Author: Platform Times Newspaper

By SANUSI LATEEF Few weeks ago, I started my column with a piece titled “A little peep into what to expect”. In that piece I noted that my next column will be titled “Finidi George the 5th of 5” and that is what I have brought for you this week. Now, the question is; which 5th of 5 is Finidi George? Between 1989 and 1994 the former Coach of the Super Eagles Clemens Westerhof was able to raise a Super Eagles team that won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), qualified Nigeria for her first ever World Cup, became the…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Sunday to Tuesday across the country. NiMet`s weather outlook released on Saturday in Abuja forecasts morning thunderstorms on Sunday over parts of Gombe, Bauchi, Borno, Adamawa, Jigawa, Taraba and Kaduna states. It envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Borno, Adamawa Bauchi, Katsina, Kaduna, Jigawa, Yobe, and Taraba states later in the day. “Thunderstorms are anticipated over parts of the central states` places like; Plateau, Nasarawa, the Federal Capital Territory, Benue and Niger states during the morning hours. “Later in the day,…

A three-man armed robbery gang has brutally murdered the national chairman of the Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (REMNAF),Brigadier General Harold Udokwere (retd.). PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  attack occurred at his residence in the Kubusa area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in the early hours of Saturday. The Chairman of the Board of Trustees for REMNAF, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herbert, disclosed to reporters that the robbers struck around 3 am.  Durowaiye-Herbert  detailed the circumstances, noting, “they came around 3 am. Where he lived had been attacked before. His house is about the last in that estate and the…

Daud Olatunji The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, announced on Saturday that civil servants holding Higher National Diplomas (HND) will be required to undergo a one-year mandatory training before their conversion from the Executive to Officers cadre.  This declaration was made during a virtual interactive session with civil servants as part of the 2024 Civil Service Week celebrations.  The theme for the week is “Educate an African Fit for the 21st Century: Building Resilient Education Systems for Increased Access to Inclusive, Life-long, Quality and Relevant Learning in Africa.” In a statement issued from her…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has unveiled a robust framework aimed at facilitating the smooth implementation of the bank recapitalisation programme.  Published on the SEC’s official website on Friday, the SEC said the  framework is designed to ensure transparency, efficiency, and accountability throughout the capital-raising process for banks and holding companies participating in the 2024-2026 recapitalisation period. Recalled that the  Central Bank of Nigeria’s directive, issued on March 29th, necessitates international banks to raise their capital base to N500 billion, national banks to N200 billion, and regional banks to N50 billion.  This initiative  was said to have aimed at …

Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has attributed  his reasons for choosing not to contest his removal  by the previous Kano State government under Governor Abdullahi Ganduje in court  deep-seated convictions and pragmatic considerations. The former Central Bank Governor turned traditional ruler in an exclusive interview by The Sun,but, extracted by PLATFORM TIMES  asserted his belief in destiny and divine will. He stated , “I don’t have a fundamental right to be an Emir. I am one of hundreds of princes. God chose me. And if God says I should leave, I accept it.” He pointed out the lack of…

Daud Olatunji The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that  troops deployed to the Joint Task Force, South South, Operation Delta Safe,  denied oil thieves an estimated sum of  over N1.8 billion in the Niger Delta over the past one  week. The DHQ states this in a  statement, signed by Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen Edward Buba. Buba  highlighted significant achievements in the fight against oil theft and illegal refining operations.  According to Buba, troops recovered 1,099,860 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,101,700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 27,350 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 150…

Daud Olatunji The Chairman of Beyond Limits Football Academy, Mr. Kunle Soname, has rewarded his club’s players with ten million naira following their promotion to the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL).  This announcement was made during a  ceremony held in Ikenne to honour the Nigeria National League (NNL) champions. During the event, Mr. Soname also announced a series of financial rewards aimed at various departments within the club.  The coaching staff received five million naira in recognition of their hard work and dedication.  The club’s management was awarded 2.5 million naira, while the Supporters Club received 1.5 million naira.  Additionally,…

Daud Olatunji The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Gombe Zonal Directorate has arraigned a government official, Usman Mallam, on charges of willful obstruction of investigation and destruction of official EFCC documents.  The official was dragged before Justice TG Ringim at the Federal High Court in Gombe State faced a one-count charge  for allegedly tearing the EFCC’s official investigation letters. Mallam, who serves as a desk officer responsible for responding to official correspondences in the office of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) in Gombe State, reportedly  torn letters which  were integral to the Commission’s investigation activities related to…

The Proprietor of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Prince Adesegun Ajibola, SAN, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, describing him  as a “worthy and exemplary Ambassador” of the university.  Ajibola in a statement issued on Friday, praised Oba Ogunleye for his remarkable contributions across various sectors, particularly highlighting his unwavering commitment to the growth and development of Crescent University from its early days. Ajibola noted that Oba Ogunleye’s involvement with Crescent University was not merely ceremonial.  He recalled the late Oba’s steadfast support and close relationship with the university’s Founder, His Excellency Prince Bola Ajibola, from the…