Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The inflation rate has moved to 31.70 per cent in February, according to the latest data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The Bureau released the figure on Friday, with the latest data showing a rise from the 29.90 per cent recorded in January 2024. According to the ‘Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report’ for February obtained by Channels Television, the hike represented a 1.80 per cent increase from what was recorded in January. “In February 2024, the headline inflation rate increased to 31.70% relative to the January 2024 headline inflation rate which was 29.90%. “Looking at the movement,…

A comprehensive investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has unearthed a web of corruption at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), implicating the former management led by ex-Managing Director, Salihijo Ahmad. The EFCC’s probe, initiated following allegations of financial malfeasance, exposed a staggering misappropriation of about N12.7 billion by Mr. Ahmad and other senior officials. President Bola Tinubu took decisive action last week, suspending the implicated management team over an alleged N1.2 billion fraud previously reported in 2023. Mr. Ahmad, alongside other executives, including Olaniyi Netufo, Barka Sajou, and Sa’adatu Balgore, faced indefinite suspension.  In their stead, a…

A former governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has advised incumbent state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reduce taxes and levies as an adddition way of giving succour to buisnesses and residents of the state. “I’d like to make additional suggestions. I’d like to advise that, in line with finding succour for residents of our great state with the current economic situation, I think reducing levies and taxes would help, Fashola said Fashola said this at the 18th Edition of Lagos Executive and Legislative Parley held on Friday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. He noted that…

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has been laid to rest at his ancestral home in the Alarere compound area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. Oba Balogun, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness, reigned for two years. Present at the burial was theOyo state Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal, who led a delegation of the State Executive Council to pay their last respects to the departed monarch. The Olubadan in council, led by the Otun Olubadan, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, was…

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring robust security arrangements during the upcoming Nigeria Public Relations Week scheduled from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, in Abeokuta, the state capital. Alamutu reiterated this assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, at the state police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. Acknowledging the nationwide rebranding efforts of the Institute, the police commissioner guaranteed comprehensive security coverage not only at the event venue…

The demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has sent waves of mourning across the ancient city, as preparations are underway for his final rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024.  The iconic monarch, who ascended the throne two years ago, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness. The announcement of the burial arrangements was made by the late monarch’s younger brother and Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Kola Balogun.  In a statement released to the press by the deceased’s Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, it…

In a bid for justice and compensation, the Methodist Church of Nigeria, Ikot Omin, Eno Abasi Circuit Diocese, Calabar, Cross River State, has initiated proceedings against Ekondo Microfinance Bank, urging them to compensate the church with a hefty sum of N35 million. The demand stems from the catastrophic collapse of a mast owned by the bank, which resulted in the complete destruction of the residence belonging to the Minister in-charge, Rev. Evans Uwaoma Obiokor. The incident, which occurred along the 8 Miles axis on Calabar Road, not only left the minister and his family homeless but also caused extensive damage…

Amidst the escalating insecurity crisis plaguing Northern Nigeria, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu, spearheaded a crucial gathering on Thursday, bringing together 19 governors from the region alongside top security chiefs. The marathon meeting, shrouded in secrecy, unfolded within the confines of the Office of the NSA (ONSA), stretching from midday till late evening. The urgency of the summit was underscored by recent harrowing incidents, including the abduction of 287 students and teachers from the LEA Primary and Junior Secondary School in Kuriga, Kaduna State, on March 7, 2024. Additionally, the abduction of 112 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in…

Former Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, has reiterated his allegiance to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), amidst brewing expulsion threats from within the party’s ranks. Despite facing criticism for his support of APC candidate Bola Tinubu in the 2023 presidential election, Wike remains steadfast in his PDP membership. The discord between Wike and the PDP escalated during the 2023 presidential race when he advocated for maintaining the party’s internal power-sharing arrangement by insisting on the presidential ticket being zoned to southern Nigeria. His divergence from supporting PDP’s northern candidate, Atiku Abubakar, led to speculations about his party affiliation. Following Tinubu’s…

The National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) has intensified its call for the enforcement of a court order mandating the former President of the union, Najeem Usman Yasin, to vacate the union’s National Secretariat. In a bid to prevent potential chaos, the NURTW has appealed to prominent figures including President Bola Tinubu, Inspector-General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, and Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation Lateef Fagbemi to intervene in the matter. At a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, the President of the union, Alhaji Tajudeen Ibikunle Baruwa, accompanied by his lawyer, Tolu Babaleye, addressed the…