Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Dr. Eze Nwafor, a prominent cardiologist from the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), has sounded the alarm on the escalating prevalence of heart-related ailments, attributing them to the nation’s economic challenges. The expert stated this  at a  special medical outreach to mark International Heart  Day, Dr. Nwafor emphasized that economic policies, particularly the devaluation of the naira, have exacerbated the production and importation costs of vital heart disease medications. Expressing deep concern over the mounting cases of heart diseases, Dr. Nwafor pointed to the crippling financial burden on families due to the exorbitant expenses associated with treating these…

Dr. Samuel Ogbukwu, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), expressed deep concern over the multifaceted challenges plaguing the Niger Delta region.  Ogbukwu said this  at a two-week leadership and performance management course held in Abuja. These challenges encompass a crippling infrastructure deficit, environmental woes, and profound socio-economic disparities. The course, organized by the Human Resource Department of the Commission in collaboration with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON), was attended by newly promoted directors within the agency.  Dr. Ogbukwu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Rev. Obegha Oworibo, urged these directors…

The federal government has disavowed any involvement in a reported N50 billion non-prosecution plea bargain with former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele. Emefiele. Emefiele who is currently detained by the Department of the State Services (DSS), was rumoured to have agreed to the plea bargain, which aimed to secure his early release and dismiss multiple charges, including money laundering and abuse of office. Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, vehemently denied the existence of such an agreement. He clarified that neither his office nor the presidency had engaged in any…

In August 2023, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) disclosed that 61.9 million telecom subscribers, constituting 28.07% of the nation’s 220.7 million, have adopted 4G technology, marking a 3.91% increase from July 2023’s 53.3 million (24.16%). This statistic reflects a significant shift towards 4G connectivity, according to the latest NCC data released on September 28, 2023. Furthermore, the report highlights that 5G, introduced in 2022, currently accounts for 0.83% of all subscriptions as of August 2023.  Meanwhile, 10.78% of subscribers continue to rely on the 3G network, which revolutionized video calls when launched in Nigeria in 2007, offering higher data transfer…

Daud Olatunji In a significant turn of events, the Federal Government of Nigeria has made a compelling offer to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a bid to prevent an impending strike.  The key proposition on the table is a substantial pay increase of N25,000 for all “treasury-paid” federal government workers, among other notable measures.  These developments emerged from an extended meeting held in Abuja on Sunday between government representatives and labor unions. The Federal Government, represented by high-ranking officials, expressed optimism that these offers could persuade organized labor to reconsider their planned…

Senator Remi Tinubu, the wife of the President, urged Nigerians to place their trust in her husband’s commitment to gradually transform the country. Addressing the congregation through  a message delivered at an inter-denominational church service in Abuja to mark Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day Anniversary, Tinubu emphasized that her husband is not a magician but is determined to work tirelessly, “brick-by-brick,” to improve the lives of the citizens.  She refrained from blaming past administrations, instead focusing on the administration’s dedication to fixing long-standing issues. “We just returned from UNGA, and it was successful for us as a nation,” Tinubu stated. “The…

Daud Olatunji In a somber turn of events, the Federal University Dutsin-Ma (FUDMA) in Katsina State has taken decisive action by suspending six students following the untimely demise of one of their peers, Abubakar Nasir-Barda, a 200-level student at the institution. The university administration revealed this grave decision in a statement made public on Sunday, October 1, 2023, through its spokesperson, Habib Aminu-Umar.  The suspension comes in the wake of the Katsina State Police Command’s announcement of the arrest of these six students in connection with the tragic death of Nasir-Barda. Aminu-Umar expressed the profound sorrow and concern shared by…

In a significant tribute to the late literary luminary, Prof. Chinua Achebe, Governor Prof. Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has unveiled plans to rename the Anambra International Airport.  The announcement came during the Independence Day celebration at Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, where Governor Soludo declared the airport’s new name as “Chinua Achebe International Airport, Umueri.” During his address, Governor Soludo emphasized his commitment to propel the state’s rapid development, affirming that Anambra would overcome its challenges.  He commended the tradition of naming various projects after those who contributed to Nigeria’s independence in 1960 but noted that most honorees…

In a landmark address marking Nigeria’s 63rd independence anniversary, President Bola Tinubu has declared the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) a “den of malfeasance” in need of a comprehensive overhaul.  Tinubu, who has already initiated the process, announced the appointment of a new leadership for the CBN. During his nationwide broadcast on Sunday, October 1, 2023, President Tinubu revealed that a special investigator would soon present findings on past shortcomings and strategies to prevent their recurrence.  He stressed that the future monetary policy set by the CBN would prioritize the welfare of all Nigerians, rather than serving the interests of…

Daud Olatunji In a devastating incident that marred Nigeria’s Independence Day celebrations, 20 lives were tragically lost as a fuel tanker exploded on the Warri-Benin Expressway. The incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday at Koko junction along the Warri – Benin Highway, situated in the Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State. The calamity unfolded when a tanker, carrying its volatile cargo, toppled over, spilling fuel onto the roadway.  Reports suggest that some individuals were attempting to collect spilled fuel when a spark from a faulty vehicle triggered a catastrophic explosion, resulting in the loss of 20…