Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday said it recorded an upsurge in the number of child abandonment cases reported to it in October. The senior human rights adviser to the executive secretary of NHRC, Hilary Ogbonna, made this known at the presentation of the commission’s October Dashboard report. Mr Ogbonna said it is worrisome to know that the cases concerning children are seen to be going up each month. “In October, we recorded over 1,300 cases of child abandonment. And it’s important that we understand that the violation of children’s rights may not just be child abandonment…

In a week-long offensive targeting terrorist strongholds and criminal networks, the Nigerian military has neutralized 88 terrorists and arrested 228 criminals across various regions, military officials announced Thursday. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja. He highlighted that intensified operations, particularly in the North West, aim to dismantle terror networks and mitigate insurgency across Nigeria. Troops have increased their efforts in response to heightened threats, adjusting strategies to prevent terrorist escapes and cornering them in high-priority regions. Buba also provided updates on counter-insurgency operations nationwide, noting the military’s commitment…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says Nigeria’s oil production has reached 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd). According to NAN, Lawal Musa, NNPC chief production war room officer, spoke during a briefing on the national oil company’s production on Thursday. Musa, who doubles as a senior business advisor to Mele Kyari, NNPC group chief executive officer (GCEO), said the increased oil production followed the continuous dislodgement of pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves. He said the achievement was based on the partnership between the leadership of the company, stakeholders, and security agencies. “We achieved this because of the…

A recent investigation has revealed that millions of dollars meant for Nigeria’s anti-Boko Haram efforts were allegedly funneled into luxury real estate in the United States by former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and close associates. This revelation came through a report by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), spotlighting an alleged misuse of public funds that has ignited calls for international action. Dasuki, who served as the National Security Adviser under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was initially charged with diverting billions of naira allocated to Nigeria’s campaign against Boko Haram. According to PPLAAF, tens of millions of…

The Oyo State Ministry of Health has confirmed the deaths of four people linked to a suspected Lassa fever outbreak, prompting the closure of two hospitals in Saki West Local Government Area. The State Rapid Response Team (RRT) mobilized to the affected region after distress calls reported “mysterious deaths” among residents. The fatalities include three males and a 32-year-old female who was reportedly preparing for her wedding. In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, dispatched the RRT to investigate the situation after receiving numerous reports of an outbreak.…

The newly inaugurated governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has described an intense spiritual battle he encountered on his journey to winning the state’s governorship election in September. During a Thanksgiving Service held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Okpebholo shared his experience, crediting his victory to divine intervention, consistent prayers, and the unwavering support of the Edo people. In a statement issued on Thursday by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo disclosed that he faced significant challenges and opposition during his campaign. The governor, visibly moved, narrated how his reliance on God proved crucial as he…

The Nigerian Correctional Service has expressed concerns over the worsening economic situation in the country, which it says is hampering its ability to provide adequate meals for inmates. The Deputy Comptroller of Corrections at the Suleja Custodial Facility, Ibrahim Yau, made this known during a visit by officials of the Legal Aid Council of Nigeria, who were at the facility to evaluate inmate conditions and extend free legal services. Yau highlighted that the Suleja facility, originally built to accommodate 250 inmates, now houses over 405 individuals, putting immense pressure on its already limited resources. He pointed to the insufficient daily…

Daud Olatunji After years of neglect, a 250-bed specialist hospital in Ogun State, which had been abandoned since its construction during the administration of former governor Ibikunle Amosun, has finally been handed over for operation by the current administration of Governor Dapo Abiodun. This significant development comes exactly a year after PLATFORM TIMES published a report highlighting the disuse of the facility, which had initially been touted as a game-changer for healthcare in the South-West region. The state-of-the-art hospital, equipped with over N7 billion worth of medical technology, was initially designed to address critical healthcare needs in Ogun State and…

In a show of unity and commitment, prominent figures of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Yewa North Local Government Area convened for their campaign grand finale, urging constituents to back the party in the upcoming local government elections. The event, held at the Palace of the Alaye of Ayetoro in Ayetoro, the headquarters of Yewa North, drew a significant crowd of party members, community leaders, and supporters. Addressing attendees, the overall coordinator of the APC campaign council, Jagunmolu Akande Omoniyi, alongside Hon. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka (GNI), Member of the House of Representatives for Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency, emphasized…

Mujeebat Idris, an undergraduate from the Bola Ajibola College of Law (BACOLAW) at Crescent University, Abeokuta, has emerged as the winner of the 2024 Parliamentary System of Government Support Group (PSSG) National Essay Competition. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  prestigious win has solidified her reputation as one of Nigeria’s budding legal intellectuals. Idris, who is also an Ibeji Foundation scholar, outperformed Henry Chukwura from the University of Calabar and Nabila Sule from the University of Ilorin, who took second and third places respectively. Her essay, titled “From Presidentialism to Parliamentarism: Examining Nigeria’s Quest for Better Governance,” captivated the audience during…