LOVE AND BULLET
PART 8
The docks of Lagos burned with chaos.
Smoke curled into the night sky, mixing with the salty tang of the ocean as gunfire echoed between shipping containers. Obinna moved like a shadow through the fray, his men flanking him—loyal, lethal, and fueled by vengeance. But tonight, the real weapon wasn’t Obinna.
It was Ava.
The Calm Before the Storm
They had planned the attack meticulously.
Obinna’s brother, Emeka, had grown arrogant. He’d taken control of the docks, thinking Obinna was weak—thinking he had nothing left to fight with.
He was wrong.
Ava adjusted the strap of her vest, her fingers brushing the handle of the knife secured at her thigh. She had spent years training for moments like this—elite tactical drills, precision shooting, hand-to-hand combat. But tonight wasn’t about duty.
Tonight was personal.
Obinna’s hand gripped her shoulder, his voice a low growl in her ear. “Remember—Emeka doesn’t get to die easy."
Ava met his gaze, her own burning with the same fire. “I know.”
Then the signal came.
Ava Unleashed
The first shot rang out, and all hell broke loose.
Ava moved like a storm—fluid, unstoppable, deadly. She took cover behind a stack of crates, her pistol steady as she picked off Emeka’s men one by one. Headshots. Clean. Efficient.
“Damn,” one of Obinna’s men muttered, watching her. “She fights like a demon.”
Obinna smirked, reloading his weapon. “No. She fights like a queen.
Ava wasn’t just holding her own—she was *dominating.
Emeka’s men had expected Obinna. They had expected a war between brothers.
They hadn’t expected her.
The Fall of a King
Emeka was hiding in the control tower, surrounded by his last loyal soldiers.
Ava didn’t hesitate.
She scaled the metal stairs, gunfire ringing around her, the scent of gunpowder thick in the air. One of Emeka’s guards lunged at her—she sidestepped, driving her knife into his ribs before shoving him over the railing.
Then she kicked open the door.
Emeka spun, his eyes widening in shock. “You—”
Ava didn’t let him finish.
She fired.
The bullet grazed his thigh, sending him crashing to his knees with a scream.
Obinna stepped in behind her, his boots thudding against the blood-slicked floor.
“Hello, brother.”
The Aftermath
The docks fell silent.
Emeka’s men, those still alive, dropped their weapons. Obinna’s soldiers stood in stunned awe, their eyes flicking between their boss and the woman who had just turned the tide of the war.
Ava wiped blood from her lip, her chest rising and falling with adrenaline.
Obinna walked toward her, his gaze burning with something deeper than victory.
“You,” he said, his voice rough, “are magnificent.”
Then, in front of everyone—his men, his enemies, the world—he pulled her into a searing kiss.
TO BE CONTINUED...

LOVE AND BULLET
PART 7
Dawn crept through the curtains like a thief, painting gold stripes across tangled limbs and rumpled sheets.
Ava woke to the weight of Obinna’s arm draped possessively over her waist, his breath warm against her bare shoulder. For one hazy moment, she forgot—forgot she was a detective, forgot he was a criminal, forgot the world outside these four walls existed at all.
Then reality crashed back in.
The safe house was quiet except for the steady drip-drip of last night’s rain from the gutters outside. Obinna’s phone buzzed insistently on the nightstand, the screen lighting up with a message that made his arm tense around her.
“We need to move.” His voice was rough with sleep, sending shivers down her spine.
Ava turned in his arms, their noses almost brushing. “Who was that?”
Obinna’s thumb traced idle circles on her hip. “My brother’s making his move.”
The bathroom mirror reflected a version of herself Ava barely recognized—smudged mascara, kiss-bruised lips, the ghost of Obinna’s fingers still branding her skin. She turned the shower knob too hard, letting the scalding water punish her for last night’s weakness.
But when she stepped out, steam curling around her, Obinna was leaning against the doorframe—shirtless, a fresh scar she hadn’t noticed before slashing across his ribs.
“You stare like you’ve never seen me before,” he murmured, taking the towel from her hands.
Ava swallowed as he dried her shoulders with agonizing slowness. “I haven’t. Not like this.”
His lips quirked. “And how do you see me now, detective?"
Dangerous. Addictive. Impossible to walk away from.
She didn’t answer.
Breakfast was a tense affair—fresh mango, warm puff-puff, bitter coffee. Obinna spread a map across the table, his fingers tapping Lagos Island.
“My brother controls the docks now,” he said. “But he’s vulnerable here.”
Ava studied the markings—warehouses, patrol routes, escape points. “This is a full-scale assault.”
“It’s war.” Obinna’s gaze burned into hers. “And you’re going to help me win it.”
Ava laughed incredulously. “Why would I do that?”
He leaned forward, catching her wrist and pressing her palm flat against his chest. His heartbeat thundered under her fingers.
“Because last night wasn’t just sex.” His voice dropped to a whisper. “And we both know it.”
The Intimacy of Conspiracy
Obinna dressed her himself—black tactical pants, a fitted bulletproof vest, knives strapped to her thighs. His hands lingered at every buckle, every strap, as if memorizing her.
“This isn’t a disguise,” Ava realized as he braided her hair back with surprising tenderness. “It’s armor.”
Obinna’s lips brushed the shell of her ear. “Today, I need you to be a weapon.”
When he stepped back, Ava saw the change in his eyes—the softness from this morning hardened into something lethal. The Lion was back.
At the door, Obinna caught her face between his hands. His kiss tasted like coffee and goodbye.
“When this is over,” he vowed, “I’ll peel this armor off you one piece at a time.”
Ava’s breath caught. “If we survive.”
His smile was all teeth. “When we survive.”
Then he was gone, leaving Ava with the ghost of his touch and a terrible realization—
She no longer knew whose side she was on.
TO BE CONTINUED...

*SOME NIGERIAN NEWSPAPER HEADLINES+, 24/07/2025*

Three teenage miners drown in Bauchi river

Troops kill Boko Haram commander, 200 bandits in Borno, Niger

FIRS posts N14.27tn revenue surge, exceeds H1 target

Tariff battle escalates: Discos reject review talks with states

Refined products expensive to load from Dangote than Lomé – Dangote

N’Assembly urges Tinubu to immortalise Buhari

APC senators rise to 70 as four PDP lawmakers defect

Sanwo-Olu rallies govs, Elumelu for N500bn Lagos food initiative

Niger opens isolation centres as cholera kills 13

French media giant acquires MultiChoice in $3bn deal, gains full control of DStv, GOtv

Tinubu Meets World Bank Executives In Aso Rock

World Bank, partners back Nigeria’s 90,000km fibre optic network drive

NiDCOM condemns killing of Nigerians in South Africa, demands justice

---------------------------
*DID YOU KNOW?*

* Humans cannot walk in a straight line without a visual point – When blindfolded, we will gradually walk in a circle.

* The Latin name for banana is “musa sapientum” which translates to “fruit of the wise men.”
---------------------------

Tinubu Seeks Extra $47m For Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway, $300m For Telecom Projects

Tinubu meets APC govs in Aso Villa ahead of NEC session

Tinubu celebrates Oniru of Iru Kingdom at 55, hails his service, leadership

Senate okays N105bn as 2025 Budget for RMAFC

Plans to establish national sports academy underway – Abbas

Reps to Probe $18bn refineries’ turnaround maintenance

Reps honour Buhari with valedictory session, says ex-president left indelible mark

Reps pass bill for specialised women’s hospital in Imo

Appeal Court nullifies CAC registration of KPMG professional services

Court declares removal of Benue CJ, Ikpambese, unconstitutional

Court strikes out N12.3bn fraud case against Otudeko after settlement

EFCC arrests 25 BUK students over alleged internet fraud

Troops foil terrorist attacks, neutralise dozens in Zamfara-Niger axis

Bayelsa judge’s abductors nabbed

Police arrest three gun runners, firearms over Benue killings

Security operatives engage suspected IPOB/ESN in shootout in Imo

NAFDAC confiscates 88,560 litres of bomb making acids in Kano

NAFDAC destroys 491,000 Tramadol tabs valued N91 million in Kano

Revised GDP figures offer clearer economic view, says Edun

Nigeria Poised To Become West Africa’s Hub For Refined Petroleum Products – Lokpobiri

Fed govt declares flood prevention a national security priority

FG targets 2m jobs through National Social Housing Programme

Fed Govt releases results of common entrance exam into Unity Colleges

RMAFC submits 2025 budget proposal to House, seeks approval

Nigeria Needs Urgent Reform In Correctional Health System – FG

NIS vows crackdown on rogue passport officers

NESREA seals two Abuja nightclubs, 12 others for violating environmental regulations

1.3 million mangrove seedlings planted for Ogoni environment restoration project – HYPREP

Wike charges contractor on timely completion of Appeal Court office complex project

Fire guts TASUED students’ apartment, property destroyed

SSANIP decries delay in review of schemes, conditions of service for polytechnics, TVET

Jega, Ozekhome lead voices for independent presidential, gov candidacy

Nigeria needs fit-for-purpose IP laws for digital age – UNILAG Professor

Shettima’s wife thanks Tinubu, First Lady, for golden jubilee goodwill

Suppliers oppose Dangote’s proposed direct fuel distribution scheme

Guinea Insurance posts N114.7m loss in H1

NAFDAC disowns audio claiming shutdown of Tummy Tummy noodles factory

Tesla reports 16% profit drop to $1.2 bn on lower auto sales

Fitch affirms Ecobank Nigeria’s long-term IDR at ‘CCC’

Auto manufacturers target 50% local parts with govt patronage

Glo empowers street sweepers in Lagos

2027: Olawepo-Hashim returns to PDP, says party’ll beat APC

PDP national caucus holds late-night meeting in Abuja

APC shifts NEC meeting to Villa, adjusts time

We’ll support who emerges ADC presidential candidate in fair primary-Amaechi

2027: Obi free to contest with or without me — Datti Baba-Ahmed

25 Osun lawmakers pledge loyalty to Adeleke, PDP

Consultations ongoing for Ganduje’s replacement – Uzodimma

Makinde commissions 5.9km dualised Akobo-Ojurin-Olorunda Abaa road

Mbah reshuffles cabinet, swears in head of service, six commissioners

Bauchi gov, minister raise the alarm over fake news threat

Delta approves N230bn for flyovers, other projects

We stand by our tariff order, didn’t tamper with generation costs – EERC

Yelewata attack: Security improved after Tinubu’s visit – Benue official

LASG lists five council roads for completion by year-end

Rivers staff, pensioners audit sparks outrage

Lagos doctors fault July salary cut, call it illegal

Villagers block Zamfara govt house, demand end to banditry

50 students benefit as Lagos monarch marks coronation anniversary

Police hunt abductors of two Abuja women

Villagers Block Ogun Highway As Vehicle Crushes Pupils To Death

Bookville selects 80 children for 2025 annual reading competition

---------------------------

*TODAY IN HISTORY*

* On this day in 1911, Machu Picchu, the 15th century, largely forgotten Inca site in Peru, was rediscovered by American Hiram Bingham III.

---------------------------

Whoever knocks persistently, ends by entering. – Muhammad Ali



Good morning

*Compiled by Hon. Osuji George osujis@yahoo.com +234-8122200446*

THE ARK LEGACY PROJECT- RECORDS AT STAKE

Daniel Breakforth

The Ark Legacy Project is set to be the largest indoor and roofed Church structure in history.

The Ark legacy project is coming up in its best form and shape.

The Ark is a spiritual surgical theatre for millions of lives and has kept many factories, construction companies, food and beverage companies, etc active for over 4 straight years.

The Ark (66,753 Sqm) will be 3 times the size of St Peters Basilica (22, 000 Sqm) Vatican City and over 2 times the size of Our Lady of Peace Basilica (30, 000 Sqm)

Presently....

1,500 to 2000 workers work on 24 hour shifts 7 days a week at the site.

It's main bowl will be larger (109,000) than all but one stadium in the world-The Rungrado Stadium, North Korea (114,000).

It has more toilets (1, 200) than all but one stadium-Wembley Stadium (1, 643)

It has bigger total capacity air conditioners than every indoor Church building in the world.

It can contain more people than any indoor Church building in the world when all spaces are packed (200,000)

It's overflow facility (Faith Tabernacle) was formerly the largest church auditorium in the world (50, 000 capacity)

It will have more lifts, escalators and elevators than any building in the world.

When size is juxtaposed with time, the Ark is possibly the fastest building ever built in Africa. Faith Tabernacle, also in Canaanland, Ota which is actually the fastest comes second when size is considered.

The Ark is being built without a single bank facility, loan or foreign aid.

Videos and pictures do not do justice to the sight of the Ark Project. If you love God and his Church and you visit the Ark, you will be awed, overwhelmed and filled with joy and gladness seeing the visible Hand of God at work.
However if you hate the Church and you visit the Ark, you will be filled with sorrow, anger, sadness, bile, grief, hunger, desire to become a factory worker etc. You will also lose your sense of reasoning and start demanding from the Church instead of your government for your sustenance.

#ChurchGist

*OPEN HEAVENS DAILY DEVOTIONAL*

*DATE: THURSDAY, JULY 24TH, 2025*

*THEME: ANOINT AND PRAY OVER YOUR CHILDREN*

*MEMORISE:*
*"And it shall come to pass afterward, that I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh; and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your young men shall see visions.” - (Joel 2:28)*

*READ: 1 Samuel 16:12-13 (KJV)*

12. So he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, with bright eyes, and good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him; for this is the one!”

13. Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers; and the Spirit of the Lord came upon David from that day forward. So Samuel arose and went to Ramah.

*MESSAGE:*

Parents cannot raise their children all by themselves. This is because many other factors are involved in a child's destiny that parents cannot control. Some of these factors include the environment where their children are growing up, the people they interact with, their genetic makeup, and even spiritual forces that surround their entire family and the children in particular. This is why, beyond all the things that parents do physically to raise their children, they must also pray for them regularly and seek God's help to raise them correctly. Parents must also anoint and pray over their children regularly to protect them from evil forces.

In the short time that I have spent on the earth, I have seen the enemy work all manners of evil in the lives of children. Many times, some parents heap blames on their children for lacking focus, being unserious, or being lazy when they do not succeed, especially in their academics. They get frustrated that they are spending so much money on them without good results. They may not know that there might be forces of darkness that are hindering the child's progress. It is possible for a student to study very hard and just blank out in the examination hall. There was a case at the University of Lagos some years ago where, right in the examination hall, a young man just began to urinate non-stop. There was some pandemonium, and those around him began to call an ambulance. However, he told them that this was not the case for the doctor and that they should call his pastor instead. His pastor prayed for him, and he was healed.

The anointing sets a child apart for greatness. Although David was destined to be the king of Israel, that destiny did not find expression until he was anointed. After he was anointed, the Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him from that day forward (1 Samuel 16:13). In the very next chapter, he killed the Philistine giant, Goliath, and became a national figure (1 Samuel 17:48-51). If you are a parent, speak God's counsel over your children and anoint them regularly. Let them know that they belong to God and that anyone who touches them touches the apple of God's eye (Zechariah 2:8). I pray that God will protect every child from the attacks of the enemy, in Jesus' name.

*KEY POINT:*
Anointing and praying over children regularly protects them from the devil's plans and sets them apart for greatness.

*BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:*
Isaiah 35-37

*AUTHOR: PASTOR E.A ADEBOYE*

*HYMN 16 - 'TIS SO SWEET TO TRUST IN JESUS*

1. 'Tis so sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to take Him at His Word;
Just to rest upon His promise;
Just to know, "Thus saith the Lord."

*CHORUS:*
Jesus, Jesus, how I trust Him!
How I've proved Him o'er and o'er!
Jesus, Jesus, precious Jesus!
O for grace to trust Him more!

2. O how sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just to trust His cleansing blood;
Just in simple faith to plunge me
'Neath the healing cleansing flood!

3. Yes, 'tis sweet to trust in Jesus,
Just from sin and self to cease;
Just from Jesus simply taking
Life and rest, and joy and peace.

4. I'm so glad I learn'd to trust Thee,
Precious Jesus, Saviour, Friend,
And I know that Thou art with me,
Wilt be with me to the end.

BREAKING: Erik Ten Hag Bayer Leverkusen manager have kicked against Granit Xhaka demand to leave the club this summer and join Premier League Clubs Sunderland despite his agents informing the club earlier this week.

According to ETH " His agents can say what they want to say, but this club has already let 3 important players to leave [ Wirtz, Frimpong and Tah Jonathan] and we won't let any more to go, Granit Xhaka is a leader and he still has 3 more years left on his contract here"

" It's clear Xhaka is a key player, he signed here for 5 years and he still has 3 years on his contract, he is too important to us to let him go". Erik Ten Hag concluded in an interview with BILD

If you're single.
If you’re single in this generation, don’t let anyone pressure you into lowering your standards when it comes to choosing a partner.
There is nothing wrong with waiting for a man who is spiritually mature and grounded in his beliefs.
Stand firm in your convictions, and don’t let anyone make you feel guilty for doing so.
Choosing a partner is one of the most important decisions you will ever make.
As the head of your future home, he will have a profound spiritual influence on you and your children.
It is far better to be criticized for having high standards than to rush into a decision ....... you may regret for a lifetime.

𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆: Viktor Gyökeres, new Arsenal player as documents have been 𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒅

Gyökeres receives formal authorization to 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐯𝐞𝐥 as he can undergo 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 as a new Arsenal player in 24h.

Arsenal and Sporting completed process for €63.5m plus €10m deal to be formally signed in the next days.

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐒𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐈𝐍𝐄 𝐈𝐒 𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐍𝐆.

A healthy relationship.
In a healthy relationship, you should feel comfortable talking through your emotions.
You should feel encouraged to speak about what is going through your mind or what is concerning you.
If you happen to have a problem with something your partner has said or done, you should feel comfortable talking to them about it to them without fear of the conversation escalating into a fight.
You should feel confident that no matter what is wrong, you are going to overcome the problem and find a solution as a team because it's called a partnership.
You shouldn’t feel compelled to hide what is bothering you in order to keep the peace.
You shouldn’t feel like you have to walk on eggshells, otherwise it will cause complications in the near future between the two of you.
You shouldn’t feel like you need to hide any part of yourself, because your partner should want to know how you’re feeling at all times.
Even if it hurts to hear what they’ve done to upset you, they should still want to hear it because they care about your opinion.
After all, if you never tell them what is wrong, they are never going to realize why you are upset.
They are never going to have the chance to change their behavior.
They are never going to be able to work towards bettering themselves and down the line, you are going to end up resenting them for it.
That is why your best option is to act straightforward from the start.
Tell your partner what is on your mind, even when the words are hard to say.
Refuse to hold anything back, because in a healthy relationship, you should show them every side of yourself.
You should be completely and utterly you.
Remember, you being honest about your feelings isn’t the same as you causing drama.
You shouldn’t feel like you’re doing your relationship a disservice by bringing up complaints, because really, your relationship would suffer more if you bottled everything up inside.
Even though you might feel awkward bringing up the things that have been bothering you, you should be rest assured that not every single problem in your relationship should lead to an argument.
You should be able to talk to your partner about things that you are unhappy about without them getting upset at you, without them attacking you, without them accusing you of acting overly emotional.
When you’re with the right person, you are going to have uncomfortable conversations, but those type of conversations are the foundation to a healthy relationship.

*10 ways to Honour Your Pastor*

Your pastor is a gift from God, called to feed, guide, and watch over your soul. Honouring your pastor isn’t just an act of kindness—it’s a biblical principle that brings blessing into your life and strengthens the church. Here are 10 ways you can show honour and appreciation:

(1) Pray for Them Regularly

Cover your pastor and their family in prayer. Ask God to strengthen them, protect them, and give them fresh vision.

(2) Speak Well of Them

Guard your words. Refuse to join gossip or criticism. Instead, build them up with your speech—both publicly and privately.

(3) Support Their Vision

Get involved in the work God has laid on their heart. Serve faithfully and help carry the load.

(4) Give Generously

Sow into their lives and the ministry financially. Honour often requires sacrifice.

(5) Celebrate Milestones

Remember their birthday, anniversary, or special achievements. A simple gesture can mean so much.

(6) Be Teachable

Receive the Word with humility. Apply their teachings to your life and show you value the spiritual nourishment you’re receiving.

(7) Protect Their Time

Respect their need for rest and family time. Avoid unnecessary demands outside appropriate times.

(8) Encourage Them

Send a message, write a note, or simply say, “Thank you for all you do.” Encouragement fuels their passion.

(9) Defend Their Integrity

Stand up for your pastor when others speak negatively. Be a shield, not a dagger.

(10) Live Out What You’ve Learned
The greatest honour you can give is to grow spiritually and live in a way that glorifies God.

“Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.”

(1Thessalonians 5:12–13)

When you honour your pastor, you honour God who called and sent them. Let’s be intentional in showing appreciation to men of God .

NSUBEB Chair Revokes 9 Contracts, To Re-Award To New Contractors
***
The Executive Chairman of the Nasarawa State Universal Basic Education Board (NSUBEB), Dr. Kassim Muhammad Kassim, has revoked nine contracts awarded ten months ago by the previous board administration.

Dr. Kassim, who revoked the contracts on Thursday in his office, stated that the contracts were awarded by the previous board administration approximately ten months ago, and the contractors failed to report to the site up to the present moment.

The NSUBEB chairman explained further that the contracts pertain to the 2023 projects, which are more than ten months old, without the various contractors reporting to the site and making efforts to report back to the board. All efforts to reach the affected contractors were unsuccessful.

"On this basis, the following contracts are hereby revoked" he declared.

The contracts include Lot 102N: Renovation of a block of two classrooms with an office awarded to Egya Yahuza Agbokawa Nigerian Limited at JSS Nyanyan Gwamdara, Karu LGA; Lot 110N: Renovation of a block of two classrooms with an office block "C" awarded to Nimus Nigerian Limited at Primary School Ara, Nasarawa LGA, Lot 142N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to A A Jarimi Global Services at Primary School Maiganga, Wamba LGA; Lot 57N: Construction of four compartment toilets (water system) awarded to Nagari Homes Limited at JSS Gadabuke, Toto LGA and Lot 107N: Renovation of a block of two classrooms with an office awarded to Construction Nigerian Limited at Primary, Ashigye, Lafia LGA.

Others Lot 119N: Renovation of a block of three classrooms with two offices awarded to Tramach Nigerian Limited at Primary School Bassa Central, Kokona LGA; Lot 152N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to Sale Muhammad Waziri Ventures at Primary School Gidan Kuje, Keana LGA; Lot 158N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to Tramach Nigerian Limited at Pilot Science Primary School, Ikka, Nassarawa Eggon LGA and Lot 165N: Construction of Handpump Borehole awarded to Al-Babai Dynamic Concept Nigeria Limited at Zainaku Primary School, Umaisha, Toto LGA.

Dr. Kassim urged the 2024 contractors to be mindful of the dates in their award letters and return to the site or face the same action after the expiration of three months starting from the date indicated in their contract award letters.