Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Seven individuals were found dead inside a music studio in Bayelsa State on Tuesday after inhaling what is suspected to be generator fumes.  The studio, located along Transformer Road in the Amarata area of Yenagoa, the state capital, was operated by one of the deceased, identified as Akpos Barakubo. The victims were believed to have been working late into the night on Monday. Exhausted, they apparently fell asleep without turning off the generator, which led to the fatal accumulation of fumes. The lifeless bodies of six individuals were discovered in the morning, while a seventh person, initially found unconscious, was…

The Kano State House of Assembly is taking significant steps to amend the Kano State Emirs (Appointment and Deposition) Law, a move seen by many as a potential pathway for the restoration of the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, to his former position. This development comes amidst growing public pressure and calls for the return of Sanusi, who was controversially dethroned in 2020. The decision to amend the law was made during a plenary session on Tuesday, following a motion introduced by the Majority Leader, Hussien Dala, representing the Dala constituency. Dala highlighted the necessity of revisiting the…

Daud Olatunji  Negotiations for a new minimum wage in Nigeria has hit another snag as the Federal Government’s fresh offer of ₦54,000 was rebuffed by Organised Labour, the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress. A closed-door meeting, held between the Federal Government and the Organised Labour at the Nicon Luxury Hotel in Abuja on Tuesday. PLATFORM TIMES reports that this botched offer falls drastically short of the N615,000 proposed by the unions, setting the stage for further tensions between labour and the government. PLATFORM TIMES further reports that the  Tripartite Committee on the New Minimum Wage reconvened after…

Stanley Ogbonna, the General Overseer of God’s Spring Assembly, also known as Glass Church in Kubwa, Abuja, has come under intense scrutiny following allegations that he forcibly evicted his estranged wife, Chioma, and their six children from their home.  The accusations, which have garnered significant attention on social media, paint a troubling picture of domestic strife and alleged misconduct by the pastor. The allegations surfaced in a viral video clip posted on Tuesday, in which Chioma accused Ogbonna of infidelity and domestic abuse.  She claimed that their marital issues had culminated in a divorce, following which Ogbonna took drastic measures…

By Dr Aishah Fadila Adamu A vaginal discharge is one of the most common gynecological symptoms affecting women and a very common cause for seeking medical attention. The woman’s perception as to the cause of the discharge will influence her choice of medical attention. In many cases, the woman may have attempted self-treatment of the discharge with over-the-counter (OTC) preparations prior to consulting a doctor. This action often leads to an unsuccessful outcome, with the majority using OTC antifungals (like clotrimazole and fluconazole) inappropriately to treat gynecological conditions that are similar, but potentially more severe. Consultation is often delayed…

Flooding and insecurity in Nigeria have made the  Central Bank of Nigeria  to expend a substantial $2.13 billion expenditure on food imports in 2023. The data from CBN’s quarterly statistics reveals a consistent demand for imported food, a situation exacerbated by local challenges such as flooding and insecurity. PLATFORM TIMES  reports that the  surge in food import costs is reflected in the increase in the average price of imported commodities, which rose by 34% from April 2023 to April 2024. This trend contributes to the broader rise in food prices across sub-Saharan Africa, where many staple foods are imported. The…

A strong indication has emerged that rectors and provosts from polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Nigeria will convene on Tuesday, to discuss a significant proposal: replacing the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  proposal aims to address long-standing issues of discrimination and inequality faced by polytechnic graduates in the Nigerian workforce. It was further gathered that the  meeting, organized by the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), comes in response to a letter signed by Lawal Hafiz, the Director of Human Resources…

Two students from Lagos State University (LASU) were reportedly  injured by stray bullets in the PPL area, a well-known student residential neighborhood near the campus, late Monday evening. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  incident occurred around 8 PM as the students were out purchasing food.  While the identities of the students and the shooter(s) remain unknown, eyewitness accounts and social media activity have shed light on the situation. A prominent LASU student, tweeting under the handle #belikebaddy, alerted the community: “Two students have been shot at PPL, Ojo, Lagos. Please, students of LASU, stay indoors and don’t go out.” Confirming…

The long-anticipated resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery is set to occur by the end of July, according to a statement made on Monday by Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria.  This announcement marks the end of several delays that have pushed the refinery’s restart date multiple times. Chief Chinedu emphasized that the refinery’s reopening will have significant economic impacts.  “The development will stimulate economic activities, reduce the price of petroleum products, and ensure an adequate supply,” he stated, underscoring the broad economic benefits expected from the refinery’s operational…

Three persons  were arraigned on Monday,  before a magistrate’s court in the Isabo area of Abeokuta over an alleged assault on a medical doctor, Alexander Onochie, at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro. The incident, which took place last Friday, involved James Akode (57), Lekan Ajeigbe (35), and Rilwan Roheem (33). The trio appeared before Magistrate Mrs. D.O. Ogunbowale, facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and unlawful damage to property.  According to the prosecution counsel, ASP Matthew Famuyiwa, the accused committed the offence on May 17 at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta. Famuyiwa detailed that the defendants, who are…