Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji A leading scholar in Wildlife Ecology and Biodiversity Conservation, Prof. Omotola Jayeola, has called for the enactment of national legislation to ban open grazing in Nigeria, advocating for wildlife ranching as a sustainable alternative.  Prof. Jayeola made this call while delivering the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta’s (FUNAAB) 93rd Inaugural Lecture on August 21, 2024. In his lecture titled “The Tragedy of Consumption and Conservation: A Paradox of Community Emancipation,” Prof. Jayeola, of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife Management, College of Environmental Resources Management (COLERM), urged the Federal Government to encourage states to adopt laws that would…

Acting National Chairman, of the the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Iliya Damagum, has issued a stern warning to party members and detractors alike, hinting at the potential fallout if he decides to disclose certain information.  Damagum, who expressed his frustration during the inauguration of the party’s reconciliation and disciplinary committees in Abuja on Wednesday, cautioned that if provoked further, his revelations could cause significant upheaval. Damagum, who has been at the helm of the party during a particularly turbulent period, emphasized his commitment to maintaining the stability and integrity of the PDP.  However, he noted that the ongoing internal…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has conducted a series of airstrikes that killed five key Boko Haram commanders and 35 fighters in Borno State.  The operations, carried out under the aegis of Operation Hadin Kai, took place in the Arina area of Southern Tumbuns, known to be a stronghold for the terrorists. NAF spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, confirmed the successful mission to journalists in Abuja on Wednesday.  He revealed that the strikes were launched after intelligence reports indicated that the terrorists had clandestinely migrated to the area from neighboring locations. “The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai executed…

The National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control ( NAFDAC), has begun a three-day exercise in Bauchi markets to mop up fake Milo chocolate drinks in circulation. Head of NAFDAC office in Bauchi, Dr Paul Kamai made this known on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in Bauchi. ”The NAFDAC office began the inspections in markets and superstores to get rid of the fake Milo in circulation following a directive from the Headquarters. “This exercise will last for three days starting Tuesday,” he said. The state director also said that…

Daud Olatunji Aggrieved youths and stakeholders from Orile Imo in the Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State have expressed their intention to pursue legal action against the installation of Chief Reuben Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, a decision they describe as a blatant imposition. In a communique issued after an emergency meeting held on Tuesday, the youths, alongside key stakeholders from the community, vowed to explore all peaceful and lawful means to rectify what they consider a violation of the traditional selection process.  The meeting, which included representatives from all 37 villages under Orile Imo, was convened to…

Ngozi Chuma-Udeh, Anambra State Commissioner for Education, has cautioned parents against altercations with teachers in schools across the state. Ms Chuma-Udeh gave the warning when she received the State Assembly House Committee on Education, who visited her office in Awka for an oversight function. “We receive reports of parents going to school to quarrel with teachers. It is not healthy for the teaching and learning environment. “Therefore, any parent who visits any school in the state to quarrel with teachers should be prepared to take their child home,” she said. The commissioner promised to address the other concerns raised by…

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, signaling its readiness to embark on a nationwide strike if its President, Joe Ajaero, is detained by the police following his recent invitation for questioning.  The NLC’s stance comes in the wake of escalating tensions between the labour movement and security agencies, particularly after the police raided the NLC national secretariat in Abuja last month. In an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held in Abuja on Tuesday, the NLC resolved to initiate an indefinite strike across the country if Ajaero is detained.  The congress, in…

A Nigerian man, identified as Yomi Jones Olayeye, also known as “Sabbie,” has been arrested by U.S. authorities for allegedly conspiring to defraud the United States government of at least $10 million in COVID-19 unemployment benefits.  The arrest was announced in a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Massachusetts on Monday. Olayeye, who hails from Lagos, Nigeria, was apprehended on August 13 upon his arrival at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York.  The 40-year-old suspect is accused of orchestrating a complex scheme to exploit three pandemic assistance programs administered by the Massachusetts Department…

The Union of Nigeria Bilateral Education Agreement Scholars (UNBEAS) has issued an urgent plea to President Bola Tinubu, seeking immediate intervention in the release of 14 months’ worth of stipends owed to Nigerian scholars studying abroad.  The scholars, who are pursuing academic programs in countries including Hungary, Morocco, China, Serbia, Algeria, Venezuela, and Russia, have been plunged into financial distress due to persistent delays in their stipend payments. In a statement released on Tuesday, UNBEAS highlighted the dire situation these scholars face, as many are now grappling with severe economic hardship.  The prolonged delay has forced numerous students to engage…

Daud Olatunji The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has confirmed the sudden passing of Sir Olaniyi Olaleye Babalola Ijalaiye, the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) for Ogun State.  Ijalaiye, aged 66, died on August 19, 2024, after reportedly slumping in his hotel room following a meeting in Abuja. The news of his death has sent shockwaves through the INEC community and beyond, as he was widely respected for his commitment to transparent and credible electoral processes in Ogun State.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that his passing marks the end of a distinguished career in public service, where he was known for his…