Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a major breakthrough, the Federal Government announced on Thursday that it successfully seized over N45 billion illegally looted from the national treasury.  The revelation came during the 40th Technical Commission/Plenary Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) held at the State House, Abuja. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, delivered the news, highlighting the government’s commitment to building on past successes in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.  The government significantly increased budgets for key agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt…

Daud Olatunji In a spirited move to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry, Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a directive mandating all public servants in Osun State to wear Adire to work every Wednesday.  The circular, released by the Osun State Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, on November 16, 2023, extends the cultural promotion to various sectors, including ministries, departments, agencies, tertiary institutions, local governments, and development councils. Designating every Wednesday as “Adire Osun Day,” the directive underscores the commitment of the state, with accounting officers and agency heads expected to comply.  This cultural initiative also extends to political appointees, including…

Daud Olatunji In a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Kaduna State University (KASU), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raised serious concerns over the deepening socio-economic crises in Nigeria.  ASUU highlighted the unbearable rising cost of living and hardships faced by Nigerians due to  what it called the ruthless implementation of neo-liberal economic policies The body stated this through its President, Emmanuel Osodeke, at a meeting which coincided  with Heroes’ Day, featured a special lecture on “Economic Crisis, Government Responses and Tertiary Education in Nigeria.” The union specifically pointed to the mismanagement of the economy, emphasizing…

Daud Olatunji In a desperate cry for assistance, Temitayo Ajala, a resident of Idi-Iroko in Ogun state, shares her agonizing journey of carrying a pregnancy for an unprecedented six years.  Fighting against the odds, she implores the public to come to her rescue, fearing for her life and the life of her unborn child. While speaking on a popular Yoruba radio programme by a radio presenter, Makinde Fasunle, Temitayo recounts her shattered expectations of a normal pregnancy and delivery, only to find herself trapped in a nightmarish ordeal. Despite exhausting all means, including visits to various places, churches, and consultations…

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, the World Bank has disbursed approximately $299.99 million to Nigeria under the National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up. This disbursement is part of the $800 million approved for the program on December 16, 2021. Documents obtained from the World Bank confirm that this recent payment marks the initiation of the financial support for the National Social Safety Net Program-Scale Up. With 37.5% of the total loan disbursed, there remains a pending balance of about $442.88 million. The $800 million social safety net program aims to implement a conditional cash transfer, orchestrated by the Federal…

Daud Olatunji Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has  refuted sensational claims of students’ death  due to poisoning, clarifying incident involving final-year student Oladokun Ayomide. In response to recent media coverage alleging the death of students due to poisoning, FUNAAB issued a press release on Wednesday, aiming to correct misconceptions surrounding the arrest of Oladokun Ayomide. Contrary to alarming narratives, the university asserts that the incident on November 9, 2023, was a result of unintentional intoxication caused by a cake purchased by Ayomide from an open store. According to the statement by Olasunkanmi Olajide, Assistant Director of Media at the…

Daud Olatunji. In a pivotal development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to call off the nationwide strike that commenced two days ago, following a crucial meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.  The government delegation, led by Ribadu and including the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, and Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, engaged in discussions aimed at finding a resolution to the pressing issues that prompted the industrial action. Minister Lalong, addressing reporters after the meeting, revealed that the government appealed to the labor leaders to reconsider the strike, emphasizing the…

In a recent development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has shed light on the controversial revocation of visas for 177 Nigerian passengers who arrived in Jeddah aboard an Air Peace plane on Monday. Saudi authorities assert that out of the total 264 passengers on the flight, the 177 individuals were denied entry due to their failure to meet entry conditions and requirements outlined by the Kingdom’s rules and regulations. The crux of the matter lies in the submission of incorrect information by the affected passengers to obtain a visa category that did not align with their travel circumstances. This…

Current governor of the CBN Olayemi Cardoso had said the bank would return to its primary role of price stability.   Acknowledging that the central bank can use different instruments to mop up excess money in circulation, Sanusi said it needs to do it in a manner that minimizes the cost to both the central bank and the government’s balance sheet, and that’s why it has to rely a little more on non-conventional instruments. “If you look at OMO Bills and OBB rates in the last few weeks, I can see that the central bank has started a process of aggressive…

In a recent meeting with the National Security Adviser, Labour union representatives, including members of the NLC and TUC, discussed promises and appeals from the government regarding the attack on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other issues. The President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, stated that decisions on ending the strike will be taken after informing the labor organs of the discussions held. Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, described the discussions as fruitful, genuine, and frank, emphasizing that ongoing talks aim for a resolution without a prolonged strike. Meanwhile, the NLC outlined six conditions that must be…