Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji The Federal Government of Nigeria has confirmed that no ransom was paid for the safe release of 137 pupils kidnapped from Kuriga, Chikun Local Government Area, Kaduna State. Speaking to journalists after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, emphasized that the government remained steadfast in its commitment not to negotiate with kidnappers.  He reiterated President Muhammadu Buhari’s stance on refusing to yield to ransom demands. Idris expressed gratitude for the role played by security services in ensuring the safe return of the abducted children.…

Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has issued a resolute caution to local government (LG) chairmen within the state, accentuating the looming presence of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and advocating against financial malpractice.  Governor Alia’s stern admonition came during the commencement of a two-day workshop titled ‘Responsive Local Government Leadership for Effective Local Government Administration in Benue State.’ Governor Alia’s address underscored the imperative for accountability, integrity, and transparency among LG chairmen.  He emphasized the potential repercussions of financial mismanagement, urging chairmen to regard Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) and taxes as communal assets aimed at bolstering citizen welfare.…

In a bid to avert a potential crisis, the Independent Hajj Reporters (IHR), a prominent civil society organization (CSO), has called upon the federal and state governments to intervene by subsidizing hajj fares for Nigerian pilgrims, ensuring their participation in the upcoming 2024 pilgrimage. The urgency of the situation arose after the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) announced a significant increase of N1.9 million to the hajj fare, with a mere four-day window provided for payment.  This decision, following the initial approval of N4.9 million as the 2024 hajj fare, has raised concerns among intending pilgrims. Ibrahim Mohammed, the…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has taken a significant step to alleviate the burden on consumers by reducing the depot price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), commonly known as petrol, from N640 per litre to N630 per litre. In a strategic move aimed at ensuring affordability and accessibility, NNPCL announced plans to directly sell to independent marketers, bypassing the traditional route through private depots.  This initiative is expected to empower final consumers to access petrol at more economical rates. Abubakar Maigandi, President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), confirmed these developments and underscored NNPC’s…

The Osun command of the south-west security network, Amotekun, has made a significant arrest, capturing a 26-year-old commercial bus driver suspected of abducting a 15-year-old girl in Osogbo, the capital of the state. Bashir Adewinmbi, the commander of Amot gekun in Osun, revealed on Monday that the girl had boarded the suspect’s bus on Saturday, only to mysteriously find herself at the suspect’s residence instead of her intended destination. According to Adewinmbi, the victim reported that she regained consciousness as the driver was allegedly attempting to assault her sexually.  She further stated that when she resisted, the suspect produced a…

The Coalition of Northern Groups (CNG) has intensified its pressure on the Nigerian government and security forces, urging them to maintain vigilance until all remaining captives held by terrorists are freed. This call comes following the release of pupils abducted from Kuriga in the Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, North-West Nigeria. The CNG, led by its national coordinator, Jamilu Aliyu Charanchi, expressed satisfaction with the successful release of the abducted schoolchildren aged five to 18, who were kidnapped on March 7 from Kuriga primary and secondary schools. The group commended the efforts of various stakeholders involved in ensuring…

The Federal Government has initiated a manhunt for Nadeem Anjarwalla, an executive of Binance, who escaped from custody. The Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) confirmed Anjarwalla’s flight, stating that he fled on Friday. Zakari Mijinyawa, Head of Strategic Communication at ONSA, announced in a statement on Monday that preliminary investigations revealed Anjarwalla left Nigeria using a smuggled passport. Efforts are underway, in collaboration with relevant security agencies and international partners, to locate and apprehend the suspect. Interpol has been engaged to secure an international arrest warrant for Anjarwalla. Mijinyawa revealed that individuals responsible for Anjarwalla’s custody have been…

MEDIA RELEASE Eminent Nigerians, Governors, Legislators, Leaders to Thought, Traditional Rulers, Others Demand New Democratic People’s Constitution For Nigeria instead of Amendments …..2014 National Confab, 1963 Constitution, Constituent Assembly, National Reconciliation in focus ……..High-powered Team to Engage the Presidency, National Assembly and Political Leaders COMMUNIQUE OF THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTIONAL DIALOGUE ON THE FUTURE OF NIGERIA ORGANISED BY THE PATRIOTS ON A SUITABLE DEMOCRATIC CONSTITUTION FOR NIGERIA. Preamble: The Patriots, a group of eminent Nigerian leaders of thought led by Chief Emeka Anyaoku, GCON, CFR (former Commonwealth Secretary-General), hosted a national dialogue (Colloquium) to commemorate 10 years Anniversary of the 2014…

By Olufemi Idowu-Adegoke The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) is the world’s highest level decision-making body on the environment, with a universal membership of all 193 UN Member States. Created in 2012, as a result of decades of international efforts ­initiated at the UN Conference on the Human Environment in Stockholm in 1972, which was aimed at creating an effective system of international environmental governance. The assembly meets biennially to set priorities for global environmental policies, develop international environmental laws, and serve as the governing body of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). The Sixth Session of the Assembly (UNEA-6)…

In a bid to reclaim Lagos State from what they describe as a 25-year-old occupation by non-indigenes from other South West states, De Renaissance Patriots Foundation held a strategic virtual meeting, hosted by Major General Leo Segun Ajiborisha, former Principal Staff Officer (PSO) to the Head of State during General Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd)’s military regime. The meeting, convened on Sunday, March 24th, 2024, saw the attendance of prominent members of the steering committee, including Major General Tajudeen Olanrewaju (Rtd), Alternate Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BOT), Prince Adelani Adeniji-Adele, President of the Foundation, and Mr. Yomi Tokosi, Secretary General,…