Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a recent report, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has sounded a warning to the Federal Government as Nigeria’s total public debt skyrockets to N87.38tn, marking a staggering 75.29% increase from the N49.85tn recorded just three months earlier. This alarming surge includes the incorporation of the N22.71tn Ways and Means Advances, a loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria to the Federal Government.  DMO’s statement emphasizes that the debt encompasses both domestic and external debts, spanning the Federal Government, the thirty-six states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Notably, this debt surge exceeds the DMO’s prior projection by a considerable…

In a staggering revelation, data from the National Bureau of Statistics has exposed that a whopping $6.7 billion was splurged on imported manufactured goods in the initial six months of 2023. According to an in-depth analysis of the Foreign Trade Statistics reports published by the NBS, the value of manufactured goods traded surged to a jaw-dropping N2.5 trillion in the first half of this year. Shockingly, manufacturers have been forced to secure about 95% of their foreign exchange needs from the parallel market, where the dollar exchanged hands at an exorbitant average rate of N750. Breaking down the NBS data,…

In a significant move to safeguard Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, Lagos State University (LASU) has unveiled plans to make Yoruba Language a mandatory course for all its students.  Beginning in the 2023/2024 academic session, LASU will introduce GNS 104, a Yoruba Language Studies course, as part of its curriculum. This strategic decision by LASU aligns with the broader national initiative to protect and promote Nigeria’s diverse linguistic and cultural legacy.  The Yoruba Language Studies course aims to provide students with a comprehensive grasp of Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous languages.  It seeks to equip them with language proficiency, cultural…

In a significant operation, the Kebbi State Police Command intercepted a massive haul of contraband, including cannabis and 7,500 boxes of live cartridges, with an estimated street value of N600 million.  The operation, which took place along the Tsamiyya border in Bagudo Local Government Area, resulted in the arrest of three suspects. The Kebbi State Police spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, revealed that the suspects were apprehended by the border patrol police team.  The illicit goods were en route to Lagos, with the suspects traveling from Ghana through Benin and Tsamiyya town in Kebbi.  They had successfully evaded multiple checkpoints in…

In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the establishment of a Presidential Committee focused on overhauling the livestock industry and finding lasting solutions to the persistent clashes between herders and farmers in Nigeria.  The announcement, made in Abuja on Thursday, follows the submission of a comprehensive report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Conflict Mitigation. The committee’s composition remains undisclosed at this point, according to a State House statement. This pivotal conference was convened by Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, former Executive Governor of Kano State and Chairman of the All Progressives’…

In a resolute address during a meeting with a high-powered delegation from both the APC and PDP, President Bola Tinubu asserted his commitment to delivering the dividends of democracy without offering excuses for any setbacks.  He declared that neither Rivers State nor Nigeria should be associated with poverty, insecurity, or underdevelopment under his leadership, promising a lasting positive transformation. President Tinubu emphasized the importance of sustainable development, acknowledging the substantial responsibility inherited by the new Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara.  As a trusted ally, Rivers State would have direct access to his support in their joint pursuit of development. “We…

A disturbing scandal has rocked the Queen’s Convent School in Awka, Anambra State, as a security officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, allegedly impregnated at least three students in the college. The security officer, believed to be in his early 30s and hailing from Akwa Ibom State, was recently employed by the school authorities.  This shocking revelation has sent shockwaves through the educational institution. Reports indicate that the affected students are currently in Senior Secondary School 2 (SSS 2).  As of now, the school authorities have not made any official statements or decisions regarding this troubling development. However, an anonymous teacher…

Katsina Police have apprehended a 65-year-old man, known as Haruna Wanzam, also known as Baba Tsoho, residing in Abuja quarters in Katsina Metropolis.  The arrest stems from disturbing allegations of him molesting a defenseless four-year-old girl. The distressing incident came to light when the victim’s father reported it to the Dandagoro Divisional Police Headquarters, prompting swift action from detectives of the Katsina State Police Command.  During the investigation, which unveiled unsettling details, the suspect confessed to his involvement in the heinous act. It was revealed that the suspect took advantage of the absence of the minor’s parents, who were away…

Daud Olatunji In a recent exchange of words, the Labour Party has strongly criticized Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka for his claims regarding the 2023 presidential election.  Soyinka alleged that the LP leadership was involved in deceptive tactics surrounding the election results. Soyinka, known for his outspoken nature, accused the LP of attempting to propagate a falsehood by insisting that their presidential candidate, Peter Obi, had won the election.  He contended that Obi had actually come in third place and accused the LP of mobilizing youths under the banner of deceit to protest the election’s outcome. However, the Labour Party…

A storm of inquiries has descended upon the Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun state, as residents demand accountability for federal allocations.  In a letter addressed to the Executive Chairman and signed by Damilola Elegbede, Vice President II of the Yewa North Patriotic Forum, residents are seeking transparency regarding the utilization of funds allocated to the local council. The letter, titled “REQUEST FOR ACCOUNTABILITY ON FEDERAL ALLOCATION FOR OUR LOCAL GOVERNMENT,” highlights the concerns raised by Hon. Wale Adedayo, a fellow chairman of a local government in Ogun State, who alleged that funds meant for local governments had been…