Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

Enugu State Fire Service successfully averted a major disaster as they swiftly tackled a fire outbreak at Orba International Market in Udenu Local Government Area during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Goods worth millions of naira were spared from the inferno, due to the timely response of dedicated officers. Director Okwudiri Ohaa of the Enugu State Fire Service revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the fire, whose cause remains unknown, threatened to engulf the entire international market. The team’s rapid intervention, deploying two fire trucks, played a crucial role in containing and extinguishing the flames.…

In a heartfelt response to the tragic demise of his son, late Nigerian singer Mohbad, Mr. Joseph Aloba is gearing up to release a tribute album titled ‘Itunu.’ Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Records, passed away on September 12, with his final resting place being in Ikorodu. The somber event was marked by poignant scenes of mourning from bereaved family members, friends, and dedicated supporters. Adding a layer of complexity to the sorrowful narrative, on September 21, the police undertook the exhumation of Mohbad’s remains for a thorough autopsy, awaiting results in light of the surrounding controversy surrounding his…

Mrs. Joan Orajiobi, a resident of Nnewi in Anambra, embraced an unexpected New Year’s surprise as she gave birth to triplets on January 1st in a private hospital in Enugu. Orajiobi, a hairdresser residing in Ologo Quarters, Uwani Enugu, expressed her astonishment as she initially believed the pregnancy, discovered in May 2023, was carrying twins. The labor commenced on Saturday, and after seeking medical attention on Sunday, she successfully delivered two girls and a boy on Monday. “I am a hairdresser with two girls already, and when the scan revealed twins, I never anticipated triplets. Today, God blessed me with…