Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) says inflation is easing faster than expected but has yet to be fully defeated. Kristalina Georgieva, Managing Director of IMF, was quoted in a statement by the Fund on Thursday to have said this at the China Development Forum (CDF) 2024, in Benue . The event was hosted by the Atlantic Council Think Tank. She urged central bankers to carefully calibrate their decisions on cutting interest rates to incoming data. Georgieva said headline inflation for advanced economies was 2.3 per cent in the final quarter of 2023, down from 9.5 per cent just 18 months…

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has firmly refuted claims made by the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) regarding the failure to meet estimated hours of supply to customers’ feeders.  TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, Ndidi Mbah, addressed this issue in a rejoinder titled: “IBEDC’s publication on estimated hours of power supply.” Mbah clarified that the publication circulated by IBEDC on April 9, 2024, accusing TCN of responsibility for the failure, was incorrect.  She emphasized that after thorough investigation, it was found that the feeders mentioned in the publication are not part of TCN’s network but are operated by…

Francisca Chioma, a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka (UNIZIK), who was abducted last week, has been released by her captors after a ransom was paid.  The Chief Security Officer of the university, Ken Chukwurah, confirmed Chioma’s freedom on Thursday. Chioma, a student of the Science Education Department at UNIZIK, was abducted while en route to a burial in Omasi community, Ayamelum Local Government Area of Anambra State.  Initially demanding N10 million, the kidnappers reported to have  later settled for N2 million after negotiations. According to Chukwurah, Chioma and her friend were not the intended targets of the kidnapping.  They…

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) delivered a poignant message to Nigerian Muslims, framing the prevailing economic challenges as a test from Allah.  In a Sallah message signed by MURIC’s Executive Director, Prof Ishaq Akintola, the call for patience and introspection echoed. MURIC emphasized the importance of seeking forgiveness, eschewing greed, and acknowledging the blessings bestowed by Allah.  Drawing from Quranic verses, the group reminded believers that enduring hardship with fortitude leads to divine mercy. Highlighting Nigeria’s abundant resources and human capital, MURIC lamented societal shortcomings that led to ingratitude and subsequent trials.  The organization urged Nigerians to refrain from blame…

In a bid to address the persistent power challenges facing Nigeria, the Federal Government has announced plans to empower federal universities and teaching hospitals across the nation to generate electricity independently. This initiative forms part of a broader strategy to relieve pressure on the national grid and ensure a more sustainable energy future for the country. The Executive Director of the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), Ayo Adegboyega, disclosed this groundbreaking plan while speaking to reporters at W.O. Lawal praying ground in Ibadan. He emphasized that this project is just one of many initiatives being undertaken by his agency to revolutionize…

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has bombed three terrorists camps in Zamfara on Wednesday, eliminating several of them and their structures. The operation was conducto The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has bombed three terrorists camps in Zamfara on Wednesday, eliminating several of them and their structures. The operation was conducted by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji, NAF Spokesman, AVM Edward Gabkwet, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja. Traveling across Quang Binh to stunning cinematic locations Gabkwet said the camps destroyed belong to terrorist kingpins, Abdullahi Nasanda in Zurmi, Malam Tukur in Gusau, and another in Maradun…

In a bold move against alleged maltreatment, three esteemed lecturers of Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, have taken legal action against their employer, citing a prolonged period of unpaid salaries totaling 27 months. Prof. Fredrick Ikechukwu Esumeh, Prof. Monday Lewis Igbafen, and Dr. Zebedee Udo Mamudu, hailing from the Departments of Microbiology, Philosophy, and Economics respectively, have filed separate lawsuits at the National Industrial Court of Nigeria in the Benin Judicial Division. Spearheading their legal battle is Kingsley Obamogie, SAN, who represents their interests before the court. The grievances outlined in their lawsuits include a declaration of the defendant’s…

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over the alarming rise in infections and fatalities caused by viral hepatitis worldwide.  In its latest report, WHO revealed that hepatitis, the second leading infectious disease, is responsible for claiming 3,500 lives daily, totaling 1.3 million deaths annually, equivalent to tuberculosis, another top infectious killer. While there has been a decrease in new cases compared to 2019, with 2.2 million new infections reported in 2022, the overall incidence of viral hepatitis remains disturbingly high.  Hepatitis B and C are the primary culprits, accounting for 83% and 17% of deaths, respectively. Despite…

The Labour Party’s National Working Committee, under the leadership of Ag National Chairman Alh Bashiru Lamidi Apapa,has  vehemently refuted claims made by Obiora Ifoh, purportedly acting as a spokesperson for the party.  Ifoh’s statements, allegedly originating from a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), attempted to sow discord within the Labour Party by insinuating collaboration with the current All Progressives Congress (APC) government and interference in the party’s affairs. The Labour Party condemned what it described as “ignorance” and “political rascality” displayed in Ifoh’s assertions, labeling them as “fallacious narratives” aimed at destabilizing the party.  Of particular concern were…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has raised an alarm over the dire state of primary education in the state, revealing that a staggering 75% of primary schools are operating without teachers.  Expressing deep concern, Governor Fubara disclosed that a comprehensive assessment conducted by the firm, New Global, in collaboration with his administration, uncovered this alarming reality.  Furthermore, the governor lamented that 90% of these schools are in a dilapidated condition, severely compromising the quality of education provided. Speaking through his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, Governor Fubara stressed the fundamental role of primary education in shaping the character and future…