Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji On Thursday, a wave of protest surged through the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), following the tragic death of a student, Ayodele Israel.  The incident has sparked accusations of negligence against the university’s medical officials by the student body, who believe this alleged negligence led to the demise of the 100-level Agricultural Economics and Farm Management (AEFM) student at the College of Agricultural Management and Rural Development (COLAMRUD). The protesting students, carrying placards demanding justice, threatened a confrontation with the school authorities over Ayodele’s death.  They claimed that the campus medical staff failed in their duties, which…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has reserved its judgment in the high-stakes appeal involving Martin Amaewhule, a former speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, and 24 other appellants against the current Speaker, Victor Oko-Jumbo, and five other respondents. This decision follows a virtual hearing on Thursday where both parties presented their final arguments. Amaewhule and his co-appellants are challenging a ruling by a Rivers State High Court that resulted in their removal from office.  They are seeking a stay of execution on this high court judgment, which not only ousted them but also sought to invalidate any…

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) may soon embark on another industrial action, intensifying their mobilization efforts among members across the nation.  The President of ASUU, Professor Emmanuel Osodoke, confirmed the potential strike during a statement on Thursday, expressing deep concerns over the government’s persistent failure to honor agreements and sign newly negotiated terms with the union. Professor Osodoke highlighted the union’s frustrations, noting that the government has repeatedly ignored the union’s plights.  “We are mobilising our members currently as we may possibly embark on strike action but we will meet soon to determine that,” Osodoke said.  “The government…

A young man identified only as Yunusa was killed by an irate mob in Nasaru village, located in Ningi local government area of Bauchi State, over allegations of blasphemy against Prophet Muhammad (SAW). The incident occured on Wednesday after Yunusa allegedly made blasphemous remarks during a heated argument with his friends.  The argument, which drew the attention of bystanders, reportedly escalated quickly. Witnesses say that Yunusa, a member of the Faira Islamic Sect, was heard making insulting comments about the Prophet.  “Some young men challenged Yunusa to withdraw his statement, but he insisted he would not.  He even repeated it.…

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, announced on Thursday that over 120,000 Boko Haram fighters and their families have surrendered to the Nigerian Army in the North-East region of the country.  This announcement was made during the second quarter edition of the Nigerian Army Civil-Military Cooperation Media Chat 2024 held in Kano. Lt. Gen. Lagbaja, represented by Major General Mayirensa Lander David Saraso, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division of the Nigerian Army, detailed the Nigerian military’s achievements in combating terrorism and insurgency.  He highlighted the significant impact of…

Daud Olatunji In a startling revelation, Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO) has reported a significant increase in the country’s public debt, which has surged by N24.33 trillion, or 24.99 percent, over a span of just three months. PLATFORM TIMES reports that as of March 31, 2024, Nigeria’s total public debt stood at N121.67 trillion (USD91.46 billion), a stark rise from the N97.34 trillion (USD108.23 billion) recorded at the end of December 2023. The new debt figure encompasses both domestic and external obligations of the Nigerian government, as well as the debts of the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital…

In a significant step towards bridging the gap between the youth and their elected representatives, the Yewa Youth Association (YYA) is set to host a landmark event titled “365-Day Stewardship and Youth Dialogue: A Conversation with Yewa 10th National and State Legislators.”  Scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2024, the  dialogue aims to foster direct engagement and meaningful conversation between the youth of Yewaland and their state and national legislators. Endorsed by the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, HRM Oba (Dr.) Kehinde Gbadewole Olugbenle, the event underscores its importance and potential impact on the local community.  His support lends significant weight to…

Deborah Hundenu In a spectacular celebration, Ogun State’s renowned and versatile broadcaster, MC VanGaruba, was showered with cash, land, and visa gifts by friends, colleagues, and associates during his grand 3-In-One event.  The occasion, which took place on Thursday,in Abeokuta, combined a book launch, an album release, an award presentation, and a birthday celebration, all in one grand affair. The event saw a gathering of prominent personalities from various fields who came together to honour VanGaruba. Among the notable attendees were Assistant Manager of Fresh FM Abeokuta; Yinka Adegbite, popularly called OmoBaba Tisa, Vice President 1 of the Association of…

The Ogun State community has been enveloped in mourning following the passing of His Royal Highness, Oba (Dr.) Olufemi Okesooto Iyanda Adewunmi Ogunleye, the Towulade of Akinale, who joined his ancestors on June 19, 2024, at the age of 79.  The news has sparked a wave of tributes and condolences from prominent figures, including former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR). Senator Amosun expressed deep sorrow over the loss, commending Oba Ogunleye’s significant contributions to the development of Akinale, Owu Kingdom, Egbaland, and Ogun State.  Describing the late monarch as a…

In a significant move to combat electricity theft and other power-related offences, the Federal Government of Nigeria announced plans on Thursday to establish an electricity offences tribunal.  This initiative aims to ensure the swift prosecution of offenders and uphold the integrity of the nation’s power sector. During a press briefing in Abuja, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Electricity Management Services Agency (NEMSA), Aliyu Tahir, detailed the government’s strategy.  He emphasized that the tribunal would expedite the resolution of electricity-related cases, thereby enhancing the enforcement capabilities of NEMSA. “We are working on the establishment of an electricity offences tribunal with…