Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a compelling address at the 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership in Lagos, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank, emphasized that the future of Nigerian youth is not abroad but within the borders of Nigeria.  Adesina received the prestigious 2023 Obafemi Awolowo Prize for Leadership Award during the event attended by former heads of state, state governors, royal figures, and other distinguished Nigerians. Expressing concern about the trend of Nigerian youths migrating to other countries, Adesina urged the nation to transform itself into a thriving environment rather than one to escape from.  He rejected the notion…

In a shocking revelation, Lagos-based lawyer Timothy Olamide Olaniyi has come forward with claims of being subjected to a brutal beating akin to a “condemned criminal” during a visit to the Lagos State Police Command in Ikeja. Olamide had gone to the police station regarding a case that had been ongoing for a month, representing his colleague in the matter. Olamide, recounting the incident on his X profile (@Timo_Olamide), described the beating as “merciless,” expressing disbelief at the treatment he received while simply seeking information about a client’s arrest.  He highlighted that, during his visit, a police officer warned him…

Supreme Council for Shari’a in Nigeria has called on the Federal Government to create community feeding centres for the vulnerable during the forthcoming month of Ramadan. President of the council, Sheikh Abdulrrasheed Hadiytullah, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja. Hadiytullah also urged clerics to use their respective podiums during Ramadan to advocate for the establishment of an expansive social safety net to provide immediate relief to the poor. “In this regard, we appeal to the Federal and State Governments to provide immediate relief and succour to the multitude of…

UNICEF’s Bauchi Field officer, Tushar Rane, addressed the media on Wednesday during a special dialogue commemorating the 2024 International Women’s Day, shedding light on the ongoing threat of sexual violence faced by adolescent girls in developing countries. Rane revealed a startling statistic, stating that one in seven girls in these countries is married before reaching the age of 15.  Despite these challenges, he emphasized the transformative impact that investing in the health, rights, and overall well-being of adolescent girls can have on entire nations. “Nearly half of adolescent girls in UNICEF program countries suffer from anaemia and a lack of…

In a compelling and heart-wrenching account, Simon Faleye, the Personal Assistant to the late Herbert Wigwe, shares the extraordinary circumstances that spared him from the fatal helicopter crash that claimed the lives of his boss, Wigwe, his wife, son, and business associate, Abimbola Ogunbajo.  The focus of this story revolves around Faleye’s pivotal decision regarding luggage, a choice that ultimately changed the course of his destiny. Speaking at the Night of Tributes on Wednesday night, Faleye began by expressing his grief and offering heartfelt eulogies for Wigwe.  He then delved into the critical moment when his life took an unexpected…

Justice Mary Peter Odili (retd), Chair of the Body of Benchers, issued a stern caution to lawyers on Wednesday, advising against addressing the media post-court proceedings, deeming the action unethical. This admonition came during the second day of the Call to Bar Ceremony, where 4,412 new lawyers were inducted in Abuja.  Justice Odili, a retired Supreme Court justice, revealed the formation of a committee dedicated to addressing the concerning issue of conflicting court judgments nationwide. Impelling the newly sworn-in lawyers to exemplify the highest professional ethics, Justice Odili stressed the importance of honorable behavior at all times.  She further emphasized…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has dismissed the Federal Government’s bid to initiate a new prosecution against former Abia State Governor, Orji Uzor Kalu, in the alleged ₦7.6 billion fraud and money laundering case.  Justice Joseph Oyewole ruled that the government’s appeal lacked competency and reliability, citing the absence of proper records from the High Court. Justice Oyewole emphasized that the record of appeal had not been compiled, signed, or certified by any individual recognized by the law.  Furthermore, the crucial information regarding the person responsible for compiling, signing, and certifying the record was not adequately disclosed, as mandated…

In a dramatic tur of events during Wednesday’s plenary session, the Edo State House of Assembly has begun the impeachment process against the embattled Deputy Governor, Philip Shaibu.  The revelation was made by Charity Aiguobarueghian, the Majority Leader and representative of Ovia North East 1, who disclosed that a petition, dated March 5, 2024, endorsed by 21 out of 24 lawmakers, instigated this course of action. Aiguobarueghian emphasized that the signed petition fulfills the constitutional requirement of a two-thirds majority.  The grounds for the impeachment include allegations of perjury and the divulgence of confidential Edo State government information. Blessing Agbebaku,…

In a devastating turn of events, an unidentified woman and mother of three young children in Enugu State have reportedly committed suicide in front of Ogui Police Station.  The heartbreaking incident unfolded last weekend, marking a tragic end to a life overshadowed by financial difficulties and the husband’s departure. It is reported that the woman, suspected to be battling depression, took a drastic step by running into a moving vehicle, resulting in her instantaneous death.  This desperate act followed her husband’s departure, leaving her and their three children in the throes of economic hardship. The woman’s identity remains unknown, and…

In a remarkable display of honesty and integrity, a 22-year-old tricycle rider, Auwalu, from Kano, has been bestowed with a life-changing N250 million scholarship and other educational benefits for returning N15 million left in his Keke by a passenger from Chad. The incident, which occurred last year, gained attention when Auwalu, known locally as “Adi data sahu,” discovered the forgotten bag containing N15 million.  The passenger, who had traveled from Chad to Kano for business purposes, inadvertently left the substantial sum in the commercial tricycle. Prompted by news on the radio about the missing money, Auwalu took it upon himself…