Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Prof. Olukayode Akinyemi  has called  for a paradigm shift in research funding to confront Nigeria’s pressing issues. He stated this in a seminal address during the 89th Inaugural Lecture at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) Prof. Akinyemi’s impassioned plea for a dedicated allocation of 500 million Naira by the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) aims to bolster multidisciplinary projects across the nation. Delivering his lecture titled “Unraveling the Coupled Heat and Water Flow Phenomenon: My Non-Invasive Voyage into the Subsurface Domains,” Prof. Akinyemi underscored the urgency of fostering…

The Nigerian military’s Operation Hadin Kai has apprehended Lance Corporal Mubarak Yakubu for  suspected involvement in ammunition theft.  The soldier’s arrest, carried out by the 7 Division Military Police K9 Team during a routine search operation at the Borno express Terminal, marks a crucial step in efforts to combat insurgency and maintain security in the region. According to Zagazola Makama, a reliable security source, Lance Corporal Yakubu was intercepted on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, following intelligence reports.  Upon thorough inspection, the soldier was found to be in possession of 756 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 4 x 36…

Christopher Oluchukwu, a commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), has been convicted and sentenced to five years imprisonment by Justice Abbas Bawale of Katsina State High Court 3.  This verdict follows a case brought against Oluchukwu by the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), highlighting the grave consequences of employment fraud. Oluchukwu’s conviction stems from allegations of defrauding Nigerian citizens seeking employment opportunities for their children within the NSCDC.  The ICPC revealed that Oluchukwu was found guilty on all nine counts filed against him, relating to the fraudulent collection of funds totaling N900,000…

The Nigerian Senate has endorsed death as a penalty for trafficking in hard drugs and substances in the country.  This legislative move came amidst protests by some lawmakers during the passage of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Amendment Bill 2024. The bill, which also prescribes a maximum of 15 years imprisonment without the option of a fine for conviction on drug consumption, was passed following the adoption of the report by the Senate Committees on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters, and Drugs and Narcotics during a plenary session. Chairman of the committee, Senator Mohammed Monguno (APC-Borno), presented…

A 28-year-old housewife, Faith Felix, has been sentenced to eight months in prison by a Senior Magistrates’ Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, for pouring hot water on her co-wife while she slept.  The incident, which occurred in Gosa Toge along the airport road in the FCT, resulted in the victim sustaining grievous injuries. The sentencing, handed down by Senior Magistrate N. A. Turkur, came after Felix was found guilty of criminal force, assault, and causing grievous harm.  Despite pleading for leniency, the court imposed a prison term without the option of a fine and cautioned Felix to refrain from such violent…

The Ogun State Customs Command, under the leadership of Comptroller James Ojo, has achieved remarkable success in intercepting contraband worth N380,370,911 within  23 days of assuming office.  This groundbreaking revelation was made during the maiden press briefing held at Abeokuta, Ogun State, where Comptroller Ojo highlighted the Command’s anti-smuggling exploits and other notable achievements. Assuming office on April 16, 2024, Comptroller Ojo wasted no time in hitting the ground running, swiftly initiating measures to combat illicit trade activities across the state.  Through intensive intelligence strategies and collaborative efforts with agencies such as the Customs Intelligence Unit and the Department of…

The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a federal agency that conducts entrance examinations into tertiary institutions in the country. Before it’s establishment in 1978 the few universities in the country then were admitting students based on the criteria they chose individually. The board has not failed in the performance of it’s primary duty since inception and it has been improving on it despite the myriads of problems facing it, just like any other government establishment. There has been a remarkable turnaround in its fortunes since the past seven years with a new man at the helm of affairs,…

In a momentous celebration of 161 years of dedicated service, the Red Cross in Ogun state honoured World Red Cross Day with a dual-purpose event.  Not only did they commemorate their enduring commitment to humanity, but they also welcomed the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sesan Abolaji Fagbayi, as the  new patron.  The event, aptly themed “Keeping Humanity Alive,” unfolded at Valley View Hall, Government House, Isale Igbein Abeokuta, underscoring the organization’s unwavering dedication to its core principles. Dr. Ibrahim Jide Bello, Chairman of the Ogun State Red Cross, emphasized the organization’s pivotal role in health advocacy by providing…

A  Federal High Court in Asaba, Delta State, has upheld the authority of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate and prosecute alleged financial misconduct within the Delta State Government. Justice Folasade Olubanjo, presiding over the case, emphatically affirmed that the overlapping mandates of ICPC and EFCC do not contravene constitutional principles of federalism and separation of powers.  The lawsuit, initiated by the Attorney General of Delta State, aimed to challenge the jurisdiction of ICPC and EFCC in probing the financial affairs of the state government.  The…

Sodiq Mojibola A wave of discontent washes over communities in Abeokuta as the specter of demolition looms large over 84 properties, triggering outcry and accusations of callousness. PLATFORM TIMES reports that what was meant to be a step towards development has morphed into a battleground of grievances and apprehensions. In the heart of the conflict lies a notice, ominously plastered on the walls of homes, shops, and religious establishments.  Describing the targeted structures as “illegal and dilapidated,” the notice forewarns of imminent demolition, purportedly to pave the way for progress and logistical ease. The affected communities, including Itoku market, Igbore/Igbein,…