Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Federal Government has clarified its stance on the recently signed Samoa Agreement, asserting that Nigeria’s law on same-sex marriage supersedes any clauses within the agreement that might be perceived as contrary to national legislation. The Samoa Agreement, named after the Pacific Island where it was signed, has reportedly included clauses that pressure underdeveloped and developing nations to support the recognition of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) rights in exchange for financial aid and other support from developed nations.  This has sparked controversy in many countries, particularly those with strong Islamic and Christian values and culturally sensitive perspectives. On…

A Bayelsa State High Court sitting in Ogbia Town has sentenced four individuals to 40 years imprisonment each for the kidnapping of a former Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Federal Otokito.  The judgement was  delivered on Tuesday by the presiding judge, S.W. Amaduobogha. Delivering judgment in Suit No OHC/4C/2022 on Tuesday, the presiding judge, S.W. Amaduobogha, declared that Kingsley Obhesi (24), Joshua Abi (32), Gift Damene (38), and Powell Inegite (36) were guilty of conspiracy, kidnapping and unlawful possession of firearms. Police prosecuting counsel, Stella Jerry-Friday, told the court that on January 20, 2022, at Otuokpoti community in Ogbia…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has overturned the expulsion of Martin Amaewhule and 24 other members of the Rivers State House of Assembly.  This decision nullifies an earlier ruling by the Rivers State High Court, which had barred the lawmakers from parading themselves as members of the House. In May, Justice Charles Wali of the Rivers State High Court issued an ex parte order following a motion brought by Victor Oko Jumbo.  This order effectively expelled Amaewhule and his colleagues from the Assembly.  However, on Monday, a three-member panel of the appellate court held that the lower court lacked…

Daud Olatunji The Nigerian Bar Association, Ilaro (Yewa Bar) in  Ogun State  has elected a new executive council as  a former  Secretary of the  Branch, Kayode, Samson as the new Chairman in a keenly contested election. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the election set the stage for a fresh leadership to steer the branch’s affairs for the next two years.  Held on Friday, June 28, 2024, at the Branch Secretariat, the election was lauded for its smooth and hitch-free process. The outgoing Secretary, Mr. Seyi Enitan, along with other members of the Yewa Bar, expressed their satisfaction with the conduct of…

By Dr Aishah Fadila Adamu Infertility is defined as the inability to get pregnant after a year of regular, unprotected sex. Regular sex means at least 3 – 4 days a week. (Quick Question: A couple, married for 3 years told you they are suffering from infertility. They do not live together and visit each other on some weekends only. Do you think this couple can be diagnosed of infertility? Share your thoughts). It is important to note that infertility is a shared experience that affects both partners, so it’s important to use language that reflects this. Instead of saying…

Daud Olatunji The   Customs Area Controller (CAC) of Ogun I Area Command, Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller James Ojo, has paid  a courtesy visit to key traditional rulers and security agencies in Ogun State.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the move was  to enhance security and economic growth along Nigeria’s borders. The Public Relations Officer for Customs Area Controller, Chief Superintendent of Customs, Hammed Oloyede in a statement said the initiative is aimed at fostering sustainable collaboration to combat smuggling and boost economic activities through shared intelligence and joint operations. Oloyede in the statement made available to PLATFORM TIMES explained that…

 Jelili Gbadamosi Members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Chapter, on Thursday, took to the school premises to protest against the federal government’s failure to meet their longstanding demands.  The union called for the immediate payment of withheld salaries and a fresh renegotiation of the ASUU/FG agreement. The union accused the federal government of persistently ignoring their pleas and failing to sign the renegotiated agreements. The union said  despite engaging in three rounds of negotiations, the government has yet to fulfil its promises. Prof. Olukayode Bangbose, a former member of the union,…

Daud Olatunji Over 200 qualified applicants of the Ogun State Government’s housing scheme, Prince Court Estate Phase III, have  rejected a new directive requiring them to pay an additional ₦3,500,000 within 60 days.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the fee is on top of the ₦5,500,000 they already paid in 2021.  The applicants have accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration of playing tricks and engaging in fraudulent practices. In a statement signed by one of the applicants, Olumuyiwa Oludaisi, they  expressed their outrage over the sudden increase in costs, which was communicated in a letter dated July 1, 2024, signed by the…

In recent weeks, media outlets have reported a resurgence of cholera in Nigeria. This disease, primarily caused by consuming contaminated water, food and inadequate sanitation, is exacerbated by flooding and compromised water sources, which are features of the rainy season. Consequently, cholera has become endemic, posing a recurring threat each year. The current outbreak has affected several states, including Ogun, with Lagos recorded as an epicenter. In response to the outbreak, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), has activated the National Cholera Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). According to the NCDC’s social media updates, there were 1,528 suspected cases and…

Daud Olatunji   The management of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has provided a detailed account of the tragic incident involving the attempted abduction and subsequent death of a 400-level student on the main campus.   The University Management in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the university, Odubela Ayotunde,confirmed the incident exclusively reported by PLATFORM TIMES. The management said it received reports of an attack on a student at the back of the CENVOS building on Wednesday, July 3, 2024. It stated that the assailants, believed to be members of a secret cult, targeted Fabiyi Hammed Ayinla,…