on sharemobile.ro so to get yours, just download it HERE. To get more of my free updates, visit my blog regularly @ www.gistitup.blogspot.com and most especially, like our facebook page @ www.facebook.com/gistitup  ENJOY!!!

UNILORIN TO BE FULLY DIGITALIZED: LECTURERS TO TEACH FROM HOMES BY 2014-REGISTRAR

The Registrar of the University of
Ilorin, Mr Emmanuel Obafemi, has said that the institution would, from January 2014, be fully digitalised.

Speaking with the News Agency of
Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Ilorin,
Obafemi said that the development would make it possible for lecturers to be able to send assignments to their students via the Internet.

“As from Jan. 2014, University of Ilorin lecturers would be able to send assignments to their students through the Internet from the comfort of their homes,’’ adding that students would also be able to respond respond via the same channel.

He said that the school had ordered for 25,000 pieces of mini iPads from the U.S. for the students, to enable the lecturers to send assignments to them
from home.

He noted that the iPads were already fully loaded with the students’ courses and each student would get one as
they resume in January.

Obafemi confirmed that because the iPad was produced in large quantity,the university had subsidised its price,noting that the whole school had already been connected to the Internet.

He expressed the readiness of the
institution’s administration to make the university one of the best in Nigeria and Africa. Obafemi noted that the school would
continue to encourage programmes and policies that promote global best practices in the education system.

The registrar gave an assurance that the institution would sustain the legacy of the past Vice Chancellor,Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.

“If you come here in another five
months, you will see a positively
different Unilorin and well managed institution,’’ Obafemi said.

He commended the management of the institution and expressed delight in the fact that the university had not gone on strike in 13 years.

MIKHAIL KALASHNIKOV, THE INVENTOR OF AK-47 DIES AT 94

The General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F Kumuyi, has again warned members of the church against celebrating Christmas, saying the annual celebration of Christmas is idolatrous and unscriptural.

Kumuyi warned that partaking in the celebration made Christians to go back from the commandment of Jesus Christ.

The cleric said this on Saturday at the annual national December convention of the church, which held at the church’s camp ground in Ogun State.

He said, “We don’t celebrate Christmas. It actually came from idolatrous background. That is why you don’t hear us sing what they call Christmas carol. Never! We always say it is the December retreat. We are only gathering together because it is the holiday period and love the Lord more, and rededicate ourselves more.

“When you find anybody coming in, or any leader, trying to introduce the idolatry of mystery Babylon, that they call Christmas and you want to bring all the Christmas carol saying that is the day that Jesus was born, and you don’t find that in the Acts of the Apostles or in the early church, then you don’t find that in the church either. If you don’t know that before, now you know.”

He warned that any of the church’s leaders that tried to introduce the “idolatry of Christmas” into any section of the church would be sanctioned, while also encouraging other believers in Christ to jettison the celebration as part of their sacrifice to perfection.

Kumuyi said the duty of the church was to make people more like Jesus Christ and not join in worldly celebrations.

“We are not trying to make the church turn like the world. We want it to be like Jesus Christ, and more like the Apostles. If you don’t have that mind with us, then you have permission to go to other places,” he added.

But the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, in his reaction to Kumuyi’s proclamation, said, “I don’t know what he means by saying the practice of celebrating Christmas is wrong.

“Is he saying that Christ wasn’t born? That he didn’t come to die for us? Does he not celebrate his own birthday? Do Kumuyi’s pastors not celebrate him? It is not everything I react to; some people just seek attention. If Kumuyi is a Christian, then he must believe in Christ.

“The celebration of Christmas didn’t just start today; it is too public an event for anyone to say that they don’t know what it is about.

“If Kumuyi is condemning the commercialisation of Christmas, I can understand that. Christ came to redeem us from our lost state; this was actualised through his coming, his birth; that is why we celebrate Christmas. It is the fulfilment of God’s promise.”

“I saw him on the television a few days ago. He was in Akwa Ibom State and was the chief preacher during their Christmas celebration event. Kumuyi is just saying what he feels; he is not making any doctrinal statement.”

The spokesperson for the Christian Association of Nigeria, Oshodi chapter, Lagos State, Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi, said that Christmas was worth celebrating.

Otoibhi told one our correspondents in a telephone interview that the origin of Christmas was not as important as its essence.

He said, “The origin of Christmas, as we know it, could be traced to Roman Emperor, Constantine. Christmas was a day for celebrating the Sun God. However, because Constantine was a Christian, the day was changed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The tradition has continued to date and since the aim of Christmas is to celebrate Jesus since there is nothing bad in honouring Jesus. Also, the worship of the Sun God was done in Rome and not everywhere in the world, so it is not part of our history.

“We mark Christmas with the singing of songs as a day, which has now been consecrated.”

DESMOND ELLIOT JOINS POLITICS UNDER THE LABOUR PARTY

Nollywood actor Desmond
Elliot is set to join the huge list of movie stars who have
turned politicians.

As we speak, the talented movie producer has joined the Labour Party of
Nigeria.

Desmond Elliot has
spoken about the man he
wants to be the next governor of Lagos state.

The actor wants Jimi Agbaje to head Lagos next.

His BB status lately
has mostly been about politics and the labour party. Check out
his recent BB message: “Well, I want a better and more comfortable LAGOS.

I’m willing to exchange my ‘in- action’ and ‘silence’
to speak up for a leader who
will give me the Lagos
of my DREAMS.

I have established that making Jimi Kolawole
Agbaje governor, is one of my
priorities and I’m off
to work on that.

Join the MOVEMENT!!Its JAYKAY 2015 The hope has begun”.

Other celebrities who have
joined politics in the past
include Richard Mofe Damijo,
Onyeka Onwenu, Hilda
Dokubo, Bob Manuel Udokwu, Kanayo O Kanayo
and many others.

PASTOR KUMUYI: CHRISTMAS IS IDOLATROUS AND UNSCRIPTURAL

The General Overseer of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W.F Kumuyi, has again warned members of the church against celebrating Christmas, saying the annual celebration of Christmas is idolatrous and unscriptural.

Kumuyi warned that partaking in the celebration made Christians to go back from the commandment of Jesus Christ.

The cleric said this on Saturday at the annual national December convention of the church, which held at the church’s camp ground in Ogun State.

He said, “We don’t celebrate Christmas. It actually came from idolatrous background. That is why you don’t hear us sing what they call Christmas carol. Never! We always say it is the December retreat. We are only gathering together because it is the holiday period and love the Lord more, and rededicate ourselves more.

“When you find anybody coming in, or any leader, trying to introduce the idolatry of mystery Babylon, that they call Christmas and you want to bring all the Christmas carol saying that is the day that Jesus was born, and you don’t find that in the Acts of the Apostles or in the early church, then you don’t find that in the church either. If you don’t know that before, now you know.”

He warned that any of the church’s leaders that tried to introduce the “idolatry of Christmas” into any section of the church would be sanctioned, while also encouraging other believers in Christ to jettison the celebration as part of their sacrifice to perfection.

Kumuyi said the duty of the church was to make people more like Jesus Christ and not join in worldly celebrations.

“We are not trying to make the church turn like the world. We want it to be like Jesus Christ, and more like the Apostles. If you don’t have that mind with us, then you have permission to go to other places,” he added.

But the Director of Social Communications, Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, Monsignor Gabriel Osu, in his reaction to Kumuyi’s proclamation, said, “I don’t know what he means by saying the practice of celebrating Christmas is wrong.

“Is he saying that Christ wasn’t born? That he didn’t come to die for us? Does he not celebrate his own birthday? Do Kumuyi’s pastors not celebrate him? It is not everything I react to; some people just seek attention. If Kumuyi is a Christian, then he must believe in Christ.

“The celebration of Christmas didn’t just start today; it is too public an event for anyone to say that they don’t know what it is about.

“If Kumuyi is condemning the commercialisation of Christmas, I can understand that. Christ came to redeem us from our lost state; this was actualised through his coming, his birth; that is why we celebrate Christmas. It is the fulfilment of God’s promise.”

“I saw him on the television a few days ago. He was in Akwa Ibom State and was the chief preacher during their Christmas celebration event. Kumuyi is just saying what he feels; he is not making any doctrinal statement.”

The spokesperson for the Christian Association of Nigeria, Oshodi chapter, Lagos State, Pastor Barnabas Otoibhi, said that Christmas was worth celebrating.

Otoibhi told one our correspondents in a telephone interview that the origin of Christmas was not as important as its essence.

He said, “The origin of Christmas, as we know it, could be traced to Roman Emperor, Constantine. Christmas was a day for celebrating the Sun God. However, because Constantine was a Christian, the day was changed to commemorate the birth of Jesus Christ.

“The tradition has continued to date and since the aim of Christmas is to celebrate Jesus since there is nothing bad in honouring Jesus. Also, the worship of the Sun God was done in Rome and not everywhere in the world, so it is not part of our history.

“We mark Christmas with the singing of songs as a day, which has now been consecrated.”

CHRISTMAS BONUS: AIRTEL FREE BROWSING ON ALL DEVICE!!!

Airtel Introduces Airtel Free Zone
Is it because of the Christmas season? Is it just a way to show appreciation to its loyal customers? Or is it another way to grab individuals to subscribe to the Airtel network? Whatever it may be, Airtel is introducing the Airtel Free Zone.
I can simply bet that this yuletide season, you may not be spending a dime on data except otherwise.Friends, you can do amazing things with Airtel Free Zone such as:
1. Such as performing a search on Google and browsing the internet for free with your Airtel sim
2. Send and read emails on Gmail for free on your Airtel line
3. Stay connected on Google+ for free only with your Airtel line.
How Can I Activate Airtel Zone?1. VisitAirtel free zonefrom your mobile phone internet browser containing your Airtel sim.
2. Then start searching on Google search engine or sign in with your Google account to access Gmail
3. If you don’t already have a Gmail account, you can sign up by clicking Here
Or you can simply send Free Zone to 881 and it will be activated for you.
One amazing thing I love about this Airtel Free Zoneis that the free data usage onFree Zoneis available up to a limit of 1GB per month.
Hope this helps. Get going on social media this festive season! Chat with friends and family members! Do not be left out in the fun that comes with the festive season!
I do not know for sure how long this will linger but enjoy it while it lastS!

Airtel Introduces Airtel Free Zone by NW

Is it because of the Christmas season? Is it just a way to show appreciation to its loyal customers? Or is it another way to grab individuals to subscribe to the Airtel network? Whatever it may be, Airtel is introducing the Airtel Free Zone.
I can simply bet that this yuletide season, you may not be spending a dime on data except otherwise.Friends, you can do amazing things with Airtel Free Zone such as:
1. Such as performing a search on Google and browsing the internet for free with your Airtel sim
2. Send and read emails on Gmail for free on your Airtel line
3. Stay connected on Google+ for free only with your Airtel line.
How Can I Activate Airtel Zone?1. VisitAirtel free zonefrom your mobile phone internet browser containing your Airtel sim.
2. Then start searching on Google search engine or sign in with your Google account to access Gmail
3. If you don’t already have a Gmail account, you can sign up by clicking Here
Or you can simply send Free Zone to 881 and it will be activated for you.
One amazing thing I love about this Airtel Free Zoneis that the free data usage onFree Zoneis available up to a limit of 1GB per month.
Hope this helps. Get going on social media this festive season! Chat with friends and family members! Do not be left out in the fun that comes with the festive season!
I do not know for sure how long this will linger but enjoy it while it last! - See more at: http://www.naijawapaz.net/forum2_theme_110526313.xhtml&tema=1959#sthash.bhfIqIVE.dpufAirtel Introduces Airtel Free Zone by NW

Is it because of the Christmas season? Is it just a way to show appreciation to its loyal customers? Or is it another way to grab individuals to subscribe to the Airtel network? Whatever it may be, Airtel is introducing the Airtel Free Zone.
I can simply bet that this yuletide season, you may not be spending a dime on data except otherwise.Friends, you can do amazing things with Airtel Free Zone such as:
1. Such as performing a search on Google and browsing the internet for free with your Airtel sim
2. Send and read emails on Gmail for free on your Airtel line
3. Stay connected on Google+ for free only with your Airtel line.
How Can I Activate Airtel Zone?1. VisitAirtel free zonefrom your mobile phone internet browser containing your Airtel sim.
2. Then start searching on Google search engine or sign in with your Google account to access Gmail
3. If you don’t already have a Gmail account, you can sign up by clicking Here
Or you can simply send Free Zone to 881 and it will be activated for you.
One amazing thing I love about this Airtel Free Zoneis that the free data usage onFree Zoneis available up to a limit of 1GB per month.
Hope this helps. Get going on social media this festive season! Chat with friends and family members! Do not be left out in the fun that comes with the festive season!
I do not know for sure how long this will linger but enjoy it while it last! - See more at: http://www.naijawapaz.net/forum2_theme_110526313.xhtml&tema=1959#sthash.bhfIqIVE.dpuf

WAEC GCE NOV/DEC RESULTS 2013 IS OUT - HERE'S HOW TO CHECK IT (STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL)

WAEC GCE 2013 Nov/Dec result is now
online, and open for checking!

We have provided necessary
steps for checking the 2013 Nov/
Dec WAEC GCE results below.

6 Steps to checking 2013 WAEC
GCE Results

Step1: Identifying yourself:
Supply your 10-digit WAEC
Examination Number. (ie. your 7-
Digit centre number followed by
your 3-digit candidate seat
number eg. 4123456789).

Step2: Tell WAEC that your
examination year is 2013.
However you can type in other
years if you are not checking for
2013.

Step3: Select the type of
examination you sat for. For the
recently released result, select
Nov/Dec WASSCE (private).

Step4: Enter the Card Serial
Number found on the reverse
side of your Scratch card.

Step5: Enter the Personal
Identification Number (PIN) on
your Scratch card

Step6: Click "Submit" and wait for
your result window to come up,
then print.

How to check your WAEC result
using SMS


YES! You can check your WAEC
result via SMS. To check your
WAEC GCE 2013 result with a
mobile phone, you will need to buy the WAEC Direct Scratch card
and simply send a short code in
this format:
WAEC*ExamNo*PIN*ExamYear to
32327. For example, if your WAEC
Examination number is 42966731, your PIN is 123456,
and you sat for WAEC 2013 May/
June, send
WAEC*42966731*123456*2013
to 32327. The WAEC SMS result
checking service costs N30 per SMS and is available only on Glo,
Airtel, and MTN networks.

Sending your WAEC result to your
email
With the result checker function
at the WAEC Direct website, you
can send a copy of your WAEC
result to your email address. This will make it easily accessible
when ever you need it. My advise
is that you send a copy to your
email address when checking
your WAEC SSCE result at the WAEC
result checker portal. This is because you have only 5 access
to your WAEC result per scratch
card. Sending a copy to your
email means you can access it as
many times as you want via your
email.

To send your WAEC result to your
email, select the Send results to
Email option on WAEC result
checker, after you have logged in
and enter your email address
and click submit. A copy of your WAEC result will be sent to your
email address.

See website for checking: http://www.waecdirect.org

SHARE YOUR WAEC GCE RESULT WITH US ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGECLICK HERE TO SHARE YOUR RESULT
Good Luck!!!
@

PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN LOOSES MAJORITY IN THE PARLIAMENT

President Goodluck Jonathan lost his majority in parliament on Wednesday.

Some 37 lawmakers bolted from his party to form a new opposition coalition, the latest political blow to hit the embattled leader.

In a letter presented to the speaker of the lower house, the lawmakers elected under Jonathan's Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) declared that they had joined the All Progressives Congress, stripping the PDP of its majority in 360-seat chamber.

PDP TO TAKE DEFECTING MEMBERS TO COURT

The National Working Committee (NWC) of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) has said that it will go to court to challenge the decision of its 37 House of Representatives members to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The National Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr Olisa Metuh, made this known in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja.

The members had on Wednesday in a letter to the Speaker announced their decision to defect to APC.

"As lawmakers, the defectors must be aware of provisions of section 68 (1) (g) of the amended 1999 constitution, which states conditions upon which a member of the Legislature will change platforms.

"The courts of our land have declared that the PDP is one and not bedevilled by any factions.

"Any member of the National or State Assemblies who, therefore, renounces his membership of a united PDP must be ready to face the consequences of defection in line with provisions of the constitution," Metuh said.

He said that the purported defection of the PDP Representatives to the APC was treacherous.

He added that the action, if confirmed, was a huge betrayal to the PDP and millions of voters who worked timelessly to ensure their election on PDP platform in their respective constituencies.

Metuh condemned the action, adding that it was "a desperate attempt by some selfish politicians to cause confusion in the polity".

The party spokesman, however, assured PDP members and supporters nationwide that the party remains  "unshaken by the departure of fifth columnists".

"We shall undoubtedly emerge stronger and more cohesive after these events."

NIGERIAN AMBASSADOR TO RECIEVE MARTHIN LURTHER KING AWARD

Nigeria's Ambassador to the US, Prof Ade Adefuye, has been selected to receive the Dr Martin Luther King Legacy Award for 2014.

The ceremony which is scheduled for 19 January 2014 in Washington DC, is in recognition of the envoy's intellectual contributions to the service of humanity.

The annual award ceremony is organised by the International Salute Group and pays tribute to the legacy of Dr Martin Luther King Jr.

Madeline Lawson, the chairman of International Salute Committee, conveyed the selection of Adefuye.

She said the committee recognised the distinguished leadership and contributions of individuals who have positively impacted the global community with the King Legacy Award and the Dorothy Height Leadership Award.

"For 2014, the committee has selected [Adefuye] to receive the King Legacy Award for International Service.

"The International Salute has been held annually since 1992, as a way of sharing King's historical work at home and abroad."

The ceremony would bring together a broad segment of the global community to reinforce the importance of continuing the work begun by King.

Past recipients of the award included Gen. Colin Powell, congressman John Lewis, Sen. Bob Dole, former UN Secretary-General, Kofi Annan and a host of ambassadors.

N45bn ALLOCATED TO INEC IN 2014 BUDGET.

The federal government on Thursday allocated N45 billion in the 2014 budget to enable the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepare for the 2015 general elections.

The federal government announced the figure in the 2014 National Budget laid before the National Assembly by Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the Minister of Finance.

President Goodluck Jonathan in a letter to the Senate on Wednesday stated that Okonjo-Iweala would present the budget to the National assembly.

The allocation to INEC is N13 billion higher than the 2013 budget of N32 billion.

According to the budget, the National Assembly allocation is to be maintained at the 2013 level of N150 billion.

It increased the provision for debt servicing from N591.8 billion in 2013 to N712 billion in 2014.

Recurrent spending was reduced slightly to N2.43 trillion in the 2014 budget as against N2.80 trillion in 2013.

The federal government had proposed N1.1 trillion for capital expenditure while share of  capital in total expenditure was also reviewed to 27.29 percent down from 31.9 percent in 2013.

This reflected the increased allocation to pension as well as high wage bills.

The share of recurrent in total spending was put at 72.71 percent while the provision for SURE-P was N268.37 billion.

The budget put the projected gross federally collectible revenue at N10.88 trillion, while N7.16 trillion was projected as gross federally collectible oil and gas revenue.

The total deductions, including cost of crude oil production, subsidy payments, and domestic gas development is N2.15 trillion which is the same in the 2013 budget.

Subsidy payments were maintained at the 2013 level of N971.1 billion while N3.29 trillion was budgeted as gross federally collectible non-oil revenue.

According to Okonjo-Iweala, the focus of the 2014 budget is on more job creation, infrastructure development and the cost of governance.