Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The  Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN), has disclosed that only  58,000 out of the 130,000 registered medical doctors renewed their annual practicing license in 2023.  Dr. Fatima Kyari, the Registrar of MDCN, attributed this stark decline to the increasing migration of health workers to other countries, indicating a distressing trend of brain drain in the nation’s healthcare sector. Dr. Kyari, represented by Deputy Registrar Dr. Victor Kolawole, made this disclosure during the induction/oath-taking ceremony of 20 newly qualified doctors at the Edo State University.  She emphasised the council’s mandate to regulate the practice of medicine and urged other…

The Lagos State Environmental Protection Agency (LASEPA) on Friday, sealed some churches, hotels and bars for violating environmental regulations. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the agency conducted the enforcement operation at lfako-ljaiye, Abule-Egba Alagbado, Command, Abesan Estate, and Dopemu areas of the state. The agency said the move was to address noise pollution and other environmental breaches. “Among the affected establishments are the Catholic Church, Seventh Heaven Bar & Lounge, 1602 Hotel, Lourita Hotel & Suites, Wonderful Bible Prayer Ministries, God’s Porch Ministries, White Pavilion Hotel, Quest Hotel & Suites, Honey Comb Confectioners Ltd, and Excel Hotel & Suite,” it said…

Over  500 pupils of  Kuchichacha LEA Primary School in the Kwali Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have been found learning under precarious conditions due to dilapidated infrastructure and a severe shortage of teachers.  A report by Tracka, a prominent procurement non-profit organization, highlights the dire situation where classrooms with fallen roofs pose serious safety risks to students.  Despite repeated appeals to authorities, including the council chairman and UBEC, the pleas for renovation and staffing have fallen on deaf ears, forcing parents to withdraw their children from school, exacerbating the issue of out-of-school children in Nigeria. PLATFORM TIMES…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Military to eradicate terrorism and insurgency from Nigeria, pledging to sustain aggressive counter-terrorism operations until the threats to national security are banished. In a briefing delivered by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba,  disclosed  significant achievements, including the neutralisation of 216 insurgents and the arrest of 332 individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities.  He added that  troops intercepted 24 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 161 kidnapped hostages. He affirmed their determination to maintain a robust stance against terrorism, emphasising the State’s monopoly on violence…

Daud Olatunji A non-profit organization, Peace Initiative Network, has stated that it will empower between 30 and 50 repentant cultists in Ogun State.  The founder of the group, Dr. Michael Sodipo, said the foundation would partner with the Ogun State Police Command to fully engage the ex-cultists to become useful members of society.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that about 48 cultists renounced their membership of various secret cult groups in the Sagamu township area of the state last month.  Sodipo stated this on Thursday while speaking at a press conference held to herald a two-day peace summit between Monday and Tuesday…

Daud Olatunji Residents of the terror-battered Shiroro Local Government Area of  Niger State have again  repeatedly fled  their homes as soldiers reportedly  withdraw from the Allawa axis following a deadly terror attack. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  withdrawal comes on the heels of the loss of two army officers to Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) in the region, further exacerbating fears among locals already grappling with the persistent menace of terrorist groups operating in the area. It was learnt that the  exodus of soldiers from the Allawa axis, a known hotspot for terrorist activity, has sent shockwaves through the community, prompting…

The scramble to recapture fleeing inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State continues as authorities report that 14 of the escapees have been apprehended.  However, the pursuit remains ongoing for the remaining 105 inmates who are still at large following the devastating aftermath of a severe downpour on Wednesday night. Confirming the latest developments, Adamu Duza, the Spokesperson for the Federal Capital Territory Command of the Nigerian Correctional Service, disclosed that concerted efforts involving intelligence officers, armed squadron officers, and collaboration with the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and other security agencies have led to the re-arrest…

The  Oyo State Government has approved over N332 million for   the renovation of the Governor’s Lodge located in Lagos State.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that this was  disclosed in a statement released after the State Executive Council meeting held on Wednesday. In addition to the lodge renovation, several other crucial projects were approved during the meeting, reflecting the government’s commitment to infrastructural development and welfare enhancement across the state. Among the notable approvals was the regularisation of employment for 129 workers at the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, aimed at ensuring they receive the full benefits entitled to civil…

Two Chinese men Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi and their company, Ebuy Concept Limited have been dragged  before Justice Evelyn Anyadike of the Federal High Court sitting in Ilorin,.Kwara state  over alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  Chinese were arraigned by the Ilorin Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on Monday. The Chinese were arraigned on one-count bordering on possession of solid minerals without licence and non-payment of royalties to the Federal Government as required by law. The charge reads: “That you, Ebuy Trading Worldwide Nig.LTD, Duan Ya Hong, Xiao…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) on Thursday,broke silence on the  reason for persistent fuel scarcity in some parts of the country. PLATFORM TIMES reports that there were queues in many parts of the country while many marketers were selling fuel at the rate between  N660 and N700 per litre contrary to the official process of N580 per litre .  NNPCL, in a statement issued by Olufemi Soneye, Chief Corporate Communications Officer, said the tightness in the supply of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) was as a result of logistics issues. The company said the issues had been resolved. It…