Author: Platform Times Newspaper

By Onomiguren Agbamu Delta State Government has approved contracts worth N78 billion to Julius Berger Nigeria Limited for the construction of three flyover bridges and road expansion in the Warri/Effurun megalopolis. The state government disclosed this as part of decisions reached at her State Executive Council meeting presided over by the Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Tuesday in Asaba. While briefing newsmen at the end of the Exco meeting, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Fred Edafiogho said the approval of the contracts was aimed at solving the gridlock often experienced in the twin cities. He noted that…

Aminat Gusanu In a startling case in Abuja, a 36-year-old farm manager, Patrick Olusegun, has been brought to court on charges of stealing 542 chickens with a total estimated worth of N5.4 million. The prosecution, represented by Mr. Stanley Nwafoaku, informed the court that the matter was reported by Mr. Ajayi Elijah, owner of Wale John Farms in Lugbe, Abuja, who reported the incident to the Lugbe Police Station on September 8. According to Nwafoaku, the alleged theft took place in July, when the complainant entrusted the defendant with the management of his poultry farm, which housed over a thousand…

Adejoke Adebiyi The Department of State Services, DSS,  has apprehended His Royal Majesty Eze Ikegbidi, the King of Akoh Kingdom in Rivers State. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that this arrest comes in the wake of the shocking murder of the Ahoada Divisional Police Officer (DPO), Bako Angbashim, by suspected cultists. The tragic incident occurred on a Friday night when gunmen, believed to be cultists, ambushed and beheaded DPO Angbashim during a police operation in the area. However, the arrest of King Ikegbidi by DSS operatives follows an indefinite suspension imposed on him by Rivers State Governor, Siminilayi Fubara. Governor Fubara…

Aminat Gusanu The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 30-year-old man identified as Bello Mohammed, alias Faruk Manja, for his involvement in motorcycle theft. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that he and his accomplice, Kabiru Danfulani, who is currently at large, have been operating in this criminal activity for over four years. The Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Wakil, who stated this in a statement made available to journalists in the state, said the suspect confessed during interrogation that he and his partner (Danfulani) have stolen over 20 motorcycles over the period. Wakil, a Superintendent of Police,…

In a significant health milestone, Nigeria has witnessed a substantial 55% reduction in malaria-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, made this encouraging announcement during the unveiling of the 2022 Nigeria Malaria Report in Abuja. Dr. Moeti also lauded Nigeria’s progress in addressing HIV from 2015 to 2021, achieving two of the 95-95-95 goals.  These global HIV/AIDS response targets aim for 95% of individuals with HIV to know their status, 95% to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% to achieve viral suppression. Despite Nigeria being a significant contributor to the…

Aminat Gunsanu Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of sexual harassment on its campus by initiating the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras throughout the institution.  These cameras will be strategically placed in lecturers’ offices and various locations across the campus. This decision to install CCTV cameras is a direct response to the growing cases of sexual harassment within the university and reflects the management’s commitment to curbing the misconduct of lecturers involved. The installation process has already commenced, with the Faculty of Law being one of the initial areas to receive…

The African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unveiled ambitious plans to secure $43 billion in investment and trade deals through its participation in the 2023 Intra-African Trade Fair.  This announcement was made during a roadshow held in Lagos to promote the forthcoming trade fair. It was emphasized that Nigeria has consistently improved its performance at previous trade fairs, demonstrating its commitment to fostering intra-African trade and economic integration. Speaking about the event’s theme, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade Bank at Afreximbank, highlighted that it aligns with the African Union’s vision for the Acceleration of the African…

Flutterwave, in collaboration with Wema Bank and Kadavra, has unveiled “Swap,” a digital solution aimed at simplifying access to foreign exchange for Nigerians.  This innovative product represents a significant advancement in digitizing the FX experience, providing users with a seamless digital platform. According to Flutterwave, Swap users will receive specialized cards, offering a convenient and digitized solution for managing personal and business travel allowances. Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, expressed the company’s dedication to innovation and simplifying financial processes.  He stated, “Swap by Flutterwave represents a significant leap forward in how Nigerians will engage with foreign exchange.  We understand the…

Daud Olatunji Several Nigerian banks have faced the brunt of economic challenges, with at least four of them collectively reporting non-performing loans (NPLs) amounting to N478 billion during the first half of this year. This unsettling figure emerges from their recently released financial results. Notably, Guaranty Trust Bank Holding Plc (GTCO), FBN Holdings Plc, and two other prominent banks disclosed N478.93 billion in non-performing loans by value in the half-year ending in June 2023.  This marks a worrying 16% increase from the N413.36 billion reported for the entire year ending on December 31, 2022. The two additional banks grappling with…

In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Magboro, located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, residents were plunged into mourning as a truck accident resulted in the tragic death of a pregnant woman and left her two-year-old child hospitalized. The unfortunate incident occurred when a truck, bearing the registration number TTD-643ZY, suddenly veered into Magboro market after suffering a brake failure, causing the driver to lose control. Our correspondent, who arrived at the scene around 10:40 am, witnessed the aftermath of the accident, which included the truck colliding with a car and a motorcycle becoming trapped…