Open Heavens 1 May 2015: Friday daily devotion by Pastor E. A. Adeboye – A New Beginning of Prosperity

Topic: A New Beginning of Prosperity [Friday May 1, 2015]

Memorise: This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you. -Exodus 12:2

Read: Exodus 12:33-36

33 And the Egyptians were urgent upon the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste; for they said, We be all dead men.

34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their kneadingtroughs being bound up in their clothes upon their shoulders.

35 And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

36 And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

Bible in one Year: Ruth 1-2, Mark 1:1-28

MESSAGE:

When the Almighty God grants a new beginning to an individual or a nation, it could be a new beginning of prosperity. Imagine the Hebrew nation which for over four hundred years had been at the mercy of their Egyptian rulers, coming out of Egypt as millionaires simply because the Almighty God decided to grant them a new beginning. I pray for you that this month shall be to you as the first month of the year in astonishing prosperity in Jesus’ Name. How did the Lord do this for the Israelites? The Bible says that He gave them favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that the Egyptians gave them whatever they asked for. The treasures of the Egyptians were transferred to them without them having to shoot an arrow. The Bible in Proverbs 16:7 says:

“When a man’s ways please the LORD, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him.”

This scripture sums up the experience of the Israelites. Whenever God makes a pronouncement, we shall learn to take Him at His word. Sometimes, this is easier read about than practiced. Imagine how difficult it would have been for the Israelites to believe that before daybreak after the night of the Password. They would cross over from poverty to prosperity.

“Be glad then, ye children of Zion, and rejoice in the LORD your God: for he hath given you the former rain moderately, and he will cause to come down for you the rain, the former rain, and the latter rain in the first month.” – Joel 2:23

For this beautiful prophecy to come to pass in your life, some spiritual conditions must be met. Prior to this prophecy, the Lord demanded that his people turn to Him with all their hearts: with fasting, weeping and mourning (Joel 2:12-13). He asked them to rend their hearts and not their garments, and return to Him. We can deduce from this narrative that the poor condition that a lot of people find themselves in today is caused by their spiritual poverty. Some people live in abject poverty because their lifestyle has turned God, who should bless them, into their enemy. Here is the good news: when this great God turns a life around onto godliness, he also changes the physical condition of the fellow concerned. Settling the issue of poverty was one of the reasons why Christ came (2 Corinthians 8:9). In the Name of Jesus Christ, I welcome you to your new beginning of prosperity. Only believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and repent of your sins.

Prayer Point: Father, in your infinite mercy, banishes poverty from every area of my life in Jesus’ Name.

Hot Jobs for Today

Assistant Relationship Manager

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND  
• Location Lagos
• Job Field Banking   Customer Care  

 

Closing: 04-May-2015
Job ID: 473247
Job Description
To Assist CC RM with day to day managing of CC relationships
Qualification & skills
In compliance with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Act of 2004, all applicants should ensure that they have completed the mandatory NYSC programme. A discharge certificate will be required as evidence of completion of the programme. Where an exemption has been granted, a certificate of exemption will also be required.


To apply for this role, click here

Nestle Nig. Plc - Executive Assistant

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND  
• Location Lagos
• Job Field Administration / Secretarial  

 

Description
As our Administrative assistant, you will provide secretarial and administrative support to the Commercial Manager.

In order to successfully achieve the purpose of this role you will
•  Screen enquiries and requests and handle as appropriate.
•  Attend promptly and courteously to all categories of visitors
•  Organize and maintain schedule and appointments as appropriate
•  Provide secretarial and administrative services for management and board meetings- taking minutes, providing refreshments
•  Prepare memos, letters, reports and presentations
•  Arrange travel, accommodation and other logistics
•  Perform other duties as required.
Qualifications
To qualify for this role, you must have the following:
•  Bachelor degree or Higher National Diploma in any  field of study
•  Completed NYSC.
•  Excellent working knowledge/ skill of Microsoft office packages – MS Excel, MS PowerPoint
•  Service orientation and meticulous attention to detail
•  Developed  organizational and office management skill
•  Excellent interpersonal and communication skill

Click here to apply: https://nestle.taleo.net/careersection/3/jobdetail.ftl?job=150002S5

Shell Petroleum Development Company

Maritime HSE Advisor

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationOthers  
• Experience 7 years
• Location Rivers
• Job Field Engineering / Technical   Oil and Gas / Energy  

 

Auto req ID: 14417BR

Job Description

• Drive a project for effective Safety Management System (SMS) and / or HSSE Management System implementation by Shell companies in Nigeria maritime contractors in close liaison with pertinent stakeholders.
• Support all maritime Contract Holders within SEPCiN in implementing and maintaining contractor management processes in line with Shell HSSE & SP Control Framework and associated guidelines. Jointly develop implementation strategies for the “Green banding” framework and methodology.
• Implement processes to ensure that “Green banding” level of maritime contractors is sustainable. Monitor progress and provide feedback to Logistics and HSE Management Team at defined intervals.
• Provide necessary advice and support to contractors with the completion of OCIMF(Oil Companies International Maritime Forum), OVID(Offshore Vessel Inspection Database) OVMSA(Offshore Vessel Management System Self Assessment) and review of same. Develop and monitor (report) on contractor HSE plans on quarterly basis.
• Work with all maritime contractors along with appropriate contract holders to develop HSSE performance improvement plans; conduct monthly review of the effectiveness and provide feedback to Logistics and HSE Management Team; take remedial actions as necessary in close liaison with the contractors and key stakeholders
• Organise and present dedicated Marine HSE meetings and forum with Marine contractors, ensuring that minutes are produced in timely fashion, distributed and documented actions followed up to closure.
• Liaise with Project teams who use marine services with respect to their scheduled monthly HSE meeting in order to share HSE learning.
• Administer the Shell Learning From Incidents(LFI) programme for marine and function as sole focal point for all marine related safety alerts inward and outward. Transfer best practices from STASCO, other businesses units and the industry.
• Assist with and/or lead with marine incident investigation.
• Liaise with Kidney Island, Ogunu and Onne Marine Coordination Centre and other support teams for safe and efficient quayside operations.
• Contribute to the overall achievement of Maritime HSSE performance and “Goal Zero” objectives.
• Remain as the focal point for follow up and close out verification of maritime contractor audits / reviews.
• Conduct vessel visits (ride with the vessel) in accordance with the vessel visit plan and produce written visit reports.
• Provide professional maritime & HSSE advice to internal and external stakeholders as required.
• Provision of Maritime emergency response support.
• Develop and sustain internal and external relationships.

Requirements
Position Qualification/Experience:

• Class 1 Deck or Engineer Officer with at least 7 years experience in oil Exploration & Production operation and marine transport operations.
• Experience on oil tankers or gas carriers is an advantage
• Experienced in all aspects of vessel compliance, inspection and maintenance.
• Knowledgeable of the STASCo Ship Quality Standards and OVID, OVMSA data base.
• In-depth knowledge and proficiency in development and maintenance of HSSE management systems / HSE Cases, Maritime Process Model, Group HSSE & SP Control Framework Transport Manual Maritime Safety.
• In-depth knowledge of marine safety regulations and guidelines
• Marine crisis and emergency response skills
• Communication skills in English both written and verbal
• Experienced in stakeholder engagement. Set up and provide measurable improvement in contractor HSE oversight.
• Working experience in a multi-disciplinary team/environment will be an added advantage.

Marine Terminal Officer/Pilot

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationOthers  
• Experience 7 years
• Location Rivers
• Job Field Engineering / Technical   Oil and Gas / Energy  

 

Auto req ID: 14416BR

Job Description

• Provide experienced pilotage, berthing and loading master services to SPDC and SNEPCo for the marine operations of the Bonny and Forcados terminals and SeaEagle and Bonga FPSO.
• Ensure safe, efficient and cost effective crude oil export operations, including management of line boats and crew boats, SPM operations and crude oil loading operations in compliance with Group and International Standards and Guidelines.
• Ensure safe, efficient and cost effective terminal and FPSO marine operations, crude storage, loading operations including infield tugboat and crew boat services, mooring operations, cargo documentation, proper planning of inward and outward clearing of tankers.
• Assist with management of all maritime risks of the terminals and FPSOs, including crude storage and handling, ballasting and hull stresses, tank cleaning and hull integrity checks, safe FPSO mooring.
• Ensure safe execution of all in field marine operations within the 500 meter exclusion zone. Maintain SAR(Search and Rescue) and stand-by capabilities.
• Manage weekly and monthly routine maintenance of the SPM(Single Point Mooring Buoy) and monitor SPM integrity.
• Skill to lead, prepare and apply HSSE Risk Management.
• Understand, execute and improve Upstream maritime operations and marine assurance processes.
• Ability to investigate and learn from Marine HSSE incidents.
• Manage maritime emergency response.

Requirements
Position Qualification/Experience:

• First Class Deck Certificate of Competency (Master Mariner) or equivalent.
• Oil Tanker or LNG tanker experience of at least 7 years and experience in tanker management in a senior role. Passed on site pilot training program with excellent result.
• Passed SPM simulator training with excellent results.
• Experienced in working with tugs and SPM maintenance with A-frame. Passed oil spill response training. Qualified and experienced pilot in West African offshore waters and terminals.
• Sound marine professional with good understanding tanker handling.
• Sound knowledge of tanker loading operations, Q+Q measurements and cargo documentation. Experience of establishing port operating procedures and working closely with government authorities.
• Good interpersonal and negotiating skills.

Senior Compliance Supervisor, Lifting & Hoisting

• Job TypeFull Time
• QualificationBA/BSc/HND  
• Experience 7 years
• Location Lagos, Rivers
• Job Field Engineering / Technical  

 

Auto Req ID: 14283BR

Job Description
Position Responsibilities

• Manage the implementation of Shell Companies in Nigeria's Lifting and Hoisting Control Documents and Health Safety Security Environment & Social Performance (HSSE&SP) Control Framework requirements to ensure Shell Nigeria derives the benefits from the global standard in running their lifting & hoisting operations, both onshore and offshore.
• Develop work instructions and guidelines (where required) for safe and efficient execution of Lifting & hoisting activities in Shell Nigeria
• Drive compliance program for implementation of standards, rules and regulations relating to Lifting & Hoisting operations both in Primary & Secondary Logistics in Shell Nigeria.
• Develop and implement strategy for compliance monitoring and carry out periodic audits of Major Project Sites, Land Rig sites, Logistics bases etc across onshore and offshore activities, to verify that  Lifting & Hoisting operations are carried out in line with established standards, guidelines and practices.
• Organize awareness campaigns and workshops to continually educate stakeholders on zero tolerance for non-compliance to Lifting & Hoisting standards.
• Monitor Health Safety Environment (HSE) performance in the business to ensure zero lifting and hoisting fatalities and Lost Time Injuries (LTIs).
• Provide expert advice for lifting & hoisting equipment operation and maintenance to ensure total reliability of such assets used by Shell Nigeria.
• Manage all Lifting and hoisting operations across major projects (onshore and offshore) and Well Engineering by providing professional leadership in these aspects of the business.
• Liaise with the Discipline Lead/Authorized Subject Matter Expert (ASME) to manage training programmes and manage the competence of all lifting and hoisting personnel in the Production, Project teams and Well Engineering.

Position Requirements and Qualification

• A minimum of Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Sciences or Related disciplines
• Minimum of 7 years experience in Logistics Business in Exploration & Production (E&P) with a minimum of 4 years in Lifting & Hoisting operations.
• Proficiency certifications from Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA), or their equivalent; Lifting Organizations and Lifting Equipment Regulation (LOLER) competent person training.
• Management Of Lifting Operations (BS7121 - Appointed Person) Certification and International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC) certification on Safe use of Lifting equipment.
• Offshore Petroleum Industry Training Organization (OPITO) level III rigger certification will be an advantage.
• Excellent Health Safety Environment (HSE) Leadership skills
• Good technical knowledge on hydraulic systems, wire ropes, rigging operations, container specifications and handling.
• Pre & post tender contract management skills

Method of Application

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should clickon preferred job titles to apply online.

• Maritime HSE Advisor
• Marine Terminal Officer/Pilot
• Senior Compliance Supervisor, Lifting & Hoisting 

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GOVT. JOBS

The choices we make define our future one way or the other. That's why its imperative for job seekers to understand that the desperation to get a job should be balanced with a careful understanding of some basics. Our Economy is a mixed one: you either get employed by the private or public sector. Each of them have their pros and cons which should be considered carefully in line with your long term vision before making a choice (if one happen to exist). The pros of government job happens to be the cons of private ones and vice versa.

These are the observed merits and demerits of Government jobs have observed:

PROS OF GOVERNMENT JOBS

The best aspects of a government job include:

STABILITY: Unlike the private sector where
companies can go out of business, the
government never goes out of business.
Agencies or offices may close or morph into
new forms, but there will always be
government jobs. Employees will always be
needed to complete the tasks only
government does, and additional employees
will always be needed to support them.
Moreover, incessant laying off of workers is
less prevalent in government jobs than private ones.

FLEXIBILITY: In the vast majority of positions,
workers can easily maintain a healthy work-
life balance. Additionally, telecommuting
and alternative work schedules are common
in government agencies. For jobs that
require employees to conduct much of their
business away from the office, government
organizations have begun providing
equipment to facilitate a mobile workforce.

BENEFITS: Government benefits almost
always exceed private sector benefits
packages. Employees often have superior
health care plans with lower cost and
favorable retirement plans. In prolonged
recessions, government and private sector
benefit packages both get worse. Still,
government benefits remain better.

TIME OFF. Leave time accruals are
generous, and managers tend to be
permissive in approving vacation time.
Federal holidays are observed. State and
local governments sometimes have their
own additional holidays.

CONS OF GOVERNMENT JOB

The worst aspects of a government job include:

SLOW SALARY GROWTH: Cost-of-living
adjustments authorized for government
employees rarely keep up with inflation, and
merit raises are given to only a small
percentage of top performers. For big salary
increases, government employees have to
compete for vacant positions with higher
salaries.

CAPPED EARNING POTENTIAL: Government
executives are often paid less than their
private sector counterparts. To hit the big
paydays, high level government employees
jump to the private sector.

LOW LEVELS OF CONTROL: Bureaucracy
doesn’t only frustrate citizens. It also
plagues government employees wanting to
get things done quickly. Expect all major
and many minor decisions to go through
some sort of formal approval process.

LAZY CO-WORKERS:
Adages about lazy government workers exist for a reason.
Some government employees just do what
is asked of them and no more, but there are
far more employees who are driven to
achieve more than just the bare minimum.
Unfortunately, poor performers are rarely
coached to better performance or fired for
cause.

No matter what you want to do, chances are you can do it for the government. You just need to make sure that you're willing to put up with the negative aspects in exchange for the positive ones.

However, if you happen to be lucky to be faced with a choice of choosing between a government job and a private one. I will advise you to consider the one with a better Job security, Flexibility and a fairly comfortable salary.

So let's assume you get a private job that will pay you 150k per month and a government job that offers to pay 110k monthly. The private job offers a better pay obviously but if it doesn't guarantee you of Job security and a flexible time table that can make you pursue other profitable endeavours unlike the government job, My advise is you choose the government job.

The secret of wealth is not necessarily a relatively better pay on the short term but the ability to diversify your sources of income using a steady stream of income.
However, regardless of the job you find yourself, never ignore this secret if you want to be wealthy in the long run.

Diamond Bank Sacks over 1000 Staff, What do you think?

The economic downturn in the country, coupled with the difficult regulatory climate, seems to be taking its toll on the financial sector as one of the top financial institutions, Diamond Banks Plc has sacked over 1,000 workers.

P.M.NEWS Business findings revealed that the latest disengagement by the bank had to do with the need to realign its operations for a tougher 2015, especially as the monetary policy environment continues to get tighter.

Some of the regulatory measures introduced by the Central Bank of Nigeria aimed at protecting the economy, according to findings, have started affecting the banks’ profitability.

It was learnt that apart from job cuts, the bank is also planning to reduce the number of new branches to be opened this year.
A source within the bank told our correspondent that major projects and sponsorship programmes for third-party companies, which may not readily add to the bottom line, are also due to be axed by the bank.

According to the source, the affected workers cut across all branches of the bank.


The fortunes of Diamond Bank has recently not been on the positive side as its 2015 first-quarter pre-tax profit fell 9.5 per cent to 8.36 billion naira ($42 million) from a year earlier.
The bank did not disclose why profit for the period end-March fell but said in a statement that revenue climbed 5.8 per cent during the period to 40.48 billion naira.

The banks profit after tax also fell by 10.72 per cent to N25.48 billion in 2014, compared with N28.54 billion in 2013 as regulatory induced costs continue to suppress profit.

Its operating expenses also increased by 19.89 per cent to N92.86 billion in 2014 from N77.40 billion in 2013.
Cost-to-income ratio, which measures the ability of a bank in cutting costs while boosting profit, reduced to 72.30 per cent in 2014 as against 66.57 per cent in 2013.

The banks corporate communications unit could not immediately be reached for comment on the development.
P.M.NEWS Business however learnt that more financial institutions are planning to cut their staff strength in the following months, while others are already outsourcing a number of job functions, a development that has seen some of them transfer a significant number of their employees to third-party companies.

One of the banks, Skye Bank Plc, earlier in the year announced that it had transferred its tellers, drivers, security personnel and other support staff members to three outsourcing firms, a move that will affect hundreds of the bank’s workers.

The decision, led to the disengagement of the affected employees from the bank and their subsequent transfer to third-party firms.
Skye Bank, however, said in a statement that the move was part of the initiatives to strengthen all cadres of its workforce.

According to the statement, the outsourcing companies appointed to take over the employees are Optimum Continental Services, Strategic Outsourcing Limited and Integrated Corporate Services Limited.

The bank gave the assurance that the outsourcing firms would engage the affected employees under the same terms and conditions as they were employed by the financial institution.

Global rating agency, Fitch Ratings, and other international and local research firms had late last year predicted that Nigerian banks would witness a fall in profitability this year.

On November 25, 2014, the CBN’s Monetary Policy Committee devalued the naira by eight per cent; raised Monetary Policy Rate from 12 to 13 per cent; and also increased the private sector Cash Reserve Requirement from 15 to 20 per cent.
The development, which led to the immediate withdrawal of about N500bn from the banking system, was said to have affected the banks adversely.

Also, in a bid to halt the sliding naira, the CBN had in December stopped the banks from keeping any of their funds in foreign currencies. It also said dollars bought from it must be utilised within 48 hours, adding that the actions were aimed at stopping the banks from speculating on the exchange rate.

Experts said the recent regulatory measures would have major negative effects on the banks this year, adding that they were already feeling the effects of previous actions by the CBN, especially the increase in public sector CRR, the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria’s levy increase, and the gradual removal of certain bank charges.

Fitch, in a report released on October 8, 2014, said actions aimed at protecting the economy and the banking system by the CBN would make the profits of the Deposit Money Banks for this year drop.

While recalling that some of the previous regulatory headwinds had led to weaker profitability and “stemmed credit growth” in the first half of 2014, the rating agency said Nigerian banks’ assets growth and earnings would experience further fall over the next 18 months.