Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji The Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, Ogun State, Dr. Mukaila Akinde has said  the economic challenges facing Nigeria is the combination of a high rate of unemployment and high inflation that is called “stag inflation”. Dr. Akinde,a distinguished Financial Expert had  his Ph.D. in Finance, said  Nigeria is not facing  inflation problem contrary to what many experts were saying . The Rector further explained that ‘stag-inflation’ is the simultaneous surge in unemployment and inflation rates. Akinde said  this at  a press conference held to herald the 21st convocation ceremony where  no fewer than 10,477 students would be…

In a compelling open letter addressed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, three distinguished Nigerian professors – Afolabi Soyode, Jonathan Fabunmi, and Isaac Agbede – have sounded a crucial warning about the grave impact of herders and kidnappers on the nation’s agriculture.  The trio emphasized that any efforts to boost agricultural output through incentives would be futile if the persistent menace of herders and kidnappers roaming farmlands is not swiftly addressed. Drawing attention to the escalating insecurity, the professors praised the Federal Government’s move to establish state police as a step in the right direction.  They believe that this initiative will…

In a move to curb alleged illegal and illicit transactions, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, has banned the use of Point of Sale (POS) machines and other electronic mobile money transaction devices within police stations and facilities across Nigeria. The announcement was made by Police spokesperson Olumuyiwa Adejobi, who stated that the decision followed public outcry over purported corrupt practices involving POS machine operators and certain police operatives. Adejobi emphasized that the ban aims to uphold the integrity and security of police operations, prevent corruption, and maintain discipline within the Force.  The directive applies to all police officers,…

The Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH) in Okitipupa, Ondo state, faced disruptions during its second convocation ceremony as workers, part of the Joint Action Committee of all Tertiary Institutions, protested against the Ondo State government’s failure to pay the N35,000 wage award. Brandishing placards with messages such as “Pay us wage award” and “Wage award is our right,” the workers expressed their dissatisfaction with the non-payment of the wage award and other pending allowances.  The ongoing strike by state-owned institutions’ workers, initiated a week ago, added momentum to the demonstration. Comrade Dayo Temola, the state Chairman of…

Former British Council Director in Abuja, David Roberts, stated that Nigeria’s economy, which recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 3.46% in Quarter 4, cannot be deemed in disarray. Roberts, who made this remark on Monday, emphasized the need for Nigeria to enhance its regulatory institutions, including measures to counter corruption, in the face of the current economic reality.  According to him, Nigeria has sound policies in place and should take steps to build confidence in its capacity to regulate and renew efforts to identify and eradicate corrupt practices. “I lived and worked in Nigeria for many years as…

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to provide transparency regarding the reported resurgence of the fuel subsidy programme. This follows recent claims by Robert Dickerman, CEO of Pinnacle Oil, stating that the Tinubu-led government continues to disburse N1 trillion monthly for petrol subsidy. In response to this revelation, Falana urged Tinubu to be open about the economic strategy instead of imposing the burden of fuel subsidy elimination on Nigerians.  He also raised concerns about the lack of response from entities like the World Bank, IMF, and…

NLC Protes,  Mere Distraction, Says Ministe Kennedy-Ohanenye, has criticized the recent protest staged by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), denouncing it as a “mere distraction” from the critical issues facing the country. Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the need for “constructive ways” to address the challenges plaguing the nation.  She questioned the efficacy of the NLC protest, stating, “Now that NLC has gone out to protest, what have they done? It’s just a mere distraction of the federal government, but the kind of action that you people (Integrity Brigade) will take, you will…

In a recent development at the federal high court in Lagos, charges against 19 Bureau de Change (BDC) operators have been dismissed following the withdrawal of the case by the police. The BDC operators, including individuals such as Ibrahim Jubril, Abdullahi Abubakar, and others, were apprehended in various locations across Lagos on February 21 during a joint operation involving police operatives, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Charged with “conspiracy, unlawful operation of forex trading as BDC operators without a license from regulatory agencies, and deriving various sums of money from such unauthorized…

In a tragic incident, a Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) employee, identified as Kingsley, lost his life on Monday while performing repairs on a 33KVA line. The unfortunate event unfolded in Evwreni community, situated in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Kingsley was reportedly electrocuted while attempting to reconnect a damaged cable on a high-tension line responsible for transmitting electricity to Uwheru, Patani, Bomadi, and other communities across the state. A source from Evwreni, speaking anonymously, shared insights into the incident, revealing that Kingsley, a resident of the community, faced an untimely demise when electricity was unexpectedly…

The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) took a significant step in the fight against drug trafficking on Monday.  They handed over 120 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana, valued at N704.5 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Comptroller Salefu Odaudu, the Customs Area Controller for WMC, disclosed that the 120 sacks contained a total of 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N704.5 million.  These seizures resulted from three separate operations conducted at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme borders…