Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Managing Director of Wema Bank, Moruf Oseni, has called for innovative financing solutions during the bank’s donor roundtable titled “Innovative Financing: Gender-lens and climate resilient solution,” held in Lagos over the weekend. The call was made in a bid to address the pressing challenges faced by Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and women entrepreneurs in Nigeria. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the MD said that  despite being the largest employers of labour in Nigeria, MSMEs are grappling with various hurdles such as limited access to capital. He however, canvassed the need for critical managerial skills, market access difficulties, logistical…

In response to a tragic accident along the Abuja-Kaduna highway that claimed 18 lives and left 27 others injured, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has initiated stringent measures to address the perilous practice of trailers transporting both humans and animals. The Corps Marshal, Dauda Biu, has mandated sector commanders to establish a joint task force, comprising the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Vehicle Inspection Office, and state governments. The fatal crash, which occurred at Audu Jhangon village early Sunday morning, involved a DAF trailer with registration number KUJ 430XC.  The overloaded trailer lost…

In a strategic move to bolster employment opportunities within the country and beyond, Dangote Cement Plc has successfully inducted 81 trainees into its highly acclaimed Graduate Trainee Programme.  The Graduate Trainee Programme, a cornerstone of Dangote Cement’s human capital investment, has witnessed the seamless integration of a cohort of trainees across the company’s operations throughout Africa.  This move not only addresses the imperative need for skilled professionals but also aligns with Dangote Cement’s broader mission to play a pivotal role in workforce development on the continent. In recognition of outstanding service and dedication, Dangote Cement also took the opportunity to…

In a significant operation, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) successfully intervened to thwart a pre-wedding ceremony drug abuse competition held in the Shola Quarters community of Katsina.  The clandestine event, organized by groom-to-be Musa Gwandi and his associates, took a dark turn as 25 youths were apprehended while indulging in the consumption of various illicit substances. Acting on actionable intelligence, NDLEA operatives executed a well-coordinated operation, swiftly descending upon the venue where the participants were engrossed in a dangerous drug-fueled revelry.  The suspects, aged between late teens and early twenties, were found partaking in a disturbing assortment of…

In a concerning development for Nigeria’s aviation sector, foreign airlines are contemplating an exit from the country’s airspace due to the challenging operating environment exacerbated by the trapping of over $792 million in funds.  This comes amid a series of exits by foreign businesses, with Procter & Gamble and GlaxoSmitKline being the latest casualties. The primary hurdle faced by these airlines is the difficulty in accessing foreign currency for their operations, as a substantial amount of their funds is stuck within Nigeria.  Despite President Bola Tinubu’s directive to the Central Bank of Nigeria for quarterly reconciliatory meetings with foreign…

In a significant move to combat corruption within its ranks, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) has terminated the appointments of five officials found guilty of corruption. The decision, based on the recommendations of the Personnel Management Board by the Lagos State Civil Service Commission, was executed at the Oshodi office in Lagos. A statement released by Adebayo Taofiq, the Director of Public Affairs and Enlightenment Department of LASTMA, revealed that the Commission had ratified every recommendation made by the Board during its meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2023. This marks a firm commitment by the state to uphold…

South-South leader Edwin Clark has penned an open letter to President Bola Tinubu, urging him to apply the doctrine of necessity, as proposed by General Yakubu Gowon’s Eminent Persons Committee, to address the ongoing crisis in Ondo State. Governor Rotimi Akeredolu’s prolonged absence from the state and strained relations with Deputy Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa have sparked political drama, financial concerns, and protests in the state.  Akeredolu’s return from medical leave in Germany in September hasn’t seen him publicly address the people, leading to various repercussions. The crisis has triggered attempts to remove the deputy governor, sealing of the PDP’s secretariat,…

Former presidential candidate in 2023,Mr Peter Obi, has expressed his dismay at the country’s 150th position out of 180 nations on the 2022 Corruption Perception Index, as reported by Transparency International. In a statement released on his X platform last Sunday, Obi who was former Anambra State Governor, underscored the severity of the issue, citing a report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers International Limited (PwC).  According to PwC, corruption could potentially siphon off up to 37% of Nigeria’s GDP by 2030 unless immediate measures are taken. Obi highlighted the multifaceted impact of corruption on the nation, lamenting its threat to Nigeria’s existence, democracy,…

In a startling revelation, Professor Abubakar Mohammed, the former Chairman of the National Examination Council (NECO) Board, has accused government officials of misappropriating N6 billion belonging to the examination body.  Prof. Mohammed made these allegations on Saturday during the NECO Award Ceremony held in Minna, Niger State. Expressing his concerns, Prof. Mohammed asserted, “The government and especially some officials in the Ministry of Education are out to sabotage the indigenous examination body.  I do not owe anyone any apology for my statement; some government officials don’t want NECO to exist.” According to the former NECO Chairman, the alleged misappropriation revolves…

In a gesture aimed at facilitating the reintegration of individuals who had committed minor offenses, the Federal Government of Nigeria granted cash gifts to 15 inmates from the Malumfashi Satellite Custodial Centre in Katsina.  The release event, which took place on Saturday, saw each inmate receiving N10,000 to ease their transportation to their respective destinations. The announcement of this benevolent initiative was made by the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Mr. Haliru Nababa, who was represented by the Controller of Corrections for Katsina Command, Mr. Abdulmumin-Haruna.  The Controller General praised the Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for…