Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  The Presidential Committee on Livestock Sector Reforms Implementation has proposed a pathway for the coexistence of both open grazing and ranching in Nigeria. Th committee declared  that a gradual transition is key to addressing the ongoing farmer-herder clashes. The committee, chaired by former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, presented its inception report to President Bola Tinubu at the State House, Abuja, on Thursday. Speaking to journalists after the submission, Jega revealed that the report, which spans 152 pages, provides a comprehensive strategy for the Nigerian government to judiciously harness the livestock industry, aiming to…

Daud Olatunji  In a move aimed at further enhancing its mission of fostering strong community relations and promoting human rights, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) National Headquarters has announced the appointment of two distinguished figures to key positions within the organization. The appointments, approved by the National Chairman of the PCRC, Alhaji Mogaji Ibrahim Olaniyan, were officially made public through a statement issued on Thursday, September 19, 2024, by Amb. Comrade Kunle Sodipo, Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to the National Chairman. The statement conveyed the appointment of Comrade Folarin  Olayinka, the Executive Director of the Human…

Enoch Oyedibu  An Ogun State-born Professor of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Beatrice Opeolu, who is also the Director of Bee Solutions and Consultant Services, on Thursday, distributed educational materials to  781 public primary school students in Imasayi, Yewa North  Local Government Area of the State. The materials included a dedicated school bag, six exercise books, and a water bottle for each student at Ansarudeen Primary School and Christ Church Primary School. The professor, who is based in South Africa, said the philanthropic exercise was her way of fulfilling her pledge to God and herself, as well as giving back to…

Enoch Oyedibu In the past six years, Ondo and Ogun States in Southwest Nigeria have collectively spent  over ₦10.733 billion on their respective government houses, according to audited financial reports and approved budgetary allocations from each state.  Despite facing economic challenges and high levels of debt, both states have continued to allocate significant funds to maintain their government houses, raising questions about the necessity of such expenditures. Ondo State has emerged as the larger spender, having allocated a staggering ₦8.7 billion from 2019 to 2024 for its Government House. Ogun State, on the other hand, allocated over ₦2.033 billion…

Daud Olatunji  A prominent sociocultural group, Igbo General Assembly (IGA) in Europe, has made a passionate appeal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him to release the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.  The group argues that freeing Kanu would lead to an end to the persistent agitations and insecurity plaguing the Southeast region of Nigeria. The call was made during the 14th Igbo General Assembly, held in Sevilla, Spain, on Saturday.  Addressing the media at the sidelines of the event, the President-General of IGA, Chief Kingsley Ozo Ndibe, condemned the previous administration under…

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) recently concluded its 2024 Summer Camp, a three-week event themed “Eco-Adventure Challenge,” held at the Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) from August 12th to 30th.  The camp, designed for children aged 5 to 17, attracted over 100 participants, offering them an immersive, educational experience in one of Nigeria’s most cherished natural habitats. The camp aimed to foster environmental awareness and sustainability in young minds, combining fun-filled adventures with practical lessons on conservation.  The activities included nature walks, wildlife exploration, canopy walk adventures, sustainability workshops, eco-arts and crafts, and leadership challenges. Nature Walks and Canopy Walk Adventures…

The National Union of Pensioners, First Bank of Nigeria (FBN) Unit, has raised serious concerns over what it describes as the unjust treatment of former employees by the management of First Bank of Nigeria.  The union has accused the bank of ignoring court orders, pension reforms, and previously signed agreements, leaving retired staff members in financial distress. In a statement issued to journalists in Abuja, the National Chairman of the FBN Pensioners’ Union, Pastor Gimbason John, expressed the deep frustrations felt by the pensioners.  He lamented the current state of pension payments, revealing that retirees, who had dedicated 30 to…

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, who had been on the run over allegations of corruption, has finally honoured the invitation of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).  The embattled politician is facing accusations of money laundering and financial misconduct amounting to N80.2 billion. Bello’s appearance at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday marks a turning point in the months-long standoff between the former governor and the anti-graft agency.  He had previously been declared wanted for evading arrest and failing to comply with the commission’s repeated invitations regarding the alleged embezzlement of state funds during his tenure. In…

The Nigeria Police Force has made significant strides in its fight against crime, with the arrest of 2,355 suspects across the country within the past month.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that among the high-profile arrests were 199 suspects linked to sexual-related offences and 186 suspected kidnappers.  This development was confirmed in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Tuesday. According to the statement, police operatives apprehended 295 armed robbery suspects, 271 homicide suspects, and 71 individuals found in unlawful possession of firearms.  The force also arrested 143 cultism suspects and a further 1,575 individuals involved in various…

Daud Olatunji A coalition of civil society organizations has raised the alarm over what they describe as an escalating campaign of intimidation, harassment, and repression under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.  The groups expressed grave concern over the use of Nigeria’s security agencies to target labour unions and vocal civil society organizations, warning that these actions signal a dangerous erosion of democratic principles and human rights in the country. In a joint statement, the undersigned civil society organizations condemned the government’s recent moves, accusing the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led administration of deploying state security apparatuses to silence dissent and stifle…