Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  The Premium BreadMakers Association of Nigeria (PBAN) is taking proactive measures to combat the challenges faced by the baking industry in the midst of the country’s economic downturn.  PBAN, under the leadership of President Engineer Emmanuel Onuorah, is set to convene a crucial gathering of industry stakeholders on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, to devise solutions for the persistent issues plaguing bread production. Engineer Onuorah announced that the event will be chaired by Mr. Boye Olusanya, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of Flour Mills Nigeria Plc, bringing together prominent figures and regulators from the baking industry.  These experts will…

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Peter Akinola Foundation Youth Centre for Industrial Training, Abeokuta, His Grace, Peter Jasper Akinola has explained the rationale for the establishment of the centre. The former primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican) Communion, who spoke during this year graduation ceremony of the vocational centre said that the centre was primarily established to take unemployed Nigerian youths off the streets. He lamented that many Nigerian youths are roaming the streets looking for jobs that are not available. While further explaining the mission of the centre, Akinola said it is all about raising youths, giving…

Daud Olatunji In a significant crackdown on impersonation within Lagos, the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, stationed at Ikeja Cantonment, Lagos, has apprehended five individuals posing as soldiers.  These impostors, Johnson Ayemoba, Salami Olamilekan, Mumammed Bilyaminu, Abijo Taofeek, and Adewale Quadri, were taken into custody following separate incidents in Ojodu Berger, Ikorodu, Ogba, and Ikeja. Their arrests, confirmed by Major Augustine Kolawole, the Director of Public Relations for the 9 Brigade, came during a routine patrol by the Brigade.  The suspects had been causing disruptions, engaging in theft, and sometimes resorting to violence while using military uniforms and…

At least 34 people were killed when a contraband fuel dump burst into flames in southern Benin near the border with Nigeria, a government official said on Saturday. “A serious fire occurred in the town of Seme Podji,” Interior Minister Alassane Seidou told reporters. “Unfortunately we have 34 deaths including two babies. Their bodies are charred because the cause of the fire is smuggled fuel.” AFP

Daud Olatunji The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, expressed concern over the state of custodial centers in Nigeria during a visit by the EU Ambassador, Samuela Isopi. He emphasized that over 70% of the 79,000 inmates are awaiting trial, and an additional 4,000 are unable to pay their fines, resulting in their detention. Tunji-Ojo highlighted the potential for reducing the inmate population by 40% through the exploration of non-custodial alternatives as outlined in the Correctional Service Act.  He said  ” over 70 percent of the 79,000 inmates are awaiting trial. “We have over 4000 inmates in the facilities for their…

Daud Olatunji In a chilling turn of events, Musa Dauda, a former member of the Boko Haram terrorist group who claimed to have repented, has been apprehended by the Borno State Police Command for the alleged murder of his ex-wife, Hafsat Musa, on a farm within the confines of Muhammed Goni Stadium in Maiduguri, the state’s capital. The startling revelation was made public by ASP Sani Kamilu, the spokesperson for the Borno State Police Command.  Kamilu disclosed that Dauda had invited 45-year-old Hafsat to the farm on September 12, where the gruesome incident occurred. Tragically, Hafsat went missing after accepting…

Daud Olatunji The United Bank for Africa (UBA) has once again taken the lead as the headline sponsor of the highly anticipated 2023 Lagos International Trade Fair, marking its sixth consecutive year of sponsorship for this annual event.  This partnership between UBA and the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) underscores the bank’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and driving entrepreneurial growth across the African continent. Scheduled to take place at the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos from November 3 to 12, 2023, this year’s 37th edition of the trade fair promises to offer an array…

Daud Olatunji In a compelling address during the groundbreaking ceremony for the Ibadan branch of the Nigerian Bar Association’s Bar building project, Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, emphasized the imperative of establishing a constitutional role for traditional rulers in the nation’s governance structure. Highlighting the pivotal position of traditional institutions as the most accessible and community-oriented entities, Fagbemi stressed their vital role in conveying government policies, providing support during crises, and fostering peaceful coexistence.  He underscored the unique proximity of traditional rulers to grassroots communities, enabling them to effectively deter violence within their domains.…

Daud Olatunji The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has firmly refuted recent social media reports suggesting the presence of an underage death row inmate facing sodomy allegations within its Borno state facility. ACC Umar Abubakar, the spokesperson for NCoS, dismissed these claims as entirely false and aimed at tarnishing the institution’s reputation. In a statement to Saturday Vanguard, Abubakar emphasized that these allegations were baseless and intended to undermine the commendable efforts of the NCoS.  He stated, “The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a misleading information on the purported age of Abubakar Mustapha, an inmate on…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move aimed at advancing education and empowerment for adolescent girls in Nigeria, the World Bank has approved a fresh $700 million loan.  The announcement was made via an official statement on the World Bank’s website, and it marks a pivotal step in the ongoing “Adolescent Girls Initiative for Learning and Empowerment” project. The loan injection is set to substantially expand the project’s reach, increasing the number of participating states from seven to eleven, with a broader focus on out-of-school girls, those in marriages, and those with disabilities.  This initiative is pivotal, considering Nigeria’s staggering statistics…