Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has lodged an appeal against a federal court’s decision preventing the imposition of fines on broadcast stations.  The appeal, filed in Abuja, contends that Judge James Omotosho erred in upholding the order restricting the agency from imposing fines. In May 2023, the federal high court in Abuja ruled against NBC’s authority to penalise broadcast stations and nullified fines imposed on 45 stations, including Channels Television, TVC, AIT, and NTA, for alleged ethical violations during the 2019 general election.  The fines, set at N500,000 each, were instituted by then director-general Is’haq Kawu. The Media Rights Agenda…

George Akume, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), revealed on Thursday that the government is gearing up to announce a new minimum wage for civil servants. Akume, who represented President Bola Tinubu at a ceremony marking the launch of a new presidential initiative for women’s empowerment, expressed optimism that positive changes are on the horizon. Commending the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development for its efforts in promoting gender equality, Akume encouraged Muslims and Christians to utilize the Lenten period and the upcoming Ramadan to offer prayers for the country and its leadership. Highlighting the nation’s…

Tochi Wigwe, daughter of Herbert Wigwe,the  late Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of Access Holdings Plc, says her father has left enormous shoes to fill following his death. In a tribute to the late businessman on Wednesday, Tochi eulogized Wigwe as a committed and doting father, who was an “unwavering anchor for family and friends.” “In this moment, for the first time, your words resonate deeply within me. No longer do I want to tilt my head and squint my eyes in confusion. You were simply extraordinary,” Tochi said. “You urged me to reach new heights I never even imagined.…

The House of Representatives has resolved to probe the allocation of N200 billion designated for the suspended 2023 population and housing census.  During Thursday’s plenary session, this resolution was passed following the endorsement of a motion brought forward by Clement Akanni, a legislator representing Osun state. Former President Muhammadu Buhari’s government, in April 2023, indefinitely postponed the 2023 national census, originally set to occur nationwide from May 3 to 5.  The National Population Commission (NPC) had indicated the necessity of N200 billion for the census preparation. Isiaka Yahaya, the NPC spokesperson, had previously explained the postponement, citing the intention to…

 The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN)  has raised the alarm  that a staggering 60% of metered customers in the country are bypassing their meters. . The announcement was made by Ali Ahmad, TCN’s General Manager, during the National Institute of Physics’ webinar series 2.0 titled “Policy, Regulatory and Technical Constraints in Achieving Energy Security in Nigeria: The Way Forward.” Ahmad highlighted the significant challenges in achieving energy security, emphasising the limited reach of metering in the country. He said that  out of an estimated population of 230 million, only 13,112,134 Nigerians are officially registered to use electricity, with merely 44.23%…

A 15-year-old boy, whose identity remains undisclosed, has accidentally shot and killed his uncle while playing with his grandfather’s loaded gun. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the sad incident occured  in Ogbotobo community, Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. Sources close to the family revealed that the teenager, known for recreating scenes from movies with the firearm, was unaware that the gun was loaded when he pulled the trigger, leading to the tragic outcome. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the unfortunate event occured  March 6 when the grandfather, Mr. Jamaica Konbofawei, loaded the gun around 3 am in response to…

The Oba of Benin, Oba Ewuare II, has called  for the revival of African brotherhood between Nigerian leaders  and  their  counterparts in neighbouring countries such as Chad, Cameroon, and Niger.  The monarch made this call during a courtesy visit by the Edo State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Mr. Agun Gbenga Joseph, at his Palace in Benin City. He expressed concern that these connections may be complicating the conflict resolution efforts by  the Economic Community of West African States  particularly under the leadership of Chairman President Bola Tinubu of Nigeria. The former Nigerian Ambassador to…

The Federal Polytechnic Ilaro celebrated its 21st Convocation ceremony, presenting a total of 10,477 graduands with National Diplomas and Higher National Diplomas. Of these, an impressive 795 students were certified with distinction grades, showcasing the institution’s commitment to academic excellence. Rector Dr. Mukail Akinde commended the graduating class, emphasizing that all the graduands demonstrated both exemplary character and outstanding academic achievements. The Convocation Statistics revealed noteworthy achievements in various programs, with 179 students earning distinction in the HND program and 164 in the ND programme. The best-performing students were recognized during the ceremony. Sanusi Kehinde Salimot and Sotuminu Elizabeth Temitope…

Jelili Gbadamosi Ogun State Lawyer, Bakare Olajesu was arraigned on Wednesday, before Magistrate Court One in Isabo Abeokuta by the Ogun State Police Command. The high-profile case has generated considerable attention, notably for the notable presence of over ten lawyers flooding the court to support the defendant. Barrister John Olugbenga Banishile shed light on the core of the matter, highlighting allegations of assault and disruptive conduct against Alhaji Fatai Aro, the complainant in this legal tussle. During the proceedings, the defendant’s legal team sought his release on bail, a procedural move permitted by law. However, Banishile’s statement underscored a nuanced…

Daud Olatunji The people behind De Renaissance Patriots, a socio-cultural organisation established to lead a better Lagos State for the state indigenes, have appeared. They say, “We are real and are not faceless people” whose mission has been made clear from the first to third releases they had issued, saying they are not fighting anybody but to ensure that any governorship candidate to be fielded for election by any political party in the state must henceforth be an IBILE Eko person. De Renaissance Patriots Foundation debuted last year with the men behind it proclaiming “Lagos as the land of our…