Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has embarked on the disbursement of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, signaling a significant stride towards supporting manufacturers and businesses across Nigeria. With a commitment to fostering economic resilience, the government, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, has allocated a substantial N200bn to aid enterprises grappling with the aftermath of recent economic reforms. Doris Aniete, in a statement shared on the trade minister’s official X handle, announced the commencement of the disbursement process, marking a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to provide critical financial assistance.  While an unspecified number of beneficiaries…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of three private jet operators for conducting commercial flights. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the action comes after repeated warnings and heightened surveillance by the authority to curb unauthorized commercial operations within the aviation sector. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the move was  aimed at upholding aviation regulations and safeguarding revenue. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier highlighted the detrimental impact of unlicensed commercial activities on government revenue.  Keyamo emphasized the disparity in fees between private and commercial operations, underscoring the significant loss incurred by the…

Daud Olatunji In a significant crackdown on illicit drug activities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) obliterated a staggering 304,436kg kilograms and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized from various parts of Lagos and Ogun states.  The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), emphasized the necessity of public support in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.  The seized drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, were confiscated by NDLEA operatives across different formations in Lagos and Ogun states, particularly at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.  Marwa reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment…

Daud Olatunji The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that  Cubana Chief Priest is facing  allegations of abusing the naira, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.  The EFCC’s  action follows the recent conviction of popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges, resulting in a six-month imprisonment sentence. Cubana Chief Priest will appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on a three-count charge, including accusations of spraying and tampering…

Febe Falodun According to a statement by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the terrorist kingpins Ali Dawud, Mallam Ari, and Bakurah Fallujah, along with their fighters, were successfully neutralized on April 13. The operation took place at the hideouts of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kolleram village near Lake Chad. In addition to eliminating the terrorist leaders and their fighters, the air strikes led to the destruction of numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets belonging to the terrorists, as confirmed by Gabkwet. He said: “Intelligence gathered after the air strike further…

Jelili Gbadamosi The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has vowed to remain persistent in expressing his deep concerns about the 2024 budget, citing its critical importance to the lives of citizens, especially the poor. In a statement via his X account on Tuesday, Obi argued that the budget’s numerous negatives have far-reaching implications for the nation’s development and the well-being of its citizens. “It is evident that there are items in the budget that do not align with our current circumstances, and it is imperative to call for a review and appropriate reallocation. Allocating our scarce resources to…

Fawaz Adebisi The Federal Government of Nigeria has declared April 7 as National Police Day. The vice president of the country, Kashim Shettima made this announcement on Monday night while speaking at the inaugural award and commendations ceremony held by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja. The VP, while delivering a speech, on behalf of President Tinubu, titled “Courage Under Fire: A Bouquet for Our Police Force,” said the development was a way to show the government’s commitment to acknowledging the sacrifices and dedication of the police force. In his words, the police is still maintaining security at a time…

Fawaz Adebisi A monarch in Ogun state, the Olu of Lisa, Oba Najeemdeen Odugbemi has requested the fixation of bad roads in the state, stressing that he doesn’t need government allowance. Oba Odugbemi, while addressing executive officers of the Ogun state chapters of the Nigerian Union of Journalists and National Association of Women Journalists, during a courtesy visit lamented that there are a lot of bad roads that are yet to be fixed in the state by the state government and federal government. According to PM News, the monarch, while citing one of the bad roads that’s affecting his people,…

Daud Olatunji The Akwa Ibom State High Court, sitting in Uyo, has issued an arrest warrant for  Itoro Monday Uko of Ikot Ekpene Local Government Area for contempt of court.   Uko stands accused of abandoning his wife and two-year-old daughter in the village to reside with his girlfriend in Ikot Ekpene Town. Presiding judge, Justice Ntong Ntong, acted upon the request of Barrister Ekom Friday Inwang, representing the applicant and mother of the child.  The applicant, a private school teacher, highlighted Mr. Uko’s neglect of parental and financial responsibilities, including his failure to repay a loan of N200,000 borrowed to…

Daud Olatunji The Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) has strongly denounced what it called  the brazen assault on the Oyo State Government Secretariat in Ibadan by individuals donned in military camouflage.  Describing the incident as a “Coup d’Etat,” Chief Oladipo Oyewole, Secretary-General of the YCE, emphasized the barbarity and unwarranted nature of the attack. “The YCE unequivocally condemns this unlawful invasion in its entirety,” declared Chief Oyewole.  “Yoruba land and our inherited culture abhor violence. The Yorubaman upholds decorum and dialogue over forceful takeovers.” The YCE calls for the swift intervention of the Federal Government of Nigeria to apprehend and…