Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji A member of the House of Representatives representing Abeokuta South Federal Constituency, Hon. Afolabi Afuape, has taken decisive steps to address critical national issues by presenting two significant bills aimed at reforming agriculture and law enforcement in Nigeria. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the bills,  have been scheduled as items three and four on the Order Paper for Wednesday’s parliamentary session. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that these bills represent Hon. Afuape’s proactive approach towards addressing critical issues affecting the nation.  The  breakdown of the proposed legislation revealed that National Farm Settlements Agency (Establishment) Bill, 2024 seeks to establish a…

Deborah Hundenu The Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, was abuzz with celebration as the School of Psychiatric Nursing (SOPN) hosted its 7th combined convocation ceremony.  The event marked the graduation of 13 cohorts of students spanning from 2009 to 2023, culminating in a total of 619 graduates.  The most recent 2022/2023 batch saw 51 students receive their certificates, ready to join the ranks of mental health professionals dedicated to improving psychiatric care. Delivering his speech at the event, the Provost and Medical Director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro Abeokuta, Dr. Afis Agboola, described the  convocation ceremony as a testament to the school’s…

Daud Olatunji A Professor of  Obstetrics and Gynaecology. Professor John Sotunsa, has declared that Nigeria’s maternal mortality crisis requires a comprehensive, indigenous approach to make significant strides towards reduction. Professor Sotunsa stated this while speaking at Babcock University’s 49th inaugural lecture titled “Beyond Superficial Success: Holistic Approaches to Maternal Mortality.” Professor Sotunsa, who also serves as the Provost of the Benjamin Carson Snr College of Health & Medical Sciences,  advocated the Ondo State government-driven Abiye Initiative  to stem Nigeria’s maternal mortality.  He emphasised the effectiveness of the Ondo State government’s Abiye Initiative as a model for nationwide implementation. He highlighted…

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to develop smart cities through urban regeneration schemes across the state’s urban centres. This declaration was made by Governor  Dapo Abiodun during the 2024 World Environment Day celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.  The event, themed “Achieving the Smart City Agenda Through Climate Change Resilience and Urban Afforestation,” highlighted the crucial role of climate change mitigation in creating safer, smarter urban environments. Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized the need for collective action against climate change.  He outlined his administration’s initiatives to enhance green spaces, promote…

An Iwo Chief Magistrates Court in Osogbo has sentenced a former Local Government chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Babatunde, to four years in prison for conspiracy, malicious damage, and arson.  The judgement was delivered on Thursday, following a lengthy trial. Babatunde, who once served as the caretaker chairman of Iwo West Local Council Development Authority, was sentenced alongside three Beninois citizens—Sunday Ajoko, Jonas John, and Kohonu Deboye—and two other individuals, Adeoye Alabi and Kasumu Ajao.  The trial, registered under suit number MIW/68c/2019, culminated in their conviction on all four counts of conspiracy, malicious damage, and arson. Presiding Magistrate A. Famuyide, after reviewing…

In a significant operation ahead of the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended four individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine.  The arrests took place at the Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where the suspects were preparing to board their flight. The suspects, identified as Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and Ayinla Kemi, 34, were caught in the act of ingesting cocaine wraps.  According to a statement from Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA in Abuja, the agency’s operatives seized…

In a stern warning to the Organised Labour, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has labelled the recent shutdown of the National Grid by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) as a “treasonable felony.”  Akume made these remarks while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Abuja. Akume urged the labour unions to exercise greater caution in their demands, particularly regarding the national minimum wage and the restoration of the old electricity tariff.  He emphasised the severe economic repercussions of their actions, highlighting the significant revenue…

An Enugu State North Magistrate Court on Thursday ordered the remand of five community leaders from Igga community in Uzo-Uwani Council Area into prison custody.  Among those remanded are the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, and a former Councilor, Festus Okonkwo. They face allegations of murder and membership in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The leaders had been detained by police for over a month without trial.  The detention came under scrutiny after SaharaReporters highlighted that the State Criminal Investigation Department demanded a refund of N1.5 million purportedly spent on feeding the monarch while in custody.…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this in a circular dated June 6, issued by Dr. Aliyu Tanko, NAHCON’s Coordinator in Makkah. According to the circular, the detained pilgrims were found outside their hotels without the mandated identification. The NUSUK card, introduced by Saudi authorities, is critical for verifying authorized participants in the Hajj pilgrimage.  This identification measure, as reported by the Daily Trust, was implemented to prevent issues experienced in previous years.  Notably, last year, the lack of proper identification led to illegal pilgrims overcrowding Mina camps, resulting in some Nigerian pilgrims being deprived of the services…

The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has presented a comprehensive list of judgements to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi. The submission, made at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, is aimed at securing Kanu’s release. Barrister Nnaemeka Ejiofor, leading the legal team, addressed journalists on Thursday, emphasizing that the judgements come from both domestic and international courts, all mandating the release of the IPOB leader.  Ejiofor stated that their decision to forward these legal pronouncements followed a remark by the AGF, suggesting he was unaware…