Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has shed light on why President Bola Tinubu nominated former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, to the Federal Executive Council, despite his political affiliation with the opposition. Speaking at a book launch marking Wike’s 57th birthday in Port Harcourt, Akpabio extolled the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) as a dedicated and results-driven public officer whose track record earned him the appointment. Akpabio, represented by his Special Assistant on Media, Jackson Udom, praised Wike’s leadership credentials, noting his performance in previous roles, including as a Local Government Chairman, Chief of Staff to…

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) recorded a 13.83% increase in revenue, generating N1.7 billion from passengers and cargo in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, according to the latest report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) The report, released on Friday, showed that the revenue was a notable rise compared to the N1.49 billion recorded in the same period last year. A significant portion of the earnings came from goods and cargo transportation, which generated N412.57 million, a 142% increase from N217.6 million in Q3 2023. However, other receipts dropped sharply by 70.84% to N34.7 million, compared to N119.22…

Daud Olatunji The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Tajudeen Abbas, has emphasized the need for robust support to strengthen the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in its efforts to combat human trafficking and related crimes across Nigeria. Speaking during a courtesy visit by NAPTIP’s Director General, Binta Adamu Bello, at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja, Abbas commended the agency’s strides under Bello’s leadership and pledged legislative backing to bolster its operations. Abbas noted that the House of Representatives would consider amendments to the Trafficking in Persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act, 2015,…

A 44-year-old man, Obinna Makata, has been arraigned before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly assaulting his mother, Euphemia Makata, and committing other related offences. The defendant, who appeared before Magistrate L.K.J. Layeni on Friday, faced charges of assault, theft, breach of peace, and issuing threats to life. According to the prosecutor, Simon Uche, the offences were committed over a period spanning from January 2020 to November this year. The court was informed that Makata allegedly stole N48,000 from his mother, a sum reportedly meant for rent. He was also accused of physically assaulting her and threatening to…

Prominent Nigerians, including a former Military Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida, and Senator Aminu Tambuwal, have been listed among 9,532 land defaulters in Abuja, according to Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Olayinka disclosed this via a Facebook post, where he revealed details of outstanding debts owed by the defaulters. He noted that Babangida, popularly known as IBB, owes N152 million for a plot of land in the upscale Asokoro district of Abuja. Similarly, former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, is said to owe N950,000 for…

Otunba Segun Showunmi, the convener of the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), has urged Nigerians to embrace unity and actively participate in the democratic process. Speaking at the North East Town Hall meeting in Bauchi on Thursday, December 12, 2024, Showunmi emphasized that fostering national cohesion and revitalizing democracy are crucial for Nigeria’s future. In his address, Showunmi called on authorities to create platforms for inclusive civic engagement while challenging Nigerians to reject divisive tendencies. “The attitude that makes Nigeria seem like it is not one country has to go,” he said. “This nation is one, and there is enough…

In a reaffirmation of its dedication to improving the well-being of its host communities, Egbin Power has conducted its 7th Annual Medical Outreach, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) – Good Health and Well-being. The three-day programme, held in partnership with Livewell Initiative, a Non-Governmental Organisation, provided free medical services to over 3,000 residents across Egbin, Ijede, and Ipakan communities. Beneficiaries included children, adults, and nursing mothers, who received comprehensive healthcare services ranging from cardiovascular checks, diabetes tests, and malaria treatment to dental and eye examinations, hepatitis screening, and blood pressure checks. Residents also received…

By Lanre Ogundipe Writing this piece reminds me of my time as a distinguished member of the 2014 National Conference as a representative of my constituency – Nigeria Union of Journalists. In one of my quiet moments, l was brooding over the state of the nation and the darkness that has enveloped her like a haze. A rushing brain-waves swirled up in the air and the flashing memory of the humourous session of the confab. I dashed for my handset to dial a call to my friend and colleague who served in the confab as an Assistant Secretary, Media and…

Daud Olatunji The House of Representatives has initiated an investigation into the alleged mismanagement of a $232 million World Bank loan intended for combating malnutrition in Nigeria. The decision followed a motion moved by Chike Okafor, an All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmaker, during Thursday’s plenary session. The loan was secured by the federal government in 2018 to fund the Accelerating Nutrition Results in Nigeria (ANRiN) project, a 21-year initiative aimed at reducing chronic malnutrition, improving maternal and child health, and increasing access to cost-effective nutrition services. Managed by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), ANRiN focuses on pregnant…

Daud Olatunji The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has announced that a total of 129,417 Boko Haram terrorists and their family members have surrendered to Nigerian security forces within the last six months. This revelation was made during the 18th Africa Security Watch Conference in Doha, Qatar, monitored via Zoom. The conference, themed “Developing Modules for People-Centric Governance Towards Enhancement of Peace and Security,” drew participants from Nigeria, Guinea Bissau, The Gambia, South Africa, Kenya, and Qatar, and was organised by Patrick Agbambu of the Security Watch Africa Initiative. Providing a breakdown, General Musa disclosed that the…