Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a recent episode of the Boiling Point Arena, two distinguished finance experts, Mr. Ugo Onuoha and Mr. Olufemi Awoyemi, voiced their concerns over Nigeria’s current economic trajectory, highlighting issues such as bloated governance costs, fiscal crises, and a disconnect between monetary policies.  The experts, both Guest Speakers on the popular interview platform, expressed shared dismay over what they see as a lack of visionary leadership. Mr. Ugo Onuoha, a development expert and former Managing Director/Editor-in-chief of Champion Newspapers, initiated the discussion by attributing Nigeria’s challenges to a dearth of visionary leaders.  According to him, the country’s progress has been…

Daud Olatunji In a groundbreaking address at the 46th inaugural lecture of Babcock University, Professor Titilayo Aderibigbe, a distinguished professor of medical law, passionately advocated  the amendment of the Mental Health Act 2023 to integrate traditional mental health healers into the nation’s healthcare system. In her lecture titled “Engagement with the Human Body: Searching Through the Prism of Law to Shape the Future,” Professor Aderibigbe underscored the critical need to expand and enhance the nation’s healthcare system by recognizing the substantial contribution of traditional mental healers, who reportedly provide approximately 80 percent of healthcare services in Nigeria. While acknowledging the…

Daud Olatunji In a shocking and harrowing incident, Gboyega, also known as Oba, recently shared the terrifying tale of his abduction while commuting to work in Ibadan. Gboyega spoke on a popular  radio programme on Sunday anchored by Nigerian music producer, gospel singer, and radio presenter, Olayinka Joel Ayefele.  Little did he know that his routine journey would turn into a nightmare, as he found himself ensnared in a ritualists’ den situated between Ibadan and Ogun State. Gboyega recalls the dreadful moment when the vehicle he boarded bewitched him, leading to a loss of consciousness.  Upon awakening, he discovered himself…

Justice Tijjani Ringim of the Federal High Court in Lagos has convicted and sentenced a widow, Sidika Ajisegiri, who attempted to smuggle cocaine from Nigeria to Saudi Arabia, to two years imprisonment. Justice Ringim jailed Ajisegiri after she pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of unlawful dealing and exportation of the prohibited substance brought against her by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). The prosecutor, Mrs Imaobong Irobochi, informed the court that the convict was arrested on November 13, 2022, with 400 grams of cocaine at the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, Lagos, during the outward clearance of…

The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has called for innovative financing solutions during the bank’s donor roundtable titled “Innovative Financing: Gender-lens and climate resilient solution,” held in Lagos over the weekend. The call was made in a bid to address the pressing challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the MD said that  despite being the largest employers of labour in Nigeria, MSMEs are grappling with various hurdles such as limited access to capital. He however, canvassed the need for critical managerial skills, market access difficulties, logistical…

In response to a tragic accident along the Abuja-Kaduna highway that claimed 18 lives and left 27 others injured, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated stringent measures to address the perilous practice of trailers transporting both humans and animals. The Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, has mandated sector commanders to establish a joint task force, comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Vehicle Inspection Office, and state governments. The fatal crash, which occurred at Audu Jhangon village early Sunday morning, involved a DAF trailer with registration number KUJ 430XC.  The overloaded trailer lost…

In a strategic move to bolster employment opportunities within the country and beyond, Dangote Cement Plc has successfully inducted 81 trainees into its highly acclaimed Graduate Trainee Programme.  The Graduate Trainee Programme, a cornerstone of Dangote Cement’s human capital investment, has witnessed the seamless integration of a cohort of trainees across the company’s operations throughout Africa.  This move not only addresses the imperative need for skilled professionals but also aligns with Dangote Cement’s broader mission to play a pivotal role in workforce development on the continent. In recognition of outstanding service and dedication, Dangote Cement also took the opportunity to…

In a significant operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intervened to thwart a pre-wedding ceremony drug abuse competition held in the Shola Quarters community of Katsina.  The clandestine event, organized by groom-to-be Musa Gwandi and his associates, took a dark turn as 25 youths were apprehended while indulging in the consumption of various illicit substances. Acting on actionable intelligence, NDLEA operatives executed a well-coordinated operation, swiftly descending upon the venue where the participants were engrossed in a dangerous drug-fueled revelry.  The suspects, aged between late teens and early twenties, were found partaking in a disturbing assortment of…

In a concerning development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, foreign airlines are contemplating an exit from the country’s airspace due to the challenging operating environment exacerbated by the trapping of over $792 million in funds.  This comes amid a series of exits by foreign businesses, with Procter & Gamble and GlaxoSmitKline being the latest casualties. The primary hurdle faced by these airlines is the difficulty in accessing foreign currency for their operations, as a substantial amount of their funds is stuck within Nigeria.  Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria for quarterly reconciliatory meetings with foreign…

In a significant move to combat corruption within its ranks, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has terminated the appointments of five officials found guilty of corruption. The decision, based on the recommendations of the Personnel Management Board by the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, was executed at the Oshodi office in Lagos. A statement released by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, revealed that the Commission had ratified every recommendation made by the Board during its meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2023. This marks a firm commitment by the state to uphold…