Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, the World Bank has disbursed approximately $299.99 million to Nigeria under the National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up. This disbursement is part of the $800 million approved for the program on December 16, 2021. Documents obtained from the World Bank confirm that this recent payment marks the initiation of the financial support for the National Social Safety Net Program-Scale Up. With 37.5% of the total loan disbursed, there remains a pending balance of about $442.88 million. The $800 million social safety net program aims to implement a conditional cash transfer, orchestrated by the Federal…

Daud Olatunji Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has  refuted sensational claims of students’ death  due to poisoning, clarifying incident involving final-year student Oladokun Ayomide. In response to recent media coverage alleging the death of students due to poisoning, FUNAAB issued a press release on Wednesday, aiming to correct misconceptions surrounding the arrest of Oladokun Ayomide. Contrary to alarming narratives, the university asserts that the incident on November 9, 2023, was a result of unintentional intoxication caused by a cake purchased by Ayomide from an open store. According to the statement by Olasunkanmi Olajide, Assistant Director of Media at the…

Daud Olatunji. In a pivotal development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to call off the nationwide strike that commenced two days ago, following a crucial meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.  The government delegation, led by Ribadu and including the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, and Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, engaged in discussions aimed at finding a resolution to the pressing issues that prompted the industrial action. Minister Lalong, addressing reporters after the meeting, revealed that the government appealed to the labor leaders to reconsider the strike, emphasizing the…

In a recent development, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has shed light on the controversial revocation of visas for 177 Nigerian passengers who arrived in Jeddah aboard an Air Peace plane on Monday. Saudi authorities assert that out of the total 264 passengers on the flight, the 177 individuals were denied entry due to their failure to meet entry conditions and requirements outlined by the Kingdom’s rules and regulations. The crux of the matter lies in the submission of incorrect information by the affected passengers to obtain a visa category that did not align with their travel circumstances. This…

Current governor of the CBN Olayemi Cardoso had said the bank would return to its primary role of price stability.   Acknowledging that the central bank can use different instruments to mop up excess money in circulation, Sanusi said it needs to do it in a manner that minimizes the cost to both the central bank and the government’s balance sheet, and that’s why it has to rely a little more on non-conventional instruments. “If you look at OMO Bills and OBB rates in the last few weeks, I can see that the central bank has started a process of aggressive…

In a recent meeting with the National Security Adviser, Labour union representatives, including members of the NLC and TUC, discussed promises and appeals from the government regarding the attack on NLC President, Joe Ajaero, and other issues. The President of the TUC, Festus Osifo, stated that decisions on ending the strike will be taken after informing the labor organs of the discussions held. Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Simon Lalong, described the discussions as fruitful, genuine, and frank, emphasizing that ongoing talks aim for a resolution without a prolonged strike. Meanwhile, the NLC outlined six conditions that must be…

In a shocking turn of events, a News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) correspondent, tasked with covering the Presidential Villa in Abuja, recounts a terrifying abduction by gunmen who identified themselves as dismissed soldiers. The journalist, still haunted by the traumatic experience, reveals the harrowing details of the incident that unfolded after mistakenly boarding the wrong vehicle at the Federal Secretariat in Abuja. On the fateful day, after completing an assignment at the Presidential Villa, the journalist, along with a cameraman, accepted a ride offered by a director from the Villa. Little did they know that this decision would plunge them…

Daud Olatunji  In a noteworthy achievement, a  renowned Fuji musician Saheed Osupa Akorede, known as ‘Saidon P’, proudly announced his graduation from the University of Ibadan’s Department of Political Science. The music icon shared the news on his Facebook page, revealing that he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science with Second Class Honours, Upper Division during the university’s ongoing 2023 Convocation and 75th Foundation Day Ceremonies. Expressing his joy, Saheed Osupa stated, “It is official! Today, I attended the Convocation Ceremony of the University Of Ibadan, where I graduated, bagging a Bachelor of Science degree in Political…

Daud Olatunji In a show of solidarity, thousands of Kogi youths, led by the Convener of Kogi New Generation (KNG), Mr Richard Otitoleke, and Mr Muhammad Shuaib, Director General of the Ododo/Joel Campaign Organization, visited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja. They hailed the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State as “the most peaceful and credible” and emphasized the need to protect the integrity of INEC. The group, wielding placards, expressed appreciation for the collaboration between INEC and security agencies that contributed to the success of the election. Otitoleke stressed the importance of approaching the Election Petition…

By Dr. Stella Egbe The Post-COVID-19 era is characterised by a lot of lessons, especially in the areas of human and ecosystem health. The global lockdown saw a rapid decline in human activities and for the first time in modern human history, we experienced the planet’s resilience, its ability to recover from decades of anthropogenic impacts. As the air became clearer, the waters became less polluted, wildlife appeared to venture into areas not seen before, neither thought possible. For example, the waters of Venice became clearer, and fishes and dolphins returned, prompting the return of swans in this beautiful area. …