Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Aisha Ademigbuji Aunty Wunmi—I’ll never forget that name. She was my Primary 3 teacher, the one who opened my eyes to the world of reading and literature. Eloquent and engaging, she had a knack for captivating us during our Thursday literature periods. Her influence was instrumental in shaping my love for reading from a very young age. It was clear to me early on that I wanted to study either literature or the English language when I got to university. Although I initially applied for English language and literature, fate led me to study mass communication. Despite this, I…

Phebe Falodun  PR Primus Limited, the producers of the renowned Public Relations programme “Your Image” on Ogun State Television (OGTV), has announced plans to repackage the weekly show to strategically promote both local and international brands within the Nigerian market. This was revealed by the Chief Executive Officer of the PR firm, Mr. Akin Okudero, during a courtesy visit to the management team of OGTV in Abeokuta on Thursday. The visit was part of the activities lined up to mark the 10th anniversary of the programme, which has become a flagship in the realm of public relations on television in…

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has revealed that approximately 24,000 individuals, predominantly children, have been reported missing in Nigeria as of June 2024.  This alarming figure, according to the ICRC, represents just a fraction of the actual number of missing persons in the country. Patrick Youssef, ICRC’s regional director for Africa, disclosed this in a statement on Friday in observance of the International Day of the Disappeared, themed “We Who Remain Behind Remember.”  The day, observed annually on August 30, is dedicated to raising awareness of the plight of missing persons, honoring their memory, and alleviating the…

Emmanuel Oludare The Special Adviser to the Ogun State Governor and General Manager of the Ogun State Public Works Agency (OGPWA), Engr. Akeem Babatunde Adesina, has been honoured with the Most Distinguished Labour Support Award by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ogun State Chapter. The award was presented during a visit by members of the NLC, led by its Chairman, Comrade Ademola Benco, to Engr. Adesina’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.  The recognition was in acknowledgment of his unwavering support and dedication to the welfare of workers in the state. Expressing his gratitude, Engr. Adesina attributed his achievements to the support…

The Ogun State Government has pledged to partner with Babcock University to boost the state’s tourism potential, as revealed during the 15th-anniversary celebration of the Unity Chorale Initiative. The announcement was made by Mr. Sesan Fagbayi, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, at the event held at Babcock University. The anniversary, themed “Our Journey Thus Far,” showcased a vibrant chorale festival featuring performances from various choirs across Nigeria, including the BACMAC Choir, Premier Symphony Orchestra and Chorale Group, Love Ensemble Music Ministries, The Messiah Chorale, Abraham Tabernacle Choir, The Babcock Pioneer Youth Church Choir, and the host, Unity Chorale Initiative. Fagbayi…

Daud Olatunji  The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has announced the plans  suspend its 25-day strike, which had paralyzed medical services across state-owned healthcare facilities.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that this  decision, announced on Friday, comes after an emergency general meeting held between August 27 and August 29, 2024, in Abeokuta. The body said the   temporary cessation of the strike is intended to facilitate a period of peaceful dialogue with the Ogun State government. Dr. OgunJimi Luqman, Chairman of the Ogun State NMA, addressed a press conference at the association’s state secretariat, highlighting the primary reasons…

Daud Olatunji From the bustling streets of Lagos to the cutting-edge labs of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Sherifdeen Lawal is a testament to the brilliance and dedication of Nigerian scholars making their mark on the global stage. His work, focused on the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, is not only groundbreaking but also crucial to protecting our increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Lawal’s journey began with a deep understanding of the intricacies of Electrical Engineering and computer science – a foundation built upon his expertise in discrete mathematics, computer programming, data structures, and algorithm design.…

A magistrates’ court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, on Thursday, sentenced a 40-year-old man, Cletus Gandu, to nine months in prison for stealing two tubers of yam after he admitted that he stole the tubers of yam because he was hungry and begged for leniency. The Magistrate, Michael Bawa, however, gave the convict a fine option of N50,000. Earlier, the defendant was charged by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with criminal trespass and theft contrary to Sections 327 and 270 of the Kaduna State Penal Code. The prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu, told the court that the…

Daud Olatunji In the first half of 2024, six South-West states in Nigeria received a total of N4.03 billion from the Federal Government’s ecological fund, which was disbursed by the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).  This fund, which is crucial for addressing the country’s significant environmental challenges, was part of the N24.91 billion allocated to all 36 states of the federation during the period. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Lagos State received the highest share of the ecological fund in the South-West region, amounting to N880.19 million.  Following Lagos, Oyo State was allocated N736.94…

Emmanuel Oludare The newly appointed Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Lami Adamu Bello, has vowed to  fight against human trafficking in Nigeria and rigorously enforce all counter-trafficking laws and policies in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Speaking during her first address to the management and officers of the agency in Abuja, Bello emphasized her commitment to minimising human trafficking across the country.  She assured the team of her readiness to build on the achievements of her predecessors and called for heightened efforts and stronger coordination within…