Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The cost of one kilogram of local rice has skyrocketed by 73.2% within a year, attributed to rising production costs, transportation expenses, and various factors.  This increase persists despite the Central Bank of Nigeria’s multi-billion naira support to boost the nation’s rice value chain and curtail foreign rice imports. Rice, a staple in Nigeria, is now priced between N55,000 and N60,000 for a 50kg bag, varying by location.  The National Bureau of Statistics’ selected food prices watch report reveals a 73.2% surge in the average price of 1kg of local rice, rising from N500.80 to N867.20 between November 2022 and…

Former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has  emphasized the importance of patriotism and unity among Nigerians, particularly within the All Progressives Congress (APC), during a New Year celebration held in Abeokuta on Wednesday. Amosun, addressing party faithful, urged citizens to remain steadfast and hopeful, emphasizing the need for prayers for the well-being of Nigeria, Ogun State, and individual homes.  Amosun said “ I feel happy. First, we have to thank the Almighty God because not everybody that witnessed 2023 was   opportune  to be here today. In fact,some of our people here, you know we have to even…

In a remarkable turnout, 45,000 individuals have applied for the Ogun Teach Intern program, aiming to fill 2,000 teaching vacancies in the state, according to Prof Abayomi Arigbabu, the Ogun State Commissioner for Science and Technology. Arigbabu revealed the staggering number of applicants during the second term pre-resumption stakeholders’ meeting for the 2023/2024 academic session held at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi Aba, Abeokuta.  He assured that the government would meticulously select the best candidates, with successful applicants expected to receive their letters of engagement by the end of April. Highlighting the government’s commitment to education, Arigbabu emphasized the continuation of…

Former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has  teamed up with Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, daughter of the late Gen. Murtala Muhammed, to commemorate her 60th birthday at the Treasure of Love Missionaries Orphanage in Alapere, Lagos. Obasanjo, the once second-in-command to Gen. Murtala Muhammed and later his successor following the tragic coup in 1976, joined Muhammed-Oyebode in a celebration that extended beyond personal joy to a broader commitment to social responsibility. The visit, occurring just hours before the dawn of the new year, served as a profound moment for sober reflection, as highlighted by Kehinde Akinyemi, the former President’s Special Assistant on…

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called for continuous support of the Federal Government through grains intervention in 2024. They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Lagos. The Chairman of PAN, Lagos chapter, Mr Mojeed Iyiola, said the sector would only prosper with continuous interventions of the government at all levels. “This year we want the government at all levels to engage in more interventions in feed production for local farmers. “We have problems in input procurement, most especially about maize and soya. “We would like to appreciate the…

In a startling revelation, undercover journalist Umar Audu, associated with Daily Nigerian, has exposed the astonishing ease with which he acquired a fraudulent degree certificate from a Cotonou-based university in Benin Republic. Audu’s exposé, documented in an investigative report titled ‘How Daily Nigerian Reporter Bagged Cotonou Varsity Degree in 6 Weeks,’ sheds light on a burgeoning certificate racketeering syndicate operating in Benin Republic and Togo. The clandestine operation, specializing in selling university degrees to willing buyers in Nigeria, delivered Audu’s certificate with remarkable efficiency, akin to ordering a pizza.  In just six weeks, the journalist received his degree certificate after…

In a powerful demonstration, hundreds of members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria (IMN), also known as Shi’ites, have taken to the streets of Abuja on Wednesday to  protest the assassination of Iranian military officer Qasem Soleimani and Iraqi military leader Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis by the United States. This protest, marking the anniversary of the January 3, 2020, killings ordered by former US President Donald Trump, witnessed both men and women marching through major streets in the nation’s capital, causing significant traffic disruptions. In a potent display of anger, the Shi’ites burned the flags of the United States and Israel,…

In response to widespread speculations, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited and fuel marketers have refuted claims of an imminent petrol price increase to N1,200 per litre in Nigeria. Reports earlier this week suggested a clash between fuel marketers, represented by the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), and NNPC concerning fuel subsidy.  In a statement, NNPC’s spokesperson, Olufemi Soneye, clarified that the alleged clash did not occur and emphasized that the fuel subsidy has been completely removed. Soneye stated, “NNPC Ltd emphasizes that it has not clashed with any party. The publication sought confirmation on the alleged…

Nurses at the Federal Medical Centre in Abeokuta, Ogun State, have  expressed  distress over unbearable workloads and protest against promotion exclusion. Nurses at the Federal Medical Centre in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Wednesday,  sounded  the alarm on harsh working conditions, claiming that of some colleagues  collapsing on duty due to overwhelming workloads.  The protest, organized by the National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives, highlights acute manpower shortages and claims of exclusion from the recent 2023 promotions within the institution. During the demonstration on the hospital’s premises, nurses called for the management to address issues such as promotion arrears,…

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta  has been recognized as the best University of Agriculture in Africa and clinched the 7th position globally in the prestigious 2024 Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings (WUR).  The announcement positions FUNAAB at the forefront of agricultural education and research on the continent. The 2024 WUR, employing the new 3.0 methodology, meticulously assessed 2,671 entries from 1,906 universities across 108 countries and regions.  This comprehensive evaluation involved 18 carefully calibrated performance indicators, scrutinizing institutions in key areas such as Teaching, Research Environment, Research Quality, Industry, and International Outlook. What…