Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji From the bustling streets of Lagos to the cutting-edge labs of the University of Texas at San Antonio, Dr. Sherifdeen Lawal is a testament to the brilliance and dedication of Nigerian scholars making their mark on the global stage. His work, focused on the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence, is not only groundbreaking but also crucial to protecting our increasingly interconnected world. Dr. Lawal’s journey began with a deep understanding of the intricacies of Electrical Engineering and computer science – a foundation built upon his expertise in discrete mathematics, computer programming, data structures, and algorithm design.…

A magistrates’ court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, on Thursday, sentenced a 40-year-old man, Cletus Gandu, to nine months in prison for stealing two tubers of yam after he admitted that he stole the tubers of yam because he was hungry and begged for leniency. The Magistrate, Michael Bawa, however, gave the convict a fine option of N50,000. Earlier, the defendant was charged by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) with criminal trespass and theft contrary to Sections 327 and 270 of the Kaduna State Penal Code. The prosecutor, Mr Marcus Audu, told the court that the…

Daud Olatunji In the first half of 2024, six South-West states in Nigeria received a total of N4.03 billion from the Federal Government’s ecological fund, which was disbursed by the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).  This fund, which is crucial for addressing the country’s significant environmental challenges, was part of the N24.91 billion allocated to all 36 states of the federation during the period. According to data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Lagos State received the highest share of the ecological fund in the South-West region, amounting to N880.19 million.  Following Lagos, Oyo State was allocated N736.94…

Emmanuel Oludare The newly appointed Director General of the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Binta Lami Adamu Bello, has vowed to  fight against human trafficking in Nigeria and rigorously enforce all counter-trafficking laws and policies in line with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s renewed hope agenda. Speaking during her first address to the management and officers of the agency in Abuja, Bello emphasized her commitment to minimising human trafficking across the country.  She assured the team of her readiness to build on the achievements of her predecessors and called for heightened efforts and stronger coordination within…

Daud Olatunji Amid rising concerns over the safety of its forest reserves, the Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to herdsmen encroaching on forested areas, cautioning against the use of dangerous weapons and calling for immediate cessation of such activities.  The government has also called for strengthened cooperation among investors, farmers, and other stakeholders to maintain peace and ensure the protection of investments within these reserves. The Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, made this clear during a critical peace meeting with stakeholders from Ilaro.   Oludotun, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Timothy Olatunji, emphasized that…

The Nursing Image & Standards Support Initiatives of Nigeria (NISSIN), Ondo State Chapter, has expressed  disappointment over the controversial remarks made by Mr. Aliu Abdulrafiu, the Provost of Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, in a viral video.  In the video, Mr. Abdulrafiu, who was mistakenly referred to as ‘Dr. Aliyu Alabi,’ suggested that graduates from his institution, who are neither qualified doctors nor nurses, could take on the roles of professional healthcare providers in Nigerian hospitals.  He even claimed that “people are already calling his products doctors,” a statement that has raised alarms within the healthcare community. Reacting,…

Phebe Falodun In the face of mounting economic challenges confronting many Nigerian families ahead of the September school resumption, the Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ogun State, has stepped up to provide relief.  On Thursday, the Foundation distributed essential school supplies to over 350 children, ensuring a smoother start to the new academic session. The initiative, which took place in Libegu Village, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, targeted children from Kobape, Libegu, and Onipepeye communities.  Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s Project Coordinator, Olusola Ojo, emphasized the significance of the “Back-to-School” program, which is designed to keep…

In the run-up to the 2024 local government elections in Ogun State, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has confirmed that it will employ a manual collation process for election results.  OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, disclosed this during an appearance on the current affairs program Frontline, aired on Eagle 102.5 FM.  He cited financial constraints as the primary reason for the commission’s decision not to deploy technological methods for result collation, explaining that the cost of such technologies would be “too expensive for the commission to bear.” Despite the shift to manual collation, Mr. Osibodu assured the public…

Phebe Falodun Otunba Segun Showunmi, a prominent Nigerian political figure, has commended Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for his monumental developmental projects across the state. Showunmi, who recently toured several project sites within the Ede/Oshogbo axis, expressed amazement at the governor’s achievements, particularly considering the short period since Adeleke assumed office. In a statement shared with PLATFORM TIMES, Showunmi revealed that he spent three hours visiting various project sites, conducting on-the-spot interviews, and documenting his findings.  He noted that his expectations were modest, given that much of the media attention surrounding Adeleke has focused on his charismatic personality rather than…

Daud Olatunji The Concerned Staff of the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC), Omu-Ajose, have raised serious concerns over the recent shortlisting of candidates for the position of Provost in the institution.  In an open letter addressed to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the staff expressed disappointment and frustration over what they described as a “flagrant disregard” for the stipulated criteria in the recruitment process. According to the letter, which was signed by representatives of the concerned staff, two applicants—Prof. Muyiwa Adeyemi from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Dr. Sunday Adegbesan from the National Institute of…