Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed to providing Nigeria with a $134 million loan, a crucial component of the National Agricultural Growth Scheme and AgroPocket (NAGS-AP) Project.  The initiative aims to enhance the capacity of farmers involved in cultivating essential staples such as rice, maize, cassava, and wheat across the nation. The announcement was made by the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, during the launch of this year’s Wheat Dry Season farming in Jigawa State over the weekend.  Kyari emphasized that the loan would contribute to a projected 20% increase in crop yield compared to the…

Daud Olatunji In a bid to foster progress and empower higher education institutions, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has  announced the government’s contemplation of reintroducing the Policy of University Full Autonomy.  The move, disclosed by Minister Abubakar Momoh at the University of Benin’s 48th convocation ceremony, reflects the government’s belief that university autonomy will pave the way for individualized development. Tinubu expressed confidence in the proposed policy, emphasizing that it would shift the responsibility of performance directly to the institutions, offering a remedy to the current uncertainties.  Acknowledging concerns over months of unpaid salaries, Tinubu addressed the issue by announcing a…

ISRAEL ADELEKE writes on the ordeal and  agony  of the community that confronts  150 years of lack of  electricity, the ruinous effects of poor roads and the persistent absence of other infrastructural amenities. In the heart of Asha village, a community in the Obafemi-Owode local government area of Ogun State, faced with a myriad of challenges, life flows like the river that sustains them – unpredictable, challenging, and essential.  On a sunny Sunday afternoon, PLATFORM TIMES reporter embarked on a journey to Asha, an agrarian village with a rich history spanning over 150 years.  The mission  was to uncover the…

Daud Olatunji The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has unveiled a concerning trend where numerous Nigerians are falling prey to deceptive entities offering petition processing services.  Adejobi said the deceitful practice has not only obstructed the due attention petitions deserve but has also deprived many of justice. Making a clear stance, the Nigeria Police asserts that it does not endorse or employ agents to receive and process petitions from citizens.  The force PRO stated this in a statement issued on Sunday,adding that the unauthorized individuals exploit unsuspecting petitioners, extracting large sums of money under the false pretense of…

A women’s group on Sunday,  held a protest on  the streets of Kano state, vehemently protesting the recent Court of Appeal decision that removed Abba Kabir Yusuf as the Governor of Kano State.  Expressing deep disappointment with the broader landscape of election-related court rulings, the protesters, undeterred by a police ban, brought attention to what they perceive as a controversial manipulation of the law in favor of the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC). Brandishing placards and rallying behind chants in support of Governor Abba Yusuf, the women reached the state police command, submitting a letter outlining their grievances…

The Kogi State government has issued a query to Alhaji Abdulrasaq Gambo Isa Koto, the Ohimege-Igu Kotonkarfe, over accusations of partisanship and failure to maintain peace during a visit by the Social Democratic Party (SDP) candidate, Alhaji Muritala Ajaka. The query, dated November 22 and signed by Barrister Salami Deedat, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed grave concern over the traditional ruler’s alleged involvement in partisan politics, which purportedly resulted in a political crisis leading to the unfortunate death of a young lady in Koto-Karfe. The letter emphasized the contradiction of the traditional ruler’s actions with the…

The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended Benjamin Ezeukwe, 28, the alleged mastermind behind an intricate scam that targeted unsuspecting Nigerians in a counterfeit Dangote Cement price slash. The arrest, confirmed by SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the Police Public Relations Officer, comes after weeks of relentless investigation by officers of the “Area A” police command. Ezeukwe was apprehended on October 19, 2023, in the Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State.  Upon his arrest, law enforcement found incriminating items in his possession, including a Tecno phone, an iPhone, three SIM cards – one of which, bearing the number…

Former Catholic priest Stephen Nwaigwe finds himself behind bars after an Awka Chief Magistrates’ Court in Anambra State ordered his remand for allegedly raping and impregnating a teenager. The court, known as the Children, Sexual and Gender-Based Violence Court, made the decision as the disturbing details of the case unfolded. Nwaigwe, previously expelled from the “Two Hearts of Love Congregation” in Orlu, Imo State, in 2018, faced accusations of sexual misconduct detrimental to the church’s reputation. Despite his dismissal, he continued performing religious activities, raising concerns about his influence. The alleged victim revealed that she met Nwaigwe during a church…

Leading the charge in fostering collaborative growth within the tech sector, Dr. Ademola Adenubi, the founder of Edutams, has affirmed his dedication to partnering with the Ogun Tech Community (OTC) to drive advancements in the digital ecosystem. This commitment was reiterated during a recent courtesy visit by OTC’s executive committee to Edutams’ headquarters. As part of the visit, Adenubi showcased the new Edutams Hub, a cutting-edge facility set to accommodate over 50 startups during its initial phase. Emphasizing the pivotal role of collaborative synergy in propelling disruptive growth, Adenubi urged OTC to enhance its engagement with the Ogun State government…

Daud Olatunji In a dazzling display of athleticism and skill, Wema Bank has once again secured the championship title at the Nigerian Bankers Games (NBG) 2023, marking a historic back-to-back triumph for the financial institution.  The grand finale unfolded at the prestigious University of Lagos Sports Centre, where Wema Bank’s powerhouse of athletes demonstrated their prowess in various sporting disciplines. The NBG 2023 commenced on the 21st of October, and from the outset, Wema Bank asserted its dominance, leading the charge from the group stages to ultimately claim victory in both the track and field events and the virtual gaming…