Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, expressed deep concern over the escalating involvement of Nigerian students in cybercrimes.  Speaking with a delegation from Daar Communication PLC at the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja, Olukoyede revealed that “seven out of 10 Nigerian students are involved in cybercrimes.” Describing the situation as a “menace and cankerworm” in society, Olukoyede emphasized the urgent need for media intervention.  He urged the media, particularly Daar Communications, to design and implement programs aimed at enlightening youths about the dire consequences of engaging in cybercrimes. The EFCC chairman underscored the gravity…

A Federal High Court in Lagos handed down a five-year prison sentence or a N3 million fine to Azubuike Jeremiah Emeka, a Nigerian drug dealer convicted of importing 7.8 kilograms of cocaine into the country from Sao Paulo, Brazil.  The judgement, delivered by Justice Chukwujekwu Aneke, underscores the severity of drug-related offenses and aims to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders. Emeka, who pleaded guilty to the single count charge brought forth by the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), was apprehended during the inward clearance of an Ethiopian Airline flight at Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos on…

In a shocking incident, armed assailants targeted David Mike, the Secretary to the Kogi State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, on Monday, robbing him of four crucial petitions challenging the victory of APC candidate Ahmed Usman Ododo. The masked gunmen intercepted Mike’s car at the High Court Complex in Lokoja, firing shots into the air before forcefully seizing petitions from four political parties – Action Alliance (AA), Action People’s Party (APP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP).  The police have launched an investigation into the incident. This follows a series of alarming attacks, including one on the residence…

Daud Olatunji The former provost and medical director of Neuropsychiatric Hospital,Aro, Abeokuta, Dr. Mrs. Taiwo Adamson and a consultant psychiatrist from the Neuro Psychiatric Hospital Aro, Abeokuta, have  sounded the alarm on the impending dangers of substance abuse in Nigeria.  The experts  expressed deep concern about the escalating rate of substance use, particularly among the youth. They spoke on Wednesday, during the 3rd edition of Dr. Taiwo Adamson annual debate and mental wellness, organised by the Association of Resident Doctors, Neuropsychiatric Hospital,Aro,Abeokuta. Adamson,a renowned consultant psychiatrist,retired 14 years ago,now runs a private psychiatric hospital raised the alarm, saying, “what is…

Daud Olatunji In a stark revelation on Tuesday, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) expressed grave concerns over the increasing shortage of lecturers and deteriorating infrastructure in Nigeria’s public universities.  The union highlighted the alarming trend of lecturers resigning in pursuit of better opportunities, exacerbating the longstanding issue of understaffing. Professor Ayo Akinwole, the Chairman of ASUU at the University of Ibadan, painted a somber picture of the state of Nigeria’s higher education institutions.  He emphasized that the proliferation of new universities has failed to address the ongoing admission challenges, urging the government to focus on enhancing the capacity…

Daud Olatunji In a resounding plea for public health reform, the World Health Organisation (WHO) has urged nations to implement increased taxes on alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) to mitigate the staggering toll of 10.6 million lives lost each year.  This call, articulated in a press statement on Tuesday, emphasizes the critical need for proactive measures to address the dire consequences of alcohol consumption and unhealthy diets. The WHO’s statement revealed that 2.6 million people globally succumb to alcohol-related causes annually, with an additional eight million lives lost due to unhealthy dietary habits.  The proposed remedy lies in imposing taxes…

Daud Olatunji In the past three years, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and his aides have reportedly spent a staggering sum of N91 billion, according to financial statements obtained by PLATFORM TIMES from www.openstates.ng/Oyo. Breaking down the expenditures, Makinde allocated N32,744,535,080 in 2021, followed by N26,245,740,129 in 2022, and N31,202,700,662.46 in 2023 towards his office, personnel, and capital expenditures.  The report details that capital and recurrent expenditures in 2023 reached N15,015,144,985.24, with personnel costs accounting for N10,600,264,937.22. Further analysis reveals that in 2022, the governor spent N13,255,326,414 on capital expenditure and N12,990,413,715 on recurrent expenditure, including N490,413,715 as personnel costs…

A festive atmosphere is set to envelop the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on December 14, 2023, as the Committee of Friends gears up for a warm welcome home reception for Chief Sarafa Tunji Isola.  The event, chaired by Chief Joju Fadairo and under the distinguished chairmanship of Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, CFR, promises to be a momentous occasion, exclusively welcoming an esteemed guest list by invitation only.  The community eagerly anticipates celebrating the accomplishments and contributions of the immediate past Nigeria High Commissioner to the United Kingdom

In a bid to enhance healthcare services across Ogun State, the Ogun State Primary Healthcare Development Board (OGPHECADEB) has initiated a comprehensive training program for the 25 recently recruited Nurses and Midwives.  The training, centered around the theme “Essential Newborn Care Course,” aims to equip healthcare professionals with the necessary skills to provide high-quality care for newborns, post-labour, and delivery. Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the state’s health sector by providing essential human and material resources.  The 5-day capacity training, held in Abeokuta, brings together healthcare professionals from various parts of the state,…

In a landmark ruling, the Community Court of Justice of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), sitting in Abuja, has directed the Government of the Republic of Benin to compensate Yoruba nation agitator, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, with a sum of 20 million CFA.  The court handed down this judgment on Tuesday, citing unlawful detention and violation of fundamental human rights. Sunday Igboho, along with his wife, Ropo, was apprehended in July 2021 in Cotonou, Benin Republic, at the behest of the Nigerian government.  The decision came following an application lodged by Adeyemo challenging his…