Author: Platform Times Newspaper

 In a startling revelation, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) disclosed that over 1,000 Nigerians have fallen victim to scams involving fraudulent job opportunities in the United Kingdom.  The Chief of Mission, Laurent De Boeck, highlighted the severity of the situation during a news conference held on Monday in Abuja. Boeck expressed deep concern over the plight of those affected, revealing that some individuals lost substantial amounts, up to $10,000 each, in their desperate pursuit of securing foreign employment. He explained that these victims were now stranded in the UK, unable to return due to financial constraints, while others faced…

 Pope Francis has formally approved the blessing of same-sex couples within the Catholic Church, signaling a significant shift in Vatican policy. The approval comes with the release of a new document from the Vatican’s doctrine office, which elaborates on the pope’s earlier communication with two conservative cardinals in October. The document, unveiled on Monday, builds upon Pope Francis’s preliminary response, suggesting that blessings for same-sex couples could be granted under specific circumstances without conflating the ritual with the sacrament of marriage. Reiterating this condition, the document emphasizes that marriage remains a sacred union between a man and a woman, while…

In a scathing release on Monday, Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka criticized the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what he deemed the “unjust detention” of Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former Minister of Power. Soyinka expressed strong disapproval of the arrest, particularly in connection to the Mambilla Power Project, labeling it as questionable and a contempt of sense and justice. The seasoned elder statesman did not mince words as he called for the immediate release of Agunloye or, as an alternative, the arrest and detention of all those implicated in what he referred to as the “mammoth scam” surrounding…

Daud Olatunji Last week, the Lagos State Water Corporation sent shockwaves through its workforce as it terminated the employment of 450 casual workers.  The affected employees were reportedly served with termination letters on Tuesday and given a brief ultimatum to surrender all government property in their possession. The move has been met with strong criticism from the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR), labeling it as insensitive, particularly in the midst of an ongoing economic crisis. In a joint statement issued by the National Chairperson, Comrade Rufus Olusesan, and the National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Chinedu Bosah, CDWR expressed deep…

In a significant operation, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has made a major breakthrough in its fight against counterfeit goods, particularly adulterated alcoholic beverages, in Eziukwu Market (Cemetery Market) Aba, Abia State. NAFDAC’s Director General, Moji Adeyeye, announced the successful raid, revealing that 10 suspects were apprehended and an estimated N750 million worth of fake and substandard products, including wines, soft drinks, and consumables, were seized. The operation, conducted in collaboration with other security agencies, followed weeks of intelligence gathering to dismantle what Adeyeye referred to as the activities of “merchants of death.” The…

Daud Olatunji In a startling legal development, Sunday Baruwa Olowoyeye, a former Zonal Pastor at the Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministry (MFM), has filed a lawsuit against the founder, Dr. Daniel Olukoya, at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja. Olowoyeye alleges that he was unlawfully detained for 16 days, sparking a legal battle that seeks N250 million in damages. Olowoyeye, who served as a cleric at MFM from 1992 to 2021, claims his troubles began in 2019 when his wife fell seriously ill, leading him to seek financial assistance from the church. The former Zonal Pastor alleges that his request…

Daud Olatunji  Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, issued a stark warning at the 10th Annual High-level Seminar on the Promotion of Peace and Security in Africa, cautioning against viewing the recent unconstitutional changes in government in West Africa as a mere regional issue. Tuggar emphasized that allowing this situation to fester could lead to a broader crisis engulfing the entire African continent, exacerbating challenges related to terrorism and cross-border criminal activities. During a panel discussion titled “Resurgence of Unconstitutional Changes of Government in Africa: Global Outlook, Response, and Implications for the A3,” Minister Tuggar underscored the importance…

In a resolute move to address the prevalent issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and tackle gender inequality, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has defended a substantial budget proposal of over N1.005 billion for the ministry.  This appeal came during the State House of Assembly’s budget defense session, where Adeleye fervently sought increased support from lawmakers to combat GBV and promote gender parity. Appearing before the State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, Adeleye articulated the allocation breakdown for the Women Affairs Ministry in the State’s…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services, the Ogun State Ministry of Health has allocated a substantial budget of N11.410 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing a commitment to improving the well-being of its residents. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this information during the ongoing budget defense at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.  The breakdown of the budget reveals a strategic allocation of funds, with N9.1 billion earmarked for capital projects and N2.213 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure.  The ministry has set an ambitious revenue target of N135.3 million…

Daud Olatunji  The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, delivered a compelling message to media practitioners during the institution’s annual media parley on Saturday night.  Emphasizing the pivotal role journalists play in shaping national narratives, Prof. Tayo urged them to prioritize the promotion of national peace and development in their reporting. Highlighting the sensitive nature of journalism, the Vice Chancellor stressed the responsibility that comes with the privilege of freedom of expression. “You must strive always to put the peace, unity, and development of our country first in your reporting,” he declared. Recognizing the significant impact media actions…