Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Recent data released by the World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted the urgent need for interventions against Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) in Nigeria, with an estimated 138.9 million individuals requiring assistance.  This revelation underscores the significant health challenges facing the nation and the imperative for concerted efforts to address them. According to the WHO’s latest epidemiological and programmatic data for 2022, compiled and analyzed in 2023, Nigeria ranks first in the African region and second globally after India in terms of NTD burden.  NTDs encompass a diverse group of conditions of parasitic, bacterial, viral, fungal, and non-communicable origin, affecting millions…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has accused banks in the country of leaking probe details to fraudsters. The commission however, cautioned their compliance officers against unauthorized disclosure of the commission’s investigation activities and requests made to their customers. The call to action came from the Executive Chairman of the EFCC, Olanipekun Olukoyede, who expressed concern over the detrimental impact of such leaks on the commission’s efforts to combat financial crimes.  In a statement released by the Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Olukoyede decried the unfortunate support fraudsters often receive from the banking…

 The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu,has  shed light on the reasons behind  former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai’s absence from President Tinubu’s cabinet.  Bagudu who spoke in an exclusive interview with Premium Times, attributed El-Rufai’s exclusion to the actions of the National Assembly, emphasizing that Tinubu should not be held accountable for the decision. Bagudu emphasized that President Tinubu had demonstrated “character and promise-keeping” by nominating El-Rufai for a ministerial position.  However, despite the president’s endorsement, El-Rufai’s confirmation was withheld by the National Assembly, a process mandated by constitutional democracy. According to Bagudu, the separation of…

The Nigerian Army has initiated a thorough investigation into a disturbing incident at the 8 Division Garrison detention facility in Sokoto State, where soldiers were seen protesting against alleged overcrowded cells and poor living conditions. The uproar was triggered by complaints from detained soldiers, with reports indicating that tensions escalated to the extent that shots were fired, resulting in injuries, including the reported shooting of Lance Corporal Charles Ekefure.  The soldiers purportedly demanded to speak with Major General Mutkut Godwin, the GOC 8 Division, Nigerian Army, regarding their grievances. According to sources, over 100 soldiers were detained at the facility,…

The Zamfara State government has firmly rejected the purported agreement between certain representatives of the federal government and local terrorists, commonly referred to as bandits. The government described the move as an illegal and unsanctioned peace accord. The state government’s stance was made in a statement issued by Mannir Mu’azu Haidara Kaura, the state Commissioner of Information and Culture. He said the  government expressed deep concern over the unauthorized negotiations, emphasizing that such actions not only defy the wishes of the state administration but also disregard the sentiments of Zamfara’s populace. Zamfara, situated in the Northwest region of Nigeria, has…

Terrorists on Friday, went on rampage killed no fewer than  30 farmers and  a revered Islamic cleric in Zamfara. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the hoodlums invaded two farming communities ; Gidangoga village in Maradun Local Government Area and Bilbis village in Tsafe LGA. According to eyewitness accounts, the assailants initiated their rampage in Maradun LGA, launching a vicious attack on Gidangoga village where farmers were diligently preparing their fields for the imminent wet season.  Among the victims was Mallam Makwashi Maradun Mai Jan Baki, a highly respected figure known for his devout recitation of the Quran during Ramadan Tafsir at…

In response to recent allegations levied by a group identifying itself as the Kaduna State Concerned PDP Youth, a Senator representing Kaduna North, Senator Lawal Usman Adamu, popularly known as Senator LA, has vehemently refuted claims of executing any clandestine agenda on behalf of Senate President, Godswill Akpabio in Kaduna North. The senator’s office released a statement through the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Media to the Senator, Segun Olatunji, described  the accusations as baseless and politically motivated.  The senator highlighted the dubious nature of the allegations, attributing them to disgruntled elements within the party who he said  opposed his candidacy…

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has  kicked off a momentous three-day visit to Osun State, affectionately known as the “state of the living spring,” with a grand arrival in Osogbo on Friday.  Accompanied by his wife, Bola, and notable associates Chief Oyewole Fasawe and Olagoke Olubusi, the ex-President’s arrival set the stage for a series of significant engagements. In a statement issued by his Special Assistant on Media, Kehinde Akinyemi, it was disclosed that Chief Obasanjo touched down on Friday  in Osogbo at approximately 5:30 pm, marking the commencement of his much-anticipated visit.  The statement read  that his arrival was…

The battle of identity crises caused by social media and how it ruin relationships As we sit here scrolling through our social media feed, we can’t help but feel a pang of inadequacy with each perfectly curated photo and polished caption.  It’s as though everyone else has it all figured out, while we’re left here grappling with our own insecurities and doubts. We see the vacations in exotic locations, the glamorous parties, the picture-perfect families, and we can’t help but wonder: are we missing out?  Are we not living our lives to the fullest? It’s a constant battle between who…

The Catholic Bishop of Sokoto Diocese, Matthew Kukah, has sounded the alarm on Nigeria’s escalating banditry crisis, attributing it to the government’s failure to prioritize youth education. Kukah said this in a speech delivered on Friday, at the 42nd Actualisation four-day conference of Rotary International, District 9110 held  in Abeokuta. He urged the urgent need for educational investment to curb the rising tide of insecurity plaguing the nation.  He cautioned that without swift action, the situation would only deteriorate further, with fears of bandits and Boko Haram gripping the populace. Highlighting the staggering number of Nigerian children deprived of education,…