Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a shocking turn of events, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, tasked with covering the Presidential Villa in Abuja, recounts a terrifying abduction by gunmen who identified themselves as dismissed soldiers. The journalist, still haunted by the traumatic experience, reveals the harrowing details of the incident that unfolded after mistakenly boarding the wrong vehicle at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja. On the fateful day, after completing an assignment at the Presidential Villa, the journalist, along with a cameraman, accepted a ride offered by a director from the Villa. Little did they know that this decision would plunge them…

Daud Olatunji  In a noteworthy achievement, a  renowned Fuji musician Saheed Osupa Akorede, known as ‘Saidon P’, proudly announced his graduation from the University of Ibadan’s Department of Political Science. The music icon shared the news on his Facebook page, revealing that he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with Second Class Honours, Upper Division during the university’s ongoing 2023 Convocation and 75th Foundation Day Ceremonies. Expressing his joy, Saheed Osupa stated, “It is official! Today, I attended the Convocation Ceremony of the University Of Ibadan, where I graduated, bagging a Bachelor of Science degree in Political…

Daud Olatunji In a show of solidarity, thousands of Kogi youths, led by the Convener of Kogi New Generation (KNG), Mr Richard Otitoleke, and Mr Muhammad Shuaib, Director General of the Ododo/Joel Campaign Organization, visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. They hailed the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State as “the most peaceful and credible” and emphasized the need to protect the integrity of INEC. The group, wielding placards, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between INEC and security agencies that contributed to the success of the election. Otitoleke stressed the importance of approaching the Election Petition…

By Dr. Stella Egbe The Post-COVID-19 era is characterised by a lot of lessons, especially in the areas of human and ecosystem health. The global lockdown saw a rapid decline in human activities and for the first time in modern human history, we experienced the planet’s resilience, its ability to recover from decades of anthropogenic impacts. As the air became clearer, the waters became less polluted, wildlife appeared to venture into areas not seen before, neither thought possible. For example, the waters of Venice became clearer, and fishes and dolphins returned, prompting the return of swans in this beautiful area. …

Daud Olatunji A historic moment unfolded at the Commonwealth Youth Organization Nigeria Ogun State Chapter as a new executive team took the reins during the organization’s 20th-anniversary celebration at the Commonwealth Office, Old Secretariat, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta. In a ceremony presided over by the Founding State Coordinator, Apostle Dr. Tola Adenekan, the newly elected management team received congratulations and guidance on the organization’s structures and objectives. Dr. Adenekan emphasized the need for the new executives to uphold integrity, transparency, and inclusiveness for delivering quality service. The celebration was not just a change in leadership but also featured enlightening Capacity Building Lectures…

 Israel Aderoju  In a state of uncertainty, Ogun schools are grappling with confusion as teachers abandon academic duties due to the ongoing strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).  Students left clueless, stranded on school premises until late afternoon. Amid the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), schools in Ogun State face a state of confusion as academic activities come to a standstill. Students and teachers found present, yet no teaching or learning taking place, leaving students in the dark. PLATFORM TIMES  gathered firsthand information from various…

Daud Olatunji In a strategic move indicative of potential industry consolidation, MTN Nigeria is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Emerging Markets Telecommunications Service Limited (EMTS), the company operating as 9mobile in Nigeria, to acquire a significant stake in its spectrum. The talks, if successful, could mark a crucial step in the revival of 9mobile, which has faced challenges since the departure of its key technical partner and investor, Mubadala of the United Arab Emirates, in 2017. Sources suggest that the spectrum trade option is being explored as a viable solution to resuscitate 9mobile, considering the critical role spectrum plays as…

Daud Olatunji  In a resounding call for unity and economic growth, Aliko Dangote, Africa’s foremost entrepreneur and President/CE of Dangote Industries Limited, has emphasized the vital need for greater integration of African economies and expanded trade and investments across the continent. Represented by Engr. Ahmed Mansur, the Group Executive Director, Stakeholder Management and Government Relations, Dangote highlighted the significance of initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF) during the ongoing IATF 2023 in Cairo. “The Dangote Group, a major player with investments spanning 14 countries in Africa, believes in the importance of…

In a stark revelation, Vice President Kashim Shettima has labeled the recent floods and droughts in Nigeria as an ‘existential threat,’ emphasizing the harsh realities of climate change.  Last month’s data from the National Emergency Management Agency reported 45 fatalities and 171,545 displacements due to widespread flooding, prompting Shettima to stress the urgent need for action. Receiving a detailed report from the Presidential Committee on Flood Mitigation, Adaptation, Preparedness, and Response, Shettima dispelled any doubts about the impact of climate change in Nigeria. Quoting him directly, he declared, “Climate change is real, and the existential threat it poses is glaring…

In a recent turn of events, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has expressed regret over the alleged assault on the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, by security operatives. The incident, which occurred two weeks ago, has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the relationship between the state government and the national labour leadership. President Ajaero was reportedly picked up by heavily armed policemen from the NLC State Council Secretariat in Owerri on November 1, leading to accusations of brutality by organized labor.  However, the Imo State Police Command insisted that Ajaero was taken into protective…