Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Flooding and insecurity in Nigeria have made the  Central Bank of Nigeria  to expend a substantial $2.13 billion expenditure on food imports in 2023. The data from CBN’s quarterly statistics reveals a consistent demand for imported food, a situation exacerbated by local challenges such as flooding and insecurity. PLATFORM TIMES  reports that the  surge in food import costs is reflected in the increase in the average price of imported commodities, which rose by 34% from April 2023 to April 2024. This trend contributes to the broader rise in food prices across sub-Saharan Africa, where many staple foods are imported. The…

A strong indication has emerged that rectors and provosts from polytechnics and other Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions across Nigeria will convene on Tuesday, to discuss a significant proposal: replacing the Higher National Diploma (HND) programme with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  proposal aims to address long-standing issues of discrimination and inequality faced by polytechnic graduates in the Nigerian workforce. It was further gathered that the  meeting, organized by the National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), comes in response to a letter signed by Lawal Hafiz, the Director of Human Resources…

Two students from Lagos State University (LASU) were reportedly  injured by stray bullets in the PPL area, a well-known student residential neighborhood near the campus, late Monday evening. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  incident occurred around 8 PM as the students were out purchasing food.  While the identities of the students and the shooter(s) remain unknown, eyewitness accounts and social media activity have shed light on the situation. A prominent LASU student, tweeting under the handle #belikebaddy, alerted the community: “Two students have been shot at PPL, Ojo, Lagos. Please, students of LASU, stay indoors and don’t go out.” Confirming…

The long-anticipated resumption of operations at the Port Harcourt refinery is set to occur by the end of July, according to a statement made on Monday by Chief Ukadike Chinedu, the National Public Relations Officer of the Independent Marketers Association of Nigeria.  This announcement marks the end of several delays that have pushed the refinery’s restart date multiple times. Chief Chinedu emphasized that the refinery’s reopening will have significant economic impacts.  “The development will stimulate economic activities, reduce the price of petroleum products, and ensure an adequate supply,” he stated, underscoring the broad economic benefits expected from the refinery’s operational…

Three persons  were arraigned on Monday,  before a magistrate’s court in the Isabo area of Abeokuta over an alleged assault on a medical doctor, Alexander Onochie, at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro. The incident, which took place last Friday, involved James Akode (57), Lekan Ajeigbe (35), and Rilwan Roheem (33). The trio appeared before Magistrate Mrs. D.O. Ogunbowale, facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, assault, and unlawful damage to property.  According to the prosecution counsel, ASP Matthew Famuyiwa, the accused committed the offence on May 17 at the Neuropsychiatric Hospital in Aro, Abeokuta. Famuyiwa detailed that the defendants, who are…

The Nigerian Army has dismissed  three soldiers found guilty of engaging in armed robbery and kidnapping.  The dismissed soldiers, LCPL Abdul Musa, CPL Innocent Okwoli, and CPL West Isaac, were apprehended by the police during a joint operation with civilians. The soldiers, who were entrusted with upholding law and order, were discovered to be involved in a series of criminal activities, including robbing trucks and diverting valuable goods destined for warehouses. PLATFORM TIMES reports that they were implicated in the kidnapping of drivers and other individuals. It is alleged that these illicit operations were conducted in collaboration with civilians. Following…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has highlighted significant obstacles faced by investors traveling within Africa, citing the need for 35 different visas on his Nigerian passport.  Dangote raised this issue during the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasizing the detrimental impact on business operations across the continent. Speaking at the summit, Dangote shared his frustration with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, pointing out that such visa requirements are nonexistent in Europe.  “I still complained to President Kagame. I told him that as an investor, I have to now apply for 35 different visas on my passport, and I…

Israel has firmly denied any involvement in the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other senior officials on Sunday.  The crash, which occurred in mountainous terrain during adverse weather conditions, has ignited widespread speculation and accusations on social media. Despite the absence of an official cause for the crash, accusations have surfaced, particularly targeting Israel, which has been a long-standing regional adversary of Iran.  However, Iran itself has not made any official accusations against Israel.  This incident unfolds amidst already heightened tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by ongoing…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tensions in Rivers State. He called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences and work collaboratively for the betterment of the state. Speaking on Monday at the unveiling of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Jonathan emphasized the detrimental impact of ongoing conflicts between governors and their predecessors, a trend he noted is becoming increasingly common across Nigeria.  He stressed that such disputes do not benefit the residents of the states involved. “In the case of Rivers,…

Daud Olatunji The Ogun State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a strong call to the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, highlighting the urgent need to rehabilitate the deteriorated road leading to the Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the road has become almost impassable despite the pleas of the residents of the area . Joining other people and groups that have called Abidoun’s attention to the road, MURIC in a statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and the State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, described the condition of…