Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar, has officially declared that Sunday, June 16, 2024, will be celebrated as Eid-El-Kabir, marking the first day of Dhul Hijjah. The announcement came via a statement released on Friday by Sambo Junaid, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs to the Sultanate Council.  The statement reads: “His Eminence, the Sultan felicitates with Nigeria’s Muslim Ummah and wishes them Allah’s guidance and blessings.” Eid-El-Kabir, also known as Eid al-Adha or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most significant holidays in the Islamic calendar.  It commemorates the willingness of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to…

In a bid to address the growing brain drain and bolster the healthcare sector, the Federal Government of Nigeria has committed to increasing the annual enrollment quota in nursing institutions from 68,000 to 100,000.  This announcement was made by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inaugural matriculation ceremony of the National Diploma in Nursing at the College of Nursing Sciences, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Lagos, on Friday. Dr. Alausa emphasized the government’s dedication to tackling the human resources challenges plaguing the health sector.  The 120 matriculating students for the 2023/2024 academic session…

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Lagos State Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court, Ikeja, has sentenced Lawal Moshod to 14 years in prison for the sexual assault of a 78-year-old woman. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  victim, who suffered from dementia, has since passed away. The case reached a conclusion on Friday when Justice Oshodi convicted Moshod after he admitted guilt to an amended charge of attempting to commit sexual assault by penetration, a violation of Section 262 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.  Initially, Moshod had pleaded not guilty when first arraigned on May 13.  However, during a…

Dr. Nonye Soludo, wife of the Anambra State Governor, has issued a strong warning to traders, urging them to cease the use of harmful chemicals in food preservation.  Her appeal came during an address to traders at Nkwo Nnewi Market, part of her ongoing Healthy Living Market outreach campaign. In her speech, Dr. Soludo highlighted the serious health risks associated with using chemicals for food storage.  She pointed out that many traders, possibly unaware of the dangers, use these substances to extend the shelf life of their products.  “These chemicals can lead to life-threatening diseases,” she cautioned, emphasizing the importance…

No fewer than 1.2 million pilgrims from around the globe have been cleared  for this year annual Hajj pilgrimage. This was disclosed by  the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah. Speaking at a government press conference in Riyadh, Al-Rabiah confirmed that the pilgrims’ journeys had proceeded smoothly, and they were in excellent health. The minister underscored Saudi Arabia’s unwavering commitment to serving the “guests of God,” highlighting the significant efforts by the country’s leadership to facilitate the arrival and stay of pilgrims at the two holy mosques and other sacred sites. “We ensure that pilgrims can perform their…

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has raised concerns over the escalating security threats facing Nigerian universities.  Dr. Biodun Saliu, the NUC Deputy Executive Secretary, highlighted these issues while delivering the 7th Annual Registry lecture at Elizade University in Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State. During his address on the theme “The Nigerian University System and its Many Challenges:  The Way Forward,” Dr. Saliu emphasized that the prevailing insecurity in Nigeria poses a significant threat to the nation’s higher education system.  He cited numerous incidents of kidnappings and abductions involving university staff and students, resulting in fatalities and missing persons.  These security breaches have…

By Kunle Olayeni On the bright morning of Saturday, June 1, 2024, members of the Ogun State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) set out to make a bold statement. Decked in branded red shirts, with fitting green Fez caps, and armed with a shared vision, they spiritedly spread the word about creating a greener, sustainable environment. The public relations professionals were apparently concerned about the state of the environment which, from all indications, has been negatively impacted by climate change, and were determined to lead efforts towards mitigating the attendant challenges. Of late, climate change has emerged…

Picture this: a couple sitting at a cozy café, engaged in an animated conversation. As they discuss their dreams, ambitions, and plans for the future, you might notice something intriguing.The female partner exudes a sense of confidence and assertiveness, taking charge of the conversation with ease. Her demeanor radiates a certain masculine energy, challenging traditional gender expectations, In the realm of love and partnership, traditional gender roles often dictate expectations of strength and vulnerability. However, what happens when the dynamics shift, and it’s the female partner who exhibits more masculine energy than her male counterpart? In a society where gender…

The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, has disclosed  that despite Nigeria’s recent economic growth, approximately 40% of its citizens continue to live below the poverty line.  He said this at the opening of a one-day high-level stakeholders’ dialogue on operationalising the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) in Nigeria. Bagudu highlighted the complex challenges Nigeria faces in addressing poverty, given its diverse population and regions.  “When we apply the MPI, this percentage often reveals deeper, multidimensional aspects of deprivation,” he noted. He  emphasised that the MPI integrates various concerns into a single measure. According to him, MPI  focuses…

Daud Olatunji A survivor and  former inmate of Dongguan Prison in Guangdong, China, Mr. Onowu Chukwuemeka, has shared his distressing experiences and called for urgent intervention from President Bola Tinubu’s administration to rescue Nigerians suffering and dying in the facility. Chukwuemeka, who spent 15 years in the prison, spoke to The PUNCH in Owerri, Imo State, revealing that many of the inmates, including over 5,000 Nigerians, endure severe mistreatment and injustices.  He described Dongguan Prison as a labour camp where prisoners are exploited and subjected to harsh conditions. “This labour camp masquerading as a prison has become a living nightmare…