Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Over 1,400 schools have been destroyed and more than 2,295 teachers killed across Nigeria, a chilling testament to the ongoing crisis in the nation’s education sector.  This stark revelation was made by Professor Ahmed Salisu Garba, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Al-Muhibbah Open University, Abuja, during a public hearing on the Bauchi State Schools Safety, Security, and Violence-Free Bill, 2024, held at the American Space, Bauchi State Library. In his presentation titled “Justifying the Need for a Legal Framework on School Safety in Bauchi State and Nigeria at Large,” Professor Garba underscored the urgent need for legislative action to protect Nigeria’s…

Daud Olatunji At the recent Southwest Regional Conference on improving the regulatory environment for Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Nigeria, stakeholders and lawmakers have called for  the urgent need for collaboration to streamline the regulatory framework governing CSO operations. The  2024 South-West Regional Conference organized by Global Rights in collaboration with the Community of Practice on Civil Space, with the theme: “Fostering Strategic Partnership for a Thriving Non-Profit Sector in Nigeria,”. The event was held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, and brought together representatives from all arms of government, development partners, and civil society groups. Speaking at the conference, the Chairman…

The Platform Times Investigative Journalism Foundation has mobilized students for participation in a nationwide virtual test coming up at the end of August. PTIJF in partnership with HIQ Media, engaged student leaders and Campus Journalists across tertiary institutions, clarifying their doubts and myths surrounding the virtual test. Institutions represented in the two sessions held include the University of Ibadan, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, the University of Ilorin, and the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Others are the Obafemi Awolowo University, the Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto, the Lagos State University, Ojoo, the Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijaniki, and the…

Otunba Segun Showunmi. Reading through the Saraki Led National Reconciliation and Strategy Committee Report which concluded and handed in its report in the build-up to the 2023 general elections, one is compelled to thank the former Senate President and his 6-member committee made up of HE Senator Bukola Saraki, HE Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, HE Senator Liyel Imoke, HE Alh. Ibrahim Shema, HE Alh Ibrahim Dankwambo, Hon Mulikat Akande-Adeola. The work was so painstaking, the agreements were fair and equitable. One is bound to ask what more must be given for the 2023 general elections which left the party much…

Daud Olatunji The Elijah Thompson Caring Heart Foundation brought a much-needed lifeline to over 500 communities in Ogun State, offering free medical services to thousands of residents who have long grappled with inadequate healthcare.  The initiative, spearheaded by Dr. Elijah Olukorede Thompson, provided critical relief to those who have been struggling with various health challenges but lack the means to seek proper medical care. The programme, held in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, was a beacon of hope for many who had almost given up on their health.  Residents like Salako Abayomi, the Asipa of Ifo, expressed immense…

Daud Olatunji  The Rotary Club of Abeokuta Metro, District 9111, has officially installed Abiodun Ogundaini as its 23rd President during an investiture ceremony that highlighted the club’s commitment to sustainable community development.  The event, held in Abeokuta, gathered dignitaries and community leaders who stressed  the importance of community engagement and strategic interventions for societal betterment. Guest Speaker Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, represented by Dr. Tokunbo Salako-Oyedele, delivered a thought-provoking lecture titled “Sustainable Solutions for a Better Society.”  He emphasized the critical need for community involvement in the planning and execution of projects.  Dr. Olohungbebe cited a case where, despite the Rotary…

Daud Olatunji The youths of Ipokia Local Government Area in Ogun State have issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), demanding immediate action to address the acute fuel shortage and alleged smuggling activities that have crippled the local economy.  The ultimatum, delivered through an open letter by Comrade Imoleayo Mawutin Deji, Chairman of the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF), accuses the Customs officers of turning a blind eye to the alleged  illegal diversion of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) meant for local consumption to neighboring Benin Republic. The letter, addressed to the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale…

The Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and former Nigerian finance minister, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has stressed the need for policy consistency in Nigeria, warning against the detrimental impact of the “not-in-my-administration syndrome” that has plagued the country’s governance.  Speaking at the 2024 Annual General Conference of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Lagos, Okonjo-Iweala emphasized that maintaining good economic and social policies across administrations is crucial for Nigeria’s progress. “Maintaining policy consistency and adding more reforms on top of that will lead us along the path of good progress that we all desire,” Okonjo-Iweala stated during her keynote…

The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the freezing of bank accounts belonging to 32 individuals and companies allegedly linked to the #EndBadGovernance protests that swept across Nigeria.  The ruling was delivered by Justice Emeka Nwite following an ex-parte motion filed by the counsel representing the Inspector-General of Police, Ibrahim Mohammed. According to the court’s order, all affected banks are mandated to freeze the accounts, detain the account holders, or anyone found conducting transactions on these accounts, pending further investigation and potential prosecution.  The court also instructed the banks to contact the Nigeria Police Force immediately upon making any…

Daud Olatunji A  resident of Dogo Ruwan Yan Magariya in Katsina State, Ibrahim Nasarai, has confessed to being an informant for bandits operating in the region over the past four years.  Ibrahim’s confession, captured in a viral video following his arrest, has shed light on the alarming scale of kidnappings for ransom in the area, with some victims being held for as little as N95,000 or N200,000. Speaking in Hausa during the interrogation, Ibrahim openly admitted his involvement, stating, “I promise to reveal to the authorities my role as a bandit informant.  “I’ll disclose everything, the whole truth from the…