Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a significant crackdown on drug-related crimes, the Edo State chapter of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has reported the successful apprehension of 252 suspected drug dealers and traffickers over the span of nine months.  The Edo State Commander of NDLEA, Mr. Buba Wakawa, disclosed this information through Assistant Commander Narcotic Ondoimi Bebetu, who heads the Media and Advocacy division in Benin. These arrests occurred between January and September of the current year. Notably, individuals apprehended for suspected drug use were offered counseling and subsequently reunited with their families, a practice permitted by the law. To…

Daud Olatunji  In a bid to ensure a better livelihood for the people of Ogun State, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has reaffirmed his commitment to deploying developmental policies and programs that will stimulate the state’s economy.  The Governor’s assurance was delivered by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, during the Remo Division Town Hall meeting held in preparation for the 2024–2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and the 2024 Appropriation Bill. These developmental policies, according to Governor Abiodun, are designed to bolster investments in vital socio-economic sectors, enhance infrastructure development, and ensure sustainable debt management.  Furthermore, they aim to deepen structural reforms…

Daud Olatunji In a recent press release, the Nigeria Police Force has officially recognized three virtual policing platforms, warning citizens against engaging with unauthorized and fraudulent alternatives.  The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi stated this in a statement issued on Thursday. Adejobi said the  move  was aimed at  ensuring  the safety and security of the public in the digital realm. He said the approved virtual policing applications and websites including the NPF Rescue Me Application, were available on Android and iOS, designed for emergency situations.  He added that the  NPF Central Motor Registry website has also been sanctioned,…

Peculiar Tonkumoh In a significant move to recover outstanding tax liabilities, the Governor of Akwa Ibom, Umo Eno, ordered the closure of three banks within the state, owing a collective sum of N228.6 million to the government.  This decision was made following the failure of the banks to remit their tax obligations to the state government. The affected financial institutions include two branches of Keystone Bank, situated at Abak Road and Ikot Ekpene Road in Uyo, and Heritage Bank, located on Aka Road in Uyo. The enforcement action was executed by the Board’s Enforcement and Recovery Department, prompted by a…

By Israel Adeleke Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, a former minister of education and solid minerals, expressed her view on Thursday about the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election, describing it as a ‘judicial sanctioning of wrongdoing.’ Ezekwesili, who also served as the former Vice President for the Africa division at the World Bank, shared her perspective on her X handle (formerly Twitter) shortly after the apex court’s ruling. She wrote: “Now we all understand the true nature of a Criminal Enterprise Gang. Some might wonder, “Where is the hope now?” because what other…

Israel Adeleke The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigerians paid more for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) in September 2023. The organization, which released the data on its website, provided the Executive Summary for Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Cooking Gas) Price Watch for September 2023. The report indicates that the average retail price for refilling a 5kg and a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 1.81% and 0.58%, respectively, on a month-on-month basis. According to the report, on a month-on-month basis, the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of cooking gas rose from N4,115.32 in…

Fawaz Adebisi & Israel Adeleke The Ogun State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) celebrated its annual Physicians’ Week with a scientific conference on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.  The conference, which held virtually, was themed “This is Our Chance To Get It Right in the Health Sector,” and was attended by over 30 physicians from different specialties and backgrounds. The keynote speaker was the former honourable commissioner for health, Ogun State, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, who is also a renowned public health expert. Ipaye who spoke on the role of NMA in managing the theme, challenged the physicians to think…

Daud Olatunji  In a significant development in the ongoing legal battle over the Ibadan beaded crown crisis, Justice M. O. Adegbola of the Ibadan High Court has issued an order for substituted service on the Olubadan of Ibadan and 11 other defendants. The court’s decision comes as a result of the inability to serve the court process to the defendants through conventional means. The lawsuit, initiated by former Governor of Oyo state, Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, has garnered considerable attention as it challenges the legitimacy of the coronation of the 11 newly appointed Obas. Barrister M. O. Folorunso, the lawyer…

Israel Adeleke  The Vice-Chancellor of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Professor Oluwole S. Banjo, emphasized the importance of embracing modern administrative trends for efficient service delivery in the 21st century. He made this statement during the opening session of a 5-day training program for principal and administrative officers of public, private, and corporate organizations in the South-West of Nigeria on Tuesday. The workshop, characterized by intensive sessions, collaborative discussions, and interactive workshops, aims to encourage innovative thinking, challenge existing norms, and develop creative solutions to the challenges faced by organizations in the modern era. In his compelling speech…

By Israel Adeleke A man identified as Alhaji Tijani Yakubu was lynched by enraged youths in Kabusa village, Abuja, on allegations of causing the disappearance of one Emmanuel Danladi’s manhood. The FCT Commissioner of Police, Haruna Garba, revealed this while addressing journalists at the command’s headquarters on Wednesday. He mentioned that police officers from Kabusa Division rescued the injured victim and transported him and the complainant to the hospital for medical attention and examination. However, Alhaji Tijani was declared dead by the attending doctor, while Emmanuel Danladi’s genitalia was confirmed to be intact and functional. The commissioner stated that the…