Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a resolute move to address the prevalent issue of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and tackle gender inequality, the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, has defended a substantial budget proposal of over N1.005 billion for the ministry.  This appeal came during the State House of Assembly’s budget defense session, where Adeleye fervently sought increased support from lawmakers to combat GBV and promote gender parity. Appearing before the State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by Hon. Musefiu Lamidi, Adeleye articulated the allocation breakdown for the Women Affairs Ministry in the State’s…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move to bolster healthcare infrastructure and services, the Ogun State Ministry of Health has allocated a substantial budget of N11.410 billion for the upcoming fiscal year, emphasizing a commitment to improving the well-being of its residents. The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, disclosed this information during the ongoing budget defense at the Assembly Complex in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.  The breakdown of the budget reveals a strategic allocation of funds, with N9.1 billion earmarked for capital projects and N2.213 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure.  The ministry has set an ambitious revenue target of N135.3 million…

Daud Olatunji  The Vice Chancellor of Babcock University, Prof. Ademola Tayo, delivered a compelling message to media practitioners during the institution’s annual media parley on Saturday night.  Emphasizing the pivotal role journalists play in shaping national narratives, Prof. Tayo urged them to prioritize the promotion of national peace and development in their reporting. Highlighting the sensitive nature of journalism, the Vice Chancellor stressed the responsibility that comes with the privilege of freedom of expression. “You must strive always to put the peace, unity, and development of our country first in your reporting,” he declared. Recognizing the significant impact media actions…

Daud Olatunji In a significant move towards financial restitution, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has announced the disbursement of over N1.7 billion to more than 22,000 depositors affected by the revocation of licenses belonging to numerous microfinance banks and four primary mortgage banks.  The revelation came during the 2023 NDIC Editors’ Forum held in Lagos on Saturday, where NDIC Managing Director, Bello Hassan, shared details of the successful compensation efforts. The story unfolds back in May when the Central Bank of Nigeria took the decisive step of revoking operating licenses from a considerable number of microfinance banks, finance companies,…

In a bid to celebrate the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) and engage its customers, Ecobank Nigeria has successfully concluded the first draw of its “Save and Score” promo, rewarding 50 lucky customers. The promo, launched in November and set to run until January 6, 2024, is a testament to Ecobank’s commitment as the official sponsor of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023, the largest football event on the continent, commencing on January 13, 2024, in Côte d’Ivoire. Under the promotional campaign, 10 fortunate customers have won an all-expense-paid trip to witness the final match…

In a shocking incident that unfolded on Saturday in the Chinda/Ada George area of Port Harcourt, chaos and tragedy ensued as a man identified as Nuhu created pandemonium by snatching an AK-47 rifle from a police officer, leading to a series of events that resulted in two fatalities. The turmoil began when Nuhu, a well-known scavenger in the area, reportedly under the influence of hard drugs, violently assaulted a police officer stationed at the residence of an ex-Governor along Ada George road. In a brazen act, he not only slapped the officer but also seized his loaded AK-47 rifle. Nuhu,…

In a recent development, the Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an injunction preventing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from conducting fresh elections to fill the seats of 27 Rivers House of Assembly members who defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Justice Donatus Okorowo granted the ruling in response to an ex-parte motion moved by the counsel representing the defected lawmakers, Peter Onuh. The court order also restrains INEC, PDP, and the house of assembly from declaring the seats vacant and withdrawing the Certificate of Returns pending the hearing and determination…

In a bid to ensure a smooth flow of traffic for Lagosians during the festive season and beyond, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) executed a decisive enforcement operation, impounding 78 containerised trucks around the Apapa and Ijora areas of the state. The operation, led by the General Manager of LASTMA, Bakare Oki, took place early Sunday morning on top of High Bridge by Lilly Pond inward Apapa and Sifax axis of Ijora (Olopa). Collaborating with relevant security agencies, LASTMA aimed to address the persistent issue of traffic congestion caused by indiscriminate parking and impediments in these critical areas.…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC), has confirmed the death of 200 people from Lassa fever, representing 17.1 per cent in 28 States and 114 Local Government Areas (LGAs) in 2023. The NCDC, via its official website on Sunday, said that aside from the fatality, there were 8,542 suspected cases and 1,170 confirmed cases in the affected areas as of December 3, suggesting that 2023 may witness the higher number of cases. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Lassa fever is an acute Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) caused by the Lassa virus. The natural reservoir…

The pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and political organization, Afenifere, has voiced deep concern over the escalating wave of armed robberies in the South-West region of Nigeria. In a statement released on Sunday, Jare Ajayi, the National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, urged the Federal Government and security agencies to take decisive measures to address the growing insecurity, particularly incidents of armed robbery and kidnapping. The organization highlighted a recent incident in Ikere, Ekiti State, where armed robbers targeted two commercial banks, resulting in the tragic death of three Amotekun security personnel and causing serious harm to innocent bystanders. This incident follows closely on…