Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji PLATFORM TIMES’ investigation has uncovered that numerous border communities in the Yewa-North Local Government in Ogun State, totaling 47, are grappling with a severe shortage of basic amenities.  This dire situation has reached a point where Benin Republic actively recruits Nigerians, particularly in the state, enticing them with promises of well-maintained roads, hospitals, schools, and allowances—services allegedly neglected by the Nigerian government.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the allure of an alternative to Nigeria, accompanied by naturalization and citizenship perks, has prompted many Nigerians to seriously consider a permanent relocation to Benin Republic. A visit to Gbokoto-Isale, a border…

In the aftermath of their release from a harrowing kidnapping ordeal, five pupils and three teachers from the Apostolic Faith Groups of School in Emure-Ekiti are now undergoing intensive trauma treatment.  The victims, freed by their abductors in the early hours of Sunday, February 4, are currently hospitalized and receiving specialized care at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital in Ado-Ekiti. Upon directives from the Governor, Ekiti’s Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Oyebanji Filani, accompanied by ministry officials, facilitated the transfer of the students and teachers from Emure-Ekiti to the hospital.  Prof. Kayode Kayode Olabanji, the Chief Medical Director…

In a recent interview, former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Mike Ejiofor, shares insights into the escalating issue of kidnapping in Nigeria.  Ejiofor, who is also a kidnap victim, highlights both interim and long-term measures the government can adopt to address the growing security challenges. Ejiofor acknowledges the concern over the perceived surge in insecurity but emphasizes the need for adequate resource deployment to tackle the problem effectively.  He calls for proper oversight to ensure budget allocations for the security sub-sector are judiciously utilized, urging leaders to eschew extravagant lifestyles. Expressing his perspective on the economic…

The Court of Appeal, Abuja has ordered the First City Monument Bank (FCMB) to pay the sum of N540 million damages awarded against it for alleged defamation of Prophet Emmanuel Omale and his wife, Deborah. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Justice Yusuf Halilu of a Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court had, in a judgment on Oct. 4, 2022, awarded the sum against FCMB. Justice Halilu held that the bank recklessly breached the duty of care it owe to Omale of the Divine Hand of God Prophetic Ministry, his wife, and the church. The judge agreed that…

In a recent interview on Sunday, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa shared insights into the tactics employed by villagers in the Northeastern part of the country to hide weapons after troops successfully neutralized terrorists. Musa, who served as the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in the region, highlighted the challenges faced by security forces.  He explained, “As a theater commander in the North East – Harden-Kai – for 19 months, terrorists would come to a village with weapons to launch an attack.  Despite our efforts to eliminate them, villagers would preemptively hide the weapons, only…

In a fervent plea to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), the Supreme Council for Shariah in Nigeria (SCSN) is calling for the revelation of a religious group purportedly financing terrorism within the country. Issuing a statement on Sunday in Abuja, President Sheikh Abdularasheed Hadiyatullah and Secretary General Malam Nafiu Ahmad expressed deep concern following EFCC Chairman’s recent disclosure about religious organizations supporting insurgency in Nigeria.  The Council emphasized the urgent need for public clarity and decisive measures to address the unsettling connection between religious groups and insurgency, fearing potential fund misappropriation jeopardizing the nation’s safety and security. “The…

Not less than  179 training facilities have been launched by Babcock University Centre for Open Distance and e-Learning (BUCODel), the director of the Centre, Professor Mobolanle Sotunsa, said on Sunday. The training facilities which were made possible by a training grant from the Commonwealth of Learning (COL) and the collaboration of British Council, Edutech and Techlink led to the enrollment of over 100 learners. Professor Sotunsa revealed that this was less than three years the centre secured an approval from the National Universities Commission’s (NUC) to run MBA and B.Sc programmes.   The centre-organised training facilities spans across web design, 3D…

In a recent move, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has enforced a groundbreaking policy prohibiting the use of foreign currencies for transactions involving goods and services by individuals and companies within the country. The announcement, conveyed through a press release by Ibrahim Mu’azu, the Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN, sheds light on the concerning trend of some institutions pricing their offerings in foreign currencies rather than utilizing the domestic currency, the Naira, which holds the legal tender status in Nigeria. Mu’azu underscored the importance of adhering to the provisions set forth in the CBN Act of 2007,…

Aminat Gusanu An Abeokuta based cleric .and the General Overseer of Thunder Rock Liberation Assembly in Soyooye, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Ambassador (Dr.) Bakare Michael,  has emphasized the need for Nigeria’s leadership to declare a national day of fasting, prayers, and praises. The cleric   warns of a looming mass death of political functionaries set to begin in April, attributing it to alarming levels of insecurity and bloodshed nationwide. Bakare, made these concerns known on Sunday, during a thanksgiving and Prophetic Declaration Service held in his church to inform Nigerians about God’s plans for the country in 2024. Bakare emphasized that…

Daud Olatunji In a historic gathering at NMA House Lukosi, Abeokuta, the old and new generations of medical personnel converged to bridge the gaps. PLATFORM TIMES observed that the occasion was aimed at reintegrating old and senior medical doctors who have served in various capacities at the Nigerian Medical Association and state affairs back into the union.” The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) Ogun State Branch, Dr. Kunle Ashimi, while speaking  at the maiden celebration of Ogun State Medical Elders on Saturday, said it was to appreciate the efforts of the elders in the profession. Dr. Ashimi expressed…