Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revealed that malaria claimed the lives of 597,000 people globally in 2023, with the majority of fatalities recorded in Africa. In its latest World Malaria Report, released on Wednesday, the global health body disclosed that there were an estimated 263 million cases of malaria last year, representing an increase of 11 million cases compared to 2022. However, the death toll remained relatively unchanged from the previous year. “Approximately 95% of the deaths occurred in the WHO African Region, where many at risk still lack access to the services they need to prevent, detect, and…

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has led a delegation of prominent South-West monarchs to visit former President Muhammadu Buhari at his residence in Daura, Katsina State. The two-day visit, described as a courtesy call, offered a platform for meaningful discussions on national unity and development. In a statement issued by the Ooni’s office, the monarch expressed gratitude for Buhari’s warm reception and commended the former leader’s renewed vitality post-presidency. “He’s 30 years younger right now,” the Ooni remarked, adding, “When you see him, you will be completely shocked at how relaxed and vibrant he is, radiating good spirits.…

Daud Olatunji The Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, alongside three distinguished Nigerians, has been inducted into the Nigerian Book of Records (NBR) Hall of Fame. The ceremony, held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, celebrated the achievements of individuals who have significantly contributed to nation-building and societal development. The other inductees included Alhaj Adewale Sonaike, Group Deputy Managing Director of Courteville Business Solutions PLC; Dr. Adebola Akindele, founder and CEO of Courteville Business Solutions PLC; and Dr. Muiz Banire, a former commissioner in Lagos State was represented. The Nigerian Books of Record (Who’s Who in Nigeria) is the…

The Nigerian Red Cross Society, Ogun State Branch, held its Annual General Meeting on Thursday at its temporary office in Abeokuta, calling for increased government recognition and support for its humanitarian activities. The event, attended by dignitaries from the branch and neighbouring divisions, highlighted the society’s achievements and outlined strategic goals for the coming year. Key attendees included the Ogun State Branch Chairman, Dr. Jide Ibrahim Bello; Vice Chairman, Instructor Alhaji Olatoye; a National Officer, Inspector Yinka Fashina; Branch Secretary, Mr. Ezekiel Taiwo, and other officials such as Inspector Bola Bayo Solarin and Instructor Alade Segun. In his address, Dr.…

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has cautioned state governors against misappropriating funds belonging to Local Government Areas (LGAs), describing such actions as gross misconduct and an impeachable offence. Fagbemi issued the warning on Thursday at the 2024 Annual Conference of the National Association of Judiciary Correspondents (NAJUC) in Abuja. He emphasized the legal and ethical implications of tampering with LGA finances, referencing the July 11, 2024 Supreme Court judgment that granted financial autonomy to local governments across Nigeria. “By the judgment, any governor who tampers with the finances of LGAs in…

The Edo State Assets Verification Committee has alleged massive inflation of a road contract under the immediate past government of Godwin Obaseki, revealing that the project cost ballooned from N8 billion to N16.4 billion within a year. The committee, set up by Governor Monday Okpebholo, made the discovery during an inspection of the 17.5-kilometer Benin-Abraka Road Phase 1C project. The Sub-committee on Physical Assets and Infrastructure reported that the contract sum was revised three times after it was initially awarded to Nsik Engineering Company Limited on May 16, 2023. Speaking during the inspection, the project manager for Nsik Engineering, Engr.…

In a significant shake-up of the Kano State cabinet, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has dismissed the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Abdullahi Bichi, and the Chief of Staff, Shehu Sagagi, while reassigning Deputy Governor Aminu Abdussalam to a new ministry. Announcing the changes on Wednesday, the Governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin-Tofa, cited health concerns as the reason for Bichi’s removal. He also revealed that the position of Chief of Staff has been scrapped entirely as part of the administration’s reorganization efforts. Dawakin-Tofa noted that Abdussalam’s reassignment was aimed at ensuring effective governance and aligning responsibilities with the administration’s priorities.…

The Managing Director of Divine Kings Pharmaceutical Limited, Kingsley Ekeanyanwu, has been apprehended over allegations of distributing substandard Deekins Amoxycillin 500mg capsules, which have reportedly caused serious adverse reactions among patients. The Director-General of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, disclosed the development during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday. According to Adeyeye, the investigation into the substandard capsules, produced by Ecomed Pharma Ltd., began following reports from hospitals across Nigeria about patients experiencing adverse drug reactions. “If we see bad actors, we go after them, we shut them down. We…

The Nigerian Senate has issued a warrant of arrest against the management of Julius Berger, one of the country’s leading construction firms, for consistently failing to honor invitations to appear before its Committee on Works. The Senate’s decision, reached during Thursday’s plenary, followed a motion raised by Senator Osita Ngwu, representing Enugu West, who expressed dissatisfaction with the company’s repeated snubbing of the Senate’s summons. Ngwu highlighted the presence of numerous uncompleted projects awarded to Julius Berger across Nigeria, stressing the need for a thorough investigation into the company’s operations and contract handling. He accused the construction giant of undermining…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) on Wednesday destroyed expired, counterfeit, unregistered, and smuggled products valued at ₦10.9 billion in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital. The items, sourced from five South-West states excluding Lagos, as well as Kwara State in the North-Central zone, were incinerated at an approved dumpsite provided by the Oyo State Government to ensure minimal environmental impact. Speaking at the event, the Director-General of NAFDAC, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, represented by the South-West Zonal Director, Mrs. Roseline Ajayi, emphasized that the exercise was a demonstration of the agency’s commitment to ensuring public health…