Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Justice T. N. Nzeukwu of the Imo State High Court has sentenced Desmond Eke, the founder of Deliverance Ministry of the Good Shepherd in Umuehieta Avu, Owerri West Local Government Area, to eight years imprisonment for raping a member’s wife. The court found Eke guilty of exploiting the trust placed in him by the victim, a member of his congregation, who was in a vulnerable state.  Eke faced three charges, including rape and administering a stupefying substance to the victim, rendering her dizzy and weak.  The prosecution counsel, Chioma Emuka, detailed how Eke took advantage of the woman in her…

The Federal Government  has disbursed a total of N1.03tn to combat insecurity and terrorism from January to June 2024, according to a budget implementation report obtained through Open Treasury, a website monitoring government spending.  This expenditure represents 42.80 percent of the allocated N2.41tn for security, leaving a balance of N1.38tn. Despite this significant investment, the first seven months of 2024 have seen devastating security challenges.  Data from Beacon Consulting, an indigenous intelligence outfit, revealed that 5,801 Nigerians were killed, and 4,348 were abducted in terrorist attacks across the nation.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that these  incidents occurred in 574 Local Government…

A tragic incident of suspected food poisoning has struck Anyoke in Okunchi Ward of Adavi Local Government Area, Kogi State, resulting in the death of six individuals, while another similar incident in Eruda community, Olorun West Local Government Area, Kwara State, has claimed the lives of four more. PLATFORM TIMES reports that in Kogi State, the  State Ministry of Health’s Epidemiology Division was alerted by the Disease Surveillance and Notification Officer (DSNO) following the deaths.  It was gathered that initial investigations indicate that the fatalities followed the consumption of cassava flour from a suspected contaminated source.  The Kogi State Commissioner…

The Council of Baale, Abeokuta North Local Government, has indefinitely suspended Quadri Kudaisi, the Baale of Idiya, amid serious allegations of land grabbing and misconduct. The Council issued a suspension letter dated July 31, 2024, detailing the reasons for this  action.  The letter, referenced as OG/SCB/AKM/091/24, was jointly signed by the Chairman of the Council and Baale Onisasa, Oyejide Jelili Adio, and the General Secretary and Baale Sangote, Adetola Jelili.  The communication was disseminated to key stakeholders, including the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ogun State Police Commissioner, Egba Traditional Council of Baale’s, and other relevant authorities. The…

The Council of Baales in Orile-Imo,Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State, has issued a firm rejection of the recent installation of Chief Reuben Oluwanbe Sogaolu as the Olu of Orile-Imo, citing  procedural breaches and lack of community involvement. The decision was announced in a communique following a crucial four-hour meeting held on Monday. The communique expressed shock and dismay at the news of Sogaolu’s installation by the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Adedotun Gbadebo, without the involvement of essential community stakeholders.  It emphasised that the Imo Traditional Council, which plays a pivotal role in the selection process, was not…

In the words of the renowned Irish playwright Bernard Shaw, “Life isn’t about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself.” This sentiment perfectly encapsulates the remarkable journey of Reverend Fola Achudume, affectionately known as RFA, who dedicated her life to building and uplifting others. Reverend Fola Achudume, the late Lead Pastor and wife of the General Overseer of Victory Life Bible Church International, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, was a beacon of hope and transformation. Her life’s mission was to mend broken lives and uplift those whom society had written off. As a certified Life Coach, RFA specialized in turning despair into…

Daud Olatunji The doctors in Ogun State, under the aegis of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), have embarked on an indefinite strike following unresolved issues concerning their allowances.  The strike, which began on Saturday, 3rd August 2024, is primarily aimed at addressing the pay disparity between federal and state medical workers. Dr. Azeem Kunle Ashimi, the Chairman of the Medical Association in the State, disclosed this on Tuesday at a press conference held in Abeokuta. Ashimi explained that the decision to proceed with an indefinite strike came after a failed 3-day warning strike. “Unfortunately, we weren’t able to reach a…

The Platform Times Investigative Journalism Foundation has entered into a partnership with SAVEALOT  Media Ltd to distribute N4 million to students of tertiary institutions in Nigeria through a virtual test. The SAVEALOT Media Ltd has set up a mobile classroom app for students to learn. The test will be administered on the app. The nationwide virtual test will cover various academic courses and will be administered by prominent guest lecturers from reputable higher institutions across Nigeria. Students will also be able to enroll in various courses, regardless of their institution, level, or location, and they can join the virtual test…

GCR Ratings (GCR) has affirmed the national scale long-term and short-term issuer ratings of AA+(NG) and A1+(NG) for Dangote Industries Limited (DIL), reflecting strong earnings prospects from the group’s new petrochemical refinery. Concurrently, GCR has affirmed the AA+(NG) national scale long-term issue ratings for Dangote Industries Funding Plc’s Series 1 Tranche A and Tranche B Bonds, as well as Series 2 Senior Unsecured Bonds. The outlook on these ratings has been revised from Stable to Evolving. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the affirmation comes on the back of anticipated significant earnings growth with the recent start of operations at DIL’s new…

Daud Olatunji Former Governor of Ogun State, Olusegun Osoba, has called on Nigerians to embrace “Operation Feed Yourself” as a solution to the escalating food crisis in the country.  Speaking at the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Leadership and Mentorship Conference in Abeokuta, Osoba revealed that he and his family have been practising backyard farming, growing various crops within their compound to mitigate the high cost of food. Osoba, who was honoured with an award by the NMA’s Ogun State Branch, emphasised the importance of backyard farming in addressing food scarcity.  He pointed out that similar initiatives in the past, such…