Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Israel Adeleke The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that the average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) for the month of September 2023 was N626.21, indicating a 226.75% increase when compared to the value recorded in September 2022 (N191.65). The organization released the data on its website, stating that it is the Executive summary for Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for September 2023. The report also showed that the average price decreased by 0.08% from N626.70 in August 2023. This implies that consumers paid slightly less for Petrol in September than in August,…

Daud Olatunji In a powerful address at the ‘Canada Trade Mission ’24’ pre-conference session, Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Pelican Valley Nigeria Limited, not only highlighted the vast potential of the real estate business but also revealed the remarkable impact of integrity.  Adeyemo’s integrity at Pelican Valley had earned him a 10-year Canadian visa, demonstrating the critical role of trust and transparency in the real estate industry, especially in attracting Nigerian investors from the diaspora. Dr. Adeyemo began his address by emphasizing the opportunities inherent in real estate investment. He shared his personal journey, showcasing how…

In a resounding call to protect Nigeria’s heritage and promote local industries, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has implored the Federal Government (FG) to ban the importation of Chinese adire fabrics into the country.  This plea came during his opening speech at the ‘Canada Trade Mission ’24’ pre-conference session held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital. Obasanjo’s concern stems from the potential “bastardization” of the local adire market by Chinese imports.  He emphasized the need for measures to preserve the rich tradition of adire fabric production in Nigeria and advocated for the revival of the nation’s textile industry to ensure a…

Israel Adeleke The Navratri festival, a nine-night celebration of the Hindu goddess Durga, has claimed the lives of 10 people who collapsed while performing the Garba dance in Gujarat, India. The Garba dance is a traditional folk dance that involves spinning and clapping in a circle, symbolizing the cycle of life and the womb of the goddess. According to a local TV news channel, more than 500 ambulance calls were made in 24 hours as people felt chest pain, breathlessness, and dizziness during the dance. The government has issued an alert and asked the organizers of Garba events to take…

Israel Adeleke A Zimbabwean pastor of the United Methodist Church (UMC), Reverend Oscar Mukahanana, has taken his own life after an audio recording of his sexual encounter with a young woman from his church was leaked on a WhatsApp group. The reverend who was the District Superintendent of Harare East, was found dead on Friday, apparently after hanging himself. In the audio clip, which was widely circulated among church members, Mukahanana can be heard talking to the said woman about how much he enjoyed their session and how he was looking forward to seeing her again. He also mentioned that…

Israel Adeleke In a bid to save costs and prioritize development projects, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has announced a suspension of foreign trips for top government officials. The Governor also said that virtual meetings would be preferred for international business and investment events, unless there is an emergency situation that requires his approval. According to a statement issued on Monday by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the Governor gave these directives at the State Executive Council meeting on Thursday, where he also outlined key policy guidelines for the governance of the state. The meeting, which was attended by all members…

Israel Adeleke The Katsina State Government has paid more than N640.6 million in scholarship allowances to about 47,935 fresh and continuing indigenous students of the state for the 2020/2021 and the 2021/2022 academic session. Governor Dikko Radda, announced this on Monday at a disbursement event, where he also reiterated his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of the students and ensuring timely payment of their scholarships in tertiary institutions. He said that his government would also sponsor some of the best students to study abroad, so that they could acquire the necessary exposure and skills to provide quality leadership for…

Fawaz Adebisi The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Saka Matemilola, has declared the commencement of the annual “Odun Omo Olowu” festival, a week-long celebration of the culture and heritage of the Owu people. The monarch revealed that the festival, which runs from October 23rd to October 28th, 2023, would feature various events and activities aimed at promoting unity, pride, and development in the kingdom. One of the highlights of the festival is the collaboration between the Olowu and the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) and the Nigerian Security & Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) to address the menace of substance abuse,…

Israel Adeleke In a concerning revelation, Dr. Azim Adekunle Ashimi, Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in Ogun State, disclosed that a staggering 33 women in Nigeria develop cervical cancer daily, with 22 tragically losing their lives to the disease.  Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Physicians Week held at the Doctors’ House in Lukosi, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Monday, October 23, 2023, Dr. Ashimi shed light on the pressing issue of cervical cancer affecting Nigerian women. Dr. Ashimi emphasized that annually, Nigeria records approximately 12,000 new cases of cervical cancer, resulting in around 8,000 fatalities.  This…

In a landmark decision aimed at addressing the growing issue of poverty within Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light for the creation of a groundbreaking Humanitarian and Poverty Alleviation Trust Fund.  The announcement was made by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, following the Federal Executive Council meeting held at the Presidential Villa. The primary objective of this trust fund is to alleviate poverty in Nigeria, and the government has set an ambitious annual target of $5 billion for it.  This funding will be crucial in providing assistance to those in need and responding effectively to…