Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a significant move to safeguard public health, the Benue State Government took action on Friday by destroying expired drugs with a staggering value of over N200 million.  This crucial action was carried out within the premises of the Benue State University Teaching Hospital, situated along Gboko road in Makurdi. The decision to incinerate the expired drugs came after the Chief Medical Director of BSUTH, Stephen Hwande, revealed his intention to dispose of these expired medications previously stored at the Muhammad Buhari Mother and Child Hospital in the state capital. At the site where the expired drugs were…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move aimed at enhancing Nigeria’s local textile industry, the Federal Government has unveiled plans to provide subsidies to support the production of Adire, a traditional fabric with a rich cultural heritage.  This initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to eradicate the influx of foreign textiles into the Nigerian market while stimulating economic growth and job opportunities, particularly for market women. The Honorable Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Dr. Betta Edu, disclosed this strategic plan during her visit to the Adire Mall at Itoku and Asero in Abeokuta.  She emphasized the government’s…

On my birthday, I harbour an unwavering dream of becoming a resolute and unwavering advocate for the silenced, and this year’s birthday marks the triumphant dawn of that aspiration. The taste of freedom is a sweet nectar, akin to Moses parting the seas to liberate his people. Let us all yearn for it and emancipate those who yearn for it. Today, I am elated that this birthday brings with it the realization of a long-cherished dream. In my journey as a journalist, I embarked on a mission to birth PLATFORM TIMES in 2013, and Alhamdulilah, today, it stands strong, celebrating…

Daud Olatunji Wema Bank, widely recognized as Nigeria’s most innovative bank and the trailblazer of Africa’s first fully digital bank, ALAT, has achieved an impressive distinction by being awarded the prestigious ‘Great Place to Work’ certification. This esteemed recognition showcases the bank’s steadfast commitment to cultivating an exceptional workplace culture that prioritizes employee satisfaction, personal growth, and overall well-being. The ‘Great Place to Work’ certification, globally acknowledged for its significance, serves as a testament to Wema Bank’s resolute dedication to sustaining a positive and empowering work environment for its workforce. The certification process entailed a thorough evaluation of the bank’s…

Ikeja Electric (IE) says it has deployed 830,292 meters to customers in the last 10 years. In a statement on Friday in Lagos by Mr Kingsley Okotie, Head, Media Communication,  quoted its Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Folake Soetan, to have said this during an event to mark IE’s 10th anniversary. According to Soetan, the company recognised the importance of transparency and accountability and therefore ensure this in its operations. “We successfully deployed 830,292 meters to our customers, giving them control over their energy consumption and fostering a sense of empowerment. “As part of activities marking Ikeja Electric’s 10th year anniversary,…

Daud Olatunji In a press statement released on Monday, the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic Abeokuta Muslim Alumni (MAPAMA) has expressed their admiration for President Bola Tinubu’s recent directive regarding the take-off of the Student Loan scheme.  Tinubu’s announcement was made last week during the 29th Nigeria Economic Summit, organized by the Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG) in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning. In his directive, he emphasized the need for the scheme, which had been signed into law earlier in the year, to commence full operation by January 2024. MAPAMA’s Head of Media and Publicity Committee,…

Daud Olatunji  The Bishop of Sokoto Diocese of the Catholic Church, Bishop Matthew Kukah, delivered a thought-provoking keynote address at the 3rd annual national public lecture, shedding light on the challenges faced by many Nigerians who lack the means to travel abroad.  The lecture was themed, “The Nigerian Question: Survival of the Federation in the Throes of Increasing Economic Challenges.” In his address, Bishop Kukah expressed empathy for a significant portion of the Nigerian population who, due to various challenges, find it difficult to travel outside their immediate environments, let alone explore other parts of Africa or the world. He…

 The Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Nwonyi Polycarp Emeka, has categorically denied any casualties during the recent two-day protests in the state over the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara.  This statement comes in response to a distressed family’s plea for the release of their missing son’s remains. CP Nwonyi addressed journalists on Friday at the Police Command headquarters in Port Harcourt, refuting claims of any fatalities during the protests. The commissioner’s stance contradicts the anguish of the Ugiri family, who continue to search for their missing 27-year-old son, Onyekachi Ugiri, allegedly struck by a bullet to the head and…

Daud Olatunji In a bid to combat the ongoing menace of marauding elephants devastating farmlands in Borno State, the House of Representatives has taken decisive action.  Hon. Zainab Gimba (APC, Borno) brought a motion of urgent national importance to address this issue during a recent plenary session. These elephants, believed to be from Waza National Park in neighboring Cameroon, annually traverse Ngala and Kala-Balge local government areas of Borno State, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake as they trample crops and other agricultural produce. Hon. Zainab Gimba expressed grave concern that the continuous destruction of farmlands by these…

In a significant development, the French Government has revealed its decision to return $150 million of the late General Sani Abacha’s ill-gotten wealth to Nigeria.  General Abacha served as Nigeria’s military leader from 1993 to 1998 and was known for accumulating substantial assets abroad through corrupt means. The announcement was made by France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Catherine Colonna, during her visit to Abuja, Nigeria’s capital. Minister Colonna emphasized that she had informed President Bola Tinubu of the forthcoming return of the seized funds. What sets this restitution apart is that the stolen funds will be repatriated to…