Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a stark revelation,the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (retd.), has exposed the unsettling link between ransom payments to kidnappers and the financing of terrorism.  This revelation came to light during the “Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell Media and Communication workshop,” jointly organized by the ONSA and the British High Commission in Abuja. Musa emphasized, “Kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a significant source of funding for terrorism, not only within Nigeria but also across the Sahel region. “You will agree with me that proceeds of kidnap for…

In a recent announcement, the Federal Government has issued a warning of potentially heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding in 48 towns across 13 states, spanning from September 13 to September 17, 2023.  This alert comes as the water levels of River Benue and River Niger are expected to rise significantly, posing a threat to communities along their banks, extending up to Bayelsa State.  Residents in these areas are urged to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their properties. This critical information was revealed in the flood prediction report, which was released by the National Flood Early Warning…

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, Ogun State reaffirms its commitment to providing free education by declaring the collection of fees in public primary and secondary schools illegal. Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Education, Science, and Technology, made this announcement during the 2023/2024 Academic Session Pre-Resumption Meeting with education stakeholders in Abeokuta. Arigbabu emphasized that the government’s free education policy was still in effect and covered the costs of materials, maintenance, and facility provision in schools.  He stated, “The present administration at inception canceled all forms of payment to encourage children to have access…

Yusuf Anas, a former police officer who had been dismissed from the force, found himself in handcuffs once again. This time, he’s accused of impersonation and theft by the vigilant officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 17 in Akure, Ondo State. Anas’ alleged misdeeds unraveled when he purchased a mobile phone from a store and, cunningly, sent a counterfeit bank transfer alert to the seller, falsely indicating that he had successfully transferred the payment. The suspect’s checkered history reveals that he entered the Force as a Constable back in 2016 and served in Sokoto and Lagos states before being…

In a strategic move aimed at expanding its global footprint, Fidelity Bank has successfully acquired Union Bank UK plc, assuming full ownership of the entity.  The announcement was made by Ezinwa Unuigboje, the board secretary of Fidelity Bank, during a statement to the Nigerian Exchange. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Fidelity Bank, as it now holds 100 percent ownership of Union Bank UK plc, following the approval of the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) for the change of control.  Fidelity Bank’s ambitious international expansion plans have received a green light, with the Central Bank of Nigeria…

In a groundbreaking move, MTN, in collaboration with Huawei and Baze University, is set to usher in a new era of education in Nigeria through their 5G partnership.  Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Officer, envisions a limitless future for Nigeria’s education sector with the advent of 5G technology.  During a recent tripartite event held in Abuja, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, paving the way for the launch of 5G education in the country. Saint-Nwafor emphasized that this partnership represents a shared vision and commitment among the three organizations.  She stated, “The partnership with Baze University, Huawei, and MTN…

In a harrowing revelation, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has exposed the devastating toll inflicted by rampant bandit attacks in various parts of Kaduna State over the past four years.  The chilling statistics, unveiled during a critical meeting aimed at restoring confidence, expose the grim reality faced by the Christian community in the region. Reverend Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of CAN in Kaduna State, delivered the grim news, disclosing that more than 200 churches have been forcibly shuttered, and 23 pastors have lost their lives due to the unrelenting violence perpetrated by bandits.  The situation has reached a point…

In a tragic turn of events, an unidentified man  has resorted to a heart-wrenching act, plunging into the depths of the Lokoja River, allegedly driven by the burden of economic hardship.  The Kogi Police Command has confirmed this devastating incident, which occurred  between 12:30 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. on a fateful day. SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the spokesperson for the command, shared the grim details.  A Divisional Police Officer led a search team to the Meme Bridge on Ganaka-Ajaokuta Road, the site where the man reportedly took his life.  While the man’s slippers were discovered at the scene, his lifeless body…

In a scathing revelation, Nobel laureate Wole Soyinka has exposed the leadership of the Labour Party (LP), asserting that they were fully aware of Peter Obi’s loss in the 2023 presidential election.  Soyinka accused the opposition party’s leadership of ruthlessly attempting to impose a fabricated narrative on Nigerians, particularly the nation’s youth, by falsely claiming Obi’s victory. Speaking passionately during an event titled “The Lives of Wole Soyinka — A Dialogue” hosted by Africa in the World, Soyinka minced no words in condemning LP’s actions.  He reiterated his unwavering commitment to truth, emphasizing the danger of shortcuts and deceit in…

By Onomiguren Agbamu The Hon. Commissioner in the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, and also a former member representing Oshimili North State Constituency in the state House of Assembly, Hon.( Evang) Princess Pat. A. Ajudua has said the Delta state governor’s MORE Agenda requires putting things in action, hard work and dedication to achieve desired results. The commissioner spoke recently in Asaba that the MORE Agenda is more about listening, working more, and giving more dividends of democracy to the citizens irrespective of political affiliation. According to her, ” The governor’s MORE Agenda, is the Agenda that…