Daud Olatunji
As 2025 draws to a close, PLATFORM TIMES reflects on a year of groundbreaking reporting that not only informed but also mobilized action across Nigeria.
From uncovering social injustices to holding institutions accountable, our newsroom’s dedication has made tangible differences in people’s lives. Here is a chronicle of the eight most impactful stories, arranged by date, highlighting the profound effects of investigative journalism on society.
1. Joy Turns To Anxiety As Mother Of Triplets Detained Over Hospital Bill – November 4 & 5, 2025
In a special report, PLATFORM TIMES told the story of Mrs. Morenikeji Olatunji, a 25-year-old mother of triplets detained in a private hospital in Abeokuta, Ogun State, over an unpaid bill of N300,000.
The family had already paid N200,000 but could not meet the remaining cost.
The story quickly gained national attention, prompting Ogun State Government through the ministry of women Affairs and social Development led by the Commissioner, Hon. Adijat Adeleye, to intervene the following day, clearing the balance and ensuring the safe discharge of Mrs. Olatunji and her newborns.
Adeleye, who was physically present at the hospital with gifts, pledged further support, emphasizing the state’s commitment to protecting women and children.
2 . Out-Of-School Children Spotlighted: Ayomide Matthew & Basit Akanni – November 10 & 11, 2025
PLATFORM TIMES shone a light on Ayomide Matthew, a 15-year-old boy forced into street scavenging after his parents’ separation.
(3) Barely 24 hours after Ayomide’s story gained public attention, PLATFORM TIMES discovered another boy, 15-year-old Basit Akanni, scavenging at the same location under similar circumstances.
Dressed in torn, dirt-stained clothes, Basit shared how his parents’ separation forced him out of St. Andrew Primary School, Oke-Ile-Aro, Abeokuta, in Primary 3. With his mother struggling as a petty trader,
Both appealed to Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun and well-meaning Nigerians to support their return to school, expressing the daily pain of seeing peers in school uniforms while they toil for survival.
The twin discoveries prompted swift public reaction. Philanthropists, including an anonymous benefactor from London, offered to fund the children’s education.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce a special school for out-of-school children, with PLATFORM TIMES tasked to identify more children for the programme.
The initiative will provide accelerated learning and instructional materials to help these children catch up and reintegrate into the formal education system.
4. Tension At FMC Abeokuta Over ‘Unfair’ Staff Promotions – October 24, 2025
PLATFORM TIMES exposed alleged biased promotions at the Federal Medical Centre, Abeokuta, revealing staff grievances over unfair advancement practices.
The report spurred intervention from the Federal Ministry of Health, which subsequently directed the hospital to address the inconsistencies.
Many workers who reached out to PLATFORM TIMES lauded the newspaper for its intervention and disclosed that the authorities have been directed to correct the wrongs.
5. Abandoned 250-Bed Specialist Hospital Sparks Public Outcry – November 10 & 2025
Our investigations uncovered the long-abandoned 250-bed Specialist Hospital in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, built at over ₦7 billion but left idle despite being largely completed. Residents and civil society criticized the neglect.
Following sustained reporting, the Ogun State Government announced plans to commission the facility in December 2025, partnering with the Abuja Medical Centre of Excellence.
The hospital is now poised to become a major regional healthcare hub, reducing medical tourism and expanding access to specialized services.
6. Woman Suffers Severe Vaginal Damage From Illegal Fibroid Drug – December 8 & 18, 2025
PLATFORM TIMES brought to light the harrowing ordeal of a young Ogun woman whose reproductive health was devastated after using an unapproved fibroid drug sold by a local practitioner.
Public outrage and advocacy followed, leading to the arrest and court remand of the seller, and attracting the attention of the Federal Ministry of Health and Ministry of Women Affairs. The suspect was later arraigned before an Abeokuta court after the report .
7. Ogijo’s Deadly Dust: Lead Poisoning Crisis Exposed : November 24 & 29, 2025
PLATFORM TIMES investigated the lead contamination from battery recycling factories in Ogijo, Ogun State, revealing severe health risks affecting over 20,000 residents. Blood tests showed children with dangerously high lead levels, raising alarms over irreversible brain damage.
The coverage prompted government closure of seven hazardous recycling factories, demonstrating the media’s critical influence in environmental accountability and public health protection.
8. State Govts Silent On End-Of-Year Bonus – December 27 & 28, 2025
In a comprehensive report, PLATFORM TIMES exposed the lack of communication on festive bonuses by Ogun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo, Plateau, and Imo states, despite increased revenue allocations.
Following the report, Ogun State promptly paid workers’ bonuses, demonstrating the effectiveness of the media in advocating for employee welfare and accountability.
Prologue: Impact Beyond Headlines
These eight stories exemplify the influence of PLATFORM TIMES in 2025.
From saving lives and restoring dignity to ensuring environmental safety and government accountability, the newspaper’s investigative reporting has set a benchmark for impact journalism in Nigeria.
While countless stories shaped the national discourse this year, these selected reports reflect the editorial board’s commitment to truth, justice, and societal transformation, proving that responsible journalism can catalyze real-world change.
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