Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Nigeria has recorded seven new cases of Lassa fever in the week spanning July 22 to July 28, 2024, according to the latest report released by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC).  The cases were reported across three states: Edo, Bauchi, and Kogi, raising concerns about the continued spread of the disease in the country. In the NCDC’s week 30 situation report, it was noted that while no deaths were reported during this period, the cumulative number of fatalities due to Lassa fever in 2024 has reached 163.  This represents a case fatality rate (CFR) of 17.0%,…

A wooden cargo boat, identified as ‘Godbless Dickson’, laden with cargo and over 64 passengers and crew, exploded and was engulfed with flames, leaving 20 dead in the waterways in Bayelsa State, south-south Nigeria. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) learnt on Thursday that the tragic incident occurred on Wednesday along the Ezetu 1 community in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa. Musa Mohammed, the police spokesperson in Bayelsa told NAN correspondent that 20 people have been so far confirmed dead, while rescue efforts by the Marine Police unit were still ongoing. The ill-fated cargo boat, laden with…

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain and publisher of Ovation Magazine, Dele Momodu, has expressed grave concerns over the state of governance in Nigeria, criticizing those in President Bola Tinubu’s inner circle for allegedly deceiving the President about the true condition of the country. In an interview on Thursday, Momodu painted a bleak picture of Nigeria’s current situation, emphasizing the widespread belief that governance has significantly deteriorated.  He accused President Tinubu’s aides of failing to convey the harsh realities to him, opting instead to mask the nation’s challenges. “To ask a question, ‘is there bad governance in Nigeria?’ I don’t think…

Emmanuel Oludare The Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has come under fire from the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) for releasing election guidelines without consulting political parties in the state.  The guidelines, which include the introduction of administrative fees for candidates, have sparked significant backlash, with the IPAC threatening what it describes as a political “tsunami” if the policies are not rescinded. Abayomi Sanyaolu, Chairman of the Ogun State chapter of IPAC, voiced the concerns of various political parties in the state during a stakeholders’ meeting held in Abeokuta.  Sanyaolu condemned the decision by OGSIEC to introduce fees for candidates,…

Earlier this week, Victory Life Bible Church Int’l announced with gratitude and celebration, the passing of its Lead Pastor, Rev. Fola Achudume, a woman of extraordinary faith, hope, and love. Her glorious exit occurred on Saturday, August 3rd, 2024, at the age of 55, leaving behind a legacy of inspiration, empowerment, and transformation. The life of Rev. Fola Achudume, affectionately known as RFA, was a testament to the power of unwavering faith, unrelenting passion, and selfless service to humanity. Her impact on countless individuals will be deeply felt, and her legacy will continue to inspire and empower many more. In…

…  Refund Their Money,Gov Orders   Daud Olatunji  Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun is under intense scrutiny following the controversial implementation of a N10,000 ‘job fee’ for civil service applications. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  policy has been a subject of significant criticism, both from the public and activists. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that for years, the  State government has reportedly collected this fee from job seekers, a practice that has now come under fire. According to an investigation by PLATFORM TIMES, applicants—both successful and unsuccessful—were required to pay this non-refundable fee before submitting their employment forms.  The revelation has…

Daud Olatunji The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has questioned five Ogun State government officials in connection with allegations of local government fund misappropriation.  This development follows a petition by former Ijebu East Local Government Chairman, Wale Adedayo, who accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of diverting approximately N10.8 billion meant for the state’s 20 local governments.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that, the Ibadan Zonal Office of the EFCC invited the officials for questioning on Tuesday as part of an ongoing investigation into the alleged financial misconduct. It was also gathered that  Adedayo’s petition, submitted last August, prompted the EFCC to probe…

Maj. Hamza Al-Mustapha, former Chief Security Officer to the late Gen. Sani Abacha and 2023 presidential candidate of the Action Alliance, has  criticized the adoption of Western democratic systems in Nigeria.  In a recent press briefing in Abuja, Al-Mustapha argued that both the parliamentary and presidential systems are misfits for Nigeria’s unique cultural and historical context. Al-Mustapha stated, “Nigeria must develop a system of government that suits its purpose rather than copy what is being practised in America.”  He stressed  the failure of both systems to align with Nigeria’s heritage and societal norms, calling for a homegrown democratic model tailored…

Daud Olatunji In a remarkable effort to restore hope and dignity, Hope Restoration and Health Initiative Inc.has reunited a long-term homeless patient with her family after years of separation.  The Founder/CEO of the NGO, by Dr. Timothy Olaolu Adebowale,disclosed this in a statement shared on his LinkedIn on Thursday . Adebowale while Narrating the efforts  wrote “ on  August 7, 2024, a joint team of hospital social workers and Hope Restoration staff embarked on a mission to trace the home of a young female patient who had been hospitalised for seven months.  “Their journey took them to Sango Ota, near…

Former Nigerian international goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, has opened up about the harrowing personal challenges he faced following his separation from his first wife. Peterside, who retired from professional football in 2002, transitioned to a new career as a television pundit with SuperSport shortly after hanging up his gloves.  During this period of significant change, he also founded a church, dedicating himself to evangelism and serving as the pastor of Christ Ambassadors Church in South Africa. In a heartfelt revelation on X (formerly known as Twitter), Peterside shared that the departure of his wife and the associated shame nearly drove him…