Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  In a relentless pursuit of its mission to eradicate human trafficking and ensure that offenders face justice, the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) has achieved a significant victory.  A well-known socialite in Benin City and a high-profile human trafficker, Felicia Osaigbovo, alias Mama Masha, has been convicted and sentenced to a 12-year prison term. Additionally, she faces a hefty fine of N24 million, a ruling handed down by the Honorable Justice Geraldine Imadegbelo of the High Court, Criminal Division, Benin City. Felicia Osaigbovo, a 62-year-old member of a human trafficking syndicate, stood accused…

Fawaz Adebisi Nobelhouse College, a British-Nigerian oriented school, on Monday, painted a vibrant picture of patriotism and togetherness as they marked Nigeria’s Independence Day with an extravagant Family Fun Day event. The day, generously sponsored by the school’s dedicated Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), unfolded against the stunning backdrop of Obasanjo Hilltop, nestled in the heart of Oke-Mosan, beside the Ogun State Housing Corporation. The event commenced with a heartfelt welcome address by the esteemed principal of Nobelhouse College, Mrs. Rita Stanley. Mrs. Stanley underscored the significance of the occasion, revealing that this annual Family Fun Day tradition had been woven into…

Daud Olatunji In a dramatic turn of events, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) have suspended their planned nationwide indefinite strike, set to begin on Tuesday, October 3, 2023.  This decision comes after a marathon meeting between the labor unions and the Federal Government, resulting in a significant breakthrough in negotiations. The key highlight of the agreement is the Federal Government’s commitment to grant a wage award of N35,000 (thirty-five thousand Naira) to all Federal Government workers, effective from the month of September.  This wage increase provides much-needed relief to workers facing…

Daud Olatunji  Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has vehemently refuted claims that he is financially supporting the election petition filed by Labour Party Presidential candidate, Peter Obi.  The denial was made in response to allegations made by the Abia Youth Interest Group, which accused Governor Otti of using state government funds for Mr. Obi’s election litigations. Chinenye Ukaegbu, President of Abia Youth for Good Governance and a spokesperson for Governor Otti, condemned these allegations as false and malicious. He emphasized that such baseless claims have the potential to destabilize the state and create unnecessary chaos. Ukaegbu expressed disappointment in the…

Daud Olatunji  The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) is raising its voice in a call for the immediate implementation of significant salary increments, advocating for 25% and 35% increases for workers in tertiary institutions across Nigeria. This demand comes as part of the outcomes from the 45th regular National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at the University of Maiduguri, Borno. In a communique issued by Mohammed Ibrahim, the National President of SSANU, it was emphasized that the NEC session focused on critical national issues concerning its members. One prominent topic of discussion was the ongoing salary renegotiations for…

In a momentous development, Mrs. Shina Odunsi has been appointed as the Director of Nursing Services (DNS) at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital (OOUTH).  This appointment has been met with resounding applause and congratulations from the community. Abiodun Thomas  (RN), a conscientious citizen, in a statement on Monday,said it  is evident that Mrs. Odunsi’s ascension to this prestigious position is well-deserved, signifying a promising era of progress and transformation for the Teaching Hospital. She added that as the institution takes confident strides toward achieving greater heights, the community celebrates this remarkable milestone. Abiodun commends the Teaching Hospital for its…

Daud Olatunji In a groundbreaking move, the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a strong recommendation for a new malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, aimed at safeguarding the health of children around the world.  This pivotal decision comes following extensive consultations with experts and was officially endorsed by WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, during the organization’s biannual meeting held from September 25 to 29. This critical announcement was made by the global health body on Monday, emphasizing the urgency of the matter. Notably, Nigeria became the second nation to grant approval for the R21 malaria vaccine, following Ghana’s lead. Developed by the…

Daud Olatunji   The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Ogun Area 1 Command, expressed deep concern on Monday regarding the relentless attacks on its operatives by smugglers, resulting in numerous casualties and permanent disabilities. Area Controller Ahmadu Bello Shuaibu conveyed his worries during the 5th annual Independence Symposium held at Idiroko, organized jointly by the Ipokia Local Government Youth Forum (IPYF) and the NCS Ogun Area 1 Command. The symposium’s central theme was “Smuggling and Hoarding of Petroleum Products: Effects on Border Communities and National Security.” Shuaibu highlighted that the command had faced a multitude of challenges, including the blocking of access…

Daud Olatunji In a scathing open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Nigeria’s Independence Day, the National Association of Seadogs, Pyrates Confraternity (NAS/PC), has raised serious concerns about the ongoing insecurity crisis in the country. The letter, signed by NAS Capoon Abiola Owoaje, highlights several pressing issues and calls for immediate action from the President’s administration. … Insecurity Persists Despite Promises President Tinubu’s administration had promised a “secure, prosperous, and united Nigeria,” but according to NAS/PC, this promise remains unfulfilled. The organization points out that insecurity, which was a major concern before Tinubu took office, continues to escalate.…

In a momentous display of commitment to environmental sustainability, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, a prominent member of the Standard Bank Group, has embarked on a monumental tree-planting campaign.  Partnering with the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF), the initiative aims to elevate Nigeria’s forest cover from its meager 5% to the recommended 25% of national land cover by 2050, in alignment with guidelines from the Food and Agriculture Organisation. The grand unveiling of this initiative took place on the 29th of September 2023, at the scenic Lekki Conservation Centre (LCC) nestled within Lagos and serving as the NCF’s headquarters.  Stanbic IBTC’s pledge to…