Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a significant move to reduce gas flaring and boost economic growth, the Federal Government of Nigeria has chosen 42 companies to participate in the 2022 Nigerian Gas Flare Commercialisation Programme.  The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) made this announcement in Abuja. Out of the 42 selected companies, 38 have been awarded 40 individual flare sites for standalone development, while four will develop nine sites as clusters.  Additionally, reserve bidders have been designated in case the primary awardees fail to meet stipulated terms and conditions. This development follows the restructuring of the gas flare commercialisation program in the third…

In a welcome turn of events, the Eko Electricity Distribution Company has announced the restoration of power supply across the entire nation.  This comes after a widespread blackout paralyzed Nigeria following a total collapse of the electricity grid in the early hours of Thursday morning. The grid failure, which occurred at approximately 12:40 a.m. on September 14, 2023, had led to a significant loss of electricity supply to power distributors nationwide.  Multiple sources within the power sector and electricity distribution companies confirmed the severity of the issue. Both the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company Plc and the Eko Electricity Distribution Company…

Daud Olatunji In a compelling address to the Nigerian public, Ms. YAN Yuqing, the Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, refuted claims of Taiwan’s right to join the United Nations.  Ms. Yan emphasized the historical ties between Taiwan and China, the global recognition of the One-China principle, and China’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ms. Yan laid out the historical foundation for China’s claims to Taiwan, highlighting its ancient ties and a legacy of Chinese governance dating back centuries.  Taiwan’s status as part of China’s territory was affirmed through various historical records,…

In a stark revelation,the Coordinator of the National Counter-Terrorism Centre in the Office of the National Security Adviser, Rear Admiral Yaminu Musa (retd.), has exposed the unsettling link between ransom payments to kidnappers and the financing of terrorism.  This revelation came to light during the “Anti-Kidnap Multi-Agency Fusion Cell Media and Communication workshop,” jointly organized by the ONSA and the British High Commission in Abuja. Musa emphasized, “Kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a significant source of funding for terrorism, not only within Nigeria but also across the Sahel region. “You will agree with me that proceeds of kidnap for…

In a recent announcement, the Federal Government has issued a warning of potentially heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding in 48 towns across 13 states, spanning from September 13 to September 17, 2023.  This alert comes as the water levels of River Benue and River Niger are expected to rise significantly, posing a threat to communities along their banks, extending up to Bayelsa State.  Residents in these areas are urged to take precautionary measures to safeguard themselves and their properties. This critical information was revealed in the flood prediction report, which was released by the National Flood Early Warning…

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, Ogun State reaffirms its commitment to providing free education by declaring the collection of fees in public primary and secondary schools illegal. Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, the Special Adviser to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Education, Science, and Technology, made this announcement during the 2023/2024 Academic Session Pre-Resumption Meeting with education stakeholders in Abeokuta. Arigbabu emphasized that the government’s free education policy was still in effect and covered the costs of materials, maintenance, and facility provision in schools.  He stated, “The present administration at inception canceled all forms of payment to encourage children to have access…

Yusuf Anas, a former police officer who had been dismissed from the force, found himself in handcuffs once again. This time, he’s accused of impersonation and theft by the vigilant officers of the Nigeria Police Force, Zone 17 in Akure, Ondo State. Anas’ alleged misdeeds unraveled when he purchased a mobile phone from a store and, cunningly, sent a counterfeit bank transfer alert to the seller, falsely indicating that he had successfully transferred the payment. The suspect’s checkered history reveals that he entered the Force as a Constable back in 2016 and served in Sokoto and Lagos states before being…

In a strategic move aimed at expanding its global footprint, Fidelity Bank has successfully acquired Union Bank UK plc, assuming full ownership of the entity.  The announcement was made by Ezinwa Unuigboje, the board secretary of Fidelity Bank, during a statement to the Nigerian Exchange. This acquisition marks a significant milestone for Fidelity Bank, as it now holds 100 percent ownership of Union Bank UK plc, following the approval of the Bank of England’s Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) for the change of control.  Fidelity Bank’s ambitious international expansion plans have received a green light, with the Central Bank of Nigeria…

In a groundbreaking move, MTN, in collaboration with Huawei and Baze University, is set to usher in a new era of education in Nigeria through their 5G partnership.  Lynda Saint-Nwafor, MTN’s Chief Enterprise Officer, envisions a limitless future for Nigeria’s education sector with the advent of 5G technology.  During a recent tripartite event held in Abuja, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed, paving the way for the launch of 5G education in the country. Saint-Nwafor emphasized that this partnership represents a shared vision and commitment among the three organizations.  She stated, “The partnership with Baze University, Huawei, and MTN…

In a harrowing revelation, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has exposed the devastating toll inflicted by rampant bandit attacks in various parts of Kaduna State over the past four years.  The chilling statistics, unveiled during a critical meeting aimed at restoring confidence, expose the grim reality faced by the Christian community in the region. Reverend Joseph Hayab, the Chairman of CAN in Kaduna State, delivered the grim news, disclosing that more than 200 churches have been forcibly shuttered, and 23 pastors have lost their lives due to the unrelenting violence perpetrated by bandits.  The situation has reached a point…