Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, the Anambra State Government has handed over the founder of the Arrows of God Community Children’s Home, Onitsha, Rev D.C Ogo, to the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP). This action follows recent allegations of illegal adoption surrounding the orphanage. Chidinma Ikeanyionwu, the media aide to the state Commissioner for Women and Social Welfare, Ify Obinabo, made this announcement in a statement released on Wednesday. Back in August 2023, the ministry sealed off the orphanage, situated in Nkwelle 33, near Onitsha, in response to accusations of illegal adoption and the…

Daud Olatunji In a harrowing verdict delivered by Justice Winifred Effiong of the Akwa Ibom State High Court, a pastor named Uduak Umoren and his brother, Emmanuel, have been condemned to death by hanging for their involvement in the brutal murder of Iboro Joe.  The tragic incident unfolded over a dispute regarding a piece of land in the Essien Udim Local Government Area of the state. Iboro Joe, a 45-year-old farmer and trader from Ikot Otu, met a gruesome end when he visited his sister-in-law in Adiasim Ikot Ekon to offer condolences on her husband’s passing.  The sister-in-law’s innocent request…

Lawaz Adebisi Residents, including People With Disabilities (PWDs), marketers, and others in Abeokuta South local government in Ogun State, have hailed the state governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the nation president, Bola Tinubu, as they get their palliatives. The palliatives were given to them on Wednesday at the local government secretariat, Abeokuta, Ogun state. Recall that the federal government disbursed N72 billion in palliatives to all 36 states in the country to mitigate the effects of the removal of the fuel subsidy. Speaking at the event, the LG Chairman, Hon. Omolaja Majekodunmi, assured that the palliatives would be distributed to everyone…

In a compelling address at the launch of the “Recycling Waste to Wealth Challenge” in Abeokuta, Nigeria, United States Consul General Will Stevens shed light on a critical issue plaguing African nations – the growing trend of military takeovers triggered by leaders unwilling to relinquish power after their terms expire. Stevens, while addressing students at the Abeokuta Window on America within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, emphasized that Africa faces an array of formidable challenges, encompassing climate change, food insecurity, and more.  He underscored that democratic stability remains the linchpin to resolving these issues. The Recycling Waste to Wealth Challenge,…

Fareedah Ogundairo In a remarkable celebration of World Teachers Day, IAS Unique Homes and Property, a prominent real estate firm in Ogun State, honoured the exceptional educator Olajide Omobolanle at Lisabi  Grammar School, Abeokuta South. The  Real Estate  firm  honoured the 2023 best teacher in the council  by presenting a plot of land valued at N500,000 . She  was recognized as the Best Teacher of the Year 2023. The event, held at Lisabi Grammar School in Idiaba, gathered distinguished educators and dignitaries to acknowledge the vital role teachers play in students’ lives.  Comrade Sunday Ogunniyi, Chairman of the Academic Staff…

In a groundbreaking announcement, the University of Abuja (UniAbuja) is set to require all prospective students to undergo drug tests as part of the admission process.  The Vice-Chancellor of UniAbuja, Prof. Abdul-Rasheed Na’allah, unveiled this initiative during the university’s 27th pre-convocation briefing on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.  Collaborating with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), UniAbuja aims to combat drug abuse among students and provide rehabilitation where needed. Prof. Na’allah emphasized the importance of assessing students’ drug status to ensure a drug-free environment on campus. Remarkably, students found involved in drug abuse will not face expulsion but instead…

Daud Olatunji In a dramatic turn of events at the Senate’s plenary session on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, Balarabe Lawal, the ministerial nominee who slumped during his screening, has been officially confirmed as a minister.  President Bola Tinubu had forwarded Lawal’s nomination, along with those of two other candidates, leading to their thorough scrutiny by the Senate. Lawal, hailing from Kaduna State, was successfully confirmed as a minister, alongside Dr. Jamila Ibrahim representing Kwara State and Ayodele Olawande from Ondo State. Previously reported by The Star, Lawal’s screening was marked by his sudden collapse, which prompted a closed-door session.  However,…

Fawaz Adebisi In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a pregnant woman, and a tricycle operator met a tragic end during a high-speed pursuit involving a vehicle and officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA). The incident unfolded yesterday in the Ago Okota area of Isolo Local Government Area, Lagos State, sending shockwaves throughout the community. According to eyewitnesses at the scene, the ill-fated chain of events began when a vigilant LASTMA official stationed at Okota roundabout signaled for a Toyota Sienna MPV to pull over, suspecting a violation of traffic regulations. The situation quickly escalated as the official,…

Fawaz Adebisi A Kaduna State Chief Magistrates’ Court handed down an eight-month prison sentence to teenager Kefas Dauda on Wednesday. Dauda, a resident of the Barnawa area in Kaduna, found himself in this predicament due to the theft of a laptop and two cellphones, which collectively amounted to over N700,000. Charged with trespass and theft, Dauda, upon entering a plea of guilty, faced the stern judgment of Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel, who left him with no option of a fine. Additionally, he was ordered to either compensate the complainant, Williams Timothy, with the sum of N237,450 or return the stolen phones.…

Fawaz Adebisi In a startling turn of events, the Adamawa State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 36-year-old man, Jaafar Adamu, who stands accused of raping his neighbor’s wife in the Hong Local Government Area of the state. The official statement, signed by the command’s spokesperson, SP Suleiman Yahaya-Nguroje, and released in Yola, the state capital, details the arrest, which took place on September 15. According to Yahaya-Nguroje, the suspect, while wearing a face mask, committed the heinous act against the 23-year-old wife of his neighbor in Angwan Diocese Kala’a in Hong town. However, according to the statement,…