Author: Platform Times Newspaper

By: Chidalu Glory Albinism is a genetic condition characterised by a decreased production of a pigment called melanin in the eyes, skin and hair of and hair of an individual. Statistics show that more than two million persons live with albinism (PWA) in Nigeria but just a few of them are privileged to have the basic amenities of life. Some struggle to get educated and are unemployed because it is believed they are not fit to work while children with albinism are bullied and discriminated against in schools. Judging from their poor eyesight, an effect of their health condition, priority…

The Federal Government and state governments have pooled together N100bn to procure prepaid electricity meters, a move aimed at enhancing transparency and reducing the contentious issue of estimated billing. This initiative, championed under the Presidential Meter Initiative (PMI), was disclosed by the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, during a press briefing in Ibadan, Oyo State.  The minister emphasised that the PMI is a critical part of President Bola Tinubu’s broader strategy to reform Nigeria’s power sector, focusing on reducing the significant meter deficit that has plagued electricity consumers across the country. “Out of the over 12 million electricity customers in…

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to implementing the long-delayed Oronsaye Report, aimed at merging, scrapping, or restructuring various federal parastatals, agencies, and commissions. During an interview on Tuesday after an official visit to the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) headquarters in Abuja, Gbajabiamila dismissed claims that the report’s implementation had stalled, stating that the government is working diligently to ensure that the process is executed effectively. “Oronsaye’s Report is being worked upon,” Gbajabiamila said.  “Yes, we’ve been talking about this for months now, but anything worth doing is…

Emmanuel Oludare In a significant move to address the healthcare needs of the residents in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital,hon  Afolabi Afuape, the Member of the House of Representatives representing Abeokuta-South federal constituency, Afolabi Afuape in collaboration with the National Senior Citizens Centre (NSCC), has organised a two-day free medical outreach.  The event, started on Monday and ended Tuesday, held at Centenary Hall, Ake, and Panseke areas of Abeokuta respectively . Afuape through the outreach provided essential medical services to old and young  residents, particularly targeting those from the grassroots who often lack access to adequate healthcare. Speaking during…

The Adeola Odutola College Old Students Association (AOCOSA) 79-84 Set has ushered in a new era of leadership following the conclusion of its recent online elections.  The newly elected executives, who will serve a two-year term from 2024 to 2026, have pledged to foster unity and enhance the association’s impact.  Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, announced the results, revealing that Mr. Alade Harrison Onabanjo was unanimously elected as the new President.  Onabanjo, who secured 100 percent of the votes, expressed gratitude for the overwhelming support and emphasised the importance of inclusive leadership.  “Let’s join hands to make our…

Emmanuel Oludare In a remarkable display of corporate generosity, the Chairman of IAS Unique Homes and Property, Ayobami Adelani, popularly known as Oba Pedepede, on Sunday, rewarded seven of his most outstanding employees with land properties worth over N10 million.  The gifts were presented at Blue Stone Estate, Irebamiloni, in the Wasimi area of Ogun State, as part of an annual tradition aimed at recognizing and compensating exceptional dedication and hard work. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the portion of the land given out to the staff members  each cost N1.5m . Adelani, during the award ceremony, emphasised the importance of…

Daud Olatunji As Ogun State prepares for its local government elections, Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government Area (LGA) has become a battleground for what many see as a decisive moment for the future of the region. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the July 11, 2024, Supreme Court decision mandates that only local governments with duly elected leaders will qualify to receive their monthly allocations directly from the federation’s account.  This ruling has prompted a flurry of political activity in Ado-Odo/Ota, where the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is working to nominate its candidate for the upcoming chairmanship election.  However, allegations of political interference…

The Iwoye-Ketu Development Forum has issued an urgent call for government intervention as violence and insecurity escalate in Iwoye-Ketu, a border town in Imeko-Afon Local Government Area of Ogun State.  The forum, representing concerned leaders and indigenes of the community, released a press statement expressing deep concern over the recent spate of kidnappings, killings, and other violent acts believed to be perpetrated by individuals from the Fulani ethnic group residing within the area. According to the statement, the current wave of violence evokes painful memories of a deadly conflict in 2002 between the indigenes of Iwoye-Ketu and Fulani settlers, which…

Over 1,400 schools have been destroyed and more than 2,295 teachers killed across Nigeria, a chilling testament to the ongoing crisis in the nation’s education sector.  This stark revelation was made by Professor Ahmed Salisu Garba, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, during a public hearing on the Bauchi State Schools Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill, 2024, held at the American Space, Bauchi State Library. In his presentation titled “Justifying the Need for a Legal Framework on School Safety in Bauchi State and Nigeria at Large,” Professor Garba underscored the urgent need for legislative action to protect Nigeria’s…

Daud Olatunji At the recent Southwest Regional Conference on improving the regulatory environment for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, stakeholders and lawmakers have called for  the urgent need for collaboration to streamline the regulatory framework governing CSO operations. The  2024 South-West Regional Conference organized by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice on Civil Space, with the theme: “Fostering Strategic Partnership for a Thriving Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria,”. The event was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and brought together representatives from all arms of government, development partners, and civil society groups. Speaking at the conference, the Chairman…