Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Brig-Gen Olumuyiwa Okunowo (rtd) and retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Leye Oyebade have asserted that death by firing squad is the only antidote to effectively combat the rising issues of kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria. The duo, speaking on “Insurgency, Banditry, and Kidnapping: Saving Nigeria From The Cul-de-sac,” during the monthly interview discourse, BOILING POINT ARENA, outlined two crucial resolutions to address the security challenges plaguing the nation. Firstly, they called on the Federal Government to urgently establish a specialized security outfit equipped with Forest Guards armed with helicopters, drones, and advanced technology. They submitted that this force would aggressively…

In a tumultuous turn of events, the Investigation and Enforcement Directorate of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), along with their mobile police unit, faced a violent assault by enraged drug hawkers and touts in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The targeted raid, aimed at curbing the sale of fake, unregistered, and counterfeit drugs at the Area One motor park, encountered resistance from hawkers and touts who hurled stones and other dangerous objects at the enforcement team and accompanying journalists. To quell the aggression, the mobile police responded with tear gas and sporadic gunfire into…

The President of the Nigeria Labour Congress,Joe Ajaero,has expressed concern over the continuous surge in inflation, hinting at the possibility of pushing for a new minimum wage of up to N1 million for Nigerian workers. Ajaero in a recent interview with Arise News, emphasized that the demand for this substantial increase is influenced by the rising cost of living, attributing it to various factors, including the removal of fuel subsidy and other economic policies implemented since President Bola Tinubu assumed office. Highlighting the impact of the depreciation of the Nigerian currency, Ajaero pointed out that the exchange rate has surged…

In a somber announcement, the Acting chairman of the Freelance and Independent Broadcasters’ Association of Nigeria (FIBAN), Ogun state chapter, Comrade Aderoju Adejare, has announced  the passing of  the pioneer chairman of the Association in the state, Chief Ashamu Akinrinde.  Akinrinde, who served as the pioneer chairman of the Association in the state from 1999 to 2005, breathed his last in the early hours of Monday, February 12, 2024, following a brief illness. He  was survived by wife and children. Comrade Adejare, in a statement issued on Monday, obtained by PLATFORM TIMES,described Chief Akinrinde as a dedicated member and a…

Daud Olatunji Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has  pointed to what he described as the “reckless policies” of former President Muhammadu Buhari as the cause of the current hardships faced by Nigerians.  Oshiomhole  said this in a recent interview on Channels Television,while recalling protesting against policies that he believed were designed to further burden a population already in pain. Speaking on his concerns, Oshiomhole stated, “at some point, before the last President left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanise the population that was already in pain.  I felt that it…

A major rift has emerged within a faction of the Labour Party led by Julius Abure, as the National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, raises concerns over the transparency of approximately N3.5 billion in party finances. The allegations were unveiled during a news briefing held in Abuja on Monday. Opara, expressing deep reluctance, publicly addressed the media, accusing Mr. Julius Abure, the current National Chairman, of financial mismanagement and corruption within the party.  She claimed that the funds, generated from the sale of forms and fundraising activities for the 2023 general elections, lacked proper accountability. “As national treasurer, I am compelled to…

Daud Olatunji Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has  allocated a sum of N6 billion for various expenses, including local and international travel, medical costs, refreshments, meals, maintenance, among others in 2024. PLATFORM TIMES obtained this information from the financial records prepared by the Ekiti state government and made available on openstates.ng.  The state government, in 2023, passed the N159.5bn 2024 Appropriation bill titled “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development” into law. The records indicate that out of this amount, N620,000,000 has been allocated for refreshments and meals, and N200,000,000 for humanitarian and sitting allowances.  Additionally, N80,000,000 is set aside for…

In a nail-biting finale at the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations on Sunday, the host nation, Ivory Coast, emerged victorious, securing a 2-1 triumph over the formidable Super Eagles of Nigeria. Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller showcased their prowess with two crucial strikes, effectively overturning Troost-Ekong’s early opener. The first half of the game unfolded with a gripping display of skill and determination by Ivory Coast, commanding possession with six attempts on goal, half of which found their mark. In the 8th minute, Simon Adingra missed a golden opportunity to score, sending his shot over the crossbar. The intensity…

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, has shared a harrowing account of his close call with death, detailing his last meeting with the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe.  The poignant narrative unfolds against the backdrop of their scheduled meeting last Thursday. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Chidoka revealed how he pleaded with Wigwe to take him along on his frequent overseas trips.  “We had an appointment for last Thursday. ‘Osita, I will fly into Abuja with the VC on Thursday; after our meeting, I will leave for the US,'” Chidoka…

By Rasak Musbau Aside from during sporting events, when every Nigerian passionately supports and wants Nigeria’s team to succeed, Nigeria is synonymous with deep division along the lines of intricate ethnic, religious, and regional divides. Lee Kuan Yew, the architect of modern-day Singapore, visited Nigeria a few days before the military struck on January 15, 1966. His visit was in connection with the Commonwealth Conference held in Lagos on Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. His conclusion about Nigeria in 1966 is contained in a book he wrote in 2000 titled, ‘From Third World to First’. In the book, he concluded: “I think…