Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a landmark ruling, two suspected drug kingpins, Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian and Agbo Chidike Prince, have been sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in an extensive cocaine trafficking operation spanning continents. The convictions came after relentless pursuit by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), which has been steadfast in its mission to curb drug-related crimes. Femi Babafemi, spokesperson for the anti-drug agency, detailed the intricate web of criminal activity that led to the apprehension and subsequent sentencing of the perpetrators. For Uwaezuoke Ikenna Christian, the journey to a lifetime behind bars began with his arrest at…

Daud Olatunji Stakeholders from various sectors gathered for a dynamic two-day South-West Zonal Legislative Interactive Session on “Legislation and Participation of Young People in Elections; The Emerging Trends.”  The event, held from Thursday, April 25th, to Friday in  Ibadan, Oyo State, was spported by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), Kimpact Development Initiative (KID), and the National Democratic Institute (NDI). The summit saw notable attendees including the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Electoral Matters, Sharafadeen Alli, and the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Electoral Matters, Adebayo Balogun.  Also present were Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu, representing Ogun…

Islamic scholars from across Nigeria convened in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State  to pay homage to the late Prof. M.O.A Abdul, lauding his pivotal role as a pioneer in Arabic and Islamic studies within the country.  The occasion, marked by a public book presentation organized by the Nigeria Association of Teachers of Arabic and Islamic Studies (NATAIS) at the Tai Solarin University of Education, celebrated the enduring influence of Prof. Abdul’s contributions. During the event, Prof. Dawud Noibi, a distinguished figure in Arabic and Islamic studies, delivered a profound keynote speech urging Muslims to actively engage in community development and humanitarian…

 Titilayo Adebeshin, a mother of three from Ogun State, is in need of N1.4m to end the battle with stage four anorectal cancer,  appealing for financial support to access life-saving treatment. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Adebeshin’s ordeal began with alarming weight loss and rectal bleeding, symptoms initially mistaken for piles.  Despite undergoing various treatments, her condition deteriorated, leading to a grim diagnosis of stage four anorectal cancer in October 2023. Struggling to contain her anguish, Adebeshin recounts the agonizing journey of relentless pain and escalating medical costs.  Enduring 16 injections daily to manage her suffering, the financial strain has left…

No fewer than 12 residents of Okuama in Delta State have reportedly died of snakebites, hunger, and starvation during their harrowing 45-day ordeal in the forests.  The residents fled their homes shortly after the military invaded their community in retaliation of the killings of 13 of its personnel . PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the residents spent 45 days in the forest where they were hiding from the soldiers brutality . Narrating their experience in the forest, a community leader (name withheld) said 12 of them have died of snakebites, hunger and starvation . It was further gathered that despite the…

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has appealed to the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering investor confidence and revitalizing the nation’s economy.  Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annual Public Relations Week of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Cardoso  said  the critical role of public relations in shaping perceptions and attracting investments to Nigeria. Cardoso underscored the importance of restoring trust in the fiscal system to attract investors who will contribute to the country’s economic growth for the benefit of its…

The Lagos State Government has earmarked a sum of N3.6 billion for the payment of wage allowances to 8,650 newly inducted civil servants. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that these  funds were set to benefit various sectors within the state civil service, including education, health, administration, audit, law enforcement, fire services, and others. The allocation was revealed during a specialized induction and training programme  held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre in Magodo.   Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, Director General of PSSDC, outlined the diverse composition of the inducted employees, which includes education officers, health personnel, administrative officers, audit officers, house officers, law enforcement…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action in Kaduna, shutting down fifty outlets for selling edible oil under unsanitary conditions. In a statement released on Saturday via its official handle, NAFDAC clarified that the closures were a result of the outlets dispensing edible oil in unhygienic environments.  This action comes as part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness among dealers, focusing on Registration Procedure and Food Management. Explaining the rationale behind the crackdown, NAFDAC emphasized the importance of preventing potential health risks associated with contaminated edible oil.  Josephine Dayilim, the director…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the ongoing electricity crisis in Nigeria, attributing it to a lack of political will.  Obi emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to rectify the situation, highlighting the success story of Tanzania as a potential model for Nigeria to emulate. Obi drew attention to a recent report from Tanzania, where surplus electricity led to the shutdown of several hydroelectric stations.  He contrasted this with Nigeria’s struggle to provide adequate electricity for its major cities and rural areas, despite being the most populous country…

The headquarters of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) came to a standstill on Friday as organized labour staged a protest against the alleged non-remittance of N2.1 billion in consequential taxes deducted from workers’ salaries. Led by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, and executive members of the Association of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFE), the protesters took to the streets, demanding immediate action. Osifo emphasised the necessity of the protest and subsequent shutdown, citing failed attempts by ASSBIFE leadership to resolve the issue with NSITF management. The protesters urged for the removal of…