Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a marked decline from the previous year, nearly 30,000 migrants crossed the perilous waters of the English Channel from mainland Europe to Britain in small boats in 2023, according to government figures released on Monday. While this represents an annual drop of more than a third, the unauthorized arrival of 29,437 people on the southeast English coast still stands as the second-largest yearly tally since officials began disclosing these numbers in 2018. These perilous journeys across one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes have evolved into a significant political challenge for Britain’s Conservative government. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who…

President Bola Tinubu reassures Nigerian workers of his government’s dedication to implementing a new national minimum wage this year.  In a New Year Day broadcast, he emphasizes the importance of ensuring every Nigerian feels the positive impact of their government. Tinubu pledges to address the economic aspirations and material well-being of the poor, vulnerable, and working class, considering it both economically sound and morally correct.  He affirms that his administration will swiftly enact fiscal and tax policy reforms, simplifying the business environment to preserve value. During his foreign engagements, Tinubu consistently promotes Nigeria as open for business, emphasizing the commitment…

Daud Olatunji In a New Year message to the Nigerian populace, Abayomi Arabambi, the National Publicity Secretary of the Labour Party, has  conveyed a message of patience and unity, urging citizens to be patient with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The party also called for  the formation of an inclusive government.  Arabambi in the  key points of the message shed light on the economic challenges faced by the nation, saying the party was  committed  to a positive future. Arabambi also said the party was and willing  to collaborate for national development. While addressing  Economic Hardship, Arabambi highlighted that the prevailing economic…

In a bold response to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Igboho refutes the characterization of their movement as a security threat to Nigeria.  Igboho dismisses the claim as misleading and urges the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, to disregard what he labels as a blackmail attempt. Expressing dissatisfaction with the military’s position, Igboho highlights their awareness of the Armed Forces’ efforts to combat terrorism and criminal activities.  However, he strongly objects to the assertion that Yoruba Nation agitators pose a significant threat to peace in the South-West, deeming it…

Power distribution companies in Nigeria have refuted claims of an electricity tariff hike commencing on January 1, 2024. Contrary to speculations, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has not issued any directive for such an increase, as confirmed by various utility companies. Adekole Elijah, the Head of Corporate Communications at Jos Electricity Distribution Company, dismissed the rumors, stating, “At this moment, I am not aware of any moves to hike electricity tariffs. It’s still a rumor; no order from the government or NERC directing us to commence any tariff hike.” Emeka Ezeh, Head of Communications at Enugu Electricity Distribution Company,…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has initiated the supply of crude oil for the test-running of the Port Harcourt Refining Company Limited. Oil marketers have confirmed that the refinery will supply refined products, including Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), and others, to 12 states, such as Abia, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Delta. The NNPCL stated that the ongoing test-running phase will be completed shortly, with the commencement of commercial production expected in the near future. Despite experts’ anticipation of reduced refined product costs, downstream operators caution against expecting a massive price crash. The Federal Government,…

In a  New Year broadcast, President Bola Tinubu openly acknowledged the hardships faced by Nigerians and pledged unwavering commitment to address the rising cost of living, high inflation, and an unacceptable under-employment rate that has plagued the nation. The President, who assumed office seven months ago, emphasized the need for drastic decisions to save the country and steer it towards prosperity. Tinubu admitted that some of his decisions, particularly the removal of fuel subsidies and changes to the foreign exchange system, caused discomfort among citizens. However, he firmly stated their necessity, asserting that these measures were crucial to safeguard Nigeria…

In a surprising turn of events, President Bola Tinubu extended a hand of collaboration to opposition parties, calling for the formation of a unity government to collectively address Nigeria’s challenges.  The president made this unexpected announcement during his New Year broadcast, on Monday morning, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to propel the nation forward. Tinubu, who highlighted the drastic decisions taken during his seven-month tenure to save the country, acknowledged the discomfort some measures caused, such as fuel subsidy removal and changes to the foreign exchange system. Despite these challenges, he reiterated the necessity of such decisions to…

The gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu, has asserted that President Bola Tinubu transcends political affiliations,saying that the president belonging to all Nigerians.  This proclamation took center stage during the PDP’s year-end party in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Adebutu’s assertion was prompted by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s exclusive claim to the presidency and accusations of deliberate resource withholding for Tinubu during the Presidential elections. Amidst the political tussle, speculations are rife about Adebutu contemplating a switch to the All Progressives Congress (APC) to reinforce support for President Bola Tinubu in the South West.…

Registrar, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), Dr Tosan Erhabor, said that so far a total of 10,697 medical laboratory scientists had left the country. Erhabor told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that a policy is being put together by the Federal Ministry of Health to address the problem. “The total number of medical laboratory scientists that have migrated is 10,697,” he said. He said that the policy when launched would regulate the migration of Nigerian health workers. Erhabor said that the government has reviewed the hazard allowance of health professionals to boost their productivity. “Government is considering…