Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Naomi Iwelu, a twenty-five-year-old survivor, has found solace in Catania, Sicily, after enduring unimaginable trauma and violence on her arduous journey from Benin, Nigeria. In 2018, Naomi’s decision to leave Benin was triggered by the death of her mother, compounding the challenges she faced as the eldest of six orphans. Financial constraints forced her to abandon her education, pushing her into the workforce at bars, restaurants, and as a cleaner. As the family’s living conditions worsened, the prospect of starting anew in Europe gained traction. Naomi reconnected with a long-lost friend in Libya through Facebook, who persuaded her to embark…

In a major stride towards operational readiness, Dangote Refinery has welcomed its fourth crude shipment, consisting of one million barrels of bonny light crude, courtesy of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPC).  The refinery, set to become the world’s largest single-train refinery, anticipates the imminent arrival of the fifth crude shipment, marking a key milestone in its journey. The recent one million barrels represent the fourth installment of the six million barrels expected by the refinery, with three million barrels having been received earlier. Aiming for a total of four million barrels before the end of 2023 and the…

In a recent appearance as the special guest of honour at the inaugural Katsina Dialogue organized by the Katsina Consultative Forum, former President, Muhammadu Buhari said he was happy with the decision made by incumbent President, Bola Tinubu to raise the petrol pump price on May 29, 2023. Addressing the gathering at the Presidential Banquet Hall of the Katsina Government House, Buhari shared his perspective on the potential impact of the fuel price hike.  Speaking in Hausa on Sunday, he revealed that upon returning to his native town, Daura, in Katsina State, he observed a significant influx of visitors.  However,…

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu celebrated the arrival of the first baby of the new year, Boluwatife Johnson, at the National Hospital in Abuja. The birth took place at 12:03 am, marking a joyous start to 2024. Addressing the significance of maternal health, the First Lady urged expectant mothers to prioritize their well-being and emphasized the importance of knowing their HIV/AIDS status to prevent mother-to-child transmission. In a statement from her spokesperson, Busola Kukoyi, Mrs. Tinubu stressed the need for a collective effort, urging well-meaning Nigerians to collaborate with the government in improving healthcare facilities across the nation. Mrs. Tinubu’s visit…

Enugu State Fire Service successfully averted a major disaster as they swiftly tackled a fire outbreak at Orba International Market in Udenu Local Government Area during the New Year’s Eve celebrations. Goods worth millions of naira were spared from the inferno, due to the timely response of dedicated officers. Director Okwudiri Ohaa of the Enugu State Fire Service revealed to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday that the fire, whose cause remains unknown, threatened to engulf the entire international market. The team’s rapid intervention, deploying two fire trucks, played a crucial role in containing and extinguishing the flames.…

In a heartfelt response to the tragic demise of his son, late Nigerian singer Mohbad, Mr. Joseph Aloba is gearing up to release a tribute album titled ‘Itunu.’ Mohbad, a former signee of Marlian Records, passed away on September 12, with his final resting place being in Ikorodu. The somber event was marked by poignant scenes of mourning from bereaved family members, friends, and dedicated supporters. Adding a layer of complexity to the sorrowful narrative, on September 21, the police undertook the exhumation of Mohbad’s remains for a thorough autopsy, awaiting results in light of the surrounding controversy surrounding his…

Mrs. Joan Orajiobi, a resident of Nnewi in Anambra, embraced an unexpected New Year’s surprise as she gave birth to triplets on January 1st in a private hospital in Enugu. Orajiobi, a hairdresser residing in Ologo Quarters, Uwani Enugu, expressed her astonishment as she initially believed the pregnancy, discovered in May 2023, was carrying twins. The labor commenced on Saturday, and after seeking medical attention on Sunday, she successfully delivered two girls and a boy on Monday. “I am a hairdresser with two girls already, and when the scan revealed twins, I never anticipated triplets. Today, God blessed me with…

A street singer, Habeeb Okikiola, widely known as Portable, has shared an unconventional advice with his followers through his Instagram story. The ‘Zazoo Zeh’ artist, reflecting on the lessons learned in 2023, encouraged his fans to reconsider their social circles for success in the upcoming year. In a blend of Yoruba and Pidgin English, Portable emphasized the importance of avoiding close associations with poor individuals. He asserted that to achieve success, one should primarily connect with the affluent. “Omo iya mi, I don learn lesson,” he began. “When you want to go far, do not walk with poor people. Do…

In a startling revelation, former Osun State Governor and ex-Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has accused his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, of betrayal. Aregbesola said this during an end-of-the-year thanksgiving event organized by his loyalists in Ilesa, Osun state. Aregbesola, who served as governor from 2010 to 2018, expressed disappointment over what he perceives as a betrayal of his interests and those of the party. He claimed, “We handed over power to the person who we felt would meet our interests and that of the party, but he betrayed us and the party.” Highlighting his commitment to party unity, Aregbesola clarified…

Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa outlined a decisive plan to eliminate insurgent and bandit activities, ensuring the safety of communities. Speaking on the Morning Brief, General Musa sought public support for the collaborative effort with state governments to identify and free areas stifled by these threats. “We are working diligently with the state government to identify these areas; this year, God willing, we will ensure bandits hold no community,” General Musa affirmed, expressing the intent to bring normalcy to affected communities. In the wake of a Christmas Eve attack in Plateau’s Bokkos and Barkin-Ladi local government areas, where…