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- Excitement, Fun as Sprite Triple Slam Ends in Style in UNILAG
- DCLM Daily Manna, Thursday November 12, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi – Ruined Without Remedy
- Open Heavens 12 November 2015: Thursday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – Prayer Queries Roots
- Pastor Faith Oyedepo: True Mother! [Part 3]
- Gartner Recognizes Microsoft as Magic Quadrant Leader in ODBMS
- Brands and Authenticity: What can Big Cola learn from Indomie and Cowbell?
- Wike’s response to Biafra protests portrays incompetence, possible collusion – APC
- Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Wednesday November 11, 2015 Daily Devotional – Battle for the Powerful
| Excitement, Fun as Sprite Triple Slam Ends in Style in UNILAG Posted: 11 Nov 2015 07:44 PM PST
Held at the Indoor Sports Hall of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), the final activation had in attendance, multiple award-winning and international music act, D'banj as guest artiste, celebrity guest and Basketball promoter, Sound Sultan as well as Cool FM On Air Personality, Dotun as compere for the day.
According to Jemibewon, "Sprite Triple Slam brings to the fore the creativity of the Nigerian youth and is also a veritable avenue for true expression."
As with the other locations, the UNILAG activation was filled with loads of fun, energy and captivating performances from the students. The Dance category was particularly intriguing with lots of acrobatic display from the participants. Commenting on the event, 19-year-old Ikuomola Afolabi, who emerged one of the top players in the Basketball category lauded the initiative and described the activation as authentic and inspiring. Another participant in the Dance category, Ifionu Chukwunonso said that, "Just like Sprite promised in the media, Sprite Triple Slam has not only exceeded my expectation, it is now certainly one thing that, I will be looking forward to every year." On his affinity to the Sprite brand, Sound Sultan remarked that the brand is a firm supporter of his passion points; Music and Basketball. In his words, "I am here because of the love I have for the game, and fortunately Sprite supports my passion. I have seen incredible talents here today, I hope they keep it up because the sky is just their starting point." The event reached its climax with D'banj's enthralling performance. Starting with some of his recent songs; "Knocking on my door", "Bother you", "Top of the world" and "Don't tell me nonsense", the Kokomaster took the crowd on a journey back to his early days in Mo'Hits records, delivering some of the hit tracks such as "Suddenly", "Olorun Maje", and "Igwe". The Sprite Triple Slam activation took place at the University of Benin (UNIBEN), University of Calabar (UNICAL), University of Ibadan (UI), Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT), Imo state University (IMSU) and Rivers State University of Science and Technology(RSUST).  | ||||||||
| DCLM Daily Manna, Thursday November 12, 2015 by Pastor Kumuyi – Ruined Without Remedy Posted: 11 Nov 2015 06:55 PM PST  Topic: Ruined Without Remedy [Thursday November 12, 2015] Text: Revelation 18:9-20 Key Verse: "Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas, that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come" (Revelation 18:10). Alexander Maclaren, an English non-conformist minister of Scottish origin, noted: "In such a world as this, with such hearts as ours, weakness is wickedness in the long run. Whoever lets himself be shaped and guided by any thing lower than an inflexible will, fixed in obedience to God, will in the end be shaped into a deformity, and guided to wreck and ruin". The revelation of John the Beloved, depicted how Babylon, a city widely endowed with potential and real resources, was destroyed in just a brief moment. God found it guilty of many crimes. Babylon had made herself an enemy of God's people, opposing and fighting them. The city was responsible for the deaths of many of them. Babylon also plunged itself into sensual pleasures, idolatry and trafficking. The kings, who associated with it, were greatly infected with Babylon's evil ways. They worshipped the beast and turned away from God. But His anger came upon the city, and He destroyed her with fire. Her associates could only agonise in tears and sadness, but could not come to her rescue. They were assured that God would punish Babylon because of its sin. These kings became much worried when they saw what God did to Babylon and felt they could share the same fate; they could suffer as Babylon had suffered. Babylon's ruin is an indication that God is no respecter of persons. No matter how wealthy or influential you are in the society, God cannot lower His standard to accommodate you in His kingdom. When you allow relations, friends and business associates to lure you into sin, you will bear the consequences alone. The kings, merchants and ship owners could not rescue Babylon from the wrath of God. This is how it would be on the last day – the soul that sinneth shall die. Thought for the day: There are no sacred cows with God, the righteous Judge. Bible Reading in one Year: 2 Kings 1-2 DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.  | ||||||||
| Posted: 11 Nov 2015 05:36 PM PST  Topic: Prayer Queries Roots [Thursday 12 November, 2015] Memorise: Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. - Isaiah 40:24 Read: Isaiah 40:22-24 (KJV) 22 It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers; that stretcheth out the heavens as a curtain, and spreadeth them out as a tent to dwell in: 23 That bringeth the princes to nothing; he maketh the judges of the earth as vanity. 24 Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble. Bible in One Year: Job 8-11; 1 Thessalonians 5 MESSAGE: Jacob's experience at Peniel reveals that prayer addresses the foundation of problems (Genesis 32:24-30). In other words, it tackles the root cause. Most times, when attempts are made to solve a problem, the focus is on the peripheral or at the surface level. When you attack the symptoms of a problem but leave it roots, the problem may seem to fizzle out for a moment, only for it to make a powerful, formidable comeback. Prayer is so important that it can cause problems to receive queries from Heaven. After Jacob prayed, the root of his problems received a query from God. Genesis 32:27 says: "And he said unto him, What is thy name? And he said, Jacob." As you pray, God will query the foundation of your problems! The foundation of Jacobs's problem was his name. As he prayed, there was a divine shake-up. Some people do not believe that prayer can tackle problems emanating from their ancestry. They believe that since the particular problem affecting every member of their family from one generation to another began several generations ago, nothing can be done about it, especially if the person it all started with is dead. Nothing can be further from the truth! Why is Jesus the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End if He cannot go into the past and undo evil deeds? From today, as you pray, the Lord will query the foundation of your problems. The foundation of a problem quakes when God queries it. The foundation of that nagging problem in your life, family, workplace and ministry receives a divine query today! God is a specialist at dealing with roots. In Isaiah 40:24, God declared thus: "Yea, they shall not be planted; yea, they shall not be sown: yea, their stock shall not take root in the earth: and he shall also blow upon them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away as stubble." When God queries the foundation of a problem, the roots will no longer hold it down. That means the days of that problem are numbered. That long-standing situation that has caused you so much pain, tears and sorrow is receiving a divine query now! Its roots will no longer hold you down. The root of that problem has just its grip over your life in Jesus' Name. Prayer Point: Father, by Your word, blow upon my problems and let them wither from their roots today. Open Heavens Daily Devotional guide was written by Pastor E.A. Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, one of the largest evangelical church in the world and also the President of Christ the Redeemer's Ministries. iOpenHeavens is the electronic version of the Hard Copy. The Open Heavens devotional application is available across all mobile platforms and operating systems: iOS, Android, Blackberry, Nokia, Windows Mobile and PC. Click HERE to DOWNLOAD Daily Open Heavens Devotional from January to December 2015.  | ||||||||
| Pastor Faith Oyedepo: True Mother! [Part 3] Posted: 11 Nov 2015 08:38 AM PST
Dear Reader, Calvary greetings to you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ! Last week, I explained some to the characteristics of a true mother. Today, I shall yet show you more Characteristics of a True Mother. Sacrifice: You can't be a mother if you're selfish. Selfishness cannot be in your nature if you're a true mother. That's why, for true mothers, you would prefer your children to be well dressed, if it means at your own expense. This is because you know that your sacrifice today is an investment into their future and some day, you will not be the one catering for them. So, buy them clothes and things today; tomorrow, they will be the one going out of their way to ensure that you're well clothed. Why? Because you've already taken time to sacrifice for them. You won't fail! Sacrifice is inconveniencing yourself to make someone else convenient. Mothering your pastor, husband and your biological and spiritual children, is all part of the sacrifice. When you sacrifice for their good today, know that your reward is waiting for you tomorrow. I have come to discover in my little life, that this world is a very small place. Someone, on whose behalf you made sacrifices for today and never thought that you'll ever meet again; you will be surprised where you'll meet them tomorrow. It may be at a place where you least expected them to be and then, the seed of sacrifice that you sowed long time ago, will begin to bring you rewards. So, wherever you are, be a true mother. You're a pastor's wife there today for instance, that man, woman, lady or young boy might be small today, but you never can tell where you'll meet him/her tomorrow. It may be at a place, where you'll now be the one to need his/her help. Unfortunately, he remembers how you treated him/her when you were their senior pastor's wife. What do you think would happen? Therefore, mother the people, don't murder them. Feed the people, don't milk them. When you feed them to the full, the milk will overflow and then, you'll drink of it freely at the right time without pressure. I meet people all over the place today and they tell me all kinds of thing like, "Oh that time, do you remember? At this time and place, you did this and that; see what God has done." In most cases, I can't even remember. Stop looking for what to grab, take and remove; instead, be an addition, a blessing and a contributor to their lives. When the milk is full, it will begin to flow. Mother them and let the grace of God upon your life be impacted on them. You'll make it! Sometimes ago, our two boys came to me and (you know I talked about the time of independence) they began to ask questions and suddenly, they said, "Ah, Mummy, you know that all this while you've been the one teaching and showing us what to do and not to do. Then, you buy things for us." Thereafter, they said, "Now, don't bother yourself about buying anything for us anymore. Very soon, we will be the ones looking at you to determine what you need – you won't even need to ask." They have gotten so used to it, that sacrifice has become part of their lives. They see students in their schools, who need attention and say, "Oh Mummy please, I know if you talk to Daddy, he'll be able to help us. We've someone who is in need; nobody to pay his school fees and he is on his way out. I know you can help us." They have seen it, so they easily replicate it. Mother them –natural children, spiritual children, your husband and your pastor, and your future will be guaranteed! For you to have what it takes to possess the character of a true mother, you need Christ. If you want to be born again, I want you to say this prayer of faith: "Dear Lord Jesus Christ, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me of my sins and cleanse me with Your Blood. Deliver me from sin and satan to serve the living God. I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Make me a child of God today. Thank You for accepting me into Your Kingdom." Congratulations! You are now born again! All-round rest and peace are guaranteed you, in Jesus' Name. Call or write, and share your testimonies with me through contact@faithoyedepo.org; OR 07026385437 and 08141320204. For more insight, these books authored by me are available at the Dominion Bookstores in all Living Faith Churches and other leading Christian bookstores: Marriage Covenant Making Marriage Work Building A Successful Home Success in Marriage (Co-Authored).  | ||||||||
| Gartner Recognizes Microsoft as Magic Quadrant Leader in ODBMS Posted: 11 Nov 2015 08:32 AM PST  Microsoft has once again earned recognition as a leader in the Magic Quadrant for Operational Database Management Systems (ODBMS) for the 3rd time, based on a Gartner Inc. assessment. The Gartner's assessment of the ODBMS landscape positions Microsoft as a clear choice and an industry leader in ODBMS. This implies that, managing Data can be best done with Microsoft, which when stacked up against others, is furthest to the right on the axis for completeness of vision, and closest to the top on the axis for the ability to execute within the Leaders Quadrant. In a news release following the announcement, Microsoft stated that: "With the release of SQL Server 2014, the cornerstone of Microsoft's Data platform, we have continued to add more value to what customers are already buying. Innovations like workload optimized in-memory technology, advanced security, high availability for mission critical workloads are built-in instead of requiring expensive add-ons.'' The release added, that, ''We have long maintained that customers need choice and flexibility to navigate this mobile-first, cloud-first world and that Microsoft is uniquely equipped to deliver on that vision in both trusted environments on-premises and in the cloud." According to Microsoft, a key design point in Microsoft Data strategy is to ensure that customers' problems are solved with ease. "Customers can now manage both structured and unstructured data through the simplicity of T-SQL rather than requiring a mastery in Hadoop and MapReduce technologies. This is just one of many examples of how Microsoft values ease of use as a design point. "We believe it validates that Microsoft is delivering a comprehensive platform that ensures every organization, every team and every individual is empowered to do more and achieve more because of the data at their fingertips." Gartner, a world leading information technology, and research advisory firm delivering technology research to global technology business leaders to make informed decisions on key initiatives. The company conducts its research without endorsing any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not decide technology for users based on highest ratings/rankings or designation. Gartner also recognizes Microsoft as a leader in the Magic Quadrant for Business Intelligence and Analytics Platforms and placed Microsoft as a leader in the Magic Quadrant for Data Warehouse Database Management Systems – recognizing Microsoft's completeness of vision and ability to execute in the data warehouse market.  | ||||||||
| Brands and Authenticity: What can Big Cola learn from Indomie and Cowbell? Posted: 11 Nov 2015 08:27 AM PST  As a brand and marketing analyst, I take pleasure in watching how new or rejuvenated brands choose to position themselves in the marketplace, aiming to gain visibility and appeal among its target consumers and the general public. This 'brand watching' habit has taught me one interesting lesson – that brands behave just like us humans, with all our ethical, moral, ideological and many other foibles. Two consumer goods brands made lasting positive impression on me in the earlier 1990s and early 2000s by how they chose to position themselves upon entry into the Nigerian market, and by the phenomenal success they achieved as a result. These are Indomie and Cowbell, two brands with little or no pedigree at the time and which stood no chance against rival products and long established brands that were entrenched market leaders. Their market entry and growth strategies were similar in their (un)commonsense simplicity, clear value propositions and effective execution. Time and space constrain me from launching into a treatise on the respective strategies of the two brands, but suffice it to say that they focused their marketing communication on what they can offer consumers, they were proud of who they were (which was really nothing at the time), and they did not waste their resources struggling to project themselves in comparison to bigger brands. I just loved their authenticity! Indomie was proudly happy to be "Indomie" and Cowbell did not try to pass off as "Peak" by another name. This is why I struggle to understand the ways of the latest entrant into the Nigerian carbonated soft drinks market that goes by the brand name "Big", hence Big Cola, Big Orange and Big Lemon. While I have nothing against the name "Big", I find somewhat pompous. But like the name or not, the brand seems to have some footprint in a few other countries and aspires to become a global brand too like Coca-Cola and Pepsi. What I struggle with is why a brand with apparently good credentials would wittingly or unwittingly allow itself to be portrayed as a "wannabe" Coca-Cola, as is obvious from many of the media reports that hype its recent launch. Rather than focusing on projecting Big's unique attributes and value proposition, the brand by its media reporting seems quite eager to be accepted by consumers on the basis of a perceived or even bogus similarity with Coca-Cola. The sound bites include "same quality as Coke", "same taste as Coke", etc. One gets the sense also from interacting with its distributors and retailers, many of whom swear, perhaps ignorantly, that Big Cola is another product of or another name for Coca-Cola in a bigger bottle. I doubt that this is a deliberate marketing strategy by the owners and handlers of Big Cola to gain acceptance in a new market. If not, then they should take quick measures to correct it. The folly and danger of this 'marketing strategy' is best captured in the timeless saying "You can fool some of the people some of the time; you cannot fool all the people all of the time". As we all know, people generally have little regard for name-droppers, whether they be individuals or brands. The second disturbing aspect of what I hope is not Big Cola's 'strategy' is the big talk which seem to have a taste of crude arrogance. I have seen media headlines and sound bites that claim that Big Cola "threatens" Coca-Cola. That seems, indeed, a farfetched, if not quixotic, ambition considering that Big Cola ought to be contending with smaller industry players like La Cassera and mid-market players like Pepsi before it could hope to scratch at Coca-Cola, which has perched at the top of the market since the 1950s. Again, the question is why the obsession with Coca-Cola? Humble confidence is a time-tested virtue for persons as well as for brands. And while ambition is a necessary stimulus for progress and success, combative ambition is not only distasteful but self-destructive as well. Consumers, can always tell when a brand is propelled more by hubris than by substantive virtue and value. Even Pepsi, despite its relative proximity to Coca-Cola's success, does not openly 'celebrate' what I believe is its burning wish to someday overtake Coca-Cola in brand value or market share. That's is maturity. Anyway, it is not for nothing that the word "upstart" exists. As a popular Nigerian saying goes, "It is always a tragedy when the tongue precedes the head in warfare". What I find intriguing, however, is that Coca-Cola has chosen to handle this media affront with silence. Is this a classic example of the wisdom of age indulging the exuberance of youth? Or is Coke simply allowing Big Cola to wear out itself dancing naked in the market square? A final word to Big Cola is a reminder that a brand is supposed to inspire consumers with confidence and pride in itself for what it stands for, and can hardly do so by sending a message that it wished it was some other brand. So, if Big Cola wants to be like Coca-Cola in quality and taste, it is clearly telling consumers that Coca-Cola is its role model. In simple language, that Coke is the real thing! Or, as we would say in Nigeria "Coke is the koko!" This situation reminds me of the comic ad of yesteryears where a Volkswagen Beetle wished to become a Mercedes when it grows up.  | ||||||||
| Wike’s response to Biafra protests portrays incompetence, possible collusion – APC Posted: 11 Nov 2015 08:23 AM PST  The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, has noted with heavy heart the level of ineptitude displayed by the Rivers State Government following the spate of violence and disruption of social and economic activities imposed on the peaceful people and residents of Rivers State especially Port Harcourt and environs on Tuesday by groups of protesters under the aegis of indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB). "More disturbing to the APC is the fact that even as security agents battled with extreme caution to contain the sporadic protesting groups, the Rivers State Government suddenly developed inexplicable laissez-faire attitude making many to believe that the protests enjoyed the tacit support of the government" the APC spokesman, Chris Finebone said in a statement today. The Statement reads in detail thus: "However, given the sensitive question of Biafra and indeed any self-determination agitation for that matter, the APC advisedly observed dignified quietude, not wanting to be seen to play politics with a very serious issue of national security. This was despite the discomfort, assault and humiliation that innocent people suffered in the hands of the irate mobs at several locations in Port Harcourt and environs. "The APC condemns, with every vehemence it can muster, the obvious incompetence and cluelessness the Rivers State Government displayed before and throughout the period the orgy of protests lasted. We see the eventual broadcast by Gov. Nyesom Wike condemning and banning further pro-Biafra protests as medicine-after-death, face-saving and dishonest. A purposeful and focussed government was supposed to have understood the enormity and implication of a sensitive issue such as Biafra agitation and timeously mobilized and engaged critical sections of the populace such as the traditional leaders and others to reject any attempts by external agitators from encroaching and desecrating the sanctity of the territorial integrity of Rivers State under whatever guise. "For the avoidance of doubt, the APC is not averse to any group in Nigeria embarking on any form of lawful agitation but we frown at unlawfully interfering with the peaceful existence of others in the name of agitation or protest as have happened twice in the past couple of weeks in Port Harcourt. We detest any group of agitators leaving their lawful locations to violate the territorial integrity of Rivers State in the name of protest. For example, the indigenous people of Ogoni have not at any time taken their agitation for a better life for their people outside of Rivers State. "The APC condemns the barbaric and unwarranted attack on innocent people of all shades and background by the protesters. We also condemn the attack and destruction of symbols of state and billboards of churches by the Biafra protesters. "However, the APC believes that the Rivers State Governor, Barr. Nyesom Wike is yet to brief Rivers people of the content of demand presented to him by the Biafra protesters when they marched to Government House, Port Harcourt during the first protest. Curiously, the same protesters engaged security agents at Eleme Junction yesterday, insisting that they be allowed to visit Government House, Port Harcourt to register their protest with the governor the second time. We urge Gov Nyesom Wike to go beyond his superficial broadcast of yesterday and tell the honest story behind the seeming romance between him and the Biafra agitators."  | ||||||||
| Pastor Faith Oyedepo: Wednesday November 11, 2015 Daily Devotional – Battle for the Powerful Posted: 10 Nov 2015 09:09 PM PST  Topic: Battle for the Powerful [Wednesday 11 November, 2015] "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."-1 Corinthians 4:20 My husband shared an encounter he had as far back as 1977. According to him, he was with a friend on an Easter evening, just having a nice time in God's presence, when a young man who came close to them started screaming "What have I to do with you? Have you come to destroy us before our time?" Obviously, the demons in that young man could not stand the presence of the power of God at work in him, so he began screaming and eventually fled into the bush. At that time, he wasn't a pastor but just a lover of God. However, demons could recognise that he had the backing of a Higher power, which came through constant fellowship with God. As believers and especially for those who have ministerial callings, walking in divine power is mandatory. So many ministers only think their calling is just to preach God's Word. If you are not adequately empowered, you will be tortured by the devil. Beyond other cravings, you must crave to be endued with the power of God, over all works of the devil. It is impossible to triumph in ministry without it. That is why there are so many "spiritually immature" ministries today, because the leaders in charge do not have enough power to dispel the devil from their midst. The Kingdom of God is a Kingdom of power, so if you must work effectively in His vineyard, you must be adequately empowered. When God's power is in place in your life and ministry, you are in charge. No demon can torment you, because you operate on a higher frequency that is beyond them. Therefore, stop waiting for the day God will eventually work through your ministry, or someone to cast out demons on your behalf. Provoke His hand by striving to attain adequate power to take command over every issue of life. The work of a minister is most demanding, and power is your only guarantee to success. Remain Blessed! Pastor Faith Abiola Oyedepo is the wife of Bishop David Oyedepo, the founder of the Living Faith Church Worldwide a.k.a. Winners' Chapel, and Senior Pastor of Faith Tabernacle, Canaanland, Ota, Nigeria.  |
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