Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, has appealed to the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) for a strategic partnership aimed at bolstering investor confidence and revitalizing the nation’s economy.  Speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annual Public Relations Week of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations in Abeokuta, Ogun State, Cardoso  said  the critical role of public relations in shaping perceptions and attracting investments to Nigeria. Cardoso underscored the importance of restoring trust in the fiscal system to attract investors who will contribute to the country’s economic growth for the benefit of its…

The Lagos State Government has earmarked a sum of N3.6 billion for the payment of wage allowances to 8,650 newly inducted civil servants. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that these  funds were set to benefit various sectors within the state civil service, including education, health, administration, audit, law enforcement, fire services, and others. The allocation was revealed during a specialized induction and training programme  held at the Public Service Staff Development Centre in Magodo.   Adekunmilola Adio-Moses, Director General of PSSDC, outlined the diverse composition of the inducted employees, which includes education officers, health personnel, administrative officers, audit officers, house officers, law enforcement…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has taken decisive action in Kaduna, shutting down fifty outlets for selling edible oil under unsanitary conditions. In a statement released on Saturday via its official handle, NAFDAC clarified that the closures were a result of the outlets dispensing edible oil in unhygienic environments.  This action comes as part of NAFDAC’s ongoing efforts to raise awareness among dealers, focusing on Registration Procedure and Food Management. Explaining the rationale behind the crackdown, NAFDAC emphasized the importance of preventing potential health risks associated with contaminated edible oil.  Josephine Dayilim, the director…

Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Peter Obi, has strongly criticized the ongoing electricity crisis in Nigeria, attributing it to a lack of political will.  Obi emphasized the urgent need for decisive action to rectify the situation, highlighting the success story of Tanzania as a potential model for Nigeria to emulate. Obi drew attention to a recent report from Tanzania, where surplus electricity led to the shutdown of several hydroelectric stations.  He contrasted this with Nigeria’s struggle to provide adequate electricity for its major cities and rural areas, despite being the most populous country…

The headquarters of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) came to a standstill on Friday as organized labour staged a protest against the alleged non-remittance of N2.1 billion in consequential taxes deducted from workers’ salaries. Led by the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, and executive members of the Association of Banks, Insurance, and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFE), the protesters took to the streets, demanding immediate action. Osifo emphasised the necessity of the protest and subsequent shutdown, citing failed attempts by ASSBIFE leadership to resolve the issue with NSITF management. The protesters urged for the removal of…

The Benin Traditional Council (BTC) in Edo State has suspended six key traditional functionaries of the Palace of the Oba of Benin, including Johnbull Igbinosun, Iduhonre (Ihogbe), S. E. Aigbiromwen, Efeseoghoba (Ogbelaka), Ogbeide Osagie, and Osamudiame Edo.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  suspension, authorized by His Royal Majesty, Oba Ewuare II, was prompted by their  alleged distortion of historical facts regarding the connection between the Benin Royal Dynasty and the Ooni of Ife.  The individuals, in a meeting with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, claimed to be emissaries of the Oba of Benin, but instead, they declared…

Sodiq Mojibola Many commuters plying the Ita-Oshin road, as well as traders, have shared their near-death experiences during the deadly gas explosion in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Some travellers to and from Lagos were seen stranded shortly after a gas tanker exploded in motion.  While PLATFORM TIMES gathered that four persons lost their lives and six vehicles went up in flames, the spokesperson of Ogun State Sector Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps, Florence Okpe, claimed one person died.  PLATFORM TIMES observed that the explosion in Ita-Oshin in the Abeokuta-North local government area of Ogun State left a trail…

Former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has vehemently denied accusations levelled against him regarding the purported use of state funds to pay for his children’s school fees. In a recent media briefing on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, Olanipekun Olukoyede, the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), alleged that Bello had withdrawn funds from the Kogi State Government account for this purpose, just before the end of his tenure. In response to these allegations, Yahaya Bello issued a statement titled “Payment for School Fees: Setting the Records Straight,” signed by Ohiare Michael on Friday. According to the statement,…

Forced from their homes by Boko Haram insurgents amidst years of conflict, people seeking refuge in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps in northeast Borno State now face the harrowing challenge of combating cholera and measles outbreaks within the camps. According to data from the Borno State Integrated Disease Surveillance and Response (IDSR) from 2022 to 2024, at least 496 individuals have lost their lives to these diseases.  The toll is staggering, with the year 2022 alone witnessing 362 fatalities out of 11,230 suspected cases, 137 of which were confirmed through laboratory investigations. Among the tragic stories emerging from the camps…

In a concerted effort to combat the growing threat of cultism among the youth, the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) in Ogun State is launching a youth campaign against cultism.  The initiative aims to engage young people in efforts to create safer and more peaceful communities. Scheduled for Tuesday, April 30th, 2024, at 8:00 AM, the campaign will kick off at Zone 2, Oke Ilewo, Abeokuta.  The event is compulsory for all State Youth Committee Members, Area Command Youth Coordinators, Divisional Youth Coordinators, and Unit youth representatives. Cultism poses a significant challenge to the safety and well-being of our…