Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

Daud Olatunji The People’s Democratic Party  Governorship candidate in the 2023 election in Ogun State, Ladi Adebutu has vowed to appeal the judgement by the tribunal . Adebutu said the recent judgment by the Election Petition Tribunal regarding the Ogun State Governorship election has ignited widespread concern about the state of democracy.  Apparently, referring to the case of the governor of  Osun state, Ademola  Adeleke who lost at the Tribunal, but, got the mandate back at the court of Appeal and Supreme court,Adebutu ,said he was expecting Osun treatment. PLATFORM TIMES reports that a three-man panel of Ogun State Election…

Muiz Adeyemi In a compelling plea for unity and action, former President Olusegun Obasanjo implored members of Lions Clubs to throw their weight behind the government’s ongoing efforts to combat poverty and foster a community where every citizen experiences a genuine sense of inclusion.  Obasanjo delivered this heartfelt message during the investiture ceremony of Lion Folashade Olaifa as the third President of Abuja Mega Lions Clubs District 404A2 in Nigeria, held in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) over the weekend. Recognizing the Lions Club as a global humanitarian and philanthropic force, the former leader urged Lion Folashade Olaifa to mobilize…

In an alarming development, experts from various sectors have sounded a dire warning about Nigeria’s economy facing staggering daily losses, potentially amounting to N50 billion, if the planned Organized Labour strike takes place as scheduled on Tuesday.  While some argue that this strike could have positive outcomes, others emphasize the grave consequences it may unleash upon the nation. Economic analysts have unanimously expressed concerns, citing the adverse timing of the proposed strike, which they believe could further cripple the already fragile economy.  They stress that beyond exacerbating economic woes, the strike could instill fear and unfavorable perceptions among foreign investors,…

Nigerian youths representing various political affiliations have called upon the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the National Judicial Council (NJC) to transfer the Kano Division of the Court of Appeal, currently handling the governorship election case, to the capital city of Abuja.  This plea comes in response to alleged intimidation directed at members of the Kano state governorship election petitions tribunal. Under the banner of “Stand Up Nigeria,” these young activists have strongly denounced acts of intimidation, especially the recent statements made by certain political groups warning of a situation in Kano similar to what has unfolded in Zamfara. …

Dr. Eze Nwafor, a prominent cardiologist from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), has sounded the alarm on the escalating prevalence of heart-related ailments, attributing them to the nation’s economic challenges. The expert stated this  at a  special medical outreach to mark International Heart  Day, Dr. Nwafor emphasized that economic policies, particularly the devaluation of the naira, have exacerbated the production and importation costs of vital heart disease medications. Expressing deep concern over the mounting cases of heart diseases, Dr. Nwafor pointed to the crippling financial burden on families due to the exorbitant expenses associated with treating these…

Dr. Samuel Ogbukwu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), expressed deep concern over the multifaceted challenges plaguing the Niger Delta region.  Ogbukwu said this  at a two-week leadership and performance management course held in Abuja. These challenges encompass a crippling infrastructure deficit, environmental woes, and profound socio-economic disparities. The course, organized by the Human Resource Department of the Commission in collaboration with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), was attended by newly promoted directors within the agency.  Dr. Ogbukwu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Obegha Oworibo, urged these directors…