Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has sounded a clarion call to address the escalating wave of banditry and kidnapping sweeping the nation, attributing the surge to the dire unemployment situation.  Speaking at the 9th International Trade Exhibition & Conference on Agrofood, Plastics, Printing, and Packaging in Lagos, Obasanjo emphasized the urgent need for the government to tackle unemployment as a critical step towards restoring security and stability. In his  address, Obasanjo highlighted the nexus between unemployment and criminal activities, stressing that meaningful employment opportunities would dissuade many from resorting to banditry and kidnapping.  He underscored the importance of promoting agribusiness…

A  Chinese national, Frank Geng-Quangrong, has been condemned to death by hanging following a ruling by the Kano State High Court. The sentence comes as a consequence of Quangrong’s conviction for the murder of his girlfriend, Ummulkhulsum Buhari. During the trial, it was revealed that Quangrong and Buhari had a heated altercation, ultimately resulting in her untimely death. Quangrong, however, claimed that his actions were in self-defense, asserting that he fatally stabbed Buhari after she allegedly assaulted him by grabbing his testicles. Despite Quangrong’s plea for leniency and insistence on acting in self-defense, the court, presided over by Justice Sunusi…

In a bid to enhance the management of health information and promote the efficient utilization of data for healthcare advancement, the Ogun State government has officially launched the Health Data Governance Council (HDGC). Chaired by Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, the council includes key figures such as Mr. Olaolu Olabimtan from the Ministry for Budget and Planning, Permanent Secretaries from the Ministry of Health and Hospitals Management Board (HMB), the State Statistician General, as well as representatives from the National Population Commission (NPC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), among others. During the inauguration ceremony held at Oke-Mosan,…

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), has filed criminal charges against MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd. and four others over alleged copyright infringement. The charge with Number FHC/ABJ/CR/111/2024 filed in the Federal High Court, Abuja Division was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday. The four other defendants in the case are; Karl Toriola, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria,  Nkeakam Abhulimen, Fun Mobile Ltd. and Yahaya Maibe. In the three-count charge, NCC alleged that the defendants, between 2010 and 2017 “offered for sale, sold and traded for business’’, infringed the musical works of an artist,…

Daud Olatunji The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that no ransom was paid for the safe release of 137 pupils kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Speaking to journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the government remained steadfast in its commitment not to negotiate with kidnappers.  He reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance on refusing to yield to ransom demands. Idris expressed gratitude for the role played by security services in ensuring the safe return of the abducted children.…

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has issued a resolute caution to local government (LG) chairmen within the state, accentuating the looming presence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and advocating against financial malpractice.  Governor Alia’s stern admonition came during the commencement of a two-day workshop titled ‘Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State.’ Governor Alia’s address underscored the imperative for accountability, integrity, and transparency among LG chairmen.  He emphasized the potential repercussions of financial mismanagement, urging chairmen to regard Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) and taxes as communal assets aimed at bolstering citizen welfare.…

In a bid to avert a potential crisis, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a prominent civil society organization (CSO), has called upon the federal and state governments to intervene by subsidizing hajj fares for Nigerian pilgrims, ensuring their participation in the upcoming 2024 pilgrimage. The urgency of the situation arose after the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced a significant increase of N1.9 million to the hajj fare, with a mere four-day window provided for payment.  This decision, following the initial approval of N4.9 million as the 2024 hajj fare, has raised concerns among intending pilgrims. Ibrahim Mohammed, the…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has taken a significant step to alleviate the burden on consumers by reducing the depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N640 per litre to N630 per litre. In a strategic move aimed at ensuring affordability and accessibility, NNPCL announced plans to directly sell to independent marketers, bypassing the traditional route through private depots.  This initiative is expected to empower final consumers to access petrol at more economical rates. Abubakar Maigandi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed these developments and underscored NNPC’s…

The Osun command of the south-west security network, Amotekun, has made a significant arrest, capturing a 26-year-old commercial bus driver suspected of abducting a 15-year-old girl in Osogbo, the capital of the state. Bashir Adewinmbi, the commander of Amot gekun in Osun, revealed on Monday that the girl had boarded the suspect’s bus on Saturday, only to mysteriously find herself at the suspect’s residence instead of her intended destination. According to Adewinmbi, the victim reported that she regained consciousness as the driver was allegedly attempting to assault her sexually.  She further stated that when she resisted, the suspect produced a…

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has intensified its pressure on the Nigerian government and security forces, urging them to maintain vigilance until all remaining captives held by terrorists are freed. This call comes following the release of pupils abducted from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The CNG, led by its national coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed satisfaction with the successful release of the abducted schoolchildren aged five to 18, who were kidnapped on March 7 from Kuriga primary and secondary schools. The group commended the efforts of various stakeholders involved in ensuring…