Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Platform Times is a trailblazing news website that empowers grassroots communities across Africa by delivering the latest news through engaging multimedia content. By leveraging photos, text, and videos, the site inspires concerned citizens and activists worldwide to take action against critical issues, including corruption, poverty, environmental degradation, and democratic disregard.

In the aftermath of the accidental bombing in Tundun Biri, Kaduna State, Islamic Clerics hailing from the Northern region, united under the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, engaged in a closed-door meeting with the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa. The tragic incident, which claimed over 100 innocent lives and left dozens injured, prompted a crucial dialogue between religious leaders and the military. PLATFORM TIMES had reported the devastating accidental airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Army, intensifying concerns about civilian casualties in conflict zones.  In response to these concerns, the Northern clerics, led by Dr Bashir Aliyu…

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In a bid to address Nigeria’s escalating debt burden, the Tax Justice and Governance Platforms (TJ&GP) has urged the Federal Government to engage citizens in the oversight of tax waivers granted to multinational corporations and organizations. This plea was made during the Stakeholders Validation Session of a research report titled ‘Tax Expenditures and Its Implications on Debt Management and Sustainability in Nigeria,’ organized by CISLAC and Christian Aid in Abuja. The coalition, consisting of prominent organizations such as ActionAid Nigeria, Christian Aid, CDD, IBP, CISLAC, NLC, and Oxfam, emphasized the need for reducing reliance on international loans and strictly adhering…

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In a relentless effort to maintain law and order, the Joint Task Force operating under the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) crushed 639 commercial motorcycles on Thursday for operating illegally in the capital city.  This recent action brings the total number of impounded and crushed motorcycles between August and December to a significant 1,509. The impounded motorcycles, strategically captured at various spots in the city center including Airport road, Gudu, Lokogoma, and Games Village, were subjected to the crushing process as part of the ongoing commitment to eliminating illegal commercial motorcycle operations within the FCT. Mr. Abdulateef Bello, the Director…

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The Federal Government has vehemently dismissed the World Bank’s assertion that Nigeria is still paying subsidies on petrol, declaring that the era of petrol subsidies is “gone for good.” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this, saying that President Bola Tinubu has been steadfast in his commitment to ending subsidy payments since his first day in office. In an exclusive interview on Channels TV, Minister Idris asserted that the removal of the subsidy has led to a substantial increase in revenue flowing into the federation account. Contrary to the World Bank’s suggestion, he declared, “Subsidy is gone,…

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The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YIEC) has officially proposed a budget of N500 million for the forthcoming local government council election.  The election, initially slated for November 25, has been rescheduled to take place on May 25, 2024, according to the announcement made by Dr Mamman Muhammad, the executive chairman of the commission. Dr Mamman Muhammad disclosed this information during a stakeholders meeting held in Damaturu, the state capital.  He emphasized that the commission is dedicated to ensuring a credible, free, fair, and peaceful election process at the grassroots level.  To facilitate this, political parties will be issued election…

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In an escalating political crisis, Rivers State is witnessing a wave of resignations within Governor Sim Fubara’s cabinet, adding further instability to the already tumultuous landscape.  The latest casualties are the Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Alabo, and the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Aguma, who both submitted their resignations on Thursday. Alabo, in a letter addressed to Governor Fubara, cited his decision as being anchored in his conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics.  “I appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers State as Commissioner for Works,” he expressed. Similarly, Aguma attributed her resignation to…

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In  a momentous develooment, the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (ANBROAD) Ogun State Chapter has extended warm congratulations to Elder Goke Babalola and Dr. Adeyinka Adegbite on their recent appointments as the General Manager and Assistant General Manager, respectively, of Fresh 107.9 FM Abeokuta. The announcement was made through a press statement issued on Thursday by Gbenga Goke-Fadiran, the Chairman of the Steering Committee for ANBROAD Ogun Chapter.  He expressed the association’s profound excitement for the well-deserved promotions, emphasizing the profound impact that both individuals have had on the broadcasting industry. “Your appointment, which are well deserved and merit-driven, is in…

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In a remarkable display of Corporate Social Responsibility, Dangote Cement Plc. has inaugurated a health center and various projects in its host communities in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun.  The projects were unveiled during the company’s annual Community Day celebrations at Ibese, where the Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, handed over these initiatives to the communities. Addressing the gathering, Nawabuddin emphasized the significance of the occasion, marking a day dedicated to celebrating the company’s achievements in 2023 and expressing gratitude to the host communities for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the prevalent socio-economic challenges faced globally and in Nigeria,…

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In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the Nigerian civil service, the federal government has suspended the salaries of 686 civil servants due to unverified records on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).  This action is part of a broader initiative to streamline the country’s payroll system and eradicate ghost workers. The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, revealed this development in a statement issued by Mohammed Ahmed, the director of Communication for the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, on Wednesday. Earlier in the year, 59,201…

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Daud Olatunji A recent World Bank report has brought to light the alarming increase in poverty levels in Nigeria, with the number of poor people surging from 95 million in 2021 to a staggering 104 million in 2022. This revelation follows data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, indicating a steady rise from 82.9 million in 2019 to 85.2 million in 2020. The World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update titled ‘Turning the Corner: Time to Move From Reforms to Results’ underscores the critical need to sustain reform momentum. While acknowledging the Federal Government’s bold steps in implementing economic and fiscal reforms,…

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