Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Amnesty International has revealed that at least 24 protesters lost their lives and over 1,200 were arrested during the recent nationwide #EndBadGovernance protests in Nigeria. The protests, which spanned 10 days from August 1, saw Nigerians taking to the streets to decry widespread hardship and poor governance. However, the demonstrations turned violent in some areas, with reports of police using teargas on protesters and journalists, alongside incidents of looting and vandalism of both public and private property, particularly in northern states. In a report titled “Bloody August: Nigerian Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests” released on Thursday, Amnesty International accused…

The Federal Government has raised concerns over the alarming rise in judgment debts, with cases against Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) more than tripling since 2015. The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the Federal Ministry of Justice have called for urgent measures to curb the trend, which they say threatens national resources and hampers development. Speaking at the 2024 Roundtable with Legal Advisers of Federal MDAs in Abuja on Thursday, the CBN Deputy Governor for Corporate Services, Bala Bello, highlighted the surge in garnishee orders as a pressing issue. Represented by the CBN’s Director of Legal Services, Kofo Salami-Alada,…

The British government generated over N40 billion from processing visa applications for Nigerian nationals between June 2023 and June 2024, highlighting the financial significance of Nigeria in the UK’s immigration system. According to Marc Owen, Director of Visa, Status and Information Services at UK Visas and Immigration, over 225,000 visa applications from Nigerians were processed within the period under review. Owen made this disclosure during the launch of Africa’s largest UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Lagos, emphasizing the UK’s commitment to enhancing its visa services. “In the year to June 2024, we processed more than 225,000 UK visas for…

The Federal Government has disclosed that approximately $19 million is required to effectively combat Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, which account for half of Africa’s burden and a quarter of the global total. This was revealed on Thursday by the National Coordinator for NTDs at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Fatai Oyediran, during a high-level advocacy meeting with health commissioners from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Abuja. Mr. Oyediran emphasized that with adequate funding and strategic implementation of the NTDs master plan (2023-2027), Nigeria could eradicate the diseases that disproportionately affect…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has refunded a total of N5.3 billion to States’ Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the Armed Forces, and accredited tour operators for services not properly rendered by Saudi authorities during the 2023 Hajj exercise. A statement issued by NAHCON revealed that N4.47 billion was refunded to the state welfare boards, FCT, and Armed Forces, while N917.14 million was disbursed to 192 accredited tour companies that participated in the Hajj. According to the commission, the refunds are to be distributed to the affected pilgrims, with ongoing reconciliations expected to cover other…

The inauguration of the Legislative Arm of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State, descended into chaos on Thursday after some youths reportedly carted away the mace, the legislative symbol of authority. The incident allegedly occurred under the directive of the council chairman, Lanre Oyegbola. A viral 38-second video showed a scuffle among attendees, with councillors, dressed in white attire and yellow caps, the signature colors of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, at the center of the dispute. Tensions reportedly flared after Moruf Erubami, representing Ward 15, emerged unopposed as Speaker of the 16-member legislative house and was sworn in. However,…

Egbin Power Plc, one of Africa’s leading power generation companies, has been recognized for its outstanding safety culture, clinching the prestigious “Best in Safety Performance in Power Generation Company” award at the 2024 AfriSafe Awards. The ceremony, which took place in Livingstone, Zambia, celebrated excellence in safety across the continent, bringing together dignitaries, industry leaders, and safety professionals from over 24 African countries. Egbin Power’s achievement highlights its implementation of innovative safety initiatives, including the 720 LACEUPS programme, the Technical Safety Colloquium (TSC), and the “What Have You Done for Egbin Station Today” (WHYDFEST) campaigns. These efforts, aimed at fostering…

The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially launched the 2025 Single Interstate Road Tax Sticker (SIRTS), an initiative aimed at streamlining tax payments and addressing multiple taxation in Nigeria’s transport sector. The unveiling, which took place on Thursday at the IRS office in Abeokuta, was spearheaded by the Director of Other Taxes, Mrs. Oluyomi Daudu. She emphasized that the new system is designed to enhance transparency, ease tax compliance for transport operators, and improve the regulation of interstate transport operations. Daudu assured stakeholders of the state’s full commitment to the initiative, which is expected to unify road tax…

Daud Olatunji The 16th convocation ceremony of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, marked a historic moment on Thursday, as Governor Dapo Abiodun announced over N45 million in cash rewards to celebrate academic excellence and extraordinary milestones. Among the highlights was the recognition of 85-year-old Dr. Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who made history as Nigeria’s oldest PhD graduate and the sixth oldest globally. Dr. Onafowokan, awarded a PhD in Educational Media and Technology, received a cash gift of N2.5 million. Governor Abiodun praised his determination, stating, “You have proven that we are never too old to learn. Your…

Fawaz Adebisi Students of Saint Peter’s Anglican School, Ateroko, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State, a stone’s throw to the state’s governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, are facing  daunting challenges as they struggle to access quality education. The government  school, with fragile pupils, is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers and buildings. PLATFORM TIMES observed during a visit to the school that the citadel of learning lack water, toilet, adequate  classrooms  and head teacher’s office . PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the school had only two classrooms with a mango tree which serves as alternative classroom for the pupils from primary one…