Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a startling announcement, the World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a significant surge in dengue infections worldwide in 2023, posing a potential high-risk scenario for public health. At a press briefing held at the UN headquarters in Geneva, WHO’s Team Lead on Arboviruses, Dr. Diana Rojas Alvarez, disclosed that more than five million cases of dengue and 5,000 deaths have been reported globally this year. Dengue, a viral infection primarily transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, is prevalent in urban areas within tropical and sub-tropical climates. Dr. Alvarez stressed the critical need for immediate attention…

Justice Joy Unwana of the Akwa Ibom High Court, and her driver, who were abducted by gunmen, have been successfully rescued.  Ini Ememobong, the Commissioner for Information in Akwa Ibom state, confirmed the positive development in a statement issued yesterday. The judge and her driver fell victim to the assailants while returning from a court session.  Tragically, the gunmen also took the life of the police officer assigned to protect Justice Joy Unwana during the violent kidnapping. Expressing concern for the well-being of the judge and her driver, the state governor conveyed sympathy for the trauma they undoubtedly experienced at…

The First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has declared that Nigeria could not be characterised as a poor nation,advising the wealthy ones in the country to take care of the less privileged. She also challenged prevailing perceptions about the country’s economic status. The statement followed a heartfelt Christmas celebration organized for the children of Nana Berry Orphanage in Abuja. Emphasising her optimism for the coming year, Senator Tinubu prophesied that 2024 would be a glorious period for Nigerians. During her address, she urged parents to instill hope in their children, emphasizing the importance of transforming the lives of the…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) says it has installed  148,389 meters in households between July and September.  This revelation was part of the commission’s third quarterly report, made public on its website over the weekend. While the figures denote a commendable effort in enhancing metering infrastructure, there was a slight dip in installations compared to the previous quarter.  The Q3 installations showed a decline by 32,670, in contrast to the robust 181,059 meters installed in the second quarter of 2023. During the third quarter, NERC employed various frameworks to execute its metering initiatives.  Under the Meter Asset Provider (MAP)…

A fatal collision unfolded on Saturday, on the J4 section of the Sagamu/Ijebu-Ode/Ore highway, resulting in the loss of two lives and leaving seven individuals injured. The accident which occured at 3:35pm on Saturday, involved a Chevrolet SUV with the license plate WWW75MW and a truck marked SRA584XB. The spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps in Ogun State, Florence Okpe, confirmed the incident, disclosing that the crash led to the injury of six men and one woman, while one man and one woman succumbed to their injuries. She siad that investigations by FRSC revealed that excessive speed and road…

The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State,Ladi Adebutu has returned to Nigeria after spending eight months in the United Kingdom.  Adebutu’s return was marked by a warm reception at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos on Friday night, where he was welcomed by his running mate, Adekunle Akinlade, Tola Banjo, and other leaders of the PDP in Ogun State. The former House of Representatives member, who had been away for medical attention following the general elections, arrived with an air of anticipation surrounding his return.  A video captured the moment Adebutu touched down on…

Daud Olatunji A  probe into the Central Bank of Nigeria  has uncovered a fraudulent withdrawal of $6.3 million just days before the 2023 presidential election. The investigation, led by Special Investigator Mr. Jim Obazee, appointed by President Bola Tinubu, has recommended the trial of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and 12 top executives of the CBN for their alleged involvement in the illicit transaction. The funds were purportedly taken from the vaults of the Foreign Payments Office, Abuja Branch, as captured on CCTV between February 7th and 8th, 2023. The Investigator revealed that the suspicious withdrawal…

 Persistent electricity blackouts, the deteriorating state of roads, and the high cost of food items, the people of Nigeria find themselves grappling with an unbearable burden. The scarcity of money further compounds these challenges, creating a dire situation that necessitates urgent intervention from the government. Electricity Blackouts: The irregular power supply not only disrupts daily activities but also increases the cost of living for citizens. With the constant uncertainty surrounding electricity, households resort to alternative, more expensive power sources, adding to the financial strain on families. *Quote from a Nigerian Resident:* “The inconsistency in power supply forces us to spend…

In a recent operation, the Enugu State Police Command apprehended Chukwuebuka Igwebuike, a 37-year-old man, for allegedly possessing counterfeit 362,000 naira notes.  The arrest, made on December 19, 2023, at Afor Market, Garki Awkunanaw, Enugu, was executed by vigilant police operatives acting on a tip-off. According to a statement from DSP Daniel Nduker, the command’s spokesman, preliminary investigations revealed that Igwebuike confessed to the crime. The suspect reportedly admitted to utilizing the fake one thousand naira notes to purchase low-cost items and receive change in genuine smaller denominations. “He shall be arraigned in court and prosecuted accordingly once ongoing investigations…

Daud Olatunji In the spirit of the Christmas season, the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) Plc has extended warm wishes to all Christian faithful and the entire Nigerian populace.  Engr. Kingsley Achife, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, expressed the importance of unity and goodwill during this festive period, urging IBEDC customers to collaborate in creating a secure and harmonious environment. Emphasizing their commitment to seamless service,  Achife assured customers that the technical team would be on standby to promptly address any electrical faults. The company’s customer care line (07001239999) will remain active for quick responses to…