Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), has asserted that the future of Nigerian youths does not lie abroad but within Nigeria’s own borders. Adesina said this at a public lecture commemorating the 90th birthday of former military head of state Yakubu Gowon. He emphasized the urgent need for the nation to address the factors driving the significant outflow of its talented youth, particularly in the wake of the prevailing “Japa syndrome,” a term that captures the trend of young Nigerians seeking opportunities outside the country. Speaking to an audience gathered on Friday, Adesina pointed out that a…

In a significant move to address economic challenges faced by civil servants, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for workers in the state. This development marks a substantial increase above the national minimum wage of N70,000 recently signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting between the governor, labour leaders, and senior government officials. The Head of Service of Rivers State, George Nwaeke, confirmed the decision, stating that the new wage policy would be implemented immediately. “He (Fubara) has announced a figure that is higher than…

SERAP Rejects N5 Billion Def InvasionThe Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has vehemently rejected a defamation lawsuit filed against it by the Department of State Services (DSS), following what it describes as an unlawful invasion of its Abuja office. The civil society organization, which has been at the forefront of advocating for accountability and human rights, made its stance known through a post on its official X handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday. In the statement, SERAP asserted, “We reject the baseless defamation lawsuit brought against us by the DSS, following the invasion of our Abuja office. We’re talking to…

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday awarded N70 million in damages to Margaret Achalla, a nursing mother who was shot by police officers in her home 23 years ago. The tragic incident occurred in 2000 when Achalla was bathing her newborn baby at her residence in Utako, Abuja. The police officers, whose identities were revealed during the trial, shot her, leaving her in a pool of blood, seemingly left for dead. The judgment, delivered by Justice G. Olotu, marks the conclusion of a lengthy legal battle that began in 2001, under the case file FHC/ABJ/CS/105/2001, with Margaret Achalla…

Febe Falodun Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the National Assembly, has revealed that his total monthly earnings as a lawmaker amount to N14 million. The former governor of Abia State made this disclosure during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, where he addressed several misconceptions about the lifestyle of Nigerian legislators. Kalu debunked the widespread belief that lawmakers live in excessive luxury while the masses struggle with poverty. He clarified that his monthly income of N14 million covers overhead costs, staff salaries, and other operational expenses tied to his role as a senator. “I…

Daud Olatunji The Federation Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) has announced the distribution of N1.298 trillion in revenue for September 2024 to the Federal Government, States, and Local Government Councils. The figure, which marks a notable allocation for the month, was disclosed during the FAAC’s October 2024 meeting in Abuja. Despite the substantial disbursement, the revenue distribution was shadowed by a decline in gross statutory revenue, highlighting a continuing strain on Nigeria’s fiscal earnings. The total distributable revenue comprised various sources, including N124.716 billion from statutory revenue, N543.518 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), N18.445 billion from the Electronic Money Transfer…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has raised alarm over the nation’s ongoing cholera outbreak, reporting a staggering 14,237 cases and 378 deaths across 35 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). According to the NCDC, the outbreak has been exacerbated by widespread flooding in northern states, with Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Yobe, and Kano becoming the epicentres of the crisis. Speaking during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the NCDC Director-General, Jide Idris, revealed the grim statistics, noting that the 378 deaths represent a case fatality ratio (CFR) of 2.7 percent. The outbreak, he said, disproportionately…

The National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has raised the alarm over the rate at which private schools are closing down due to the country’s economic situation. Consequently, the association has called for urgent government intervention to stop the trend. In an interview with journalists in Ibadan on Thursday, the national general secretary of NAPPS, Kayode Adeyemi, lamented the significant withdrawal of students recorded and the inability of many school owners to keep their educational outfits open. Mr Adeyemi said the challenges are not just for low-level schools but also for most of the upper class. “Business…

The Lagos state government has advised those living along Ogun River banks to relocate to higher grounds as Ogun-Osun River Basin Development Authority (OORBDA) starts release of water from Oyan dam The commissioner for environment and water resources, Tokunbo Wahab, gave the advice at a news conference on Thursday in Lagos. According to him, the water release will help to maintain the sanctity of the dam and its socio-economic implications for Lagos state. Mr Wahab said it was crucial to understand that the dam’s annual operations were informed by real-time hydrological data, rainfall predictions from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency and…

Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Isola Akinsipo, the Akogun of Owu Kingdom and veteran broadcaster. Chief Akinsipo passed away at the age of 69. In a heartfelt tribute, Senator Amosun described the late Chief Akinsipo as a dedicated and selfless leader who embodied the cultural richness and traditional values of the Owu people. He noted that Akinsipo’s death was a significant loss not only to Owu Kingdom but also to Egbaland and Ogun State as a whole. “Akogun Akinsipo’s contributions and commitment to the development of Owu…