Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In the intricate dance of love, words hold a profound power. They can build bridges of understanding or erect walls of misunderstanding. Among the most damaging of verbal constructs are labels, which, when applied to a partner in a relationship, have the potential to fracture the very foundation upon which love is built. Consider the scenario: A couple, deeply entwined in the tapestry of their affection, encounters a disagreement. In the heat of the moment, one partner hurls a label at the other—perhaps “narcissistic,” “love bombing,” or “gaslighting.” What follows is a chain reaction of hurt, resentment, and fractured trust.…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move to bolster agricultural productivity and reduce poverty, the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, has expanded its training and empowerment program.  This initiative, part of the National Poverty Reduction with Growth Strategy, aims to support 5,000 additional smallholder crop and poultry farmers across Nigeria’s 109 Senatorial Districts. The empowerment program, which took place on Tuesday, May 15, 2024, provided essential production inputs to over 5,000 smallholder farmers.  The distribution was carried out simultaneously across all 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory…

Daud Olatunji The new Controller of the Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Ikeja of the Nigeria Customs Service, Comptroller Kola Oladeji, has declared that the era of accidental discharge by his men is over. Oladeji made this statement on Thursday at the palace of the Onipokia of Ipokia, Oba Adeniyi Olaniyan, during a courtesy call on the monarch. The Comptroller, who also paid visits to the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Gbadebo, and the Olu of Owode, Oba Mathew Akindele, said that the officers and men have been warned to respect the rules of engagement. Oladeji stated that the Federal…

The Ogun State Government has  initiated a sweeping demolition exercise targeting over 200 shanties and illegal structures surrounding schools and markets in Abeokuta, the state capital. Driven by the imperative to fortify the safety of learning environments, the operation, identified as part of the ‘Safer School Initiative’, aimed to eradicate structures known for harboring criminal activities. Led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Farooq Akintunde, a taskforce descended upon areas including Kuto, Idi-Aba, Oke Ijeun, and Panseke, wielding bulldozers to clear the landscape of unauthorized constructions. Notable educational institutions affected by the demolition included St John…

Small business owners in Ogun State have received a clarion call to actively participate in the ongoing verification and enumeration exercise across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas. This exercise serves as a crucial step for accessing the Federal Government Nano Grant, aimed at bolstering the economic prospects of entrepreneurs in the region. Mr. Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, emphasized the significance of this initiative, urging traders to seize the opportunity presented. He clarified that the verification process, which commenced on Monday, May 13, 2024, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 17, 2024. Addressing concerns…

The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, to one year imprisonment for their involvement in illegal mining and possession of solid minerals without the requisite licenses.  The convictions were pronounced by Justice Evelyn Anyadike, following a thorough trial that lasted several months. The duo, along with their company Ebuy Concept Limited, were found guilty of the offences as outlined in a one-count charge bordering on illegal mining.  The charge specified that they, without lawful authority, purchased 30 tons of minerals conveyed in a truck, at Banni in Kaiama…

Jelili Gbadamosi The DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ewekoro, Ogun State,on Thursday,  held  its 18th Matriculation Ceremony for  a new cohort of students into its academic fold. Addressing the new students, the  institution’s Rector, Dr. Goke Raufu, emphasised  the importance of nurturing a passion for education beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. He said  “our curriculum is meticulously designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape.  “But remember, education extends beyond the confines of classrooms. Engage in activities that complement your academic journey, enrich your education, and foster lifelong relationships.” Dr. Raufu…

Daud Olatunji The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Bola Tinubu administration, threatening to implement a ‘No Pay, No Work’ policy if their demands are not met within the next two weeks.  The union’s president, Emmanuel Osodeke, spoke on  the government’s failure to pay public university lecturers their full salaries for the 2022 strike period and raised concerns about governance issues within the education sector. Osodeke  who featured on a TV programme on Thursday, expressed outrage over the government’s decision to only pay four out of seven-and-a-half months’ worth of…

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has uncovered a case of attempted drug smuggling into its custodial centers. The Public Relations Officer of NCoS FCT Command, DSC Adamu Duza, issued a statement on Thursday in Abuja. He disclosed  the apprehension and subsequent arrest of a man identified as Fidelis Emmanuel for his involvement in the illicit activity. According to Duza, diligent surveillance efforts by NCoS personnel at the Medium Security Custodial Center in Kuje led to the interception of drug peddlers. Among them, Fidelis Emmanuel was apprehended with substances suspected to be cannabis, commonly known as Indian hemp. The arrest occurred…

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, famously known as Evans, along with his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, charged with murder and attempted kidnapping, have opted for a plea bargain. This decision was revealed by the state lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, during a court session on Thursday before Justice Adenike Cokers of an Ikeja High Court. The case, which was called for re-arraignment, was expected to see Evans and his co-defendant face an amended five-count charge, including charges related to murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony (specifically, kidnapping), and attempt to murder. However, Mr. Sule informed the court that the defendants…