Vice PresidentProf Osinbajo is currently presiding over an extraordinary session of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting, this morning at the Council Chamber, State House, Abuja.

More photos:https://dailytimes.ng/osinbajo-presiding-over-federal-executive-council-meeting-photos/

What if you could tell what was wrong with your plant by simply hovering your smartphone over it?

Well, farmers in Africa now can. Thanks to one of Google’s many products, TensorFlow, rural farmers on the continent can diagnose diseased plants by taking a photo of it.

TensorFlow came with the launch of Google’s artificial intelligence (AI) center in Accra, Ghana’s capital city earlier this year. Google has opened its first Africa Artificial Intelligence lab in Ghana The center, one of the multinational tech company’s many investments in Africa, is comprised of researchers and engineers from around the continent building resources to solve various African problems through AI.

Just as Google is using technology to create tools that address Africa’s growing needs, Microsoft continues to invest in growing tech talents on the continent.

Read more at: https://dailytimes.ng/the-reasons-tech-giants-are-investing-in-africa/

@Nigerian Pilot

Lawmakers in Taiwan have approved a bill legalizing same-sex marriage, a landmark decision that makes the self-ruled island the first place in Asia to pass gay marriage legislation CNN reports



The vote came almost two years after the island's Constitutional Court ruled that the existing law -- which said marriage was between a man and a woman -- was unconstitutional. The panel of judges gave the island's parliament two years to amend or enact new laws.
On Friday -- only a week off the two-year deadline -- lawmakers in Taiwan's Legislative Yuan passed a bill making same-sex marriage a reality. It will go into effect on May 24.

Read more: http://nigerianpilot.com/taiwan-passes-same-sex-marriage-bill-becoming-first-in-asia-to-do-so/

@Daily Times Nigeria

His Excellency Governor Ganduje receives Zainab and Ibrahim today in Kano, promises financial support of N3,000,000 each. In attendance is the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Diaspora Commission, Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa today in Kano.








More photos: https://dailytimes.ng/photos-gov-ganduje-receives-zainab-and-ibrahim-in-kano/

@Nigerian Pilot

Barely less than 24 hours after President Buhari host Saraki, Dogari, other to a dinner to break the day's Ramandan fast, The Federal High Court in Abuja restrained the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and other agencies involved in the probe of Senate President Bukola Saraki over corruption allegations.

Saraki on Friday filed two separate fundamental rights enforcement suits before the court to challenge the decision of the EFCC to seize his houses.

Ruling on an ex parte application filed along with the substantive suit by Saraki, Justice Taiwo Taiwo, on Tuesday ordered the anti-corruption body and the other five respondents to the suit to stay action on the probe pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice filed by the applicant.

The judge made the order after hearing Saraki’s lawyer Sunday Onubi, who moved the application.



The six respondents to the suit affected by the restraining order are the Attorney General of the Federation, Mr Abubakar Malami (SAN), Department of State Services, Inspector-General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, EFCC, Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission and Code of Conduct Tribunal.

Read more: http://nigerianpilot.com/less-than-24-hours-after-buhari-host-saraki-to-a-dinner-court-halts-efcc-icpc-dss-from-probing-him/

@Nigerian Pilot

Long distance relationship could be bothersome, you start to question yourself and the viability of the relationship. This is quite normal, because you need to re-evaluate the relationship, it is actually wise to do so. But stop panicking because your long distance relationship could work only if you are doing it right. Ways on how to keep your long distance relationship working and happier involve;

1. Regular communication

Make it a habit to communicate with your partner as much as you can, be honest and lighthearted. But respect the fact that he might be busy or you might be busy as well. So make the most of your free times to talk and tell each other how much you love and care for each other.

2. Be honest about your feelings

Do not try to hide how you feel such as your fears and insecurities. This will strengthen your bond. Resolve conflicts with an undertone of love, never bring up the pasts or compare when opening up about your feelings and don’t bring up issues when you are prone to tears or irrational anger.

3. Prepare for challenges and re-evaluate when necessary

Be ready for challenges and do not deny the fact that absence is a major influence in your relationship. Consider these and bring up ways to handle likely challenges and the presence of absence itself in your relationship.


Read more: http://nigerianpilot.com/4-ways-to-keep-your-long-distance-relationship-thriving/

The U.S. Mission to Nigeria Tuesday, May 14, 2019 announced the indefinitely suspenion of interview waivers for renewals visa, otherwise known as the “Dropbox” process which takes effect at the close of business today. Visa applications will no longer be accepted by DHL in Nigeria. Those who have already submitted their passports via “Dropbox” to DHL for processing either at the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, or the Consulate General in Lagos, will not be impacted by this change.

Read more at: https://dailytimes.ng/breaking-us-embassy-suspends-use-of-dropbox-process-for-renewals-of-visa/

Ardent critic of President Muhammadu Buhari, Reno Omokiri has commended the President for re-appointing Godwin Emefiele as Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria.

Omokiri in his Tweet regarding the re-appointment of Emefiele by Buhari noted that despite his firm belief on the tribalistic and nepostic disposition on the president on national matters, this development was a pointer that he is becoming a changed leader.


More: http://nigerianpilot.com/omokiri-speaks-on-buhari-as-emefiele-gets-second-tenure/

Following the aggressive manhunt on the suspected killers of late Chief Frank Anthony Igboka, former President General of Nimo Development Union, Njikoka local government area of Anambra state, the State Police Command has made another breakthrough in arresting the second principal suspect, Ernest Okoye alias 'IBB'.

The 34 years old suspect who is a quantity survey with Julius Berger Company and hails from Obosi in Idemili North local council was traced and arrested in his hideout at old INEC road,Awka the state capital.

More: http://nigerianpilot.com/igbokas-killing-police-parade-another-killer-suspect-in-awka/

Constitutes special team drawn from EFCC, DSS and Police

* To monitor calls, movements and account details

*Vows to wield the big stick against any judge found to have compromised

*warns against undue technicalities and frivolous adjournments

Determined to clear Nigerian Judiciary of corruption, the National Judicial Council, NJC under the Leadership of Justice Tanko Muhammad and the executive secretary of the NJC, Ahmed Gambo Saleh are monitoring Judges across the country who are currently presiding over elections petition Tribunals.

Read mre: http://nigerianpilot.com/njc-places-election-petition-judges-on-watch-list/

More photos https://dailytimes.ng/moments-president-buhari-arrives-abuja-from-uk-photos/

The Nigeria Army has banned the use of motorcycles in the North West and some parts of North Central in Nigeria in order to curb the menace kidnapping and other criminal activity.

The Decision to ban the motorcycles was reached after the Army observed that criminals always use the motorcycles to escape after carrying out the criminal activity.

The information was released in a press statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations Col Sagir Musa

More: http://nigerianpilot.com/breaking-army-bans-use-of-motorcycles-to-curb-kidnapping/

PRESS RELEASE
ENFORCEMENT OF BAN ON THE USE OF MOTORCYCLES IN EX HARBIN KUNAMA AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

The Nigerian Army (NA) over time has observed the use of motorcycles by armed bandits, kidnappers, criminal elements and their collaborators as enablers to perpetrate their heinous crimes especially in the states within the north west geopolitical zone of the country.

This informed the decision and directive to ban the use of motorcycles within the hinterland particularly around the Forests where the armed bandits, criminals and kidnappers hibernate and all around where troops are conducting operations alongside other security agencies.

While this may cause some inconveniences to some law abiding citizens in the area, the need to use all means possible to stop the dastardly activities of these bandits across the North West part of Nigeria needs no emphasis.

The general public, particularly in the North West and some parts of North Central in Nigeria where Ex HARBIN KUNAMA is ongoing are enjoined to bear with the NA as concerted efforts are being made to combat the insecurity menace ongoing within the area.
In this wise, it is hereby reiterated that the use of motorcycles remain banned within the forest areas in KANO, KATSINA, ZAMFARA, SOKOTO, KADUNA, KEBBI and NIGER States.

Anyone caught using motorcycles within the named areas will be taken for an armed bandit, criminal and kidnapper with dire consequences.

The respective State Governments are enjoined to please disseminate the ban on the use of motorcycles in the named areas and enforce the ban in conjunction with the Security Agencies.
SAGIR MUSA
Colonel
Acting Director Army Public Relations
5 May 2019

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1935008706611445&id=354312648014400

..Why I am dumping opposition party – Ex Minister

A Lagos state chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and a
former Minister of Works, Senator Adeseye Ogunlewe, has come over
severe attack from the opposition party over the alibi he gave for his
defection to the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Reacting, the State chairman of the party, Dr Adegbola Dominic in a
chat with reporters in Lagos at the weekend, said the party had
evidence that even while claiming to be a PDP leader, Ogunlewe has
been collecting money from APC leaders to work against the interest of
PDP in the state.

More: http://nigerianpilot.com/pdp-carpets-ogunlewe-over-defection-to-apc/

Days after the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC) announced the appointment of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, as its “Ambassador-at-Large”, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has initiated a fresh investigation, which seeks to probe all salaries, allowances, estacodes, and payments he received as governor.

This was made known through a letter signed by the EFCC Zonal Head overseeing Kwara, Isyaku Sharu, and addressed to the Permanent Secretary, Kwara Government House.


More: http://nigerianpilot.com/trouble-for-saraki-as-efcc-begins-fresh-investigation/

@Nigerian Pilot Newspaper

This is perhaps the sad and concluding experience of a Nigerian, name with held, who recently recalled an experience at the Rigasa train terminal in Kaduna. His tale speaks of how the rich in the country takes advantage of everything, using the vantage position, only for themselves and family members.

Yunusa (not his real name) lamented again, exclaiming nonetheless that, ”THEY HAVE FINALLY HIJACKED ABUJA/KADUNA TRAIN.”

Recalling the incident, he noted that the nove -rich and their family members are beginning to be afraid to travel on the dreaded Kaduna / Abuja highway which had been their motor way for the exclusive rich who brandish all manner of latest automobiles on the highways with their family members at every beck and call and for every, slightest wedding, death or cruising just for the fun of it. “But today they are afraid of using road for fear of being kidnapped.

He said “A few days ago, I went to Rigasa in Kaduna around 1:00 pm to board the 2:30 afternoon train.


Read More: http://nigerianpilot.com/experience-how-rich-nigerians-families-hijacked-abuja-kaduna-train/

…….60 operatives launch offensive on 8 APC states, others
……..track properties by proxy, profile relatives, friends of Govs



As the tenure of office of some governors as well as ministers serving under the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, comes to an end on May 29, 2019, the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB has launched fresh assets verification of the concerned political office holders to ascertain if what they earlier declared is what they are leaving office with.

Already, the Bureau has dispatched not less than 60 of its operatives on discreet operations to nail some outgoing governors.


Read more: http://nigerianpilot.com/may-29-hand-over-ccb-moves-against-buharis-ministers-ex-govs/

Justice Folashade Ogunbanjo-Giwa of the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja, yesterday, granted bail to the Director General of National Broadcasting Commission, Ishaq Kawu Modibbo.

Others who secured bail are Sir Lucky Omoluwa, Chairman of Pinnacle Communications Ltd, and Dipo Onifade.

The trio are facing trial over allegation of fraud in the digital switch over project of the Federal Government.

The defendants were granted bail by the court after they had pleaded not guilty to a 12-count charge preferred against them by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC).


More http://nigerianpilot.com/breaking-alleged-n2-5bn-fraud-court-grants-nbc-boss-modibbo-others-n300m-bail/

Says process will help consolidate democracy

The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) has announced the arrival in South Africa of its election observation mission (EOM) led by former President Dr. Goodluck Jonathan to observe the country’s national and provincial elections.

A statement issued by the South African-based EISA ahead of the May 8 elections quoted former President Jonathan of stating that the polls would provide another opportunity for South Africans to exercise their voting right and deepen the roots of the nation’s democracy.



In the arrival statement Jonathan said: “It is a great pleasure for me to lead the EISA election observation mission to the 2019 national and provincial elections in South Africa.

“These elections which come in the 25th year of South Africa’s democratic journey are of great importance as they provide another opportunity for South Africans to exercise their right to vote and thus support the country’s democratic consolidation.

Read more: https://dailytimes.ng/jonathan-arrives-south-african-speaks-on-observer-mission/

Kano State government has abolished the dichotomy between the Higher National Diploma (HND) and Bsc holders in the state.

Gov. Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano made this known during the workers day celebrations at Sani Abacha Stadium on Wednesday in Kano.

According to Ganduje, the decision to abolish the dichotomy is part of his administration’s effort to boost the morale of civil servants in the state.

He said his adminstration was working asidiously in enhancing the walfare of civil servants.

Ganduje explained that arrangements had been completed for the implementation of the new N30,000 minimum wage approved by President Muhammad Buhari.

According to Ganduje, his administration will continue to give priority to the welfare of civil servants and all residents of the state.

Mr Kabiru Ado-Minjibir, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in Kano, lauded the efforts of the state government of enhancing welfare and working condition of civil servants.


More: http://nigerianpilot.com/may-day-kano-govt-abolishes-hnd-bsc-dichotomy/

Julian Assange has been sentenced to just under a year in a UK prison on Wednesday after he was found guilty of violating his bail conditions when he entered Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden in 2012.

"You had a choice and the course of action you chose was to commit an offense," Judge Deborah Taylor said. "You've not surrendered willingly ... you would not have come voluntarily before the court," she added, before handing down an "imprisonment of 50 weeks."
Charges were formally laid at Westminster Magistrates' Court on April 11, hours after the 47-year-old's nearly seven-year sanctuary within Ecuador's central London embassy came to an abrupt and dramatic end.


More http://nigerianpilot.com/wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-sentenced-a-year-in-uk-prison-for-skipping-bail/

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Halima Aden is the newest member of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit family, making history as the first Muslim model to wear a hijab and burkini in the magazine si.com reports





more photos http://nigerianpilot.com/first-muslim-supermodel-to-wears-hijab-and-burkini-photos/

Plateau State Police Command on Tuesday said it has received an information on 29 of April 2019 at about 0800hrs to the effect that unknown gunmen attacked Maiyanga area of Miango District as a result, one Jummai Jah 25yrs and Emmanuel Ishaya 37yrs were killed. While a 7 months old girl Tabitha survived with a neck injury and is receiving treatment at Enos Hospital at Miango.

More: http://nigerianpilot.com/plateau-police-command-confirms-killing-of-4-persons-319-cattle/

Mr Obinna Nwakobi, has blamed his son, Emeka Nwakobi, over the alleged man hunt for him and others by security agents for suspecting them to be members of the dreaded terrorist group, Boko Haram, while doing his legitimate business in Maiduguri, Borno
state capital.

Addressing newsmen yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, Obinna regretted for not seeing his child for months now, recalled that, "I told my son, Nwakobi
Emeka, that I got reports that he was always in company with suspected Boko Haram terrorists and he denied the allegation saying that it was a mere imagination by his enemies. He always say that they were just friends and business partners.

More: http://nigerianpilot.com/boko-haram-father-blames-son-for-his-travail/

There is anxiety following the intrigues and fear of lack of capacity over the emergence of National Union Of Road Transport Workers Boss as the new Chairman Of the Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Kwara state, Nigerian Pilot learnt


More gist:http://nigerianpilot.com/anxiety-as-nurtw-boss-emerges-chairman-nlc-in-kwara/

Senator Melaye Blast Sahara for posting fake news


More: https://dailytimes.ng/g-wagon-senator-melaye-blast-sahara-reporters/

Arguably, man inhumanity to man is as old as the world itself. That accounted for why many people held that life is a recycle of the past, either good or bad. That axiom played out in the life of 63-yr old woman who was healed of blindness and young man in his early thirties that regained his sanity in Lokoja recently.

It was with happiness , show of love and tradition that Mrs Florence Achibong who hailed from Ogoja in Cross River State went to baby sit (popularly called Omugo) when her daughter in-law put to bed in Lokoja in kogi state.

It was gathered that in the process of baby sitting, she started experiencing an itching in her eyes which led her to a general hospital in Nyanya in Nassarawa state for treatment.

more:http://nigerianpilot.com/wicked-world-how-a-woman-poison-eye-drop-blinds-mother-in-law/

Julian Assange, the 47-year-old WikiLeaks founder, has been arrested in London.

London's Metropolitan Police confirmed Assange's arrest on Twitter on Thursday morning.


Assange had been living in the Ecuadorian Embassy in central London in 2012 while wanted for questioning over sexual assault allegations in Sweden.

More: http://nigerianpilot.com/breaking-wikileaks-founder-julian-assange-has-been-arrested/

Sudan President Omar Al-Bashir has stepped down and is under house arrest, multiple sources said

His personal guard has been replaced and is under close watch.

Bashir had ruled Sudan for three decades. He is accused of war crimes and genocide by the International Criminal Court for his government's actions in Darfur.


More: http://nigerianpilot.com/sudan-president-bashir-steps-down-after-30-years-in-power/

@Nigerian Pilot

Boko Haram: NEDC rehabilitation to take off with N55bn- SGF
The Nigerian government has been warned to act fast and integrate Almajiri boys into the conventional school system, in order to stem the tide of violence and extremism in the country.

Coalition of groups made the call in the aftermath of escalating violent crimes in the country, urging President Muhammadu Buhari “to actualise President Goodluck Jonathan’s Almajiri integration initiative”.




More: http://nigerianpilot.com/9-5m-almajiris-may-join-boko-haram/

Joseph Inokotong, Abuja

WhatsApp said it has evolved a new method for handling half-truths.
The top social media network, WhatsApp, according to crowdsourcing has a new strategy for tackling misinformation, especially during India's election.
It said that WhatsApp is offering its 200 million users in India a new tip line where they can send in messages, pictures or videos they want fact-checked.


Read more: https://dailytimes.ng/whatsapp-launches-new-approach-on-how-to-identify-fake-news

Given the accommodation plight officers of the Nigerian Customs Service, NCS go through; the service has taken a bold step to commission new building for to accommodate it’s staff.

The building which was built by renowned construction company, ‘Brains and Harmmers’ is a two bed room flat of 86 units said to accommodate 86 officers.





More pictures : http://nigerianpilot.com/ncs-commissions-86-units-of-two-bed-room-flats-in-abuja/

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has said that he has no reason to quit politics or the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party that gave him opportunity to serve as the Deputy Governor, Governor, Vice President and eventually President.

The Media Adviser to the former President, Mr Ikechukwu Eze, stated this whikee reacting to a story on Sunday by an online newspaper claiming that the ex-president has resigned from PDP and quit politics,, described the news as fake, malicious and calculated attempt to rubbish the elder statesman.


Read more: http://nigerianpilot.com/i-have-no-reason-to-quit-politics-or-pdp-now-jonathan/