Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Federal Government has vehemently dismissed the World Bank’s assertion that Nigeria is still paying subsidies on petrol, declaring that the era of petrol subsidies is “gone for good.” Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said this, saying that President Bola Tinubu has been steadfast in his commitment to ending subsidy payments since his first day in office. In an exclusive interview on Channels TV, Minister Idris asserted that the removal of the subsidy has led to a substantial increase in revenue flowing into the federation account. Contrary to the World Bank’s suggestion, he declared, “Subsidy is gone,…

The Yobe State Independent Electoral Commission (YIEC) has officially proposed a budget of N500 million for the forthcoming local government council election.  The election, initially slated for November 25, has been rescheduled to take place on May 25, 2024, according to the announcement made by Dr Mamman Muhammad, the executive chairman of the commission. Dr Mamman Muhammad disclosed this information during a stakeholders meeting held in Damaturu, the state capital.  He emphasized that the commission is dedicated to ensuring a credible, free, fair, and peaceful election process at the grassroots level.  To facilitate this, political parties will be issued election…

In an escalating political crisis, Rivers State is witnessing a wave of resignations within Governor Sim Fubara’s cabinet, adding further instability to the already tumultuous landscape.  The latest casualties are the Commissioner for Works, George-Kelly Alabo, and the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, Inime Aguma, who both submitted their resignations on Thursday. Alabo, in a letter addressed to Governor Fubara, cited his decision as being anchored in his conscience, personal philosophy, and professional ethics.  “I appreciate Your Excellency for the opportunity to serve my beloved Rivers State as Commissioner for Works,” he expressed. Similarly, Aguma attributed her resignation to…

In  a momentous develooment, the Association of Nigerian Broadcasters (ANBROAD) Ogun State Chapter has extended warm congratulations to Elder Goke Babalola and Dr. Adeyinka Adegbite on their recent appointments as the General Manager and Assistant General Manager, respectively, of Fresh 107.9 FM Abeokuta. The announcement was made through a press statement issued on Thursday by Gbenga Goke-Fadiran, the Chairman of the Steering Committee for ANBROAD Ogun Chapter.  He expressed the association’s profound excitement for the well-deserved promotions, emphasizing the profound impact that both individuals have had on the broadcasting industry. “Your appointment, which are well deserved and merit-driven, is in…

In a remarkable display of Corporate Social Responsibility, Dangote Cement Plc. has inaugurated a health center and various projects in its host communities in Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun.  The projects were unveiled during the company’s annual Community Day celebrations at Ibese, where the Plant Director, Mr. Azad Nawabuddin, handed over these initiatives to the communities. Addressing the gathering, Nawabuddin emphasized the significance of the occasion, marking a day dedicated to celebrating the company’s achievements in 2023 and expressing gratitude to the host communities for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the prevalent socio-economic challenges faced globally and in Nigeria,…

In a significant move aimed at enhancing transparency and efficiency in the Nigerian civil service, the federal government has suspended the salaries of 686 civil servants due to unverified records on the Integrated Personnel and Payroll Information System (IPPIS).  This action is part of a broader initiative to streamline the country’s payroll system and eradicate ghost workers. The Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Dr. Folasade Yemi-Esan, revealed this development in a statement issued by Mohammed Ahmed, the director of Communication for the office of the Head of Service of the Federation, on Wednesday. Earlier in the year, 59,201…

Daud Olatunji A recent World Bank report has brought to light the alarming increase in poverty levels in Nigeria, with the number of poor people surging from 95 million in 2021 to a staggering 104 million in 2022. This revelation follows data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, indicating a steady rise from 82.9 million in 2019 to 85.2 million in 2020. The World Bank’s Nigeria Development Update titled ‘Turning the Corner: Time to Move From Reforms to Results’ underscores the critical need to sustain reform momentum. While acknowledging the Federal Government’s bold steps in implementing economic and fiscal reforms,…

In a strategic move by the executive management of Fresh FM Nigeria, a popular Broadcaster, Mr. Goke Babalola has been appointed as the new General Manager of Fresh 107.9 FM Abeokuta. The announcement comes as part of the station’s commitment to ensuring dynamic leadership and fostering growth within its ranks. Replacing Mr. Samson Akindele, who has been elevated to the substantive Group Head of Corporate Affairs and Publicity, Mr. Babalola brings a wealth of experience to his new role. His previous contributions as part of the Fresh FM team, coupled with his industry expertise, position him to lead Fresh 107.9…

In a tragic turn of events at a nightclub in the Bonny Island area of Rivers State, a yet-to-be-identified soldier allegedly stabbed a bouncer, Kingsley Abbey, to death during a routine search at the club’s entrance.  The incident unfolded when Abbey discovered a dagger on the soldier during the search and subsequently denied him entry. The deceased bouncer’s wife, Mrs. Diepreye Abbey, expressed her anguish, recounting the desperate search for her husband after hearing about the incident. She visited multiple hospitals until finally finding him at Macaulay, where he had already succumbed to his injuries. Mrs. Abbey, a mother of…

In a shocking revelation, the Chartered Institute of Transport Administration (CIOTA) released a report on Tuesday disclosing that over 200 lives were lost due to boat accidents across seven states in Nigeria this year. The affected states include Kwara, Calabar, Nasarawa, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Ondo. This grim statistic adds to the broader concern of thousands of deaths from road crashes reported nationwide. The disconcerting findings were presented at the institute’s 5th annual national summit in Abuja, themed “Emerging National Governance Challenges and Prospects.”  Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing the Federal Government, outlined the administration’s vision for reforming the country’s…