Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Kano State Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf, has categorically denied the allegation that he had  a physical altercation with his Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Abdullahi Baffa Bichi. Speaking on Tuesday, at the swearing-in ceremony of new Permanent Secretaries and Special Advisers at the Africa House wing of the Government House, Gov. Yusuf addressed the claims, stating, “No amount of propaganda will deter his Government from achieving its desired goals,” as reported by PLATFORM TIMES. This marked Gov. Yusuf’s first public response since Dr. Bichi’s recent medical trip to Saudi Arabia for advanced treatment. The Governor clarified the…

In a significant move, the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has suspended the evaluation and accreditation of degree certificates from the Republic of Benin and Togo. This decision comes in the wake of an undercover investigation conducted by a Nigerian newspaper, exposing the illicit operations of a degree mill in Cotonou, a major city in Benin Republic. The investigative report revealed shocking details, with a journalist obtaining a degree from Cotonou University in a mere six weeks. Additionally, the journalist partook in the mandatory one-year scheme organized by the National Youth Service Corps, raising concerns about the…

In a disturbing turn of events, terrorists, locally referred to as bandits, have seized control of several communities in Niger State, Nigeria.  Notably, Dogon-Dawa, Kurege, Kangarewa, and Mangoro are among the areas now under the sway of these armed groups, who are essentially “governing” the regions by their own rules. Residents and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) have been subjected to a harrowing situation as the bandits enforce levies on both individuals and their belongings.  Free movement of goods and persons has been severely restricted, with people compelled to pay levies before traversing the affected areas. Sharing the grim reality, a…

In a horrifying turn of events, a yet-to-be-identified man allegedly stabbed a female sex worker to death on Sunday at Lawfab Hotel in Osubi, within the Okpe Local Government Area of Delta State, South-South Nigeria. The victim, identified as Vera, was the unfortunate target of violence by one of her clients. The assailant reportedly used a broken bottle in the attack before swiftly fleeing the scene.  The incident highlights the vulnerability of sex workers and raises concerns about their safety in such establishments. Sources reveal that Vera, the oldest prostitute in the hotel, had been engaged by a customer who…

In a significant move to cushion the impact of the fuel subsidy removal on January 1, 2024, the Kano State Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The MoU entails a N20,000 palliative for all state employees, addressing the economic challenges faced by civil servants in Kano State. Comrade Mubarak Buba Yarima, Chairman of the TUC Kano chapter, affirmed the development, acknowledging the instrumental role played by the labour unions in negotiations with the government.  The agreement, prompted by a joint plea from NLC and TUC…

Justice Nana Fatimah Jibrin of Bauchi State High Court has handed an 11-year prison sentence to Jalaludeen Zakari, the headmaster of Burra Primary School in Ningi local government area. Zakari was found guilty of defiling a six-year-old girl who was at the school for an admission screening.  The incident occurred after official school hours when Zakari allegedly held the victim for an extended period. Prosecuting counsel Barrister Dayabu Ayuba revealed that Zakari, during the trial, was accused of penetrating the victim’s private parts with his fingers. Three witnesses, including the young victim, testified, leading to the conviction. The sentencing, which…

Naomi Iwelu, a twenty-five-year-old survivor, has found solace in Catania, Sicily, after enduring unimaginable trauma and violence on her arduous journey from Benin, Nigeria. In 2018, Naomi’s decision to leave Benin was triggered by the death of her mother, compounding the challenges she faced as the eldest of six orphans. Financial constraints forced her to abandon her education, pushing her into the workforce at bars, restaurants, and as a cleaner. As the family’s living conditions worsened, the prospect of starting anew in Europe gained traction. Naomi reconnected with a long-lost friend in Libya through Facebook, who persuaded her to embark…

In a major stride towards operational readiness, Dangote Refinery has welcomed its fourth crude shipment, consisting of one million barrels of bonny light crude, courtesy of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).  The refinery, set to become the world’s largest single-train refinery, anticipates the imminent arrival of the fifth crude shipment, marking a key milestone in its journey. The recent one million barrels represent the fourth installment of the six million barrels expected by the refinery, with three million barrels having been received earlier. Aiming for a total of four million barrels before the end of 2023 and the…

In a recent appearance as the special guest of honour at the inaugural Katsina Dialogue organized by the Katsina Consultative Forum, former President, Muhammadu Buhari said he was happy with the decision made by incumbent President, Bola Tinubu to raise the petrol pump price on May 29, 2023. Addressing the gathering at the Presidential Banquet Hall of the Katsina Government House, Buhari shared his perspective on the potential impact of the fuel price hike.  Speaking in Hausa on Sunday, he revealed that upon returning to his native town, Daura, in Katsina State, he observed a significant influx of visitors.  However,…

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu celebrated the arrival of the first baby of the new year, Boluwatife Johnson, at the National Hospital in Abuja. The birth took place at 12:03 am, marking a joyous start to 2024. Addressing the significance of maternal health, the First Lady urged expectant mothers to prioritize their well-being and emphasized the importance of knowing their HIV/AIDS status to prevent mother-to-child transmission. In a statement from her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the need for a collective effort, urging well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with the government in improving healthcare facilities across the nation. Mrs. Tinubu’s visit…