Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Unity Bank Plc has demonstrated robust financial performance in the first half of 2023, with gross earnings reaching an impressive N333.38 billion.  This marks a noteworthy two percent increase from the N327.42 billion recorded in H1’2022, as disclosed in the bank’s half-year unaudited financial statement submitted to the Nigeria Exchange Group Limited. During the same period, Unity Bank’s gross income climbed to N27.5 billion, compared to N27.4 billion, while its total assets increased to N512.1 billion from N510.1 billion, showcasing the bank’s steady growth. One notable aspect of the report is the significant 31 percent reduction in the net…

Nine suspects have been docked for allegedly participating in the abduction of Prof. Ekanem Ephraim, a lead consultant of neurology at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH). The nine suspects were arraigned on four counts bordering on unlawful possession of dangerous weapons and kidnapping before a Magistrates’ Court in Calabar on Monday. Prof Ekanem Ephraim was kidnapped by four hefty individuals pretending to be patients at her facility around the Atimbo area of Calabar at about 9:00 pm on July 13, 2023. The Cross Rivers chapter of Nigerian Medical Association, NMA had declared a strike over the abduction of…

…NGO Overwhelmed, Empowers 120 Victims … How Police Exploit Us, Our Stories By Street Boys  In the heart of Ogun’s bustling markets and parks lies a hidden darkness that few dare to acknowledge. Behind the colorful stalls of Lafenwa, Kuto, Omida, Sapon,Panseke, Itoku, Adatan, Ijaye, Ifo, and countless others, a tale of lost innocence unfolds. DAUD OLATUNJI has  captured the shocking details of youngsters loitering around the parks and markets in Ogun State, constituting a menace . Here, amidst the chaotic market streets, young boys and girls, mere teenagers, find themselves ensnared in a web of despair.  These once-bright…

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has showered praise on Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke for his unique leadership style that combines dancing and diligent governance.  Chief Obasanjo made this endorsement during his address at the 16th Harvest Anniversary and Thanksgiving Service held at the Love of Christ Generation Church C&S in Victoria Island, Lagos State. Chief Obasanjo hailed Governor Adeleke as a leader who isn’t hesitant to express his devotion to God, even while holding the highest office in the state.  He emphasized that dancing and serving God and the people are indeed commendable traits in a leader. The…

Poultry farmers nationwide, with a focus on Lagos State, are facing an existential crisis following the removal of fuel subsidies, Naira devaluation, and a subsequent downturn in the poultry sector.  The Erikorodo Poultry Association, representing these beleaguered farmers, issued a heartfelt plea for immediate government intervention to avert a looming catastrophe. In a statement released on Wednesday, Mrs. Juliana Ibitoye, Chairman of the Erikorodo Poultry Association, implored authorities at all levels to provide essential support directly to farmers within the Erikorodo Poultry Estate. The association laid bare the dire situation, revealing that many of its members have lost their investments…

In a significant stride towards elevating Nigeria’s herbal products to global excellence, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has unveiled its commitment to enhance the quality of herbal medicines.  This pledge was made by the agency’s Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, in honor of the 2023 International Traditional Medicine Day, celebrated annually on August 31 by the United Nations. Adeyeye lauded the unwavering dedication of herbal medicine manufacturers across the nation, emphasizing their remarkable progress from clinical trials to NAFDAC approval stages.  She proudly announced the agency’s formulation of guidelines for Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) in…

Former Adamawa State Governor, Barr Bala Ngilari, has made a startling revelation, expressing disbelief that he would faint if he ever came into possession of one billion naira.  This revelation comes as he reflects on his tumultuous journey through a corruption case that marked a significant chapter in Nigeria’s democratic history. Ngilari, who briefly governed the North Eastern state from October 2014 to May 2015, faced allegations of corruption amounting to N166 million.  He was convicted and imprisoned but later acquitted by the appellate court, becoming the first victim of a court ruling since Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.…

The Directorate of Road Traffic Services (DRTS), Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has said that it resolved to crush impounded motorbikes and tricycles in the FCT because other penalties have not been yielding the desired results. The spokesman of the service, Mr Kalu Emetu, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Abuja. He said that it had become imperative because the payment of fines or other lesser punishments was no longer yielding the desired result. Emetu said that the ban on the use of motorcycles popularly called ‘Okada’, even before the coming…

The Labour Party (LP) is gearing up for the Imo State gubernatorial election on November 11 with a resolute pledge to “Reclaim Imo State” and return it to the people, according to an announcement made by the State Working Committee (SWC) and the Senator Athan Achonu Campaign Organization. This unwavering commitment was conveyed through a statement released by the SWC and the Labour Party Governorship Campaign Council.  The statement, which outlines the party’s determination, was shared with the media in Owerri, the capital of Imo State. The statement declared, “Our campaign is in full gear, and we are fully prepared…

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ignited a firestorm of controversy with its recent decision to increase the prices of prepaid electricity meters, leaving stakeholders fuming. Since the announcement, consumers and critical stakeholders have voiced their vehement opposition to the hike, raising valid concerns.  One major point of contention revolves around the pre-privatisation Service Level Agreement (SLA) in which Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) pledged to attract foreign investors to the metering sector. NERC’s ‘order,’ signed by Chairman Mr. Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, reveals that a single-phase prepaid meter will now cost N81,975.16, up from N58,661.69, while…