Author: Platform Times Newspaper

 Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have uncovered an illegal weapons manufacturing factory in the Pakachi community of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau. Capt. James Oya, the media officer of the operation, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos. Mr Oya explained that the troops also recovered various types of arms and ammunition and arrested one suspect during the operation. ”In our determination to clear troubled areas of Plateau from criminal activities, our troops during clearance operations on rugged mountainous terrain discovered an isolated structure which turned out to be a weapon fabrication factory situated on high…

Ayomide Shoboyejo & Azeezat  Subair Medical experts have  expressed  concern over the poor health conditions of many traditional birth attendants in Ogun state.  The experts, including the Medical Director of Oasis Hospital in Ifo, Timothy Olugbode, and the Medical Director of Moonlight Medicals in Abeokuta, Akeem Ajiboye, spoke on Tuesday at a one-day Health Workshop organized by the Accurate Creative Minds Foundation in Abeokuta, the state capital. The duo addressed the topic “Holistic Health For Healthcare Providers In The Private Sector” and advised midwives and traditional birth attendants at the event to prioritize their health.  As a special guest, Olugbode…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMET) has  issued a cautionary statement, announcing that the current spell of excessive heat in the country is expected to persist.  The advisory, posted on NiMET’s official platform on Wednesday, outlined the implications of the soaring temperatures and offered guidance to the public on coping strategies. According to NiMET, air temperatures have soared to 41°C in the North and 39°C in the South, with model projections indicating a continuation of the high temperatures in the upcoming days. On the Implications of the Heatwave,the agency highlighted potential consequences, including dehydration leading to fainting, chickenpox disease, measles, heat…

The Chairman, Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council and Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar lll, on Wednesday, expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating socio-economic conditions and escalating insecurity in Nigeria, particularly in the northern region. He said this during the 6th Executive Committee Meeting of the Northern Traditional Rulers’ Council at the Arewa House in Kaduna state. Highlighting the current economic downturn causing immense hardship for Nigerians, Sultan Abubakar emphasized the critical nature of the situation. He stated, “We are sitting on a keg of gunpowder, having teeming youths, millions of them, without jobs, without food; we are looking…

In a united stance, the Trade Union Congress  and the Nigeria Labour Congress have strongly opposed the recent ban on sachet alcoholic drinks, branding it as  an anti-people policy designed to undermine local manufacturing companies. The labour unions argued that this policy exacerbates the existing economic challenges faced by Nigerians.  The ban, enforced by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), encompasses the production, distribution, and sales of alcoholic beverages in sachets, PET, and glass bottles of 200ml and below. Distillers and labour unions across the nation have voiced their discontent through repeated protests following the…

In a bid to address the prevailing economic challenges faced by the residents of Ogun State, Governor Dapo Abiodun has announced a comprehensive N5 billion intervention fund spanning various sectors. The governor, speaking from his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, disclosed the phased initiatives designed to alleviate the economic burdens citizens are grappling with.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  measures include education support grants for students, a health insurance scheme, clearing backlog salary deductions for workers, and the distribution of food palliatives. Governor Abiodun acknowledged the nationwide protests triggered by rising food prices, the depreciation of the naira, and the removal…

On this day of remembrance for the late Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation (MMF) is calling on the government to revisit his policies and programmes as a source of inspiration to address the current socio-economic challenges in Nigeria. Dr. Aisha Muhammad-Oyebode, CEO of the Murtala Muhammed Foundation, in a statement commemorating the 48th anniversary of Gen. Muhammed’s death, stressed the importance of reexamining the policies of the former administration.  She urged the implementation of those relevant to addressing the current challenges faced by Nigerians. The first 200 days of Gen. Muhammed’s administration in 1975/76 witnessed…

In a startling revelation, Dr Martins Agwogie, an expert in drugs and narcotics, expressed concern over the unintended consequences of the government’s sweeping ban on dangerous substances.  Speaking at the inaugural stakeholders’ summit on drug abuse prevention and control in Ilorin, Kwara State, Agwogie disclosed a disturbing trend among drug addicts.  He revealed that, in their desperation for alternatives, addicts are now resorting to cemeteries, where they exhume corpses and grind their bones for sniffable concoctions. “Drug addicts have started going to the cemetery to exhume corpses, grind their bones, and sniff,” Agwogie stated during his keynote address. While acknowledging…

The Master Bakers and Caterers of Nigeria have issued a warning that they will commence a nationwide strike starting February 27 if the Federal government fails to honor the agreement reached in 2020.  The association emphasized the urgent need for the implementation of promised financial support palliatives as part of post-COVID-19 assistance for Small and Medium Enterprises, especially for bakers who have suffered a substantial membership loss exceeding 40%. In a statement delivered on Tuesday by Chief Gabriel Adeniyi, the Kogi State Chairman of the association, on behalf of the National President Alhaji Mansur Umar, said the decision to withdraw…

Civil society groups are calling on governments at all levels to instill confidence among the populace through timely interventions for a swift economic recovery.  The Youth Bureau (TYB), in collaboration with Civil Society Stakeholders, organized an interactive Town Hall meeting at the Lagos Airport Hotel, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 13th February 2024. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the gathering, convened by Razaq Olokoba, aimed to address contemporary socio-economic challenges faced by communities across the nation.  Olokoba emphasized the importance of a stable and peaceful political environment as a prerequisite for economic growth and prosperity. Highlighting the prolonged economic challenges resulting from decades…