Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Fawaz Adebisi The Customs Officers Wives Association, COWA, has pledged to support wives of fallen heroes, who died in service, adding that it aims to equip 1,200 members to be financially stable by 2024. The COWA made this known in a press briefing, on Friday, during it’s courtesy visit to Ogun Area Command, Nigeria Customs, Idi Iroko, Ogun State. During the briefing, the COWA president, Kikelomo Adeniyi outlined several initiatives aimed at supporting the families of fallen officers and enhancing the lives of the association’s members. Adeniyi stressed that not only the wives would benefit but their children, who would…

Aminat Gusanu In Anambra, a heart-wrenching accident unfolded on Friday as a truck’s container toppled onto a bus, leading to the loss of five lives and leaving four individuals injured. Anambra, Nigeria – A dreadful incident shook the state of Anambra on Friday when a truck’s container fell onto a bus, resulting in the tragic loss of five lives and causing injuries to four others. The incident occurred at Odumodu junction near Nteje along the bustling Awka-Onitsha expressway in Anambra State, creating a scene of devastation. The accident, which took place around 7:30 am, involved two vehicles: a Mistibushi L300…

In a remarkable display of law enforcement effectiveness, the Nigeria Police Force has reported the apprehension of 288 armed robbery suspects, the rescue of 71 kidnapped victims, and the recovery of 89 stolen vehicles in the past five weeks.  Acting Inspector-General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, highlighted these significant achievements during a meeting with top police officials. In addition to the arrests and rescues, the police disclosed that they also arrested 187 kidnapping suspects, 198 homicide suspects, 59 individuals for illegal firearm possession, 168 suspects involved in sexual offenses, 265 suspected cultists, and 1,891 other suspects for various crimes. Moreover, a…

The CBN Director of Finance, Mr Benjamin Adeoye Fakunle,was reported to have been operating over 65 personal bank accounts domiciled in Nigeria and foreign countries. He was  also said to have not less  than 28 choice properties in Abuja alone. It was gathered that Fakunle was arrested by DSS operatives at a lavish party he was hosting in one of his mansions in Abuja to celebrate his retirement from the services of the apex bank. According to impeccable security sources, Fakunle has  successfully evaded arrest and interrogation several times until Wednesday when he was eventually apprehended while having a nice…

In a significant development, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Works, has earmarked a substantial N431 billion for contractors engaged in road dualisation projects.  The announcement was made by the Minister of Works, David Umahi, during a meeting with contractors and ministry officials in Abuja. Minister Umahi also emphasized the government’s commitment to prioritize dualised roads across the nation.  He highlighted the crucial role of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation in funding 50% of the contract sum, ensuring financial support until 2025. However, Minister Umahi stressed the importance of transparency, urging contractors to promptly file claims and seek clarification…

In a recent report, the Debt Management Office (DMO) has sounded a warning to the Federal Government as Nigeria’s total public debt skyrockets to N87.38tn, marking a staggering 75.29% increase from the N49.85tn recorded just three months earlier. This alarming surge includes the incorporation of the N22.71tn Ways and Means Advances, a loan facility from the Central Bank of Nigeria to the Federal Government.  DMO’s statement emphasizes that the debt encompasses both domestic and external debts, spanning the Federal Government, the thirty-six states, and the Federal Capital Territory. Notably, this debt surge exceeds the DMO’s prior projection by a considerable…

In a staggering revelation, data from the National Bureau of Statistics has exposed that a whopping $6.7 billion was splurged on imported manufactured goods in the initial six months of 2023. According to an in-depth analysis of the Foreign Trade Statistics reports published by the NBS, the value of manufactured goods traded surged to a jaw-dropping N2.5 trillion in the first half of this year. Shockingly, manufacturers have been forced to secure about 95% of their foreign exchange needs from the parallel market, where the dollar exchanged hands at an exorbitant average rate of N750. Breaking down the NBS data,…

In a significant move to safeguard Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage, Lagos State University (LASU) has unveiled plans to make Yoruba Language a mandatory course for all its students.  Beginning in the 2023/2024 academic session, LASU will introduce GNS 104, a Yoruba Language Studies course, as part of its curriculum. This strategic decision by LASU aligns with the broader national initiative to protect and promote Nigeria’s diverse linguistic and cultural legacy.  The Yoruba Language Studies course aims to provide students with a comprehensive grasp of Yoruba, one of Nigeria’s prominent indigenous languages.  It seeks to equip them with language proficiency, cultural…

In a significant operation, the Kebbi State Police Command intercepted a massive haul of contraband, including cannabis and 7,500 boxes of live cartridges, with an estimated street value of N600 million.  The operation, which took place along the Tsamiyya border in Bagudo Local Government Area, resulted in the arrest of three suspects. The Kebbi State Police spokesperson, Nafiu Abubakar, revealed that the suspects were apprehended by the border patrol police team.  The illicit goods were en route to Lagos, with the suspects traveling from Ghana through Benin and Tsamiyya town in Kebbi.  They had successfully evaded multiple checkpoints in…

In a significant move, President Bola Tinubu has given the green light to the establishment of a Presidential Committee focused on overhauling the livestock industry and finding lasting solutions to the persistent clashes between herders and farmers in Nigeria.  The announcement, made in Abuja on Thursday, follows the submission of a comprehensive report from the National Conference on Livestock Reforms and Conflict Mitigation. The committee’s composition remains undisclosed at this point, according to a State House statement. This pivotal conference was convened by Dr. Umar Abdullahi Ganduje, former Executive Governor of Kano State and Chairman of the All Progressives’…