Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Presidency has labeled as ‘unofficial’ the circulating documents suggesting plans to suspend import duties on food and drugs, asserting that these documents are mere proposals and not official government policy. In response to widespread discussions stemming from two fiscal policy documents, the Presidency clarified that neither document had been officially endorsed.  These documents, purported to outline significant economic measures, included provisions for a N5.4 trillion petrol subsidy for 2024 and a six-month suspension of import duties on essential items like food and drugs.  These measures were purportedly aimed at alleviating economic hardships for the Nigerian populace. However, in a…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concerns over the significant impact that the ban on the sale of carbonated drinks is having on its revenue generation.  This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, during a revenue monitoring exercise held by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance with various Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Thursday. Mr. Adeniyi emphasised that the primary mandate of the NCS is to collect revenue, which is statutorily paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.  He highlighted that the agency’s revenue generation capacity is subject…

Daud Olatunji  The purported dismissal of five Igbein chiefs by three other chiefs has been denounced as a joke, laughable, primitive, ridiculous, and lacking due process by the Lukosi of Igbeinland, Chief Dada Jesiliu.  In a press release issued in Abeokuta, Chief Jesiliu criticised the actions of the trio, accusing them of overstepping their authority and violating established protocols. Chief Jesiliu expressed his disbelief at the audacity of the chiefs, identified as Aro, Jaguna, and Lukotun, who he claims bypassed all existing rules and protocols by publicly announcing the dismissal of the five chiefs.  “It is very laughable and ridiculous…

Daud Olatunji  The Peace Initiative Network (PIN), headed by Dr. Michael Femi Sodipo, held a two-day peace summit from June 4th to 5th, 2024, at the Akarigbo Palace Hall.  Themed “Partnering for Safer and Resilient Communities in Ogun State, Nigeria,” the summit aimed to address security challenges and foster community resilience in Remoland and across Ogun State. In a significant move to empower the youth, 32 participants received equipment in various trades, including sewing, welding, carpentry, and hairdressing.  Dr. Sodipo emphasized the economic upliftment these tools are expected to provide, pledging to monitor the progress of beneficiaries over the next…

 Daud Olatunji Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on state governors to place greater emphasis on food security as a critical component of their governance agenda.  Obasanjo made this appeal on Wednesday in Sokoto during the unveiling of 136 housing units, purchased at the cost of N1.8 billion by the Sokoto State Government, intended for allocation to low-income earners. Obasanjo’s visit to Sokoto, which spanned two days, was marked by the inauguration of various projects executed by Governor Ahmed Aliyu, celebrating his administration’s one-year anniversary.  During his speech, the former president underscored the importance of food security, personal health, and…

 In a heart-wrenching account, Elizabeth Abdul, the widow of a Nigerian police inspector, has voiced her distress over the lack of financial support and benefits since her husband’s tragic death in 2007.  On the night of May 30, 2007, armed robbers stormed into Elizabeth’s home in Tasha Gwa-Gwa, within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja, resulting in a night of terror and loss. “The robbers came into our compound and started shooting,” Elizabeth recounted.  “My husband, a police officer, was shot. Before they could rush him to the hospital, he died.” The assailants not only killed her husband but…

 Nigerian preacher, Gideon Odoma has brought to light the financial hardships faced by the majority of pastors in the country.  According to Odoma, at least 70% of Nigerian pastors live in poverty, with thousands earning monthly salaries of less than N60,000 ($130 USD). Odoma shared his observations on his official X page, challenging the widespread belief that pastoring is a lucrative profession in Nigeria.  He highlighted the disparity between the public perception, shaped by the visibility of prominent Pentecostal pastors, and the stark reality for many clergy members across various denominations. “At least, 70% of pastors in Nigeria are poor.…

…NDIC To Repay  Customers Within One Week The Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has confirmed that 2.3 million depositors of Heritage Bank will receive payouts following the bank’s liquidation.  The NDIC has  also initiated a significant recovery effort targeting N700 billion in loans defaulted by Heritage Bank. This move comes on the heels of a comprehensive evaluation of the bank’s financial health, revealing approximately N650 billion in deposits and an outstanding N700 billion in loans. These  announcements were  made by the NDIC’s Managing Director, Bello Hassan, during a media conference in Abuja.  The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently…

Daniel Bwala, the former spokesman for the Atiku Abubakar/Ifeanyi Okowa presidential campaign in the 2023 presidential election, has revealed why he shifted his support from Atiku Abubakar to President Bola Tinubu.   Bwala who spoke on a TV programme  explained that his decision was influenced by the conclusion of the election and the opportunity to contribute to the current administration. Bwala, who had been a strong advocate for former vice president Atiku Abubakar, stated, “It was nice that I supported former vice president Atiku, and for the period I supported him, I gave my all. But when I made a decision…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has issued a stern warning of a potential nationwide strike over the non-payment of accoutrement allowances owed to their members.  This decision was made public through a communique released after their general meeting held in Kaduna State.  The communique instructed all NARD chapters to deliver a two-week ultimatum to their respective chief medical directors (CMDs) and managing directors (MDs) to resolve the outstanding payments immediately. The communique, which was signed by Dr. Dele Abdullahi Olaitan, President; Dr. Anaduaka Christopher Obinna, Secretary General; and Dr. Egbe John Jonah, Public and Special Secretary, emphasized that…