Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Aminat Gusanu The Bauchi State Police Command has apprehended a 30-year-old man identified as Bello Mohammed, alias Faruk Manja, for his involvement in motorcycle theft. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that he and his accomplice, Kabiru Danfulani, who is currently at large, have been operating in this criminal activity for over four years. The Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Command, Ahmed Wakil, who stated this in a statement made available to journalists in the state, said the suspect confessed during interrogation that he and his partner (Danfulani) have stolen over 20 motorcycles over the period. Wakil, a Superintendent of Police,…

In a significant health milestone, Nigeria has witnessed a substantial 55% reduction in malaria-related deaths, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Regional Director for Africa, made this encouraging announcement during the unveiling of the 2022 Nigeria Malaria Report in Abuja. Dr. Moeti also lauded Nigeria’s progress in addressing HIV from 2015 to 2021, achieving two of the 95-95-95 goals.  These global HIV/AIDS response targets aim for 95% of individuals with HIV to know their status, 95% to receive sustained antiretroviral therapy, and 95% to achieve viral suppression. Despite Nigeria being a significant contributor to the…

Aminat Gunsanu Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Awka has taken a significant step in addressing the issue of sexual harassment on its campus by initiating the installation of Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras throughout the institution.  These cameras will be strategically placed in lecturers’ offices and various locations across the campus. This decision to install CCTV cameras is a direct response to the growing cases of sexual harassment within the university and reflects the management’s commitment to curbing the misconduct of lecturers involved. The installation process has already commenced, with the Faculty of Law being one of the initial areas to receive…

The African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank) has unveiled ambitious plans to secure $43 billion in investment and trade deals through its participation in the 2023 Intra-African Trade Fair.  This announcement was made during a roadshow held in Lagos to promote the forthcoming trade fair. It was emphasized that Nigeria has consistently improved its performance at previous trade fairs, demonstrating its commitment to fostering intra-African trade and economic integration. Speaking about the event’s theme, Kanayo Awani, Executive Vice President of Intra-African Trade Bank at Afreximbank, highlighted that it aligns with the African Union’s vision for the Acceleration of the African…

Flutterwave, in collaboration with Wema Bank and Kadavra, has unveiled “Swap,” a digital solution aimed at simplifying access to foreign exchange for Nigerians.  This innovative product represents a significant advancement in digitizing the FX experience, providing users with a seamless digital platform. According to Flutterwave, Swap users will receive specialized cards, offering a convenient and digitized solution for managing personal and business travel allowances. Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, expressed the company’s dedication to innovation and simplifying financial processes.  He stated, “Swap by Flutterwave represents a significant leap forward in how Nigerians will engage with foreign exchange.  We understand the…

Daud Olatunji Several Nigerian banks have faced the brunt of economic challenges, with at least four of them collectively reporting non-performing loans (NPLs) amounting to N478 billion during the first half of this year. This unsettling figure emerges from their recently released financial results. Notably, Guaranty Trust Bank Holding Plc (GTCO), FBN Holdings Plc, and two other prominent banks disclosed N478.93 billion in non-performing loans by value in the half-year ending in June 2023.  This marks a worrying 16% increase from the N413.36 billion reported for the entire year ending on December 31, 2022. The two additional banks grappling with…

In a heartbreaking incident that unfolded in Magboro, located in the Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State, residents were plunged into mourning as a truck accident resulted in the tragic death of a pregnant woman and left her two-year-old child hospitalized. The unfortunate incident occurred when a truck, bearing the registration number TTD-643ZY, suddenly veered into Magboro market after suffering a brake failure, causing the driver to lose control. Our correspondent, who arrived at the scene around 10:40 am, witnessed the aftermath of the accident, which included the truck colliding with a car and a motorcycle becoming trapped…

In a heart-wrenching incident that unfolded in Ojodu Abiodun, located in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, a building owned by the Ayanshina family collapsed during a downpour, resulting in the tragic loss of two sisters. The incident, which occurred due to a mudslide triggered by heavy rainfall, left the family in mourning.  The victims, 16-year-old Suliyat and her 25-year-old elder sister, Nofisat, were trapped within the building as the downpour began. Neighbours rushed to their aid, but it took precious time to free the sisters, who were both injured and trapped beneath the debris.  Once rescued, the…

Ameenah Gusanu Data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals a significant 44% decline in revenue for the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) over a four-year period. In 2022, NIPOST generated N3.01 billion in revenue, representing a sharp decrease from the N5.37 billion recorded in 2019, as reported in the recently released 2022 postal services data by the NBS on Monday. The data indicates that the total revenue derived from postal activities in 2022 fell by 17.05%, dropping from N3.63 billion in 2021 to N3.01 billion in 2022. This decline is even more striking when compared to the 2019…

Zenith Bank Plc has set a blazing financial trail, declaring an astounding after-tax profit for the first half of the year, surging from N111.413 billion in 2022 to an impressive N291.731 billion. The group’s total income has also experienced a significant leap, ascending from N80.5 billion in the first half of last year to an impressive N494 billion this year. Earnings per share have exhibited remarkable growth, nearly tripling from N3.53 to N9.29 during the same period. In recognition of this exceptional performance, Zenith Bank has announced its decision to distribute an interim dividend amounting to N15.70 billion to its…