Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

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…