Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the Calabar Zone has strongly criticized the Federal Government’s newly introduced student loan scheme, labeling it as a calculated attempt to enslave Nigerian students by indebting them perpetually. Last Friday marked the official launch of the Federal Government’s student loan program, with the application portal opening to an overwhelming response—3,764 students from 126 institutions submitted applications on the first day alone.  The government asserts that the initiative aims to ensure that financial constraints do not prevent any Nigerian youth from pursuing higher education. However, during a press conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom…

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, has called for the abolition of state independent electoral commissions (SIECs).  Fagbemi’s proposal was made during a one-day discourse held on Monday, which was organized by the House of Representatives under the theme “Nigeria’s Security Challenges and Good Governance at the Local Government Levels.” In his address, Fagbemi argued that the powers and responsibilities of SIECs should be transferred to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).  He highlighted that the existing structure of SIECs, as defined by the 1999 Constitution, has been manipulated by state governors to undermine the…

Ten major financial institutions in Nigeria  have amassed approximately N438 billion from digital transactions in 2023, marking a substantial 37.54% increase from N318.64 billion in 2022.  This surge shows  the growing adoption and reliance on digital banking channels among Nigerians. The significant rise in electronic business income can be attributed to the increasing popularity of mobile and online banking.  These platforms include a range of digital channels such as mobile applications, USSD channels, automated teller machines (ATMs), agency banking, internet banking, point-of-sale (PoS) payments, and credit and debit card transactions. Among the leading banks, United Bank for Africa (UBA) stood…

 By Jelili Gbadamosi A Non Governmental Organisation,  the Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation  has raised alarm over the high rate of Out-Of-School children in Nigeria. The NGO urged the State government to punish  parents whose children roam the streets during school hours. The NGO’s convener represented by the Project Supervisor, Mrs. Ojo Olushola said while speaking during th bcelebration of Children’s Day organised for the children of Oladotun Community in Adehun, Abeokuta, Ogun State. She  expressed concern over the high number of out-of-school children in the country.  Olushola  canvassed enactment and enforcement of laws that protect children and hold parents accountable…

The University of Ibadan (UI) has issued formal queries to four student activists, threatening them with expulsion for participating in a peaceful protest against a significant fee hike.  The protest, which took place on May 15, 2024, was in response to the university’s decision to increase fees from N20,000 to N400,000. The four students targeted for potential disciplinary action are Aduwo Ayedele, a 200-level student from the Department of History, Faculty of Arts, and Olamide Ghadegesin Iyanuoluwa, a 700-level student from the Institute of African Studies.  The other two are Nice Linus and Adeyeye Oluwafemi, the latter whom the university…

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, has distributed 58,500 metric tonnes of milled rice across the nation. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the move was  to address rising food prices and bolster food security.  The  Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari announced this  during a ministerial sectoral update marking President Bola Tinubu’s first year in office. Speaking at the event in Abuja on Monday,  Kyari emphasized the ministry’s commitment to the Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes the enhancement of agriculture to achieve food security, infrastructure improvement, and better transportation.  He highlighted the government’s broader…

The Commissioner for Social Development,Afolashade Opeyemi has i expressed deep concern over the discovery of dangerous weapons, including guns, daggers, and charms among the  beggars in the state.  Opeyemi  reported a crackdown on suspected arm depots among beggars in Ilorin, resulting in the removal of 158 individuals believed to be involved in criminal activities.  She said this during a briefing held in Ilorin  She said “This discovery raises serious questions about their purported status as beggars.” Opeyemi highlighted that many of these beggars originate from Bauchi, Kano, and other northern states, posing a significant social threat, particularly in urban areas…

Tensions flared at the Edo State Secretariat of the Labour Party on Monday as party executives clashed with suspected thugs during a protest over the suspension of the factional National Chairman, Julius Abure. The conflict began after the Labour Party in Edo State suspended Abure from his Ward 3 in Arue-Uromi, located in Esan North-East Local Government Area, accusing him of anti-party activities.  The suspension was formalized in a letter dated May 14, 2024, signed by Ward Chairman Thompson Ehiguese and Ward Secretary Stanley Usiomoh.  This suspension was later ratified during a state executive committee meeting in Benin on Friday…

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has eulogized the late Chief Mrs. Ayoka Adebayo, former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner for Ekiti State, describing her as a true patriot committed to the progress of Nigeria. Chief Mrs. Adebayo, a respected figure in Nigeria’s electoral history, passed away on May 18, 2024, at the age of 89 after a brief illness. Her burial is scheduled for June 7, 2024, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. In a statement released by Kehinde Akinyemi, Special Assistant on Media to the former President, and Mrs. Moni Adebayo Abudu on behalf of the family, details…

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun  has reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment that enables every child in the state to thrive and achieve their full potential.  This declaration was made during the 2024 Children’s Day celebration held at the MKO Abiola International Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta. The theme for this year’s celebration, “Enhancing the Total Well-Being of Nigerian Child Through Quality Education and Skills Development.” emphasises the need for the government to ensure quality education for Nigerian children.  Represented by his Deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Abiodun stressed the importance of education in preparing children for…