N’Korea seeks joint Sony hack probe

North Korea has offered to hold a joint inquiry with the United States into a cyber-attack on Sony Pictures, strongly denying US claims that it is behind it. The North’s foreign ministry accused the US government of “spreading groundless allegations” and said a probe would refute the allegations. The attack and subsequent threats against cinemas led Sony to cancel the release of The Interview, a satire. The plot includes plans to assassinate North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong-un. The Interview had been due to open on Christmas Day. But Sony said it was considering releasing it “on a different platform”.

The FBI said on Friday that the Pyongyang government was responsible for the cyber-attack last month, in which script details and private emails were leaked. Dire warning On Saturday, the North Korean foreign ministry said: “As the United States is spreading groundless allegations and slandering us, we propose a joint investigation with it into this incident.” “Without resorting to such tortures as were used by the US CIA, we have means to prove that this incident has nothing to do with us.” The statement said there would be “grave consequences” if the Americans rejected their inquiry proposal.

Elsewhere

Meanwhile, Mr Obama has pledged a “proportional response” against North Korea but he appeared to have few options.

Republican Senator John McCain called the hacking an “act of war” and there were calls for North Korea to face sanctions and be designated a state sponsor of terror. Former president George W Bush removed the hermit country from the list of state sponsors of terror in 2008.

But James Lewis, a cyber war expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said: “I’m sure they’re exploring covert options, but also looking at it through the prism of ‘We don’t want to start an armed conflict on the Korean peninsula’. North Korea has another advantage, they don’t have an economy.”

North Korea on Saturday called for a joint investigation into the attack, claiming it had means to prove Pyongyang had nothing to do with it.

“As the United States is spreading groundless allegations and slandering us, we propose a joint investigation with it into this incident,” said a spokesman for the North’s foreign ministry.

“Without resorting to such tortures as were used by the US CIA, we have means to prove that this incident has nothing to do with us,” the spokesman was quoted as saying by the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

The spokesman also warned the US of “grave consequences” if the proposal for the joint investigation was rejected.

“We will never tolerate anyone who insults our highest authority. But in case we have to retaliate, we would not carry out terrorist attacks on innocent viewers at movie theatres but stage frontal attacks on those who are responsible for the hostile activities against the DPRK (North Korea) and their headquarters.

“The United States must bear it mind that grave consequences would follow if it rejects our proposal and continues blabbering about so-called retaliations against us.”

WEIRD: My Girlfriend Steals My Boxers- CR7

Real Madrid superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has revealed his girlfriend Irina Shayk has a crazy obsession with his CR7 boxers and takes them all the time.

The former Manchester United forward was asked, ‘What item in your wardrobe does your girlfriend steal’ by Vogue.

He replied: ‘She steals my boxers all the time. She wasn’t in the house and I opened her wardrobe and there were many CR7 boxers. It is funny.’

Real Madrid super star Ronaldo admitted Irina’s obsession with his CR7 boxers was ‘funny’
Portugal captain Ronaldo, who launched his range of underwear in October 2013, was posing alongside his model girlfriend for a photoshoot with the fashion magazine.

Timeline: How the Sony Pictures hacking scandal unfolded

On Wednesday, Sony cancelled the Dec. 25 release of the film, in which Seth Rogen and James Franco star as journalists on a mission to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

TORONTO – The unprecedented hack of Sony Pictures has quickly become one of the biggest hacking scandals of the year and one of the biggest corporate hacks of all time. For weeks, the hacking scandal has been making international headlines.

Since late November, a group calling itself the Guardians of Peace (GOP) has been leaking confidential company data online and threatening additional attacks, urging Sony to cancel the release of the comedy The Interview. On Wednesday, Sony conceded, cancelling the Dec. 25 release of the film, in which Seth Rogen and James Franco star as journalists on a mission to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

READ MORE: Who are main suspects in Sony cyber-attacks?

Circumstances surrounding the widespread cyber-attack have changed nearly every day. Here is a look at how the scandal has unfolded:

November 24

Sources inside Sony Pictures reveal the company’s internal systems were affected by a cyber-attack. Employees reported seeing an image reading, “Hacked by #GOP” [Guardians of Peace] on their screens following the attack.

“This is just the beginning,” warned the message. “We’ve obtained all your internal data.”

Meanwhile, a Sony Pictures spokesperson says the company is “investigating an IT matter.”

November 27

Five leaked Sony Pictures movies begin appearing on peer-to-peer file sharing networks, including the remake of the classic film Annie that wasn’t scheduled to hit theatres until Dec. 19.

Official DVD screener versions of Mr. Turner, Still Alice, To Write Love on Her Arms, and Brad Pitt’s latest film Fury were among the leaked titles. By Nov. 30, Fury had been downloaded more than 1.2 million times.

November 28

Reports emerge that the cyber-attack could be linked to Sony’s upcoming film The Interview, in which comedians Seth Rogen and James Franco star as journalists who are enlisted by the CIA to assassinate North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un.

December 1

The FBI launches an investigation into the cyber-attack.

December 2

Some cyber-security experts dispel the idea that North Korea was behind the attack – many pointing out that Sony has been targeted by “hacktivists,” (those who hack companies to make a political point) in the past.

READ MORE: Security experts doubt North Korea hacked into Sony

“State-sponsored attackers don’t create cool names for themselves like ‘Guardians of Peace’ and promote their activity to the public,” said cybersecurity expert Lucas Zaichkowsky.

Meanwhile, hackers leak the salaries of 17 top Sony executives online.

December 4

Confidential internal data continues to appear online, including salary numbers, layoff strategies, employee details and 3,800 social insurance numbers (SINs). According to reports, the leak contains information from about 6,000 Sony employees.

December 6

Actors Seth Rogen and James Franco address the controversy surrounding The Interview on Saturday Night Live.

December 7

An unidentified spokesman for North Korea’s National Defence Commission releases a statement denying any involvement with the Sony hack, but calls the attacks “a righteous deed of the supporters and sympathizers.”

“We do not know where in America the Sony Pictures is situated and for what wrongdoings it became the target of the attack, nor (do) we feel the need to know about it,” the statement carried in state media said.

December 8

In a statement posted to anonymous information-sharing website Github, the Guardians of Peace demand the studio cancel the release of The Interview.

“It seems that you think everything will be well, if you find out the attacker, while not reacting to our demand,” reads the statement.

“Stop immediately showing the movie of terrorism which can break the regional peace and cause the War! The destiny of Sony is totally up to the wise reaction and measure of Sony.”

Later that night, the hackers release more confidential data, including celebrity contact information, movie deals and fake names used by top celebs to check into hotels.

December 9

FBI Director James Comey says U.S. investigators haven’t yet determined who is responsible for the cyber-attack.

Hackers also release the full email inboxes of Sony executives Amy Pascal, Steven Mosko and Scott Rudin. A private exchange between Rudin and Pascal reveals Rudin called Unbroken director Angelina Jolie a “spoiled brat” and made jokes about President Barack Obama’s race and presumed taste in movies.

December 11

At the world premiere of The Interview in Los Angeles, Rogen praises Pascal for backing the controversial comedy.

December 12

Rudin apologizes for his remarks and admits they were made in haste. Pascal, on the other hand, says she will “not be defined by these emails after a 30-year career.”

December 15

A lawyer representing Sony warns news organizations not to publish details of company files leaked by the GOP. The lawyer hints at legal action if organizations “used or disseminated” the material “in any manner.” The New York Times, the Hollywood Reporter and website Gawker were among those that received warnings.

Meanwhile, two former Sony Pictures employees file a class-action lawsuit against the company over its security protocols. The federal suit claims that Sony Pictures failed to secure its computer systems despite “weaknesses that it has known about for years.”

December 16

The GOP releases a statement threatening the New York premiere of The Interview and any theatre that chooses to show the film.

“We will clearly show it to you at the very time and places The Interview be shown, including the premiere, how bitter fate those who seek fun in terror should be doomed to,” read the statement. The group even went as far as to reference the terror attack on Sept. 11, 2001.

READ MORE: ‘The Interview’ reviews: Did hackers do movie-goers a favour?

Later that day, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security issues a statement saying it is aware of the threats made by the hackers; however, the agency added there is no credible evidence of an active terrorist plot against any movie theatres in the U.S.

Sony also gives theatre owners the green light to scrap plans to show the film. Shortly after, the film’s New York premiere at Sunshine Cinema is cancelled.

December 17

Listings for The Interview are pulled from the websites of Canada’s Cineplex and Rainbow cinemas. Cinplex later says the company was postponing showing the movie.

“Cineplex takes seriously its commitment to the freedom of artistic expression, but we want to reassure our guests and staff that their safety and security is our number one priority,” read the statement.

Sony later cancels the Dec. 25 release of The Interview altogether, pulling the movie from theatres.

ABOVE: Sony Pictures is cancelling the release of the controversial new comedy, The Interview. CBS News has learned the federal government will officially implicate the North Korean government for the cyber attack.

Later that night, a U.S. official says federal investigators have connected the hack to North Korea. The official, who says a more formal statement could come in the near future, speaks on condition of anonymity.

December 19

The FBI formally accuses North Korea of hacking Sony Pictures. In a statement, the agency says it has enough evidence to conclude that the North Korean government is responsible for the widespread cyber-attack against the film studio.

NOT AGAIN?? Nicki Minaj Opens Up On Sleeping With Drake Talks About Who Has The Biggest P*nis In The Industry

Nick Minaj and Drake have had various rumors trailing them for years now. Some claiming that have been together sexually and others saying they even dated. However, she always claims they are sister and brother.

Nicki Minaj has finally spoken and shutdown all hopes of she and Drake being more than friends.

Appearing on Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live, host Andy Cohen asked Minaj

“If you were single and Drake was single, would you want to sleep with him?”

“No,”  Minaj said. “No.”  

Cohen then asked, “You love him in a different way?”

“Yes,” she  replied.

Cohen then got a little X-rated.He asked

“You once rapped that you’ve ‘got a big fat a*s / big di*ks follow.’ Right? Who has the biggest man-hood in the music industry? “Minaj, who appeared taken aback, said,

“I’ve never seen anybody’s man-hood in the industry, actually. I saw one man-hood for 10 years [belonging to ex-boyfriend Safaree Samuels]. That’s all I’ll say about that.”

BREAKING: Nigerian Troops, Islamists clash near site of latest kidnap

WATCH THIS VIDEO

Nigerian troops have repelled a Boko Haram attack near the village where 185 people were kidnapped last week, killing several insurgents, soldiers and witnesses said Saturday.

Roughly 150 militants stormed the town of Bulabulin on Wednesday, but the military had reportedly received advanced warning of the raid.

Bulabulin lies in the Damboa local government district of northeastern Borno state and is near the village of Gumsuri where 185 people, mostly women and children, were kidnapped last Sunday.

“Our men climbed high electricity poles for surveillance and sighted (the insurgents) from afar,” said a senior officer who participated in the operation but requested anonymity.

Defence spokesman Chris Olukolade said Friday that troops were battling Boko Haram fighters in the area, but was unavailable to give details on clashes in Bulabulin.

Two security sources estimated that a large number of insurgents were killed by the military but there was no official toll.

Resident Samuel James confirmed that the military overpowered the militants.

“We would have been dead by now but the army really gave the terrorists a good fight,” he told AFP.

Olukolade said reports of the mass kidnapping in Gumsuri needed to be verified but confirmed that Boko Haram had attacked the town, killing a number of civilians.

Locals and officials said the hostages were carted away on trucks towards the Sambisa Forest, a notorious Islamist stronghold.

Sambisa is also where more than 200 schoolgirls kidnapped in April were reportedly taken before being split into groups.

Details of unrest in the northeast often take days to emerge because the mobile phone network in the region has mostly collapsed and many roads are impassable.

Separately, Boko Haram fighters attacked the town of Damagun in neighbouring Yobe state late Friday but caused no casualties, police and witnesses said.

Scores of gunmen riding on motorcycles shot sporadically in the air and set fire to public buildings.

The destroyed a police station, a fire station and local government buildings, said a police officer based in the area who requested anonymity.

“Some of us ran into the bush while others shut themselves indoors,” said resident Grema Ahmad.

Another local, Salisu Ibrahim, said he was surprised that the insurgents did not target civilians.

“They made no attempt to pursue fleeing civilians or break into homes which they could have done if they had wanted to,” he told AFP.

The Boko Haram conflict has claimed more than 13,000 lives since 2009.

Nigeria’s President Goodluck Jonathan is facing intense pressure to contain the violence as he stands for re-election on February 14.

 

 

EPL UPDATES: 10-man Villa frustrate United, as Saints hammer Everton

Ten-man Aston Villa ended Manchester United’s six-game winning run with a hard-earned draw at Villa Park. United dominated possession but fell behind to Christian Benteke’s superb left-foot strike before Radamel Falcao headed them level after the break. Gabriel Agbonlahor was dismissed for a heavy tackle on Ashley Young, prompting United pressure and Michael Carrick’s header was cleared off the line.

They could not force a winner and sit seven points behind leaders Chelsea. And Southampton ended their run of five straight defeats as they comfortably beat Everton to remain in the Premier League top five. Romelu Lukaku headed into his own net in the first half, moments after Shane Long had a penalty appeal rejected. Ross Barkley’s 20-yard first-half shot for the visitors was the only effort on target from either side after an hour.

But Graziano Pelle doubled the hosts’ lead from close range before Maya Yoshida headed in to seal the win. It was Pelle’s 11th goal of the season as the Saints made light of the absence of several key players to get back to winning ways in emphatic style after six matches without a victory in all competitions, reports the BBC.

In the earlier game, David Silva scored twice as Manchester City joined Chelsea at the top of the table with victory over Crystal Palace. The reigning champions had struggled to break down a resilient Palace side until the Spaniard made the breakthrough soon after half-time. His deflected shot off Scott Dann inside the area gave goalkeeper Julian Speroni little chance. Silva then slotted in from Aleksandar Kolarov’s cross before Yaya Toure smashed in after a swift break.

The victory means City have recorded eight consecutive wins in all competitions and, perhaps more telling, are now only second to Chelsea on goal difference having been nine points behind them six games ago. City would have taken the outright Premier League lead had they scored a fourth, although after a frustrating first half, that target surely would have been revised to just getting three points. The home team struggled to get behind two banks of defensive lines in front of goalkeeper Speroni, and with no senior strikers available, Manuel Pellegrini’s experiment of playing James Milner the furthest forward did not work.

EPL RESULTS

Man City 3- 0 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa 1-1 Man Utd

Hull 0-1 Swansea

QPR 3-2 West Brom

Southampton 3-0 Everton

Tottenham 2-1 Burnley

West Ham 2-0 Leicester

FEMI: ‘Issues about the paternity of some of my kids now old story’

Afrobeat musician, Femi Kuti, has signed a management deal with a relatively young music company, Chocolate City and he’s unapologetic about his choice. In this interview with LANRE ODUKOYA, the singer and saxophonist speaks about the deal and reports of paternity issues relating to some of his kids.

Why did you sign a management deal with Chocolate City, a record label that’s barely 10 years in operation? When Chocolate City approached me to have a management deal with them, I got a lot of calls and many people said they are too young, “you’re too big for them”.

My training doesn’t allow me to be arrogant, though sometimes people see me that way. It is the seriousness that I put in my profession that makes me look sometimes like I’m arrogant. And it’s also because I’m giving my all to the best of the music I can produce.

So, when people started talking about Chocolate City, I did my own findings and found out that the guys at Chocolate City are very young but very vibrant. When I met them, they had done a lot of researches on my career which interests me.

They didn’t just touch the job on the surface, they went very deep and they knew what they were talking about. I’ve never had a management contract in Nigeria and I had more or less managed myself because I’ve been very disappointed in people. We must always take cognisance of the bad part of our country and I’ve had very bad experiences here.

So, I’ve been very discouraged in doing the business in Nigeria. When I met the young men at the Chocolate City and discovered another kind of my people, so enthusiastic and sincere, that excited me and said, ‘wow, so we still have good people like these in our country that are sincere?’

What else did you find impressive? I had already made up my mind that I was going to sign the deal with them. Although I ensured that my lawyers gave them a lot of stress in securing it and the contract is very tight in my favour. But they really impressed and ever since I signed that contract, I’ve never been disappointed. I see them an extended family of my life, friends, brothers and sisters and very warm in my heart.

And when I found out that Keem Bello-Osagie was the chairman, it impressed me and I felt very comfortable. And I want to say that I will always put 100percent of my time to make sure that I give the best of my music. You can rest assured that my next album will go far because as usual, I will put everything.

What’s the size of your band? We’re about 30 now because; we have about 12 dancers, five horns, three guitarists, percussionists, keyboardists apart from the sideliners in the band. So we do cater for a lot, I strongly believe in Africa and I don’t think anyone who has followed my career will doubt that. I believe that if we all do our jobs properly, Nigeria should be the pride of the world.

And this is the projection I’ve always done outside Nigeria with my career. Yes, hopefully, I will win the Grammy one day but my greatest joy will be for Nigeria to have electricity, best healthcare services, education, good roads and all that me and my father’s music has stood for.

If this happens in my lifetime, it will be more fulfilling than having a Grammy. I have no doubt in the Chocolate City because now I have a family from my because I could continue to do it from Europe or America, but I feel this is more intimate.

I feel this is my people watching my back for the first time in my career. What’s the duration of the contract? Actually, no comment on that, but it I want it to last me for a lifetime. It’s fairly long term contract, but for the purpose of confidentiality, I won’t go into details.

How has your foreign partners taken this news? I’ve always kept Nigeria out of the territory in all the international deals I’ve had. So, legally and technically, they have no say. But genuinely, they are very happy for me because for the first time they heard me say that I would now be managed from Nigeria.

We have to understand that the perception about Nigeria is not very nice, so they were first wary and were almost saying, ‘don’t do this…don’t do that.’

I had to convince them that this isn’t the typical news you hear about Nigerians. It’s a new age and movement from Nigeria. Honestly, right now, internationally and locally, we are at a stage where Chocolate City even communicate with my international partners on my behalf because I’ve introduced them.

They’ve met my publishers, my producers in Europe, so they talk directly with them now. What will happen in the future is that we will now work as a team probably not by the contract because it’s now turning out to be very friendly. And I think trust is the basis of any business.

What I want from my career at the end of the day is to take off from Nigeria and I have no problem trusting that Chocolate City takes my career to the next level. It’s what I’ve always wanted; unfortunately, I’ve had to take off from Europe or America and come back home.

If I can secure my base for the first time in my career, that will bring me a lot of comfort, not monetarily, but spiritual comfort because I love my country, my home.

A story recently made the rounds that you denied being the father of some of your children. What really happened? It happened eight years ago. What they did was that they brought back the story and made it sound like it happened yesterday.

They took pictures of my biological children and posted on the internet which was very unfair. They put the photographs of some of them when they were on stage with me and some from my house sitting on my bed.

What they (Encomium) did was very unfair. It’s not that it didn’t happen, but it happened eight years ago and it doesn’t concern the children I have right now – six of them – and my eldest son, Made, is in England. Then I have Ayomide, Tunmise, Lade, Teju and my last child, Bisayo.

They went to my Instagram and took those pictures and pretended that I was talking about them. That’s not fair.

From Newtelegraph

Pastors Are Planning a Major Robbery in the Churches in January

The armed robber takes your money from you with a gun in his hand: the pastor takes your money by brandishing a bible.

Jesus berated the mercenary religious leaders of biblical days. He told them: “‘It is written, my house shall be called a house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” (Matthew 21:13).

This word remains pertinent to pastors in the churches of today. They come up with all kinds of schemes designed to squeeze money out of their church-members. They search the scriptures, looking for quotable quotes that can be used to make merchandise of men. Some of their favourites are those scriptures dealing with giving first-fruits to priests.

Fleecing the flock

Those months with names ending with “ember” in English are sometimes referred to as the “ember” months. These include September, October, November and December. Strictly-speaking, October does not fit this bill; otherwise it would have been called “Octoember.” Nevertheless, it is conventional also to include it as one of the “ember” months.

In these months, there is a definite change of emphasis in the messages preached by pastors in many of today’s new generation churches. If you have been paying attention, you would have noticed this already. In the “ember” months, pastors start to talk repeatedly about the need to give “first-fruits;” laying down the foundation for a major robbery routinely planned for January.

In the Old Testament, first-fruits were required to be given to priests. Ezekiel says: “The best of all the first-fruits and of all your special gifts will belong to the priests.” (Ezekiel 44:30). This scripture is seized on by today’s money-grubbing pastors who now insist that the “first-fruits” of all the members of their congregation must be handed over to them.

This is disingenuous because, in the New Testament, there is actually no longer an exclusive priesthood. Instead, Jesus has made all believers: “kings and priests to our God.” (Revelation 5:10). But this fact is conveniently ignored by today’s first-fruits collectors.

First-fruits were given to priests because they were not allowed to own landed-property in Israel. God said: “I am to be the only inheritance the priests have. You are to give them no possession in Israel; I will be their possession.” (Ezekiel 44:28-29).

However, the pastors of today are men of means and property owners. In no way whatsoever do they fit the bill of a people without inheritance who only have God as their possession. Indeed, some of today’s mega-pastors are multi-millionaires who drive around with bodyguards in a cortege of Jeeps and even fly around in private jets.

Fruits of money

As the word indicates, first-fruits were strictly-speaking agricultural produce. Moses says: “The first of the first-fruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the LORD your God.” (Exodus 23:19). This shows first-fruits were crops. Indeed, money was never regarded as first-fruit in the bible; neither was it ever paid as such.

However, today’s pastors would not find it funny if you were to bring your first-fruits to them in bananas or pineapples. First-fruits are now only acceptable in cash or cheque. If you ask why, don’t be surprised if you are told that: “Money is the answer to everything.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19).

Scripturally, first-fruits were only required from Jews living in Israel because God gave them their land. First-fruits were inapplicable to Israelites living in foreign lands. This also means first-fruits are inapplicable to today’s Christians who are mostly non-Israelis and do not live in Israel. Nevertheless, pastors hoodwink Christians by claiming there are special blessings attendant upon giving first-fruits to pastors anywhere.

In biblical days, first-fruits were not required from those in non-agrarian trades, such as carpenters or fishermen because these professions were not tied to the land. However, today’s opportunist pastors collect first-fruits from anybody and everybody.

It should be clear from the foregoing therefore that pastors who insist on collecting first-fruits in the churches of today are nothing but thieves and robbers. The armed robber takes your money from you with a gun in his hand: the pastor takes your money by brandishing a bible.

Bonanza

It used to be the case that first-fruits were defined as a Christian’s first salary after leaving school and securing gainful employment. But some pastors quickly realised that this only gives them the right to a Christian’s salary once in a lifetime. Therefore, this soon became inadequate, leading to more ingenious and more financially lucrative biblical “revelations” about first-fruits.

Many pastors now insist that since the January salary is the first in the year, it legally falls under the definition of first-fruits. Therefore, they now require that all church-goers hand over to them their entire January salaries in the name of first-fruits. This makes the first-fruits boon far more profitable than the tithe; which is just a tenth of the Christian’s salary. Moreover, the tithe is nominally given to “the church.” The “first-fruits” is a far more rewarding scam because the money is specifically addressed to the pastor.

If this “godliness” is taught effectively, a pastor can make a bundle of money at the beginning of every year. Just do the maths. Imagine a situation where the pastor gets the January salary of every single member of his congregation. Depending on the size of his church, he can get in one bonanza enough money to last him a lifetime. Is it any wonder, therefore, that pastors are very zealous in preaching about first-fruits in the “ember” months?

Many even refuse to be limited to their churches. Turn onto Christian television such as the Trinity Broadcasting Network in the “ember” months, and you are likely to find Paula White or Steve Munsey extolling the blessings of giving first-fruits. Of course, the first-fruits must be sent to them and to no one else.

Comeuppance

In one of Nigeria’s big churches with a large branch-network, the pastors were making a killing collecting first-fruits. But one of them used the money to put up a church building. This went a long way to endear him to his congregants. Other pastors who had nothing to show for the first-fruits they collected became concerned that the pastor would soon bring them into disrepute. So they decided to take “appropriate” action.

They reported him to the General Overseer of the church. His transgression was that he put up an entire church building single-handedly. So doing, they claimed, he prevented others from getting blessed by not taking contributions from them. The General Overseer wondered where he got the money to erect the entire building by himself. So they told him the money came from the first-fruits he collected from his church-members.

The General Overseer became even more curious. Just how much first-fruit were these pastors collecting? He was astonished to discover the sums involved. It was unacceptable that such lucrative business was taking place in his churches without due recognition for his position. Therefore, he fired a memo to all his parishes: henceforth, all first-fruits must be forwarded intact to headquarters.

However, his memo backfired. Thereafter, his subordinate pastors noticeably lost all interest in collecting first-fruits. “Let everybody shout hallelujah.”

“They are greedy dogs which never have enough. And they are pastors who cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his own gain, from his own territory.” (Isaiah 56:11).

 

BREAKING: First indigenous female Nigerian CEO for Siemens

Siemens Nigeria has appointed Mrs. Onyeche Tifase as its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer. The appointment makes her the company’s first female and indigenous head. Tifase, according to a statement, takes over from former CEO, Michael Lakota.

She will be tasked with deepening the German company’s reach across Africa’s largest economy. With Nigeria’s high demand for integrated technology and medical diagnostics equipment, Tifase’s ability to maintain Siemens position as a leading production industry is paramount.

In a congratulatory message to Tifase, the Managing Director of Ese-Tech Nig. Ltd, Femi Ayeni, said her appointment came as no surprise to those acquainted with her work. He also wished her the best in her endeavours. He said: “Although such position comes with tremendous responsibilities, we have implicit confidence in your vision and ability to get the job done against the most formidable as evidenced in your track record.”