Our Daily Bread Devotional

Our Daily Bread Devotional, April 12, 2017 - Let Down Your Hair

Topic: Let Down Your Hair [Wednesday April 12, 2017]

Read: John 12:1–8, Bible in a Year: 1 Samuel 19–21; Luke 11:29–54

Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. John 12:3

Shortly before Jesus was crucified, a woman named Mary poured a bottle of expensive perfume on His feet. Then, in what may have been an even more daring act, she wiped His feet with her hair (John 12:3). Not only did Mary sacrifice what may have been her life’s savings, she also sacrificed her reputation. In first-century Middle Eastern culture, respectable women never let down their hair in public. But true worship is not concerned about what others think of us (2 Sam. 6:21–22). To worship Jesus, Mary was willing to be thought of as immodest, perhaps even immoral.

Some of us may feel pressured to be perfect when we go to church so that people will think well of us. Metaphorically speaking, we work hard to make sure we have every hair in place. But a healthy church is a place where we can let down our hair and not hide our flaws behind a façade of perfection. In church, we should be able to reveal our weaknesses to find strength rather than conceal our faults to appear strong.

Worship doesn’t involve behaving as if nothing is wrong; it’s making sure everything is right—right with God and with one another. When our greatest fear is letting down our hair, perhaps our greatest sin is keeping it up.

Prayer: Search me, God, and know my heart. . . . See if there is any offensive way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Psalm 139:23–24.

Our worship is right when we are right with God.

Insight: Worship can be an intensely personal and yet very corporate experience. We can worship alone, with a small group of friends, and with our local body of believers. Some of us dance, others raise their hands, some close their eyes and bow heads in reverence. There are many ways in which we can praise and worship God.

Mary offered her financial stability—pouring a very expensive perfume over Jesus, her physical being—using her own hair to wipe His feet, and her reputation—letting hair down was not something a “respectable” woman did in ancient cultures. Mary worshiped Jesus with everything she had. She knew who Jesus was and what He had done for her (He had just raised her brother from the dead; see John 11). Her worship was a response.

That’s what worship is—responding to who Jesus is and what He has done. How do you worship? How can you share your worship with another?

This message was written By Julie Ackerman Link [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

What To Know About Meningitis!!!

Dear Colleague,
This Meningitis outbreak is ravaging unabated; please let's do something

What do you know about MENINGITIS: its Symptoms, Prevention and Treatment?
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WHAT IS MENINGITIS?
Meningitis is an inflammation (swelling) of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the meninges. This inflammation is usually caused by an infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is usually caused by bacteria or viruses. Symptoms can come on very quickly or gradually over a few days. It can kill within 24 hours so be very observant.

MAJOR SYMPTOMS
1. Headache
2. Fever
3. A very strong aversion for light. The person always looks away from bright light and prefers dark rooms.
4. Neck stiffness and pain that makes it difficult to touch your chin to your chest as such moving the neck causes severe pains.
5. Others include: Seizures, Sleepiness, and sluggishness, Nausea and vomiting, Decreased appetite, Confusion and disorientation (acting goofy), Skin rash, as well as Irritability.
 Note
Previous contact with someone who was diagnosed with meninigitis increases the chances of getting infected
Anybody who has most, or all of the above symptoms, and currently lives, or recently lived in the areas currently affected by meningitis, should be isolated until treatment is complete.
Especially as we approach festive period when most travel from different part of the country in particular from states in the Northern Nigeria and other African countries in the Meningitis Belt
Who is most at Risk?
People with low immunity e.g. people with HIV/AIDS, autoimmune disorders, chemotherapy etc
People sleeping in crowded spaces
Pregnant women
Children under the age of 5years old and the elderly

How is Meningitis Spread?
Spread through close personal contact such as coughing, sneezing, and kissing
Contact with throat secretions from an infected person (for example, phlegm or saliva).
Sharing personal belongings.
Poor personal hygiene.
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PREVENTION

It should be noted, that the most effective form of prevention is VACCINATION with the MENINGOCOCCAL Vaccine. Since this vaccine is currently lacking, Let's highlight other measures.



1. Avoid prolonged personal contact with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected as well as their body secretions..
2. Avoid sharing personal items with people suspected, or confirmed to be infected.
3. Get vaccinated if available; Vaccines which can help protect against Meningitis are: Haemophilus Influenzae type B (Hib) vaccine Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine Meningococcal vaccine
4. Get adequate rest
5. Avoid smoking
6. If you have been in contact with a sick person in an affected area, visit your doctor to give you preventive antibiotics to reduce chances of contacting the disease and also carry out further evaluations. These  preventive drugs include:

i.  RIFAMPICIN 600mg TWICE daily for two days.
The Tablet Rifampicin is mainly used for treating Tuberculosis, but is globally used for prophylaxis against Meningitis. Being a TB drug, it should be widely available in Nigeria.
While the government seeks to generate funds for the meningococcal vaccine, this measure can be lifesaving for contacts of those infected.

ii.  A single dose of 500mg CIPROFLOXACIN
iii.  A single administration of CEFTRIAXONE intramuscularly 125mg for children and 250mg for adults.

7. If you come down with any of the symptoms above, go to the hospital IMMEDIATELY and avoid people touching you unecessarily.

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TREATMENT

Once meningitis is strongly suspected or confirmed, please DO NOT STAY AT HOME. Go to a hospital with facilities where you can get an IV line, isolation room, and the required antibiotics for treatment.

Once you have all or most of the above symptoms, you have no business being at home.

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Share as widely as possible in all our different languages as you may save a life.

NOW THAT BIG BROTHER NAIJA HAS ENDED

NOW THAT BIG BROTHER NAIJA HAS ENDED.

The Popular TV reality show known as Big Brother Naija which started some weeks ago ended yesterday amidst wild celebration by fans of the contestants.

Nigerians are fond of celebrating  irrelevancies and giving attentions to things that do not add value to them always misplacing priorities, I want to quickly draw your attention to some sensitivities surrounding the big brother naija show.

The big brother naija show was hosted in South Africa; a Nigerian reality tv show hosted in another country. The economical implication of this is that the big brother naija show did not add any value to the Nigerian economy instead it took away from the economy as 11 million plus votes was recorded each of these votes cost 30 Naira, I will leave you to do the mathematical calculations.

The big brother naija reality show caught the attention of almost all Nigerians that had access to the view including the minors, exposing them to the obscenities and immoralities that the show promotes contrary to the rich cultural values of our dear country.

The energy Nigerians channeled into the big brother Naija show in supports for their different favorite housemates is of no value to them and the country, such energy will be better productive if channeled to support the government to make life better for an average Nigerian.

Nigerians give too much attention to irrelevant issues they show concern to things of no value; a lot of things are wrong in the country at the moment and we have just few Nigerians showing concern and talking about them. We see public office holders abusing their office and celebrating their irresponsibility openly without shame and most Nigerians don't see reasons to condemn such impunity.

We see elected political leaders stealing from people who they are supposed to make provisions for, we hear of misappropriation of public funds by politicians, we witness brutality of innocent citizens by government security agents and all we do is take pictures and make videos, the Nigerian airforce bombed Rann IDP camp killing close to 300 Citizens we are quiet because they said it was a mistake up till now I doubt if their is any ongoing investigation about the genocide just to mention a few, most Nigerians didn't see any reason to raise their voices against this happenings but jumped out in millions to campaign for the big brother Naija show.

The civic responsibilities of every Nigerian as citizen of Nigeria includes holding their leaders accountable until government at all levels fulfill their campaign promises thereby making life easier for an average Nigerian. The attention given to the big brother naija show where people parade their nakedness and go home with millions is inconsequential, Nigerians should learn to give their attentions to issues that will promote and benefit National life.
Thank you.


Fasipe Oluyemi
@YemieFash

3 Reasons Why #Tboss did not win BBNija 2017

At this stage, Tokunbo Idowu Epopularly known as TBoss is the most talked about and controversial Big Brother Naija Housemate. In an interview her former housemate Bally says it was difficult living with her, stating that she is difficult to understand.Now that the winner has been unveiled, TBoss fans fondly F #TBossnation are asking questions wondering why she lost out on the SUV and 25million naira grand prize. Here are our top three reasons

At this stage, Tokunbo Idowu Epopularly known as TBoss is the most talked about and controversial Big Brother Naija Housemate. In an interview her former housemate Bally says it was difficult living with her, stating that she is difficult to understand.Now that the winner has been unveiled, TBoss fans fondly called #TBossnation are asking questions wondering why she lost out on the SUV and 25million naira grand prize. Here are our top three:

1. She couldn’t sing our national anthem Being able to sing your country’s national anthem is a thing of joy and pride, but out dearest TBoss flunked at it . To make ti worse, her elder sister sang it on her behalf in a despicable viral video . I have nothing against the beautiful TBoss but she should be held accountable for not being able to sing the national anthem on a live international programme. The national anthem shouldn’t be a song we take for granted like TBoss.

2.  Avoidable drama and controversy Though Big Brother Naija has helped TBoss gain exposure and build her self esteem, people refuse to vote for her because of the dramas and controversies she was enmeshed in, during the reality TV show. From the Kemen issue to fighting with Bally, Bisola and then Debie Rise, TBoss gained a reputation for becoming a controversy magnet on the show. Perhaps, Nigerians felt a controversial person doesn’t deserve their votes.

 3.Loose words Just like anybody else, Whenever TBoss is angry, some loose words comes out of her. She has a penchant for expressing herself, and in doing that she utters words she isn’t supposed to utter During a conversation with Efe she said:” If I win the 25m today, I will spend the money before next week, it’s not about the money but the relation built here can end up giving you more than 25m. “Serious, my life has never been based on money, I have people hitting on me that have several private jets but I’m here with you people, we are all fighting this fight, competing for the prize, I’m not trying to cheat or disrespect anyone.” http://thenewsguru.com/bbnaija3-reasons-why-tboss-lost/

EFE Wins BBNIJA 2017

Big Brother Naija housemate Efe has been declared the winner of Big Brother Naija 2017. He goes home with the reality show's prize money N25million and brand new SUV! http://www.lailasblog.com/2017/04/efe-wins-big-brother-naija-2017.html

At least d money ll be utilised EFEctively. Not on settling debts (thou thanks for d boobs) I learnt something....be yourself. U never know u could be the best Anyways thank god its over can we go back to our snake threads now?? Chk my siggy Nairaland

Popular Activist Bisi Alimi Share A True Life Story On His FB page

Bisi Alimi

10 minutes ago

Date: July 9 2007
Location: Jakande Estate isolo
Time: Around about 9pm to around about 12midnight
What- The attack that changed my life
PS: this is a long read
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10 years ago today, I escaped an ordeal that has scared me for life, I might be brave, look brave, act brave, but dear, underneath that bravery is a brutalised and damaged person. Many times when I flashback to that day, I cry, sometimes I laugh and sometimes I went into that very depressing place of self hatered and I loath myself.

Here is my long story
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It seems like yesterday but I made a vow not to remember to the point where it pained. It was a very lovely Monday, the sun was shining and as usual I was getting on with my life.

I had just returned from the Internet cafe, where I had endure a long walk of shame with abuse and name calling. How I had endured that for almost 5 years I had no idea. I think it's more about the friends I had than my ability to cope.

We were beaten together and harassed together, sometime the ordeal is alone. I think knowing we had no where to go to, we got used to it, at least we had each other.

This Monday (9 July 2007) marked a month I had returned from attending a conference in London and that was my first trip out of Nigeria ever.

It felt great to be back as I never really liked London, it was too cold and too clean.
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As I walked home that Monday I saw a friend of mine, Jude, very tall and muscular guy, a gay guy as well but on the downlo. He was living with his sister on the estate. We exchanged pleasantries and he walked with me home, asking what I brought back from London.

Jude is a very nice guy but a player, I have seen him played with the hearts of my girls, he is one guy that is very cute and he knew it and made his money from it.

He walked home with me and as usual, told me he is hungry, I told him we have food at home. My girls always cook, they are the best irrespective of whatever shit is going on now.

We got to mine and he went through my bag and saw some DVDs and he wanted to borrow Brother2Brother, but I have problems with Jude, he never returns my DVD so I refused to give this to him, he begged and after charming me, I offered to give him the DVD. My boyfriend charmed me into doing that as well.

He had it but with a very strong warning to return it that night or he will never get any DVD from me ever again. He ate, chatted a little bit more and left. My boyfriend (I won't mention his name for security reason) settled in to watch another DVD
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My boyfriend and I had been together 4 years, we both live in the estate and there is a funny story behind our dating. I had had a bet with my best friend Femi (he died of AIDS complication 10 years ago), and the rest was story.

My boyfriend lives in the same estate with me and I wondered how he was able to deal with the showers of abuse that we both face everyday. I love him so much, he was 10 years younger, a very cute charming and promising young man and I felt that was what drew me to him.
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Around about 9pm, NEPA has taken light so thanks to my neighbour Iya Lanre, we had access to generator to give us power, the usual over dramatic Mexican telenovela was on, we had our light off and using the tv light as the room light. We had just had dinner, both of us, cuddled up on our bed, watching tv, then there was a knock.

He looked at me asking if I was expecting anyone, another knock. All my girls had gone home and none planned to sleep over that night, then I remembered it might be Jude returning my DVD. Then another knock, I got up walked to the door and opened it.
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The person at the door gave me a very 'dirty' slap, I went blank and saw stars, pushed me with his leg and I fell backward hitting my head on the floor, then they entered. I knew they were they because I heard more than one voice, but I have no idea how many. He turned me over, but before then, had removed my shirt and my trouser, I was left with my underwear. He told me to face the floor and one of them put his leg on the back of my head.

I heard my boyfriend begging and they told him to be quiet, they started beating him and they were beating me too, it felt like iron, it was hard and painful; what they were using to beat me.

After over 2 hours, which included causes, abuse and the fact that I was disgracing the Nigeria government during my trip to London (I had granted an interview to BBC network Africa).

Then one of them said; let's do this and go. I had no idea but suddenly I felt a cold steel touching my head and then it hit me, it might be a gun, then my fear was confirmed, the other said, we need to make it look like a robbery, let's turn the house upside down and take as many things with us.
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While they were doing this, I heard another knock on my door, it was my neighbour wanting to know if I am in or not as it is almost midnight and she wanted to lock the gate. I couldn't answer, but they forced me to tell her not to, few minutes after that knock, I guessed they had a peep, saw the road was clear and ran out of my room.
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What happened next? Come back tomorrow

Be Encouraged

Author: Emode Victor

A Promise For You From Bible Promises:

Topic: Be Encouraged [08/04/2017]

Though thy beginning was small, yet thy latter end should greatly increase. Job 8:7. Read: 1 Sam 30:1-6

Every great building started from the foundation and every business empires today started small. It's better to start small and end great than to start big and never grow from there or even crash. If you have the capacity to start big, it's good and added advantage, if not, start with what you have and where you are. Rome was not built in a day. Don't wait for better conditions before you start, instead, start now and better conditions will come. God has blessed you with all you need to start, stop looking for what you don't have as an excuse for doing nothing.

Though, there is discouragement at every beginning, many will criticise what you are doing. They will say all sort of things against it, they will look out for your mistake. Those you think would encourage you might mastermind your discouragement. They will talk ill of you. Don't give up even when encouragement is not forthcoming, encourage yourself in the Lord like David. Keep doing what you are doing with excellence because, your latter end shall become great.

#BiblePromisesPrayer

* God Almighty shall breathe increase upon your little beginning and you shall end great in Jesus name

* As you start locally, you shall end Globally in Jesus Mighty Name

Should I Report Him To My Husband

I ask my fiancé to get me a car but he said as soon as we get married,now I have been raped .

Still doing my NYSC and you all can testify how hot this sun can be in the afternoon, taxis hardly run here, more of keke.

 I just finished buying bread in the super market ,after that I stood by the junction waiting for keke, when one clean Toyota Venza parked in front of me, the guy came down to ask where I was going, lucky he was going my way.

His car was tented, and he was blasting music with chilled ac cooling me. He took me to go and eat and I followed him to go cut his hair, I don’t know what happened he shifted my pant and made love to me at the back seat of his car.

I was shouting and screaming but he did not listen until he finished.

I was just crying and he was begging me. He dropped me at home and gave me 20k and we exchanged numbers . Please I need to know if I should tell my husband to be? Or report to the police . My traditional wedding is coming up next month so I don’t want any abomination to follow me. I wish he bought me a car,this would not have happened.

Niyidaram

Must Read: Top 5 finalists in the Big Brother Naija reality show soliciting for votes

BBnaija finalists tell it all as they campaign for vote

A great moment to see the  top 5 finalists in the Big Brother Naija reality show competition when they were asked by Big Brother to give speeches telling the public why they should vote for them. They were given only 40 minutes to get dressed and prepare for the speech.

While speaking, Efe who is from Delta state was almost in tears as he recounted how he had to work hard in order to survive.
He defined his name stating that An Efe is anybody working hard to make it in life 

Who is Efe ? Efe is that boy from Delta state. Efe is that graduate of economics in unijos!!! No!!!! Efe is you that is trying to get yourself together. Efe is that mother that sacrificed everything to make sure her child gets an education. Efe is that boy that helps his mum to sell pepper but knows in his heart that he will get better.. Efe is you, using generator to watch tv, read, .... Efe is you trying to put your two feets on the ground against all odds  Because rain is falling doesn't mean you won't go and hustle  Because the road is bad doesn't mean you won't go out..

Bisola during her speech thanked everybody who has voted and is till voting for her, she revealed that she didn't go to the University due to financial constraints and sometimes feel insecure when other talk about their university days. She talked about growing up, saying that even though her name means 'born into wealth', that hasn't been the case for her.

"I usually have a complex but i don't let that complex take over situations and me. I have never being in the university before. I'm not a graduate. So sometimes i feel envious when I hear people or  the housemates talk about what they did in school. It wasn't because I wasn't intelligent enough to be in the university but because I didn't have the fund to do so. I still struggled and told my self, you know what Bisola you have a talent which can feed you. You should not let the circumstance you find yourself throw you down"

Tboss, while giving her speech said she came into the house a princess but is leaving as a queen and she's saying it in all humility.  She thanked everybody who voted for her till now. She revealed she has no idea why they kept saving her and suggested it was because they probably saw beneath her piercings and tattoos.

"In all sense of humility, I'm a princess, I came into this house a boss lady. The truth is, right now I stand before you all a queen because I feel like I have grown. I came here thinking I was amazing and I'm taking this money home. Then I got stocked up with these people who are different from me, their orientation, upbringing and everything but I struggled and made it to top 5. I want to say I did this myself. People out there kept me here. I want to say thank you to them for investing in me"

Marvis took a more funny approach in her speech saying she needs to win because W.I.N is in her body. she described herself as a go getter and has accomplished things she thought she would never have. She used the pidgin english to give most of her speech

My people, I die put, i cry put, even times when i dey form honesty, I lie put. So abeg, pick me, no pick me like nose wey you fit throwaway but pick like beans so i fit stay so i go fit win.

Debbie Rise who was the last to speak said she didn't have her  family's blessing to come on the show but she ran away from home not because she wants to be rebellious but because she wants to be an example to everyone to chase their dreams at all cost.

"I ran away from home to be here because there was something I believed in. I wanted to be more than the usual and not just for myself. I wanted to be able bridge the gap and meet people at the point of their needs. I ran away from home not because I wanted to be rebellious but because we have a standard and doctrines and principles and I was scared to be alone. I want just want to prove a point that this career, this passion that I have to be an inspiration and a sense of motivation to girls."

Source: LIB 

What We Need To Know and Learn About Nigeria National Anthem

"Arise, O Compatriots" is the national anthem of Nigeria. It was adopted in 1978, and replaced Nigeria, We Hail Thee. The lyrics are a combination of words and phrases taken from five of the best entries of 1499 Nigerian in a national contest. The words were put to music by the Nigerian Police Band under the directorship of Benedict E. Odiase.

The lyrics

The Nigeria National anthem (1978 - present)

first anthem

Arise, o compatriots,

Nigeria's call obey

To serve our fatherland

With love and strength and faith

The labour of our heroes past

Shall never be in vain

To serve with heart and might

One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity

Second Anthem

O God of creation

Direct our noble cause

Guide our leaders right

Help our youth the truth to know

In love and honesty to grow

And living just and true

Great lofty heights attain

To build a nation where peace

And justice shall reign

the writers of the above national anthem

John .A. Ilechukwu

B. A. Ogunnaike

Sota Omoigui

P. O. Aderibigbe

Eme Etim Akpan

THE OLD ANTHEM, Nigeria, we Hail Thee (1960 - 1978) written by two British national

First anthem

Nigeria, we hail thee

Our own dear native land

Though tribe and tongue may differ

In brotherhood we stand

Nigerian all are proud to serve

Our sovereign motherhood

Our flag Shall be a symbol

That truth and justice reign

In peace or battle honour' d

And this we count as gain

To hand on to our children

A banner without stain

Second Anthem

O God of all creation

Grant this our one request

Help us to build a nation

Where no man is oppressed

And so with peace and plenty

Alimat may be blessed

The Nigerian National Anthem is usually performed at major ents having ttional pride, such as thr sporting events and at school where it is usually accompanied by ionadge.

THE NIGERIA'S NATIONAL PLEDGE written by Prof. (Mrs.) Felicia Adebola ADEYOYIN,OON: The Amazon Princess of Shaki,

I pledge to Nigerian my country

To be faithful, loyal and honest

To serve Nigeria with all my strength

To defend her unity

And uphold her honour and glory

So help me God.

Source: google

6 Things Successful Entrepreneurs Do Before 7 am

Successful entrepreneurs are a unique breed of individuals. They sacrifice a lot of things to ensure the smooth running of their businesses. In fact, they are very obsessed with being an entrepreneur. For them, they don't joke with their morning schedule because if they start off the day on the wrong note, they may not be very productive or motivated. Hence, they ensure that they do not miss their morning routine. Jumia Travel, the online travel agency identifies the things successful entrepreneurs do before 7 am.

They are prepared for the day

They sleep early and wake very early to plan their day. This will prevent them from rushing out of the door every morning and also help them deal with stress.

Eat a healthy breakfast

A healthy breakfast is the most important meal of the day since it’s going to oil their brain and body for the day. So, they do not play with their breakfast. Also, they ensure that they do not eat junk foods and fruits are not far away from them.

Their phone is not the first thing they check

When some persons wake up, the first thing they check is their phone. Entrepreneurs don't do this. In fact, you won't find their phones close to them when they sleep because it can interrupt their naps. Hence to avoid morning distractions, they avoid their phones in the mornings. They will check it later.

Set goals and priorities

The best time to plan your day and set goals, as well as priorities, is in the mornings. For each day, entrepreneurs write down these goals and try as much as possible to achieve these set goals.

They exercise and meditate

They regularly exercise and meditate to reduce stress, increase energy, and help them sleep better. In addition, it gives their immune system a boost.

They motivate themselves

Entrepreneurs are humans and sometimes they feel overwhelmed. They also need to be encouraged. They don't wait for others to motivate them. They motivate themselves. That is why you see them upbeat and animate every day.

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel
+2348090747241

6 Everyday Habits that are Risky to your Health

Habits are like glue. When it gets stuck, it either becomes indelible or takes forever to remove. This is why it’s not advisable to allow a habit overwhelm you because it requires painstaking efforts to abandon. If you, however, continue with these habits, it will affect your health and general wellbeing over time. Thus, Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency identifies habits that are putting your health at risk.

Sitting all day

Since jobs are now performed mostly with computers in the 21st century, it is very possible that you will sit in front of it for hours without taking breaks. This is not good because the longer you sit, the more you are susceptible to heart diseases. Therefore, the import of breaks can’t be overemphasised.

Smoking

This is not new. A large number of people are smoking today disregarding the instruction that smokers are liable to die young. The health hazards associated with all kinds of smoking are unlimited. Even electronic cigars have not be certified safe.

Eating junk food

The food eaten today are not a balanced diet, no thanks to tight schedules. Consequently, we turn to processed or packaged foods that unhealthy. Generally, eating junk food can hurt our health. Take time out to cook.

Not wearing sunscreen

Not wearing sunscreen whenever it is sunny raises your chances of having melanoma, an eye disease. It is easy to overlook this but the consequences are dire. Your eyes need protection from sun rays.

Downing too alcohol

Too much of everything is bad. Alcohol is the gold many cannot resist. At classy hotels and bars in Lagos, you find people downing alcohol like water. There is nothing wrong with taking alcohol for some people. It is advisable though you drink moderately if you cannot do without it.

Not getting enough sleep

Sleep can help boost creativity. But very few persons are getting enough sleep. They are too busy. And at other times when they have the opportunity to sleep, they are distracted by their smartphones. If you cannot sleep the recommended 7 or 8 hours, try to sleep soundly even if you are sleeping for several hours.

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel
+2348090747241

President Trump donates his first quarter salary to National Park Service

As culled from LIB, President Donald Trump, who promised during his presidential campaign that he wouldn't accept a salary for being the president of the United States of America, has decided to donate his first-quarter salary of $78,333 to the National Park Service, the White House announced on Monday.
During his campaign, he promised that he would donate his $400,000 annual salary if he were elected as president. In September 2015, he said: "That's no big deal for me". And he has kept to his word in regards to that.

After he made the donation to National Park Service, the Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke, whose agency oversees the 100-year-old protector of 417 national parks, monuments and other sites, while appearing alongside White House spokesman, Sean Spicer at a daily briefing said he was "thrilled" at Trump's decision. He said:

"We are going to dedicate and put it against the infrastructure on our nation's battlefields". "We are about $229 million behind in deferred maintenance on our battlefields alone," Zinke said.

Just for laugh!!!

ENGLISH PASS ENGLISH
A professor drove into a Petrol Station in his sleek state of the art range rover sports.
-Professor: Guy, abeg, give me full tank.
-Fuel Attendant: Sir, I don't speak pidgin, I only speak English.
- Professor: Ok! Good morning, I currently feel a profound desire to replenish the propellant of my motorized automobile. Therefore i cordially request you to transfer from your subterranean reservoir a sufficient quantity of the combustible fluid of the highest octane rating to fill the appropriate receptacle of the said means of
perambulation to the brim.
-Fuel Attendant: Oga na play i dey play o, how much fuel you wan buy?
Pls don't laugh until U send this conversation!!!
put a smile on someone's face.😀😀😀😀😀

The Certificate Scandal and the Rising Trend of Suicide By Reno Omokri

Reno Omokri

I read the statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Garba Shehu, saying that President Muhammadu Buhari is not involved in any certificate scandal and I was rather surprised that a professional like Garba, whom I know to be a polished media man, would even have responded to that story from The Punch Newspaper in the first place.

The response was unnecessary. As a Presidential spokesman, you do not respond to every story. In fact, under President Obama, there was a template in the White House which was that if multiple media networks are not carrying a story then it is not worth responding to it because by responding to a small story, you make it a big story. You give it the attention that makes other news houses interested in it and that is what Garba Shehu's statement did.

Now, to say that President Buhari does not have a certificate scandal is an act of dishonesty and to quote Edmund Burke, Garba is being economical with the truth.

The Presidency is being clever by half by saying that President Muhammadu Buhari, like Dino Melaye, is not involved in a certificate scandal. That is patently dishonest. President Buhari DOES have a certificate scandal.

If the President does not have a certificate scandal, how come he hired thirteen high priced Senior Advocates of Nigeria to defend him in a case brought to compel him to provide the certificate or proof that he has one, including one SAN, Kola Awodein, who gave a 'gift' of ₦500,000 to Justice Ademola, the judge handling the case against the President, at a time the case was pending before him!

A man who has no certificate scandal will simply produce the original certificate or if it is lost he will apply to the University of Cambridge International Examinations for a Certified True Copy of his results. You do not need to defend the truth with 13 SANs. The truth will defend itself.

Now, do not get me wrong. I am not saying that Buhari has no GCE Certificate. I do not know if he has or does not have a certificate. What I know is that the story  keeps changing. We read that the Nigerian Army had his certificate until they denied. Then we were told that the certificate was seized by the Babangida administration when Buhari was overthrown in 1985. We have also read that the certificate is with President Muhammadu Buhari's provincial school in Katsina. Which is it? Your guess is as good as mine. What I am saying is that except hiring thirteen SANs is part of his strategy for fulfilling his campaign promise of employing three million Nigerians in two years, it is safe to conclude that President Muhammadu Buhari HAS a certificate scandal! A confirmed one.

On January 21, 2015, the West African Examinations Council, WAEC, even intervened and said that they could assist in verifying the certificate if only then candidate Buhari would officially request them to.

On that date, WAEC's spokesman, Mr. Yusuf Ari said, "WAEC cannot take any action except, the owner of the certificate asked us to do so. We are an independent body, therefore, we cannot be partisan on this issue."

Would it be far easier to just ask the relevant authorities to release the documents as Mr. Ari said, than to hire thirteen SANs?

In fact, I wish the efforts by Dino Melaye's enemies in the All Progressive Congress to verify his certificates can be applied to verifying the certificate of another powerful man in the APC. We should not treat Dino Melaye one way and President Muhammadu Buhari another way. If they think Dino Melaye is unfit to hold his Senatorial seat because he did not graduate from university (which is untrue) then they should apply their logic to all political office holders no matter how high they are. If Dino must present his certificate then others must also present their own too! What is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander!

For the avoidance of doubt, the minimum educational requirement to contest a Senate seat is the equivalent of a West African Senior School Certificate Examination. There is absolutely no doubt that Dino Melaye has one. Yet so much pressure was piled on him because of his Bachelor certificate simply because he ruffled the 'cabal's' feathers.

If questionable certificates are the issue then it is not Dino we should be looking at! There is somebody who has more questions about his school certificate than Dino. Why are we shining the spotlight on Dino and pandering to President Muhammadu Buhari? Just as the Senate Summoned the Vice Chancellor of Ahmadu Bello University to give evidence in this matter, the Senate should likewise summon the representative of Cambridge International Examinations to answer questions about President Muhammadu Buhari's certificate!

In a nation in recession with two of the deadliest terror groups on earth, our fixation is on the certificate of a Senator without executive power! That is the problem with Nigeria's leadership. Our current leaders cannot spend time planning the progress of this nation, but they can devote razor like focus to planning the downfall of real and perceived enemies even to the smallest and most ridiculous detail!

And the fact that the spotlight on Dino Melaye's certificate is being shone by elements within the APC is yet another example of how divided that party is.

This is even as the recent contretemps between Malam Nasir El-Rufai and some mandarins in the 'cabal' has shed more light on why the Buhari administration has failed to deliver the goods it promised.

Never in the history of Nigeria have we ever had a government so divided against itself.

The Nigerian Customs Service Versus Nigerian Senate, the Directorate of State Security Versus the Economic Financial Crimes Commission, Nasir El-Rufai Versus Chief of Staff and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation Versus The Nigerian Senate, Aisha Buhari Versus the Cabal, Asiwaju Bolaji Tinubu Versus John Oyegun, Abike Dabiri Versus Minister of Foreign Affairs, Raji Fashola Versus Akinwunmi Ambode.

Yet you wonder why this government cannot deliver! If the grass suffers when only two elephants fight, what do you think will happen to the grass when all the elephants are fighting simultaneously? A government that uses all its energies to fight itself will not have any energy left to fight for you!

And to make matters worse, the Buhari administration and the APC keep saying former President Jonathan ruined Nigeria for five years. Yet in those five years you had affordable food, fuel, dollars and regular salary at the federal level.

Moreover, Jonathan did not spend unspecified sums of money on his health abroad neither did he write letters to the National Assembly defending members of his cabinet caught red handed in corruption.

Perhaps Jonathan ruined Nigerian by reviving our previously moribund railways and made it possible for you to travel by rail from Lagos to Kano at a cost of ₦1500? Perhaps he ruined Nigeria by building the ONLY standard gauge modern railway that makes it possible for you to live in Kaduna and work in Abuja? In fact, I am sure Jonathan ruined President Buhari's home state of Katsina, by building the ONLY federal university in that state. If ruining is what Jonathan did for five years, then what will you call what President Buhari has done to Nigeria in the last two years?

It is now tickety-boo in the mind of the apparatchiks of this administration to lay the blame for all their problems on Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, but there is only one small problem.

In January 2015, then candidate  Muhammadu Buhari released a campaign ad with a picture of him that said and I quote "if anything goes wrong, I will take responsibility and fix it. THAT IS WHAT IT MEANS TO LEAD" (emphasis President Buhari's, not mine).

Going by the above words of President Muhammadu Buhari himself, we can see quite clearly that judging him by his own standards, the only possible verdict is that he has failed as a leader because two years into his administration he has yet to to "take responsibility and fix it" and is still blaming his predecessor.

By constantly blaming Dr. Goodluck Jonathan for the woes of his government, President Buhari is saying that a man in retirement in Otuoke has more influence over his administration than he as President does. The reality is that the penchant to blame the previous administration shows that ex President Jonathan is more powerful in his absence from power than incumbent President Buhari is with his presence in power.

Saying anything to get elected and then breaking the promises you made after you are elected is deception and the worst form of corruption!

But in truth, what derailed the Buhari administration and the APC is that they focused all their energies on destroying Goodluck Jonathan, the PDP and the Transformation Agenda instead of concentrating on building Muhammadu Buhari, the APC and the Change Agenda.

Leaders must realize that power is like fire. You can only make progress with fire if you use it to light the way in darkness. But if you use it to burn your enemy's house, after burning his house, the wind will spread the fire to your own house. Good leaders focus on making progress, bad leaders are fixated on revenge. You cannot combine both. You must choose one or the other and President Buhari made the wrong choice.

And the fixation of the Buhari administration on blaming Jonathan and fighting its real and perceived enemies has meant that only minimal attention is being given to the economy with the consequent effect being that a man who inherited the third fastest growing economy in the world from former President Jonathan has turned Nigeria into a nation with the world's fourth worst performing currency!

The effect of President Buhari's mishandling of the economy has been catastrophic on the lives of Nigerians.

Never in the history of Nigeria has suicide been so widespread as it is today. There is so much despair in the land. We obviously need permanent police presence around the Lagoon in Lagos. But my thinking is that even if we police the lagoon, how many suicides go unreported in cities, towns and villages across Nigeria?

And even in the Nigerian Police Force, there is a rising wave of suicide amongst officers and men which has become so prevalent that the police authorities themselves have been forced to take action,

At the beginning of the year, the Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 5, Abubakar Mohammed told newsmen that he had received a mandate from the Inspector General of Police to intervene to stem the rising trend of suicide within the force. He said and I quote “the IGP has asked us to now go close to our officers as well as the rank and file to know what their problems are because the level of suicide within the police is getting higher. Police officers are killing themselves without knowing what the problems are”.

So if those who are meant to prevent suicide have some of the highest rates of suicide within their midst, what are we to do as a nation?

I am reminded at this time of Proverbs 29:2 'When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked bears rule, the people mourn.'

This is not about PDP or APC. If doctors and business men and women are being moved to suicide, what about the increasing number of unemployed? I call on churches to shift focus from miracles and financial breakthroughs to extending love to the broken, lonely, unemployed and abandoned in their communities. Sell your founders private plane and use the money to feed thousands as Jesus fed thousands!

Though there is so much gloom in the land, I want to end this piece on a positive note, so I will leave my readers this week and every other week with one of my wisdom nuggets which form the basis of my ministration as a pastor and an ambassador of Christ.

Reno's Nuggets:

Don't ask for money from wealthy men. Ask for friendship. A beggar of a rich man is poor. A friend of a rich man becomes rich. You see, people remain poor because when they get money they think of the latest phone or shoe instead of a business idea to invest in. But when you befriend the wealthy, you learn to think like them. Finally, you can only become successful by association if you hang out in places where the people you want to be like hang out #RenosNuggets

Reno Omokri is a Christian TV talk show host and founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Center and the Helen and Bemigho Sanctuary for orphans. He is the author of three books, Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God, Why Jesus Wept and Apples of Gold: A Book of Godly Wisdom

Article written by Reno Omokri

Our Daily Bread Devotional

Our Daily Bread Devotional, April 2, 2017 - Behind the Scenes

Topic: Behind the Scenes [Sunday April 2, 2017]

Read: Daniel 10:1–14, Bible in a Year:Judges 16–18; Luke 7:1–30

Your words were heard, and I have come in response to them. Daniel 10:12

My daughter sent a text message to a friend, in hopes of having a question answered quickly. Her phone’s messaging service showed that the recipient had read the message, so she waited anxiously for a reply. Mere moments passed, yet she grew frustrated, groaning her annoyance at the delay. Irritation eroded into worry; she wondered whether the lack of response meant there was a problem between them. Eventually a reply came and my daughter was relieved to see their relationship was fine. Her friend had simply been sorting out the details needed to answer the question.

The Old Testament prophet Daniel also anxiously awaited a reply. After receiving a frightening vision of great war, Daniel fasted and sought God through humble prayer (10:3, 12). For three weeks, he received no reply (vv. 2, 13). Finally, an angel arrived and assured Daniel his prayers had been heard “since the first day.” In the meantime, the angel had been battling on behalf of those prayers. Though Daniel didn’t know it at first, God was at work during each of the twenty-one days that elapsed between his first prayer and the angel’s coming.

The confidence that God hears our prayers can cause us to become anxious when His reply doesn’t come when we want it to. We are prone to wonder whether He cares. Yet Daniel’s experience reminds us that God is at work on behalf of those He loves even when it isn’t obvious to us.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust Your care for me even when I can’t see it.

God is always at work on behalf of His people.

This message was written By Kirsten Holmberg [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]