Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Amid concerns over Nigeria’s rising debt profile, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has revealed that government borrowing surged by N11.33tn in August, representing a 57.11% increase from the previous month.  Credit to the Federal Government stood at N31.15tn, up from N19.83tn in July, marking one of the largest monthly jumps in recent years. This sharp increase underscores the government’s growing reliance on the CBN to meet fiscal obligations, raising red flags among economists and financial analysts who warn that the nation may be spiraling toward a debt crisis.  The new figures were contained in the CBN’s latest Money and…

Deborah Hundenu In a shocking incident, a woman who pretended to be pregnant has been arrested for stealing a seven-day-old baby during a naming ceremony in Keffi, Nasarawa State.  The police apprehended the suspect, Khadija Aliyu, after she reportedly sneaked into a home during the event and abducted the newborn. The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ramhan Nansel, disclosed the incident in a statement on Sunday.  He revealed that the suspect, Khadija Aliyu, attended the naming ceremony held behind the INEC office in Keffi, where she carried out the crime. “On 28th September 2024, at about 6:30 p.m., police…

Emmanuel Oludare Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has strongly rebuked recent remarks by his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, who claimed that his political opponents lacked the capacity to challenge him.  Fubara, in a fiery response during a church service to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence Day, dismissed Wike’s allegations of a state-sponsored attempt to bomb an event in his honour, emphasizing that those behind such claims have lost their way, politically and spiritually. Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), had previously boasted that no political forces could stand against him, describing himself as too formidable to be challenged.  However,…

The Canada Trade Mission 2024 has officially commenced at the Emerald Banquet Hall, Etobicoke, Ontario, bringing together the best of Nigerian culture and trade opportunities.  The much-anticipated event, held at 55 Guided Court, aims to foster stronger trade relations between Nigeria and Canada, while showcasing the beauty and richness of Nigerian heritage. The event, convened by Chief Olawale Olaleye, the Bobawoga of Orile-Itesi and founder of Solteque Canada Incorporation and Solteque Nigeria Limited, promises a unique blend of cultural displays, business exhibitions, and investment opportunities.  According to Chief Olaleye, attendees will experience an array of traditional Nigerian fabrics, notably the…

Daud Olatunji In a bid to further rehabilitate inmates and reintegrate them into society, no fewer than 19 inmates of the Old Abeokuta Correctional Centre have graduated from a Quranic school.  The inmates, who had been undergoing religious education as part of their rehabilitation while serving their sentences, were certified proficient in reading the Quran during a special graduation ceremony held at the correctional facility. The event, which drew dignitaries and religious leaders from across Ogun State, was graced by the prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Abdul Lateef Ademoye, popularly known as Yah Satar.  The ceremony was themed “Religion as a…

Daud Olatunji The  management of the  Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State has explained how it’s Wildlife Park handler,  a 35-year-old zookeeper from Bauchi State, Babaji Daule was mauled by  a lion. PLATFORM TIMES reports the fatal  incident that occurred on Saturday. While confirming the incident, the  management of the park  raised serious concerns over safety protocols at the facility. According to an official statement released by the OOPL Wildlife Park, the unfortunate event transpired in the evening when Daule, agreed to conduct a private demonstration for a group of guests who arrived after the park’s official closing…

The National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has renewed its call for the state  governors  to  fully implement the Chief Medical Residency Training Act (MRTA), highlighting its crucial role in regulating residency programs across Nigeria’s hospitals. This was emphasized during a  press briefing following NARD’s 44th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State.  The National President of NARD, Dr. Tope Osundara, urged the  governments to prioritize the act’s implementation, noting that without such a legal framework, residency programmes in various hospitals remain vulnerable to arbitrary suspension by Chief Medical Directors (CMDs) for unspecified reasons. Osundara…

Daud Olatunji The Lagos Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has sounded an urgent warning to the Nigerian government, calling for immediate intervention to resolve long-standing issues that continue to cripple the country’s public university system.  In a press statement issued on Sunday, September 29, 2024, the union extended its ultimatum by an additional 14 days, urging the Nigerian public, civil society organizations, and political leaders to prevail on the Federal Government to act decisively before the window for negotiation closes. The Zonal Coordinator, Dr. Adelaja Odukoya, reiterated that the union would not hesitate to embark on…

The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s healthcare sector, with a specific focus on improving the welfare of all health workers, including doctors, nurses, and other medical professionals.  This assurance was made by Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, Minister of State for Environment, at the Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference of the National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD), held in Abeokuta. The conference, which centered on the theme, “Evolving Roles of Doctors in Healthcare Management and Nation Building,” provided a platform for discussions on the future of healthcare in Nigeria.  During the event, Salako emphasized that…

The Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service, Bashir  Adeniyi, has been selected as the recipient of the highly esteemed “PR Icon Award” for 2024 by the Board of PR Primus Limited. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the award recognises Adeniyi’s exceptional contributions to the field of public relations and his outstanding professional achievements. Announcing the award, the CEO of PR Primus Limited, Mr. Akin Okudero, praised Adeniyi as a consummate professional and an influential figure in the public relations industry.  He highlighted the Comptroller-General’s extensive experience, which has not only elevated the image of the Nigeria Customs Service but also brought…