Our Daily Bread Devotional, May 6, 2017 - Should I Forgive?

Topic: Should I Forgive? [Saturday May 6, 2017]

Read: Matthew 18:23–35, Bible in a Year: 1 Kings 21–22; Luke 23:26–56

Forgive as the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13

I arrived early at my church to help set up for an event. A woman stood crying at the opposite end of the sanctuary. She’d been cruel and gossiped about me in the past, so I quickly drowned out her sobs with a vacuum cleaner. Why should I care about someone who didn’t like me?

When the Holy Spirit reminded me how much God had forgiven me, I crossed the room. The woman shared that her baby had been in the hospital for months. We cried, embraced, and prayed for her daughter. After working through our differences, we’re now good friends.

 In Matthew 18, Jesus compares the kingdom of heaven to a king who decided to settle his accounts. A servant who owed a staggering amount of money pleaded for mercy. Soon after the king canceled his debt, that servant tracked down and condemned a man who owed him far less than what he’d owed the king. When word got back to the king, the wicked servant was imprisoned because of his own unforgiving spirit (vv. 23–34).

Choosing to forgive doesn’t condone sin, excuse the wrongs done to us, or minimize our hurts. Offering forgiveness simply frees us to enjoy God’s undeserved gift of mercy, as we invite Him to accomplish beautiful works of peace-restoring grace in our lives and our relationships.

Prayer: Lord, help us give our grievances to You so that You may turn them into something good. Make us ready to forgive completely and earnestly. Give us Your spirit of unity.

Forgiving others expresses our trust in God’s right to judge according to His perfection and goodness.

Insight:

Are you withholding forgiveness from someone who has harmed you? As you reflect on how merciful God has been to you, why not ask Him to help you have a spirit of forgiveness.

This message was written By Xochitl Dixon [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Letter To The Ghetto By HushPuppi

Letter to the Ghetto Kid: 

As a man that I am today who developed from being one of you guys, who went through the same struggles you are presently going through, who had to run and jump hurdles where other kids just walk past the same situation in a better environment with better resources and much provisions, I know the society do not expect you to make it, the government don't care about your future, they toy and joke around making rules and laws that only affect you and benefit the rich. 

You lack everything it requires to become who you might have loved to be, do the things you would have loved to do or to live the life you may have seen on tv or the internet, which I know you even have limited access to because there's never power supply for such, which means you are deprived most of the things that can be learnt through tv and the internet in the first place which makes your dreams smaller, quicker to fade away but I want you to know that darkness you are, without the dark, the stars won't shine and so you can shine out if that darkness.  

You have been deprived so many right a child deserves and the world look down on you because you are nothing but a clot of blood miraculously turned a baby, and an unfortunate one at that. Good health, good foods or good education hasn't been in any way your chance to have.

 Looking at you disgusts not your brethren only but even strangers are not so impressed for your unhealthy appearance. Your strength; courage; and dreams are nothing but hallucination just because you were not supposed to dream big.  

I am sure nobody ever believed in whatever you say or do. You have been victimized by neighbors; friends; and even family members who were supposed to give you hope. 

This is my story, this is me and this is the hushpuppi you have been hearing about. The Ghetto kid in me is at Its peak and ready to explode and spread around the globe. I am you and you are me. I represent every under priviledge kid of the world and especially of Nigeria and of Lagos and of Bariga and of Oworonsoki -- Where a landlord had chased me and my family out of a rented room. I'll never forget the look on my mother's face trying to send me and my siblings to neighbors and relatives and the sadness in the eyes of my siblings.

 Now, you see I represent you? Trust me I know how it feels to not have parents come watch you in school play football or run races in ur school, I know how it feels to come out your apartment to take showers in a zinc sheet bathroom separated from the building.  

The society made me who I am today, I was never one of those who their parents couldn't afford a movie ticket to see a movie when Silver bird cinema came newly, I shared shoes, toiletries and underwears with my younger ones as well as mats and see me now at my early thirties, I am writing you a letter from one of the favourite places any human alive would have loved to be, billionaire or penniless.  

Nobody is listening to your cries; your lamentation; and your grievances are not felt a bit. If I had sat down complaining about the bad government; bad economy; bad friends, I will not be here today. I had a dream I was not supposed to cry, knowing nobody would listen, so I rose from the hood and decided to do the things my forefathers never did. I crossed the seas, walked through burning bushes, jumped over thorns and babbed wire.

A lot of people know me from when I used to use okada to be selling "akube" clothes to boys that was making cheddars in diff hotels up and down the mainland of Lagos.  

Look at yourself, do you like the way you are right now? Are you pushing beyond limits? Are you succumbing to the tune of the selfish 'Baba Alaye' in your neighborhood? Nobody will help you if you decide not to help yourself even hailing Hushpuppi 1,000 wouldn't help you either, be about you, get up, pick a struggle, leave your comfort zone, work hard at it, pray a lot and don't kiss ass, rich people are users and inconsiderate.  

Dear hustling hood kid, let no man hold you down. My advice for you is never to put your dreams in the hands of Ambode and Buhari, they don't know you, they don't believe in you cos there's millions of people like you on their neck, it's not much they can do if they can even do anything at all so don't expect you will ever win or make it by waiting for anyone."

6 Smart Ways to Study Effectively

It’s safe to say that there isn’t a student in the world that hasn’t had to grapple with studying. For most, studying is almost a form of punishment they have to endure. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares 6 smart ways to help you study without it feeling like some cruel and unusual form of punishment.

Be Mindful of How You Approach Studying

Researchers have found that ‘how’ you approach something matters almost as much as what you do. Having the right mindset is important in helping you study smarter and more effectively. Too many people see studying as a task or some form of punishment rather than an opportunity to learn and better themselves. You can think of it this way: people say intelligence is sexy right? Well studying is one of the easiest ways to build that intelligence.

Be Mindful of Where You Study

Avoid studying in a place that isn’t conducive or is too distracting for you. Some people can study with music and some need absolute quiet. Understand the environment conducive for you and opt for such environments when you study.

Bring Along Only What You Need to Study

When you find an ideal and conducive place to study, please refrain from bringing along things you don’t need. This is because those things can be a distraction to you. Also be sure to bring along everything you need to study to avoid wasting time going back and forth because you forgot one thing or the other.

Have a Game Plan

This involves understanding what you have to study (in terms of quantity and complexity) and executing a game plan to help you cover all you have to study adequately and in good time, without giving yourself a headache trying to cram it all the night before.

Try Employing Different Study Methods

This is mainly to make the study process more interesting for you. However, if you’re comfortable with using one study method alone, then please do so.  You can try using flashcards, mnemonic devices, rewriting your notes, jotting down study points, taking practice exams or doing past questions, studying with study partners or even creating a study game as some of the study methods you can employ.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks is just as important as studying, only be careful not to overdo it or be too excessive with it. The mind works better when you take breaks every half an hour to an hour. It will help you absorb the information and decompress to help your mind feel free for more studying. Studying for hours unending can give you a headache or make you sleep off. You can take breaks by moving around, eating, rewarding yourself by watching a short video or talking to study partners.

By Damilola Ojo
PR Associate Jumia Travel
+2348101556883

Few facts about Adesua the Banky W' Fiancee

Adesua Etomi: 10 Facts About Banky W's Fiancee by Yarnvibes(f): 4:52pm On May 03

The internet was on fire in the Nigerian axis on Wednesday after news about Banky W’s engagement to Adesua Etomi broke. It is a beautiful news and Nigerians are still savoring it. Here are 10 things that you probably didn’t know about the bride to be. 1. Her full name is Tolulope Adesua Etomi 2. She was born on February 22, 1988 3. Adesua, the last of three kids, was born in Owerri, South Eastern Nigeria, to a Soldier father and Civil Engineer mother. 4. She acted for the first time at age seven with a drama club at her primary school, Corona School Victoria Island. 5. She moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 13. 6. She got Diplomas in Performing Arts, Musical & Physical Theatre at The City College in Coventry, United Kingdom circa 2004. 7. In year 2009, Adesua Etomi bagged a First Class Honors degree from The University of Wolverhampton, U.K. 8. Her first big screen appearance in Nigerian cinemas was in April 14, 2014 when she got a role on Emem Isong’s Knocking On Heaven’s Door. 9. In 2016, she got the award for the Best Actress in a Drama at the Africa Magic Viewers Choice Award (AMVCA). 10. The films she has featured in include The Call, Brave, Falling, A Soldier’s Story, Out Of Luck, Couple Of Days, And The Spirit Slowly Dies, The Arbitration, The Wedding Party and Ayamma: Music In The Desert http://fabinfos.com/10-cool-facts-to-know-about-adesua-etomi-as-she-engages-banky-w/ 23 Likes 4 Shares

Re: Adesua Etomi: 10 Facts About Banky W's Fiancee by suso(m): 4:54pm On May 03

6 Ways to Achieve Financial Independence

Financial independence means that you will never be broke. Whenever you need money, you can easily make it available. Even if this is not the case, you can take care of yourself and your family without any need to call on friends to lend you money. In a country like Nigeria, this is a bit difficult due to the trending economic downturn and the lack of a stable business environment. Regardless, you have no choice than to be financially independent. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency shares tips that will help to be financially independent.

Income is not wealth

This is one mistake many people make. They think the more they earn, the more they are financially independent. Yes, it is good to have a high-paying salary. However, the truth is that you are still working very hard to make the money and you are yet to invest it. Beyond your immediate salary, you do not have anything. What happens if you lose your job? Try to do something outside your job to earn more. Just ask yourself if you lose the job, will you be stable financially? If your answer is no, you have to take action.

Financial independence requires a disciplined spouse/bae

If you have a spouse that spends all your money on Indian hair, London bags, iPhones and the likes, you will never be independent. All your money will be going to the upkeep of your spouse and you will not have anything to invest. We are not saying you should not spend but be reasonable with spending and get someone who is not too demanding.

Fund your future

The future is very important. You have to prepare for it, You should always save money to enable you to deal with any unforeseen incident. Life is unpredictable. This unpredictability makes it essential to save.

Be an investor, not a trader

A trader is someone who wants to make a profit as soon as he/she can. They are never patient. If the business is not doing well, they abdicate it and venture into another one. But an investor's plan is long term. They foresee a future of great profit and they are very patient as they work to position the business to attain profitability. So, be an investor, not a trader.

Diversify

A particular source of income will not bring financial independence until you diversify. Do not put all your eggs in one basket. Distribute it into different basket and soon you will not rely on one income generator.

Live beneath or within your means

If you earn 20,000 as salary and you are living in an apartment worth 500,000 and eating food worth 2,000 daily, you will never be financially independent. The rule of thumb for financial independence is living within your means. Spend less even if you earn more and make sure you invest.

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel
+2348090747241

Winning Wisdom: Receive And Experience 2

Winning Wisdom: Receive And Experience 2

Author: Ese Ehimare Dave

Topic: Receive And Experience 2 [Tuesday, 2nd May 2017]

That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him.” 1 Corinthians 2:9

There is no doubting that the good Lord has prepared wonderful things for us who love Him. Scripture is explicit in stating this truth in 1 Corinthians 2:9. But receiving and experiencing what the Lord has prepared for us is something that most of us have not come into. That is why we are not experiencing the wonderful blessings the Lord has prepared for us. Scriptures says "no eyes has seen, no ears has heard, no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him."

If the things God has prepared for us is still out of the realm of our human perception, then for us to know these things, receive and experience them, we need the enabling of a Higher Being. Now, if the blessings of God to us are spiritual, according to Ephesians 1:3, then we need the Holy Spirit to reveal them to us.This means that, the first step to receiving and experiencing what God has prepared for us is to get the revelation of them and this revelation is by the Holy Spirit. 1 Corinthians 2:10 says that God reveals the things He has prepared for us by Holy Spirit.

When we encounter revelation from the Holy Spirit, He brings to our human perception the things the Lord has prepared for us who love Him. Then we can see, ear, and perceive them. They now become palpable substance and evidently known to us. And we know that faith is substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen (Hebrews 11:1). Whatever we are able to see, hear and perceive, we can receive and experience. Revelation of the things God has prepared for us brings manifestation.

Keep winning daily.

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank You for Your Spirit that reveals to me all that you have prepared for me. With these revelations, I receive and experience Your spiritual blessings daily, in Jesus' Name. Amen.

Our Daily Bread Devotional, May 1, 2017 - Questions for God

Topic: Questions for God [Monday May 1, 2017]

Read: Judges 6:11–16, 24, Bible in a Year:1 Kings 10–11; Luke 21:20–38

Go with the strength you have . . . . I will be with you. NLT Judges 6:14, 16

What would you do if the Lord showed up in the middle of your workday with a message? This happened to Gideon, one of the ancient Israelites. “The angel of the Lord appeared to him and said, ‘Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!’ ” Gideon could have responded with a wordless nod and gulp, but instead he said, “If the Lord is with us, why has all this happened to us?” (Judg. 6:12–13 nlt). Gideon wanted to know why it seemed as if God had abandoned His people.

God didn’t answer that question. After Gideon had endured seven years of enemy attacks, starvation, and hiding in caves, God didn’t explain why He never intervened. God could have revealed Israel’s past sin as the reason, but instead He gave Gideon hope for the future. God said, “Go with the strength you have . . . . I will be with you. And you will destroy the Midianites” (vv.14, 16 nlt).

Do you ever wonder why God has allowed suffering in your life? Instead of answering that specific question, God may satisfy you with His nearness today and remind you that you can rely on His strength when you feel weak. When Gideon finally believed that God was with him and would help him, he built an altar and called it “The Lord Is Peace” (v. 24).

There is peace in knowing that whatever we do and wherever we go, we go with God who promised never to leave or forsake His followers.


What could be better than getting answers to our why questions? Trusting a good and powerful God.

Insight:

Today’s text provides some insight into how we should view situations for which we feel inadequate. Gideon did not feel prepared to go into battle against the Midianites who were oppressing Israel. Responding to Gideon’s understandable concern, God sent the angel of the Lord to encourage him. He said that Gideon should “go in the strength” he had (Judg. 6:14), but he also said, “I will be with you” (v. 16). When God calls us to take on a difficult task, we can rely on His strength and power to help us accomplish it.

Are you facing a situation for which you feel inadequate? Ask God for His strength to help you.

This message was written By Jennifer Benson Schuldt [Our Daily Bread Ministries.]

Update on President Buhari's health

Buhari Has Difficulty Drinking And Eating, But Cabal Won't Let Him Travel. Three insiders in the Presidency have told SaharaReporters that President Muhammadu Buhari is being fed intravenously as he has had severe difficulty eating and drinking fluids for several days. The sources also disclosed that, although President Buhari's health had held up for a while after his return from an extended medical vacation in the United Kingdom, his condition has deteriorated in the last several weeks. They pointed to Mr. Buhari's eating and drinking problems that have left him too frail to leave his official residence at Aso Rock Villa to attend any official functions. Mr. Buhari has been unable to attend the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting three weeks in a row. Last week he also failed to attend the Friday Juma'at prayers because he had to undergo urgent medical treatment that had him confined to a medical room secretly set up inside the residential area of the villa. President Buhari was also conspicuously absent from the wedding of his influential personal aide, Tunde "Idiagbon" Sabiu in Kaduna. The wedding, which was attended by political movers and shakers of the Nigerian society, became a scene for curious political power play. It became clear at the wedding that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was treated in a different light by opposing political interests present at the wedding. While some of them showed deference to Mr. Osinbajo, others seemed to pay him scant attention, even to the point of shunning his presence. SaharaReporters learned that Mr. Buhari's British doctors had sent a medical team to the Villa to attend to him. However, our sources revealed that the medical team advised that the president should immediately return to the United Kingdom to begin what they described as a slow, complex and long-term treatment that could prolong his life. Four weeks ago, SaharaReporters disclosed that an advance team from the Presidency traveled to the UK to prepare for Mr. Buhari's imminent arrival there for medical treatment. However, following moves by a cabal opposed to their potential loss of political influence, the advance was recalled to Abuja. Our sources named Chief of Staff Abba Kyari as the anchor of the cabal which also includes Mamman Daura, a businessman, and Mr. Buhari's kinsman. A week later, members of the Presidency's advance team were once again issued with fresh tickets to travel via Ethiopian Airlines, with the plan that Mr. Buhari would depart to the UK on April 15th 2017 for a four-month-long medical sojourn. However, members of the cabal that wields enormous power in the Presidency, have so far frustrated the president's trip. The Nigerian president and his handlers have declined to reveal the nature of the ailment that has hobbled Mr. Buhari over several months, rendering him incapable of attending to matters of state with any regularity much less vigor. However, different sources close to him told Saharareporters that, in addition to prostrate issues, Mr. Buhari is also dogged by Crohn’s disease, a medical condition that has affected his digestive system. Our various sources have said that Mr. Buhari's Crohn's disease has had a devastating impact because of the president's age. One source stated that Mr. Buhari, whose official age is 74, may well be much older. At any rate, his bouts of illness have had a telling effect on him, leaving him gaunt, emaciated, feeble and debilitated. One of our sources knowledgeable about President Buhari's condition alleged that there was a massive coverup orchestrated by a few aides and cronies of the ailing Nigerian leader to fool the Nigerian public. "They feel that if he [President Buhari] travels abroad, they will lose the power and influence they wield when he is town," the source said. However, the source accused the cabal of being myopic and shortsighted, adding that they were fast-tracking the president's demise by blocking his trip for treatment abroad. Our sources described the cabal as hellbent on throwing Nigeria into a political crisis in a bid to protect their selfish interests. http://saharareporters.com/2017/04/30/buhari-has-difficulty-drinking-and-eating-cabal-wont-let-him-travel-urgent-treatment

8 Good Reasons Why You Should Be Eating More Bananas

Banana is extremely healthy and delicious. Some people scarcely eat it while others consume several bunches at least once a week. Whatever your frequency of eating may be, it is time to ramp up your banana eating game. Jumia Travel and Jumia Mobile Week share reasons why you should be eating more bananas.

Aids digestion

Bananas contain a fair amount of dietary fibre that aids digestion. So, if you are not meeting the daily fibre requirements of your body, Banana is the perfect fruit to eat. You should eat one or two after a meal for better results.

Boost Energy

Banana is loaded with so many nutrients including vitamin C, carbohydrates, antioxidants and potassium. Each of these nutrients works together to protect and energise the body.  This is why quite a number of athletes eat Bananas.

Deal with muscle cramps

Do you have muscle cramps almost every day? It is because your body lacks potassium. So with bananas having a reasonable amount of potassium, you can deal with muscle cramps by consuming more of it.

Healthy heart

Potassium is one of the essential nutrients for keeping your heart in good condition. The potassium eases the flow of blood from the heart to other parts of your body.

Prevent heartburn and stomach ulcers

You are likely to have heartburn after consuming a spicy meal. You can prevent this by eating Bananas. It is the same for stomach ulcers.

Low-calorie snack

Calories are units of energy you get from the foods you eat. People on a very low-calorie diet will complain of fatigue, constipation, nausea, and diarrhoea while the result of high calorie is weight gain and higher body fat. So, to get the balance of both ends, you should eat more bananas. Banana has a calorie count of 110.

Improve sight

Banana contains vitamin A which is good for the eyes. It enhances vision and also helps you sleep better at night.

Strengthen your bones

Manganese is an important nutrient for building strong bones and the ultimate source of manganese is Banana.

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel
+2348090747241

Anthony Joshua: The World Heavy Weight Champion

Anthony Joshua: The World Heavy Weight Champion

Anthony Joshua wins!  Anthony Joshua has become the unified heavyweight champion of the world by adding the WBA belt to his IBF title with an 11th-round stoppage of Wladimir Klitschko at Wembley Stadium. The 27-year-old Briton was knocked down in the sixth round but showed determination to bounce back and twice had Klitschko on the canvas in the penultimate round before the referee stepped in. 21 Likes 2 Shares

Re: Anthony Joshua: The World Heavy Weight Champion by SchoolCare(m):11:01pm On Apr

Save That Money! 6 Practical Tips for the Single Man

Save That Money! 6 Practical Tips for the Single Man

The average Nigerian dude (not necessarily the f*ckboy) wants to ball. You can’t really judge them either, because…you only live once. YOLO!

Monday to Thursday: you stay on the hustle, money must be made.

Fridays nights: back to back clubbing with the babes.

Saturdays: wedding and after party then lounge/drinking time with your bros.

Sundays: big boy brunch at Oriental and football time at the bar later in the day.

The lifestyle is the dream; however, except you have your own business or solid inheritance somewhere, this lifestyle cannot be sustainable -especially, if you are still a bachelor.

Even when they follow the best financial advice available (they work hard, spend less than they earn, save and invest) quite a percentage of single men still find they have to live pay cheque to pay cheque – with no savings.

Of course, this does not in any way imply that all the unattached men in Nigeria are flunking their finances or are in a hopeless position when it comes to money. Some men just face specific challenges, when it comes to managing their cash.

The state of the country’s economy plays a huge role in this dreary financial picture; as such, opting for just the basics when it comes to making financial changes may not be ideal.

Single dudes should consider taking on some of these hands-on money rules:

Rent must not exceed half of your monthly earnings

Yes, you want to live alone, have your own place and be independent, but you should not spend a fortune or run into debt renting an apartment. Ensure your monthly rent is not more than half of your total earnings per month. For instance, if you earn N100,000 per month ensure you do not rent a place that costs more than N25,000 per month. This means that you would be looking out for a space that would possibly cost you N300,000 per year.

It’s easy to get sold on the dream of emancipation from parents and total independence, but if it’s going to jack up your bills, it’s probably not a wise financial move. If you must rent a space, consider getting flatmates and move up from there.

Opt for hobbies that don’t require an upkeep cost

As a dude, you have a number of hobbies and activities you engage in, to keep life eventful and interesting. It could be fitness, or just games for leisure. The thing is, a number of these hobbies require ongoing upkeep costs; from club membership dues, to cost of supplies, uniforms, and even trips/get-togethers.

While it is definitely alright to have hobbies, just make sure you go for one that requires minimal maintenance or even none at all. For instance, no matter how much you love golf, you may want to put that off for later, when you are more finically stable. Not only do you have to register to use the golf course, you have to get the outfits and the need for fresh supplies are almost endless. You may want to consider alternatives like playing music, on an instrument you already have, or even football with friends or colleagues.

Cut down on eating out

Yes, you want to join in on the Sunday brunches with colleagues; you want to prove to your girlfriend, who loves fancy food, that you are enough for her; you also want to order from ‘The Place’ like your colleagues, instead of brining something homemade or buying from the lady across the road and being the “stingy” or “low-class” one. But if you are concerned with upgrading your financial status, you will have to skip these splurges. They seem small, but actually, they accumulate and take a toll on your finances. You will be surprised to find out that sometimes, the cost of the daily take-out is what, over time, separates the rich dude from everyone another dude the wrong side of the thin money line.

Acquire cars based on reliability and fuel efficiency…otherwise, use public transport

There is the assumption that owning a car makes a dude more appealing. Before using your life’s savings to buy a car, you must at least consider two factors.

Ask yourself: how reliable is the car? How fuel-efficient is it? Answering these questions lets you know if you would be actually making an investment by buying the car, or acquiring a liability.

This is because fuel bills and repair bills are serious money drainers when you own a car. Do not just jump and buy any car just because it is cheap and it still moves. If you cannot say for sure that it is reliable and fuel-efficient, get on with public transport. And by public transport, I don’t mean Uber and Taxify.

There is absolutely nothing wrong with commuting to work in a bus or keke napep. It is actually a better option as it is incredibly faster in rush-hour traffic. It’s also cheaper when you consider the fuel, oil and other maintenance costs of running the car. You save more and you upgrade yourself financially.

When shopping, use the 30-day rule

Believe it or not, shopping is not a “girl” thing. Guys love to shop too. When shopping – online or in-store, it is important that you adhere to the 30-day rule. The rule simply implies that you wait 30 days after your first serious impulse before buying the expensive item, no matter how essential you think it is. Waiting 30-days give you enough time to do research and ascertain the impact it could have on you financially, and whether you even really want it or not. Sometimes we are deluded by brief fascination and end up spend a lot of money on something that we will never use and may not improve our lives in any way.

The 30-day rule gives you the time to come back to reality and make the sane decision.

Don’t borrow money to invest

Every financial guru will tell you to invest your money in something, if you want to be financially stable in future.

While this is great advice, you must also ensure that you do not use borrowed money (money that is not originally yours) to invest…no matter how lucrative the investment seems or how much of an asset you assume it will be.

In the case where the investment you want to make is either a fixed deposit or bond, you will eventually find that the dividends may not able to match the rate of interest you pay on the loan. Again, even investments, such as equities, that offer higher returns, can be too risky.

By Nkem Ndem 
nkemndemv@gmail.com

6 Inexpensive Ways to Celebrate Workers

Workers are the life wire of any organisation. They are the ones who ensure that your day-to-day business operations work smoothly and uninterrupted. Hence, it is important to celebrate your workers so that they will continue giving their best. There is an opportunity now for you to appreciate them. It is worker’s day which is usually commemorated on the 1st of May of every year. So, if you have been wondering how to celebrate your employees or workers, Jumia Travel and Jumia Mobile Week share inexpensive and affordable ways to do this.

Say ‘thank you’

Saying thank you to workers may be considered as one of the most ridiculous and simplistic ways to celebrate workers. Regardless, if you have a boss that has never said thank you for a job well done, you will definitely be happy if he or she unexpectedly says thank you. It can go a long way in encouraging your workers to do more. However, do not to restrict your thank you to May 1st only.

Throw a party or take them to lunch

You can also throw a small office party where there will be music, foods and drinks. And if you don’t want to throw a party, you can take all of them for lunch at one of those fancy restaurant located in Niger Palace. You will notice the excitement and glow on their faces.

Host a friendly contest

Hosting a contest in the office can also be a way to celebrate employees. This will give them the opportunity to bond and get to know more about one another.

Present personalised gifts

You can also go out of your way to present personalised gifts to workers. Be assured that anything you present no matter how small will be appreciated. A greeting card wishing them happy worker’s day can go a long way.

Offer them shopping discount

Depending on your business, you can create a link specifically for your workers. Through the link, they can shop for any discounted items of their choice. Of course, they cannot get these items at that same discounted price elsewhere.

Take them to the beach

Workers day is a public holiday in Nigeria. You can invite all your workers and support staff for a beach party at Elegushi among other beaches in Lagos. Ensure you give them a treat!

By Adeniyi OGUNFOWOKE
PR Associate at Jumia Travel
+2348090747241

6 Ways To Deal With Insecurities

Insecurities have a way of interfering with our lives in very inconvenient and sometimes frustrating ways. This is why the need to deal with them can’t be overemphasized. Jumia Travel and Jumia Mobile Week share 6 ways to successfully deal with insecurities.

Vocalize Your Self-Critical Thoughts

The primary fuel for insecurities is the critical inner voice people have formed concerning certain area(s) of their lives out of painful or difficult life experiences. You need to learn to vocalize these self-critical thoughts or write them down in the second person, so rather than saying “I’m fat. I’m ugly”, you would instead say, “You’re fat. You’re ugly”. This process will help you separate these vicious attacks by seeing them as an external enemy or force, rather than your real point of view.

Expose the Critical Self Thoughts

What insights and reactions do you have when you separate yourself from those critical self thoughts? Do they remind you of anyone or any specific thing from your past? Asking yourself these questions will eventually help you discover the relationship between these insecurities and early life experiences. After this, it will be easier to understand why they are there and will be much easier to address them, reject them and move on from them.

Make Connections

After exposing the critical self thoughts, you should settle down and make connections between the voice attacks and your present day behaviors. You need to ask yourself, “How are these voice attacks or critical thoughts influencing my behaviors?”, “What are these attacks or insecurities making me do, or what are they holding me back from doing?”, “What events trigger these voice attacks?”, “In what areas are my insecurities most influential?”.

Stand Up to Your Insecurities

People often struggle with this process, but it requires determination and a strong will to be free of these insecurities. You have to decide that enough is enough. Once you’ve exposed the critical self thoughts, it’s time to confront them and respond to these critical voice attacks. You respond to these voice attacks strictly and confront them with statements about who you want to be, not what the voice says you are. You can also respond to the attacks the way you would a friend – with compassion and kindness.

Your Feelings Don’t Dictate Your Reaction

Standing up to your insecurities means that you understand that the fact that you might still feel insecure doesn’t matter. Insecurities aren’t feelings; they are mindsets you have to deal with. Stop being emotional about it and concentrate on getting rid of that mindset. Keep saying ‘no’ to the mindset, keep rejecting the insecure mindset until it’s gone.

Avoid Your Triggers or Learn to Live With Them

Once you’ve identified your triggers of insecurity, it will be easier to avoid them if you can. However, if you can’t avoid them, the next thing is to learn to live with them. This is also easy but requires a bit more effort. We are not born with insecurities, insecurities are learned behaviours; it’s only that they are learned unconsciously. Learning to live with your insecurities means taking active steps to learn new behaviours around your triggers to override the ones that fuel your insecurities. Over time (30 days according to scientific research), the triggers will lose their effect on you. But you have to be determined and not give up throughout the process.

By Damilola Ojo
PR Associate Jumia Travel
+2348101556883

Birthday Message To Eyitayo Jegede by Yemifash

BIRTHDAY LETTER TO THE MAN OF THE PEOPLE, EYITAYO JEGEDE SAN.

April 26 2017.

Dear Sir,


I am writing to wish you a happy birthday and to thank you for your service to Humanity, thank you for your brave and fearless leadership you are an inspiration and I hope you have many more years to keep the good work.

You are a fantastic role model for all those seeking to understand how to make an impact with their life, you have proven yourself to be a leader of ethics and morality.

You have exhibited uncommon wisdom, remarkable vision, and exemplary leadership, you have been a role model and an example of selfless giving to this generation and I am proud to hold you as someone worthy of emulation.

You have been an inspiration to progressive youths like me as we strive to improve our democracy, there is no better time to appreciate and congratulate you than on the occasion of your birthday.

Today I join other well-wishers to celebrate your life, I wish you many more years in your mission to change lives. HAPPY BIRTHDAY sir.


Oluyemi Fasipe
@YemieFash

http://www.vanguardngr.com/2017/04/encomium-eyitayo-jegede-marks-birthday/

Niger Delta, maginalisation and marginal oil fields

Written by the Editorial Board of The Guardian Newspaper

The report the other day that the Federal Government plans to defuse tension in the oil-rich but volatile Niger Delta area by awarding indigenes of the region marginal oil fields, is not just intriguing, it leaves a sour taste in the mouth as it represents another tokenism to which the marginalised region has been historically treated.

According to the strategic peace and conflict resolution plan, the deal is said to be in line with the government’s larger objective of reducing major incidents of restiveness by about 90 per cent by next year. Over the years, there have been agitations over oil resource ownership, which have become intense with reports backed with data that about 90 per cent of deep-water viable oil blocks and marginal oil fields are in the hands of elements from parts of the country other than the oil bearing area.

If the plan comes through, the ownership structure of the nation’s petroleum assets will begin to change hands and subsequently the restive host region, which has for decades suffered economic deprivation and environmental degradation on account of these resources, will be part of the ownership structure. Besides, the security of the assets will be guaranteed, in this connection.

This is the new gospel of peace building in the volatile region, according to the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, who disclosed the deal recently in Lagos at the Oil and Gas Trade Group Roundtable organised by the Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce (NBCC). According to the minister, the plan is part of the larger “stability incentive scheme” under “a harmonised holistic development plan for the Niger Delta.”

On the big plan, Kachikwu said: “This will include creating stability incentive schemes – jobs, investments, contracting opportunities for the zone, and the use of marginal fields’ allocations to state governments and indigenes to help reduce tension and get buy-in without excluding the rest of the country.” The minister also promised that government would sustain institutional engagements with stakeholders in the Niger Delta region to nip agitations in the bud, while promising greater transparency in the industry’s operations.

Despite these sweet promises, Nigerians are concerned about the sustainability and viability of government’s efforts to sustain peace process in the area. What is more, while the gesture to include indigenes in the allocation of marginal oil fields seems desirable, how far can such allocations go in this age when the oil industry is facing various strains and stresses in the international market? This gesture, therefore, is mere tokenism when it is considered that it is only the power elite in the region that may be the beneficiaries of the new deal. The same big men in the area have been advocating this sharing formula instead of pursuing a strategic development agenda that will make the Niger Delta region a reference point in the development of critical infrastructure as in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital built from scratch since 1976 with revenue from the Niger Delta area. There are, indeed, no reasons to trust the power elite from the area, as they have been the major drivers of the ad-hoc development plans from OMPADEC through the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) to the Ministry of the Niger Delta Affairs. All of these interventionist establishments have not made much difference in the area.

Unfortunately, at this time when the bait of marginal oil fields is being dangled before Niger Delta’s elite, the future of the oil sector is uncertain as inherent challenges are mounting with volatile prices and disappearing markets. Besides, alternatives to petroleum are being developed and some old buyers (importers) of the products such as the United States have become exporters.

Government can aim for peace in the Niger Delta region, but it should not seek to achieve that without dispensing justice. Without justice and equity for the area, the peace process will not endure.

In the main, the emphasis being placed on oil blocks by the government should be seen for what it is: a blackmail against the Niger Delta people.

Sixteen demands were presented to the President when the area’s elders met the president a few months ago. Some of the major demands included the community’s involvement in oil management, relocation of corporate and operational headquarters of multinational oil companies to Niger Delta, fiscal federalism, among others.

The demand for oil blocks was just a subsidiary. The basis for the subsidiary demand is that over the years when the military was in power, leaders used their discretional powers to award so many oil blocks to certain people while the Niger Delta people who own the oil did not have the same privilege.

The weightier matter of governance is how to dream big for the Niger Delta and all of Nigeria beyond oil resource appropriation, allocation and sharing unjustly by the central government in a warped federal system. Even as posterity or indeed history reserves a harsh verdict for past leaders of Niger Delta extraction who have wasted unlimited opportunities to improve the lot of the people, there should be a realistic and big agenda for the Niger Delta. Above all, political leaders from the area and those who desire peace in Nigeria should also note that the most pragmatic solution that all Nigerians will benefit from is a recourse to (fiscal) federalism that will make regional development plans easier within the context of resource and land ownership in a proper federation.
Nigeria is a member of the Forum of Federation with its headquarters in Canada. But what is practised in Nigeria today is still too far from federalism. It is over-centralisation. And that is why a leader can sit down in Abuja and allocate oil blocks to privileged citizens at his own whim and caprice.

Even if most of the oil blocks are allocated to Niger Delta, that will not bring peace and justice to Nigeria. Only federalism in its purest form can.

6 Things To Consider Before Renting An Apartment For The First Time

When you become a part of the private rented sector for the first time, there are a number of things you have to consider to ensure you are not cheated and that you’re in a secure and safe tenancy. Jumia Travel, the leading online travel agency, shares 6 things you as a first time renter should consider before renting an apartment.

Tenancy Contracts

Though they tend to be long, confusing and full of legal jargon, it is important to avoid the temptation of just skipping to the end and signing it without reading. A tenancy contract is a legally binding document that mandates your landlord to do certain things that you definitely should be aware of to avoid being taken by a rude surprise.

Upfront Costs

It’s easy for first-time renters to forget that aside monthly or yearly rent, there are also upfront costs of renting an apartment and you’ll almost always have to complete the payment of the costs before you can move into the apartment. You should prepare and plan ahead for these costs to avoid a rude shock in this area.

Long Term Costs

Aside monthly or yearly rent, there are other utility payments like electricity, water etc. that you have to consider. You need to be sure if certain utilities are covered by your rent and provided for or if you will have to either source for them or pay for them.

Take a Meter Reading Before Signing on the Dotted Line

Landlords are fond of passing on previous electricity bills to new and unsuspecting tenants. Ensure you are not a victim of this by taking a meter reading of the electricity meter when you come to inspect the house. You can also request to see evidence that electricity bills have been paid to date and there are no outstanding bills left for you to shoulder. Please ensure you do this to avoid being charged by PHCN for electricity previous tenants used.

Safety and Appearance of the Neighbourhood

Many first-time renters often get carried away with the excitement of renting their first apartment and forget to assess the safety of the neighbourhood their renting the apartment in. Please ensure you do not make this mistake. Landlords will hardly be truthful or sincere about the safety of the neighbourhood of their apartments, so you have to ask around and make necessary enquiries. You can talk to one or two people who live and work around the area to get information about what the area is really like.

Accessibility

Try to get an apartment that has an easy or relatively easy access to public transportation, provision stores, medical facilities or anything else you consider important to your living situation. This will help make life in the apartment easier for you.

By Damilola Ojo
PR Associate Jumia Travel
+2348101556883

READ MORE Who is Emmanuel Macron, favourite to become France's next president?

• READ MORE

Who is Emmanuel Macron, favourite to become France's next president?

Many of the wives of French leaders have found a place in the history books: Queen Marie-Antoinette’s lavish spending contributed to the fall of the French monarchy in the late 18th century and Empress Josephine was divorced because she couldn’t give Napoleon an heir. In 1914, Prime Minister Joseph Caillaux’s wife Henriette killed the editor of the newspaper Le Figaro because he was a political threat to her husband.

If the Macrons become the next residents of the Elysee palace, Brigitte will join a list of colourful first ladies.

In the 1980s and 1990s, while Socialist president Francois Mitterrand led a double life with the mother of his illegitimate daughter Mazarine, his wife Danielle had a love life of her own. Bernadette Chirac suggested to a biographer that she silently put up with the many infidelities of her husband Jacques, while Nicolas Sarkozy’s wife Cecilia left him for her lover just six months after he took office in 2007. In 2014, President Francois Hollande’spartner Valerie Trierweiler published a bitter tell-all book on him after his liaison with actress Julie Gayet became public.

For Macron and his wife, the challenge if he takes office in May will be to not let their unusual personal history — the couple’s age difference is the same as Donald and Melania Trump, only in reverse — become a distraction. The next French president enters a post-Brexit vote, post-Trump-election world facing a domestic economy that has made an anaemic recovery with an unemployment rate still at 10 percent.

An outspoken 5-foot-4 inch former high school French literature and Latin teacher, Brigitte comes from a bourgeois family, named Trogneux, renowned for its chocolate factory in the Northern French town of Amiens. She was a drama coach at the private Jesuit school in the town in 1992 when she met 15-year-old Macron. He acted in her theatre pieces, with their association slowly developing into a romance that pushed her to divorce her husband and the father of her three children. 

“We don’t have a classic family, that’s an undeniable reality”

Even after more than a decade-long marriage, their extraordinary union raises eyebrows and is bound to draw attention if and when the Elysee palace spotlights are turned on them.  

Source: Independent