Northern Elders Forum Says Ango Abdullahi Is Not Speaking For Them

The leaders of the Northern Elders Forum NEF, have distanced themselves from the comments made by their spokesperson Abdullahi Ango, on the controversial ultimatum some Northern Youths gave to Igbos residing in the region. Ango at a press conference in Kaduna state yesterday, claimed the elders were in total support of the youths.


However the deputy chairman of NEF, Elder Paul Unongo, says Abdullahi is on his own in backing the ignorant youths.

“I am the Deputy Leader of the Northern Elders Forum and Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule is the leader. So, only the two of us can speak for the forum on sensitive matter like this. Therefore, if Professor Ango Abdullahi is backing those ignorant youths, then he is speaking for himself. We cannot support the nonsense those boys said. We fought civil war with our blood to keep Nigeria one. So, any Nigerian can live in any part of the country he feels like. Igbos are welcome in the North, they are welcome in Yoruba land and my own village in Tiv land and they have right to pursue their daily bread and own property. We couldn’t have killed three million people to keep Nigeria one and come back and allow these kids (the Northern Youth Groups) to insult our intelligence. We knew why we fought the war, we knew why we killed the people we loved. We knew why we made the sacrifice of three million men dead. So, Northern Elders Forum cannot take same position as those young men, if at all they took a position. So, if the young men cannot build a nation, they should not destroy the one we put our lives on the line to build for them. We cannot allow young men who did not fight the civil war with us to destroy our country, because Nigeria cannot afford another civil war,” he said.

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Kane Denies Scotland as He Saves England With a Famous Victory

GLASGOW, Scotland -- Here are three points from Scotland and England's 2-2 draw in World Cup qualifying.


1). Kane saves England, denies Scotland
An injury-time goal from captain Harry Kane saved England from defeat to Scotland by salvaging a 2-2 draw at Hampden Park after Leigh Griffiths thought he had won the game with two free kicks in the last four minutes of normal time. Earlier, England had gone ahead through substitute Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain.

The result doesn't make a huge amount of difference to either side's qualifying chances. England remain top of Group F, while Scotland's hopes of reaching the World Cup in Russia remain remote. But the point might prove more significant to Strachan and his chances of staying in a job than anything else.

The game started with the sort of frantic pace that the deafening atmosphere demanded: Passing was imprecise, tackles flew, and Scott Brown got booked for trying to demolish Dele Alli's Achilles in the third minute. Chris Smalling almost produced a moment of the purest slapstick when he sliced a clearance over his own bar, but after that, the game calmed down.

England were the better team but were hardly playing scintillating football, and their best chance of the opening half-hour came when Kane failed to keep down a left-footed half-volley. It was thus something of a surprise that by the 20th minute, Scotland had gone ultra-defensive, barely allowing nine of their outfield players to advance higher than 40 yards from their own goal. Griffiths, on his own up front, resembled an energetic dog chasing a ball around as his owner lolled in a deck chair.

The hosts were a little more adventurous in the second half and thought they had a penalty when Griffiths tumbled under a clumsy challenge from Kyle Walker, but referee Paolo Tagliavento peered at the incident before waving away Scotland protests as the crowd seethed.

Jake Livermore, quietly impressive at the base of midfield for England, had a shot that took a colossal deflection before clanking into the post, but otherwise the away side struggled to create any meaningful chances. Kane didn't have much by way of service, but the Premier League's top scorer looked out of sorts.

But on 70 minutes came the breakthrough. As Scotland defenders dithered in the area, Oxlade-Chamberlain, brought on for Marcus Rashford to add a little more spark to England's attack, pounced on the loose ball. He cut in before taking a left-footed shot that Craig Gordon, who reacted to most shots as if the ball were on fire all day, let through his defences.

As the clock ticked to 86 minutes, it looked like England would see things out. Then came two nearly identical goals in three minutes that sent Scottish supporters into ecstasy. First, Gary Cahill was penalised around 25 yards from goal, allowing Griffiths to step up and curl a perfect shot over the wall and beyond Joe Hart.

Then another free kick was given, this time a little harshly, as Jake Livermore slipped rather than deliberately fouled Chris Martin. Hart moved to cover more of the side into which Griffiths put his first kick, so the striker simply placed the ball over the wall and into the other corner.

The game was over, surely. But in the third minute of stoppage time, Raheem Sterling crossed from the left, and Kane made up for his previously quiet display by arriving at the back post to slide the ball home.

2). Familiar faults for Southgate to ponder

England are usually pretty good at qualifiers. In fact, they haven't lost one since 2009, when Fabio Capello's already qualified team lost to Ukraine. You have to go back as far as that soggy 2007 night at Wembley, when Steve McClaren's men lost to Croatia, for the last time they lost a "live" match of this type.

But Gareth Southgate's side came within seconds of losing this one, and ultimately, the draw might prove more valuable for England's mentality than damaging to their chances of qualifying for Russia. It will take a significant collapse for them to miss out, but this game provided a few concerns for Southgate to ponder.

First, there's the inability to break down stubborn opponents. England had most of the play in the first half and much of the second but couldn't find a way through Scotland's massed ranks, despite the assorted talents of Kane, Alli, Rashford and Adam Lallana.

This is not a Scotland side with an especially watertight defence, so all of those Premier League stars might have expected to do better. Then there's the issue of throwing away a lead, though there wasn't a massive amount that Hart could do about Scotland's first free kick, and he overcompensated for the second.

Southgate has been working on England's mental strength in recent months, trying to avoid a repeat of the Iceland game at Euro 2016, which was archly referenced by Scotland fans rolling out the "thunderclap" during the second half here. At the very least, the positive that England's manager will be able to take is that England didn't wilt in Glasgow as they did last summer in Nice.

3). Job-saving draw for Strachan?
It was something of a surprise when Gordon Strachan managed to stay in his job after Scotland's 3-0 defeat to England in November. It wasn't so much the result as the nature of the limp and unadventurous performance. For 87 minutes, it looked like a similar story on Saturday.

After an initial burst of energy, when it looked like Scotland would try to press and harry England into errors, Strachan's men sat back and seemed perfectly happy to string most of their team across the pitch, near the edge of their own area, and hope to keep England at bay. When Oxlade-Chamberlain scored, Strachan's departure loomed, but then up stepped Griffiths, only to be denied all the glory by Kane.

The prevailing Scottish emotion must be confusing after this game. A draw might feel like a defeat after a 94th-minute equaliser, but on the other hand, they were losing at the 86-minute mark. For Strachan, the point and the rice-paper-thin gap between a draw and a victory could be enough to save his job.

Ultimately, though, this might prove to be a negative for Scotland if it keeps Strachan in the job when a fresh start might have been preferable -- not that he will care for the moment about that.

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See Reactions From Disappointed Nigerians Over The Defeat of Super Eagles By South Africa

For many years, the Nigerian Super Eagles has maintained dominance over the Bafana Bafana of South Africa, but today, it changed. South Africa finally defeated Super Eagles for the first time in a competitive game after 13 attempts and the internet can't keep calm. Nigerians are understandably disappointed at the team and they are expressing their anger on social media. See more reactions below..

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Amazing Prayer For The Time of Financially Problem

Many feel the tight bonds of their budget each month. How do we have faith that God will provide for us when we’re struggling to keep our lights on, gas in our car, and our growing children in clothes that fit? What about the ache to reach out to others when we lack the means to do it, or having to tell our kids they can’t join their peers because the budget is maxed out?


Every day we debate ourselves over what to spend our money on. When the incorrect choices we make affect our family, friends, and responsibilities, we can turn to God in prayer...

trusting that He is not waiting to mound a side of guilt on top of our conviction. He is waiting help us and guide us... even through the mistakes we continue to struggle with.

Father, praise You for saving us by Your indisputable grace. Nothing trumps Your just and loving hand. No poor decision we make, irresponsible purchase, or insurmountable debt can separate us from Your love.

Paul reminds us in Ephesians that there isn’t anything we can do to gain or lose our salvation. The freedom Christ won us on the cross is what it is. Nothing we do or say can add or subtract from His sacrifice… or from who He is.

Without a concrete Rock to stand on, we would drift along thinking that we somehow have the power to trump Your authority. Thank You for reminding us, through Your Word, that we do not. That You love us indisputably and always, whether we are precise accountants or frivolous spenders.

You know who we are, and You know our heart’s intentions and our struggles. You are the only one equipped to balance and judge where we are at. You consistently say that we are Yours and remind us, through Your Word, of Jesus’ sacrifice for us.

Father, we confess our financial challenges. In a society that lifts money up to such high importance, it’s extremely hard to battle our mind’s eye each day. Thank You for blessing us with money to spend, and help us to honor You with our choices. Forgive us for mindlessly buying things in dollar sections and store end-caps. Sometimes, there are things that we never knew we needed until the bright discount sticker catches our eye. Strengthen us in those moments to fight our impulses by yielding to the power of the Holy Spirit within us.

Help us to see our finances through Your eyes. You have a purpose and plan for our lives, and every cent we’re blessed with to manage. Stir our hearts to seek Your counsel on everything from buying dessert to a brand new car. Urge us to seek You in Your Word, and prayerfully consider Jesus’ example on this earth. We confess that we don’t often stop to think about what You want for our wallet over what we want. When new trends are just a swipe of the credit card away, stir in our hearts to fight temptation.

Jesus walked the earth simply, as a carpenter… without a flashy lifestyle. His miracles were something money couldn’t buy. Not then, and not now. God’s love and God’s plan look different for all of us, but His love does not rise and fall on a scale. He is everlasting, omnipotent, and sovereign. And He has chosen us. Created us. And called us good.

Our purpose on this earth is to help others. Whether we struggle to part with our money, or have trouble accepting God’s generous blessing, help us to be laser-focused on our conversation with You. When we look around to compare our finances with others, it will always cause our hearts unrest. We don’t have the privilege of knowing people inside and out and from the moment of their creation like You do. We assume wealthy equals satisfied. But only Christ holds the key to all happiness.

Whether we seek careers or possessions to heighten our visibility in society, none will ever satisfy or compare to Jesus’ love. Help us to follow Christ in our daily lives. Prayer is life changing, that You promise us. We lift up the bills that puzzle and scare us to You. Guide us, direct us, and equip us to trust You more and more in the daily direction of our financial lives.

Thank You for providing for us, Father. Just the fact that we are skimming over these words is prove that You’ve provided for another day for us. Bless our finances, and help us to seek You first in everything, each day. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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Tech: Bid For Toshiba's Semiconductor Chips To Be Increase by $18 Billion - Western Digital

Western Digital Corp plans to raise its offer for Toshiba Corp’s prized semiconductor unit to 2 trillion yen ($18 billion) or more, a person familiar with the matter said, marking a last-ditch effort to clinch a deal that both companies consider vital.


The U.S. chipmaker’s new offer, to be presented by Thursday when the struggling Japanese conglomerate is to decide a preferred bidder for its Toshiba Memory Co unit, will be in the form of a debt purchase, to avoid antitrust concerns over the proposed purchase of the world’s second-largest producer of NAND memory chips, the person told.

Reuters on Saturday.

A spokesman for Western Digital had no comment. Toshiba could not immediately be reached for comment. Toshiba had set a 2 trillion yen threshold for the sale. It is rushing to find a buyer to cover billions of dollars in cost overruns at its now-bankrupt U.S. nuclear business Westinghouse Electric Corp.

Western Digital has been bidding in a consortium led by a Japanese government-backed fund, but Toshiba on Friday expressed dissatisfaction with that bid.

Toshiba has been favoring a rival bid from U.S. chipmaker Broadcom Ltd, which has partnered with U.S. private equity firm Silver Lake to offer 2.2 trillion yen, people familiar with the matter have told
Reuters.

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Tech: Whatsapp Brings New Features Which Allows Users To Report People or Group as Spam

WhatsApp rolled out a new feature on Android making it possible for users to report contacts and groups as spam.


According to a report by wabetainfo.com , this new feature works similar to the Truecaller functionality of reporting calls by unknown numbers as spam. Previously, it was only possible to report unknown users and groups where you were added as spam.


The company has also updated the Android version with the new album feature. This feature was recently rolled out for the iOS version of WhatsApp. Thanks to albums, you will be able to share multiple photos and videos at once and they will be grouped together, saving space in the chat screen. Forwarding of photos will now be easier. In Android, you can also select the album and that isn’t possible on iOS.


This comes days after WhatsApp has just received a new update for iOS that brings in photo filters, automatic albums in chats, and the ability to send quick replies. The new update also introduces filters that can be added directly to GIFs, photos, and videos shared via WhatsApp camera. Users can also choose existing media on their device to add any of the five filter options which include pop, black and white, cool, chrome, and film.

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5 Amazing Things That Occur During Sleep

Sleeping seems like such an unremarkable event, but there is so much more to sleep than we realize. Here are 5 amazing things that happen when you sleep.


Check below..

1). You Sleep in Stages
When you first fall asleep, you typically have a sleep cycle that starts with the NREM (non-rapid eye movement) stage, before you progress into a deeper NREM 2 and then NREM 3 (also called slow wave sleep). You finally land in the rapid eye movement (REM) stage of sleep, which is the stage most of your dreams occur. All these stages happen between 90 to 120 minutes, after which you wake up for like a second (most times without even realizing it) and then begin stage 1 again.

2). Your Body Temperature Drops
This is why it’s so easy to fall asleep when in a cool room or after a cool shower. This coolness actually mimics what your body is doing naturally, making it easier for you to immediately sleep off, because while you sleep your core temperature drops. In addition, during the REM stage of your sleep, your body is unable to thermoregulate, so if you get cold, your body won’t shiver to build up inner warmth, until you’re awake.

3). You’re Temporarily Paralyzed
But only for a few minutes - like 20 minutes. This paralysis usually happens during the REM stage (where most of your dreams occur). It’s what sometimes prevents you from acting out your dreams. So you might be an action hero in the dream world, jumping up and down, fighting here and there, but in the real world you’re curled up on your side, sleeping like a baby. However, the paralysis doesn’t last for very long.

4). Your Body Regulates Hunger Hormones When You Sleep
This is why you feel hungry when you wake up after having poor quality sleep. Unfortunately, you tend to eat higher- calorie foods when you feel this hunger, leading to weight gain. Hunger-regulating hormones are unable to work as they should when you don’t sleep well, this is why sleeping well is recommended for those who either want to keep fit or lose some weight.

5). Hypnagogic Jerk
This is the feeling of falling you get as you’re falling asleep or sometimes when you’re even asleep. Sometimes you can start dreaming before your body has reached the REM stage, and these jerks might occur then, in response to you acting out a dream of falling on or tripping over something. Hypnagogic jerks are more likely to happen when you’re overtired, sleep-deprived or stressed, when your brain can aggressively enter into sleep cycles before your body has had a chance to catch up.

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APC Leader, Bola Tinubu Spotted at His Grand Daughter's Naming Ceremony In London (See Photos)

Former Gov of Lagos and National APC leader, Bola Tinubu was yesterday in London with his political friends to attend his grand daughter's naming ceremony.

Seyi and his Layal, welcomed their pitter patter of tiny feet named Noella in London on Friday June 2,2017

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Meet Nigerian Lady Graduates From Southeastern University Lakeland As Best Student (See Photos)

Another Nigerian lady, Emiene Amali-Adekwu from Jos, Plateau state, has done the country proud in the United States. She graduated with a 4.0 CGPA at Southeastern University, Lakeland in the US.

According to reports, she is the best student the school has had since it was established.


Congratulations!.

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Cristiano Ronaldo Brace Got Cruised By Portugal as Sweden Stun France Late

Cristiano Ronaldo provided two goals and an assist to lead Portugal to a 3-0 win over Latvia in a World Cup qualifier on Friday.


Ronaldo was twice denied by Latvia keeper Andris Vanins in the first half, and after persistent fouling did not hide his frustration from the referee.

But he found the breakthrough with four minutes until half-time after Jose Fonte's shot struck the inside of the post and caromed across the goal for Ronaldo to head in from a yard out.

Ronaldo's second came from even closer to the goal line in the 63rd minute as Ricardo Quaresma's cross took a deflection and the Real Madrid star rose highest to nod the ball home.

Four minutes later, Ronaldo could have tried for a hat trick but unselfishly played the ball across for Andre Silva to score instead. Silva had started the play by dispossessing defender Kaspars Gorkss, and though the ball was quickly played in to Ronaldo, he spotted his teammate entering the box and supplied the assist.

Ronaldo leads all of UEFA World Cup qualifying with 11 goals, three ahead of Poland's Robert Lewandowski.

Portugal remained three points back of Group B leaders Switzerland, who are still perfect through six games after a 2-0 win at Faroe Islands.

Granit Xhaka opened the scoring just before the break, playing a one-two with Blerim Dzemaili, then dancing his way around a defender and into the box before shooting across goal.

Xherdan Shaqiri added a Swiss second before the hour mark, taking a Dzemaili pass before shooting between the keeper's legs.

Adorra dealt a major blow to Hungary's hopes of catching the top two with a 1-0 win, Marc Rebes scoring the only goal with a header midway through the first half.

The victory was Andorra's first in World Cup qualifying since they beat Macedonia in October 2004.

Several Andorra players were in tears after the final whistle, having secured their first victory in 66 competitive matches.

Sweden were last-gasp winners against France to go level on points atop Group A when Ola Toivonen struck from midfield in stoppage time to beat an out-of-position Hugo Lloris and claim a 2-1 victory in Stockholm.

With the game looking set to end level, Lloris made a huge blunder while trying to dribble the ball out of his own box. He then misplayed a pass to midfield that Toivonen struck first time from 58 yards away, beating the France keeper before he could get back and sending the crowd into delirium.

Olivier Giroud had opened the scoring for France -- minutes after missing a close-range header -- with a superb volley from the left side of Sweden's penalty area that left Robin Olsen no chance and gave Les Bleus a 1-0 lead.

But just ahead of half-time, Sweden struck back with a fine indiviudal effort from Jimmy Durmaz, who lashed home a first-time half-volley from a Ludwig Augustinsson cross to make it 1-1 at the break.

With neither team able to break the deadlock, Didier Deschamps brought on Monaco pair Kylian Mbappe and Thomas Lemar for Antoine Griezmann and Dimitri Payet in the 75th minute.

Lemar nearly set Giroud up with his first touch of the game, but his in-swinging cross was just out of the reach for the Arsenal striker at the back post.

Netherlands ran out 5-0 winners against Luxembourg in Dick Advocaat's first game back as manager of the Dutch.

Arjen Robben gave the returning manager, who'd coached the team twice before, a perfect start in the 21st minute, the Bayern Munich striker picking up a Wesley Hoedt through ball and firing home with his left foot for a 1-0 lead. The strike pulled Robben level with Johan Cruyff and Abe Lenstra for the seventh-most goals in Netherlands history with 33.

Wesley Sneijder marked the occasion of his 33rd birthday by doubling Netherlands' lead with a low line drive from 18 yeards to beat Ralph Schon after Memphis Depay sprang him with a nice flick at the top of the penalty area. The goal was Sneijder's 31st for his country in his 131st appearance, making the Galatasaray midfielder the most-capped Dutch player in history ahead of Edwin van der Sar.

A poor clearance by Luxembourg led to the hosts' third goal when Georginio Wijnaldum left no doubt with a curling first-time shot from the top of the area to pad Netherlands' lead.

Substitute Quincy Promes added his team's fourth with a close-range header following a Stefan de Vrij cross and with the outcome -- and a needed three points -- already assured for Advocaat's side, Vincent Janssen made it 5-0 from the penalty spot after being hauled down in the box by Schon.

The win saw Netherlands leapfrog Bulgaria, who lost 2-1 away to strugglers Belarus, into third spot in the group table.

Belarus were surprise 1-0 leaders at half-time with the opener from the penalty spot, Mikhail Sivakov converting after Denis Laptev was hauled down in the area by Bulgaria's Bozhidar Chorbadzhiyski.

Try as they might, the Bulgarians could not draw level and conceded a second when Pavel Sawicki's shot found the top left corner after Stanislav Dragun had teed him up to give Belarus a 2-0 lead.

The visitors clawed one back with a stoppage-time goal from Georgi Kostadinov, but there was no time for an equaliser and Bulgaria could come to rue the slip against their second-bottom opponents if they fail to qualify for Russia.

Belgium maintained their lead atop Group H with a 2-0 defeat of Estonia at the A. Le Coq Arena.

The Belgians are yet to lose in qualifying thus far, taking 16 points from six matches, and were on the scoreboard after the half-hour.

Kevin De Bruyne's cross from the right was mishandled by Estonia goalkeeper Mihkel Aksalu into the path of Dries Mertens, who comfortably slotted home at the far post.

Belgium then put the game away in the 86th minute through Nacer Chadli, who slotted home a De Bruyne pass from close range.

Second-placed Greece battled to a goalless draw with third-placed Bosnia and Herzegovina in Zenica to stay four points back of the leaders.

The draw puts Greece in the playoff position on 12 points from six matches, while the hosts sit on 11.

In the group's other match, fourth-placed Cyprus rallied to defeat last-placed Gibraltar 2-1.

Roy Chipolina's own goal gave the visitors an early advantage in the 10th minute
-- the defender leaping to cut off a Konstantinos Charalampidis chipped ball into the area and inadvertently looping his header over onrushing keeper Deren Ibrahim and into the empty net.

Gibraltar responded, though, 20 minutes later through Anthony Hernandez, who received a through-ball in the area and curled his right-footed shot around the keeper.

Cyprus then went in front for good in the 87th minute -- Pieros Sotiriou heading home Jason Demetriou's cross from the centre of the box to give the Cypriots a valuable three points.

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4 Ways To Stay Strong At The Difficult Time

Are you one to crumble at life’s circumstances? Or do you allow them to make you stronger?

When life brings something painful or you simply feel like your life is falling apart, how you respond makes all the difference in the world.


You and I can either react emotionally and escalate the drama of the situation. Or we can respond biblically and grow through it.

As I was writing my book, Drama Free, it occurred to me that there are two kinds of drama in life: 1) The drama that life brings and God allows; and 2) The drama that we create through our response to life.

The drama that life brings is inevitable. Yet how we respond to it determines whether or not it will be fruitful in our lives in conforming us to the image of Christ. Our response to the drama also determines whether God gets the glory or we shine the spotlight on our frailties, insecurities, and emotional instability.

With help from God’s Word, plus some practical guidance, you and I can be drama free – even when the unthinkable happens. Even when you are clearly a victim. Even when life takes an unexpected turn and you are caught in an overwhelming whirlwind of circumstances that would make any person lose it. Even then.

Here is the four ways that you can keep it together when it feels like your life is falling apart. (These four steps spell the word “CALM” which is what you can be if you practice them.). Check below..

C - Consider the bigger picture.
Life – and therefore every circumstance you encounter – is meant to conform you to the image of Christ. We know this because Romans 8:28-29 tells us: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…” Once you consider this, you can relax and realize God knows what He’s doing in the circumstances He’s allowing. And you can focus on passing the test, rather than failing it through unnecessary drama.

A – Acknowledge God is in control.
You are not at the whim of the weather or the most likely predicted outcome. You are not going to consider “averages” or statistics. You are going to trust the God of miracles and whatever He decides to do or not do, for your greater good. Try taking a look at God’s track record in the stories of the Bible. People went through trial after trial, but when they acknowledged God’s control and remained faithful to Him in spite of their circumstances, they experienced deliverance, protection, comfort, and peace. God has an excellent track record of honoring those who trust Him.

L – Look for the lesson.
The lessons are everywhere. And sometimes they aren’t the ones you think. Ask God to show you what He wants you to see in the moment, and then stay tuned to His instruction. I find it is helpful, and a reminder to me that God is working in my life, when I say aloud, “God, show me what You want me to see in this situation” or, “Mold me through this, God,” or, “Open my eyes to the truth of Who You are through this situation and my pain.” Maybe your short prayer is simply, “Change me through this, Lord Jesus.” By acknowledging that God is doing something through our situation, we won’t miss the lesson.

M – Make it a point to praise.
In 1 Thessalonians 5:18 we are instructed to “give thanks in all circumstances: for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Note that command says in all circumstances, even the unexpected, uncomfortable, and unwanted circumstances. As we thank God for our circumstances – and for whatever He determines to do through them – it will change our perspective and make us people who anticipate His provision, rather than dread the worst. That is displaying faith, rather than demonstrating fear or doubt.

Here is a prayer to start with, that encompasses each step toward finding your CALM:

Lord, Thank You that what is happening in my life right now did not take You by surprise. You understand the bigger picture of what is going on and I trust You with Your plan and purposes for my life. Thank You that You are in absolute control and You are fully able to conform me to the image of Christ through this ordeal as I surrender it to You. Show me what You want me to learn through this and help me to remain teachable and sensitive to Your Holy Spirit. I thank You that You are with me, that You will never leave me, and that You are drawing me closer to You through this situation so I can experience a more intimate relationship with You. May You receive glory for how I respond to all that Your loving hand has allowed in my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Photo of Olowo of Owo and Acting President, Yemi Osibajo At The State House, Abuja

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN received the Olowo of Owo, Oba Olateru Olagbegi who came on a courtesy visit at the State House, Abuja, 9th June 2017. See more photos below..

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Tech: "Infuse Development of Technology With Your Own Values" - Apple CEO, Tim Cook to Graduates at MIT

Apple CEO Tim Cook on Friday warned graduates at MIT, a pioneer in fields like computers and robots, about technology’s dehumanizing aspects and urged them to infuse its development with their own values.


“I’m not worried about artificial intelligence giving computers the ability to think like humans,” Cook said in his commencement speech at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. “I’m more concerned about people thinking like computers, without values or compassion, without concern for consequence.

Speaking to thousands of students and their families at MIT’s Cambridge, Massachusetts, campus, Cook praised the benefits of new devices and social media. But he also cautioned that the same technologies can divide people through threats to privacy or security, and said technology must be tempered with human knowledge.

“Technology is capable of doing great things, but it doesn’t want to do great things. It doesn’t want anything,” the Apple Inc chief executive said. “That part takes all of us.” Cook’s speech did not break new ground for him as head of the world’s most valuable technology company but added some context around some of his past decisions, such as taking controversial stances to protect privacy rights and investing heavily in green technologies.

Cook has criticized President Donald Trump’s policies but offered only a gentle joke at the president’s expense on Friday, telling students it is obvious they have taken over Trump’s Twitter account.

“I can tell college students are behind it because most of the tweets happen at 3 a.m.,” Cook said. His 15-minute talk stood in contrast to a lengthier graduation speech his predecessor, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, gave at MIT rival Stanford University in 2005, in which Jobs outlined his free-thinking background and told graduates to find work they loved.

Cook took a more conventional career path to the top of Apple, where he became CEO in 2011 after stints at IBM and Compaq. Cook, who is openly gay but famously circumspect, gave few details about his own life on Friday except to outline what he described as a frustrating search for meaning until joining Apple.

He said at one point he sought guidance in religion and last year met with Pope Francis, who Cook said reinforced his own sense that technology must be harnessed with strong values. He said Francis told him, “Never has humanity had such power over itself, yet nothing ensures that it will be used wisely.”

Reuters

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Prayer of The Day!

May we keep meeting friends that will stretch us to bring out the best in us, in Jesus' name. (Amen!)

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2017/2018 NECO Marketing Answer

OBJ

1-10:  CCDDBCBDEE
11-20: ACCABDDDCB
21-30: BACEEADADA
31-40: CBCBECECAE
41-50: BEABADEEAB
51-60: DBADEACBEE


1a)Warehousing Is the action or process of storing goods in a warehouse and the building up of a holding of shares in a company by buying numerous small lots of shares in the names of nominees, in order to make a takeover bid while remaining anonymous.

1b)
1. Receiving of Goods
2. Preparation of Record
3.Identification
4. Storing

1. Receiving of Goods:- It is the basic important function of the warehouse. When goods are handed over by the producer, it accepts the goods and assumes the responsibility to deliver the goods. It issues the receipts of goods.

2. Preparation of Record:- The warehouse keeper checks the items of each shipment and prepares the record. All the record is maintained properly to avoid any problem at the time of delivery.

3. Identification:- After receiving the goods warehouse keeper marks the each items separately. He may use the code number or he may attach the tag for identification. Due to identification one can easily separate the goods of different firms.

4. Storing:- It is the major function of warehousing. The goods are kept safely in warehouse. Today all types of fruits are available in each season due to the storing facility. There is a proper protection of goods like food crops in the warehouses.


6a) Transportation is indispensible function of marketing . Transportation provides the physical means of carrying goods and persons from one place to another. In other words, it is concerned with carrying the goods from the places of production to the places of their consumption.

6b)
- Transportation links the different fixed facilities and markets and thus serves to neutralize the spatial separation of the facilities.
-As a marketing function, therefore, it increases the economic value of the products by creating time and place utilities and promoting possession utility.
-For the producer, the transportation aids in moving raw materials and other components from the suppliers to the plants and warehouses and from plants and warehouses to other plants. It also involves the movement of finished goods from the plants to the warehouses or distribution centers and to customers.
-The wholesaler transports goods from the warehouse or distribution centers to retailers.

8b)
-Awareness
- Informationm
- Persuasion -Attitudes

 - Awareness: One of the important roles of advertising is to create awareness of the product or services such as brand name and price. The awareness of the product or services can be created through highlighting the unique features of the brand. Nowadays, due to intense competition it is not just enough to create awareness, but top of mind awareness is needed.

- Information: Advertising helps to inform the target audience about the product. Providing information is closely related to creating awareness of the product. Potential customers must know about a product, such as product features and uses.

 ADVERTISEMENTS: Product information is very much required, especially when the product is introduced in the market, or when product modification is undertaken. Proper product information can help the consumers in their purchase decision.

 - Persuasion: When business firms offer similar products, the firm must not only inform the customers about the product’s availability, but also persuade them to buy it. Through persuasive messages, the marketers try to provide reasons regarding the superiority of their products as compared to others available in the market. Persuasion can be undertaken through creative advertising messages, product demonstration at trade fairs, offering free gifts, premium offers and organizing contests.

- Attitudes: Promotion is required to build or reinforce attitudes in the minds of target audience. The marketers expect the target audience to develop a favourable attitude towards their brands. Positive attitude towards the brand helps to increase its sales. Through promotional techniques like advertising, the marketer can correct negative attitude towards the product, if any. Negative attitude can also be corrected through public relations and advertising.

4b) "pick only two"
-functional structure
-divisional structure
-matrix

Functional Structure Functional structure is set up so that each portion of the organization is grouped according to its purpose. In this type of organization, for example, there may be a marketing department, a sales department and a production department. The functional structure works very well for small businesses in which each department can rely on the talent and knowledge of its workers and support itself. However, one of the drawbacks to a functional structure is that the coordination and communication between departments can be restricted by the organizational boundaries of having the various departments working separately.

Divisional Structure Divisional structure typically is used in larger companies that operate in a wide geographic area or that have separate smaller organizations within the umbrella group to cover different types of products or market areas. For example, the now-defunct Tecumseh Products Company was organized divisionally--with a small engine division, a compressor division, a parts division and divisions for each geographic area to handle specific needs. The benefit of this structure is that needs can be met more rapidly and more specifically; however, communication is inhibited because employees in different divisions are not working together. Divisional structure is costly because of its size and scope. Small businesses can use a divisional structure on a smaller scale, having different offices in different parts of the city, for example, or assigning different sales teams to handle different geographic areas.

Matrix The third main type of organizational structure, called the matrix structure, is a hybrid of divisional and functional structure. Typically used in large multinational companies, the matrix structure allows for the benefits of functional and divisional structures to exist in one organization. This can create power struggles because most areas of the company will have a dual management--a functional manager and a product or divisional manager working at the same level and covering some of the same managerial territory.

4c)
i)
Hierarchy :
The basic function of an organizational structure is to provide a clear chain of command and define which employees report to which managers. Many companies use multiple levels of management, where an associate reports to a manager who then reports to a director. The directors often report directly to the owners. The structure also shows who conducts performance evaluations for which employee: managers for associates and directors for managers, for example.

ii)
Teams :
Creating an organizational structure usually helps define teams who work closely together. These teams can be organized by department type, such as accounting or marketing, or by geographic region, such as all sales and administrative staff serving the Southeast. A team can also include all staff working on a specific project or product. The structure sets the teams, which typically report to the same manager or director. This helps ensure that all the staff members on the team are working toward the same goal, have well-defined job duties and can get to know each other to help balance each others' strengths and weaknesses.

iii)
Decision Making :
Employees understand to take important decisions to their managers, who might escalate them up the ladder if necessary. A structure helps define exactly who is the correct decision maker for each employee, although some businesses allow employees more decision-making abilities than others. In retail businesses, employees might make customer service decisions within certain parameters, such as refunds up to $100. In a marketing department, the staff can order collateral pieces up to the project's budget without management approval, for example. However, the organizational structure helps clearly define which decisions need management approval and who to go to for those decisions. Also, it shows who that manager reports to when decision appeals are necessary.

iv)
Advancement Potential :
Employees often are motivated by the opportunity to advance within the company for more responsibility and higher pay. An organizational structure provides that advancement opportunity with higher-level positions and a clear understanding of what those positions are responsible for. A successful structure assigns job duties to positions instead of people. As the people advance or change positions, the new person filling the vacancy takes on the same duties as the previous employee. This allows people who advance to know what duties will be expected in their new positions and to train the people who take over their old positions.

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