Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a remarkable financial resurgence, six of Nigeria’s leading banks have defied economic challenges to achieve a staggering 214% increase in their collective profits, totaling N2.06tn in the third quarter of 2023. According to a report, the  astounding growth was compared to N656.15bn recorded during the same period in 2022, illustrating the robust performance of these financial institutions despite the economic headwinds they faced. The six banks driving this financial revolution are Access Holdings Plc, Zenith Bank International, United Bank for Africa, Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc, FBN Holdings, and Stanbic IBTC Holdings.  Notably, each of these banks…

In a dramatic turn of events, an abducted resident doctor attached to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu State, Dr. Orockarrah Orock, has  managed to escape from his captors after they fell into a deep slumber due to the consumption of marijuana.  The incident occurred on Saturday night, November 4, 2023, within the hospital premises while Dr. Orock was on call duty. The Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Enugu State Chapter, Dr. Celestine Ugwoke, confirmed this astonishing development to the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday, November 6. According to Dr. Ugwoke, Dr. Orock’s escape…

In a move that has ignited fresh debates in Nigerian politics, the Labour Party’s flagbearer, Peter Obi, has proposed a five-year single tenure for the presidential office, with a unique 30-year rotational system, aiming to enhance the country’s governance structure. Obi unveiled his visionary proposal during a press conference in Abuja, a fortnight after the Supreme Court confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s electoral victory on February 25, 2023, under the All Progressives Congress (APC).  This bold proposition sets him apart from his contemporaries in the political arena, notably former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has assured that it is 90 per cent ready for this weekend governorship election in Kogi. Kogi INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr Gabriel Longpet, gave the assurance in Lokoja on Monday. Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on telephone in Lokoja on Monday. Longpet also disclosed that the commission has recruited over 15,000 adhoc staff to help it in the smooth conduct of the polls. “We have 3,508 polling units and each of these units will be manned by four adhoc staff aside from the security personnel that will…

Women of the Ogwuaniocha community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state have protested over the alleged abduction of their husbands and the killing of their sons by a militant group in the area. The women accused the group of daily invasion and attacked them in the various camps they were taking refuge in, calling for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s intervention. It was gathered that the protesters carried placards with varying inscriptions like, “Stop attacking us with naval personnel”, “Gov. Soludo come to our rescue” and “Release our abducted husbands, stop killing our sons, enough of this destruction of…

In a heartfelt appeal, Professor Adeniyi Olatunbisun, the Vice Chancellor of Ok KolaDaisi University in Ibadan, Oyo State, has urged the Federal Government to extend its student loan scheme to encompass students from private universities  This plea was made during a press conference held in the Senate Chamber of the institution as part of the 3rd Convocation activities. The call comes in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s announcement regarding the initiation of interest-free student loans starting in January 2024, primarily aimed at Nigerians seeking tertiary education. Professor Olatunbisun emphasized that the benefits of the student loan program should not…

Aminat Gusanu The Premium Breadmakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) has called upon  the Federal Government to make favourable and implementable economic policies that would encourage and promote baking in the country. The National President of PBAN, Emmanuel Onuorah, who disclosed this in a statement released on Monday highlights the crippling impact of restricted access to foreign exchange and high levies on imported raw materials necessary for bread production. According to Onuorah the Federal Government through a deliberate policy should suspend levies placed on wheat and other baking products to encourage investors’ survival in the industry. Onuorah said, “The bread-making industry…

Daud Olatunji In a significant development in the ongoing case involving singer Azeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, and Lagos socialite, Balogun Eletu, also known as Sam Larry, the Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos State has granted the duo bail in the amount of N20 million.  This decision comes after their arraignment and subsequent remand in custody, along with two others, in connection with the mysterious death of singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad. Magistrate Adeola Olatunbosun, presiding over the case, announced the bail conditions on Tuesday, marking a turning point in a case that has gripped the…

Daud Olatunji In a surprising turn of events, the suspended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudi Yunusa-Ari, failed to appear in court as scheduled, leading to an order for his rescheduled arraignment. Yola, Adamawa State – In a significant development, the suspended Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in Adamawa State, Hudi Yunusa-Ari, did not show up at the State High Court in Yola as expected, raising eyebrows and prompting further legal proceedings. Justice Benjamin Manji of the State High Court in Yola had set the stage for Yunusa-Ari’s arraignment…

…Our Schools, Economy Crippled, Residents  … All-Season Bridge Vital For Flood-Prone Road, Communities Tell  Abiodun   Daud Olatunji  In the quiet and resilient community of Owode-Ketu, nestled within the serene landscapes of Yewa-North local government area in Ogun State, the people have borne a heavy burden for over three decades.  A tale of struggle, courage, and determination unfolds as 25 communities along the Tata (Abotokio)-Owode Ketu-Sunwa-Ayetoro Road  grapple  with the devastating consequences of a collapsing bridge and the relentless wrath of nature. For not less than 30 years, Owode-Ketu and its neighbouring communities have endured the recurring nightmare of bridges…