Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a bid to bolster education and agricultural sectors across Nigeria, the country’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has initiated plans to intervene in 36 universities and support 3,600 farmers nationwide through the Renewed Hope Initiative. During a recent quarterly meeting with Renewed Hope Initiative Zonal and State Coordinators, comprising wives of state governors, Mrs. Tinubu outlined the intervention strategy. She tasked the governors’ wives to nominate one tertiary institution and 100 farmers from each state for these projects, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering women and enabling them to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Mrs. Tinubu’s…

In a significant breakthrough, the Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a juju priest, identified as Ugochukwu Onuigbo, along with 25 other individuals suspected of being part of a car-snatching syndicate operating within the state. The suspects were paraded on Wednesday at the Command Headquarters on Moscow Road in Port Harcourt, where the Commissioner of Police, Olatunji Disu, provided details of their arrest. According to Disu, the arrests came after a concerted effort by the tactical team and investigators, following a noticeable surge in car theft and robbery incidents in the area. He revealed that investigations uncovered a sophisticated operation,…

In a significant move gearing up for the 2027 presidential race, the Labour Party has officially announced its presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Gregory Obi. The current party leader has been selected to represent the party in the upcoming election, as revealed in a statement released post the party’s National Convention held in Nnewi, Anambra State, on Wednesday. The post-convention communique emphasized Mr. Obi’s track record, both preceding and following the 2023 General Election, as a pivotal factor in his candidacy. Moreover, the party affirmed a right of first refusal for Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, should he chooses to seek…

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) has granted a $50 million loan aimed at fortifying climate resilience, enhancing food security, and uplifting the livelihoods of the people of Yobe State . PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the loan, sanctioned by AfDB under the Yobe State Environmental and Climate Change Action Project (ECCAP), seeks to tackle pressing challenges faced by the state’s predominantly agrarian community, exacerbated by inter-communal conflicts and armed insurgencies. Under the ECCAP, a comprehensive project estimated at $101.34 million, AfDB is slated to provide the bulk of the funding, with an allocation of $50 million, while the Arab Bank…

In a heartening display of philanthropy, the Aliko Dangote Foundation (ADF) has extended a lifeline to vulnerable individuals in Lagos State by donating 80,000 bags of 10kg rice to alleviate hardship amidst prevailing economic challenges. The distribution of the rice, a part of the foundation’s larger initiative, commenced at the State House in Ikeja, Lagos, with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Chairman of the foundation, Aliko Dangote, among others, gracing the event. Mr. Dangote emphasized that the gesture was a testament to the foundation’s commitment to uphold compassion and solidarity, fundamental values crucial for humanity’s welfare. Additionally, he highlighted the foundation’s…

In a bid to bolster road safety and regulatory compliance, the Lagos State Vehicle Inspection Service (VIS) executed a robust enforcement operation on Wednesday, resulting in the impoundment of over 50 rickety commercial vehicles failing to meet the prescribed minimum roadworthiness standards. The enforcement operation, conducted across various key locations including Costain, Ikorodu road, Ojuelegba, Yaba, Oyingbo, Ikeja, and Ojodu Berger, saw Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIOs) meticulously scrutinizing commercial vehicles for compliance with safety regulations. Numerous commercial vehicles were found wanting in essential components such as brakes, wipers, lights, shocks, and tires, as stipulated in the State’s Transport Sector Reform…

The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has uncovered a network of 27 cells linked to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) across 22 countries worldwide, including the United States and the United Kingdom.  According to the NFIU, the US and the UK host the highest number of IPOB cells per country, with seven and six operational cells respectively. Details of this revelation emerged in a newsletter highlighting the financing of terror activities in Nigeria by IPOB, bandits, and other extremist groups through global crowdfunding and sports betting platforms.  IPOB was proscribed as a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government in…

The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE) has issued a stern condemnation of reported illegal mining activities occurring within the premises of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), located in Ile Ife, Osun State. Expressing solidarity with affected students, faculty, and staff members, NASRE emphasized the urgent need for authorities to address this alarming issue.  The group underscored the importance of conducting thorough investigations to assess the extent of these illicit operations and to hold those responsible accountable.  It emphasized that the safety and well-being of the university community must be prioritized. In a statement released by the group’s media…

The Kwara State Ministry of Health says it has launched a comprehensive crackdown to root out fraudulent practices and uphold the sanctity of medical documentation across the state. The initiative comes in the wake of an undercover investigation conducted by investigative journalist Buhari Olanrewaju Ahmed, which exposed widespread malpractice in the issuance of medical certificates in government hospitals throughout Kwara State.  The report revealed instances of certificates being issued without proper tests or through unauthorized proxies, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the healthcare system. Speaking on condition of anonymity, an insider from the Ministry of Health disclosed that…

President Bola Tinubu has issued a resolute call to action, urging judges to categorize kidnappers as terrorists in light of the escalating abduction crisis plaguing Nigeria.  Speaking at a Ramadan dinner with members of the Federal judiciary, Tinubu condemned the reprehensible acts perpetrated by kidnappers and emphasized the need for decisive measures to address the scourge. During the dinner attended by serving and retired judicial officers, including former Chief Justices of Nigeria, Justice Tinubu reiterated the government’s commitment to defeating banditry and kidnapping.  He characterized kidnappers as cowardly individuals who prey on vulnerable targets, particularly children, and called for their…