Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National Directorate of Employment (NDE) has lauded Dangote Sugar Refinery for its monumental investment in the Federal Government’s Backward Integration Policy (BIP), describing its impact on job creation as transformative. Director-General of the NDE, Silas Agara, made this commendation during his visit to the Dangote Group’s pavilion at the ongoing Kano International Trade Fair. He praised the company’s Chairman, Aliko Dangote, for his unparalleled commitment to achieving sugar self-sufficiency in Nigeria, which he said serves as a benchmark for others to emulate. Agara highlighted Dangote Sugar’s investment of over $700 million in the BIP, aimed at reducing Nigeria’s dependence…

…Infrastructure Takes Lion’s Share Daud Olatunji The Ogun State Government has unveiled a N1.055 trillion appropriation bill for the 2025 fiscal year, titled the “Budget of Hope and Prosperity,” with a significant emphasis on capital projects and human development. The state Governor, Dapo Abiodun while presenting the 2025 appropriation Bill  to the state House of Assembly,on Wednesday, disclosed that the proposed budget, the sixth of his administration, seeks to address current challenges, implement reforms, and lay a foundation for sustainable economic growth. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the budget is projected to be funded by a mix of internally generated revenue…

Daud Olatunji The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has approved the appointment of Arc. Dr. Babatunde Adekoyejo Jolaoso as the 10th substantive Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the appointment, effective from Friday, December 6, 2024, follows the expiration of the tenure of the outgoing Rector, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji, on Thursday, December 5, 2024. A statement made available to PLATFORM TIMES on Wednesday read that the approval was conveyed in a letter with reference number MOEST/HSC.1/9, dated December 3, 2024. The letter, signed by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu,…

Nigeria’s business environment is expected to remain one of the most difficult globally over the next five years, according to a new report by the Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU). The report, released on Tuesday, places Nigeria 76th out of 82 economies assessed for the 2025-2029 period, citing persistent economic challenges despite ongoing reforms. The EIU warns that these difficulties could have political ramifications, suggesting that President Bola Tinubu may struggle to retain power after the 2027 elections due to widespread public dissatisfaction. The report highlights that while Nigeria’s growing population and economic reforms present long-term opportunities, the country faces immediate…

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has impounded 296 vehicles over tinted glass and number plate offences. The FCT Commissioner of Police (CP), Olatunji Disu, said this during a media briefing on Tuesday in Abuja. He said the vehicles were impounded over the use of tinted glass, driving with only one plate number and use of concealed or defaced number plates. Mr Disu said the various operations of the command had successfully foiled five “One Chance” robbery attacks, resulting in the rescue of three victims abducted by the criminals. According to him, the achievements highlight the effectiveness of the…

… It’s Criminal To Reveal Owner’s Identity – EFCC Daud Olatunji Court filings have revealed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) recovered 753 duplexes and apartments in Abuja from the former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Godwin Emefiele. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the properties, located on Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokogoma District, were allegedly acquired using kickbacks from contractors, according to affidavits presented in court. The documents, published by Omoyele Sowore, African Action Congress presidential candidate in the 2023 election, detail how Emefiele reportedly used intermediaries, including Ifeanyi Omeke, a deputy general manager at…

Suspected internet fraudsters have allegedly shot a collaborator over a disagreement arising from the sharing of N94 million proceeds from an online scam. The incident reportedly occurred on Sunday at Okhoro road in the Egor Local Government Area of Edo State. The victim was said to have been driving in his Sport Utility Vehicle when the gunmen who drove in another vehicle accosted him. A source on Tuesday said the gunmen ordered him out of his car and shot him at a close range. The source described the victim as “Aza Man”, a code name by internet fraudsters for a…

Fuji music enthusiasts are in for an unforgettable Boxing Day celebration as renowned Fuji maestro, Alhaji (Dr.) Sefiu Alao Adekunle, popularly known as “Baba Oko” and “Agbara Orin,” prepares to dazzle fans at the Fabulous Lounge, nestled within New Touch Hotel & Suites, Meiran, Lagos. The event, scheduled for Thursday, December 26, 2024, marks the first anniversary of Fabulous Lounge, a top destination for leisure and entertainment in the area. Running from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., the show promises to be an electrifying affair, featuring a live performance from the Fuji legend, who has assured fans of a unique…

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested the founder of the Harvesters International Christian Centre, Bolaji Idowu. Idowu was aid to have been interrogated by the Force Criminal Investigation Department, Abuja. A source said the cleric who founded the church in 2003, is being investigated for alleged real estate fraud and money laundering. “The Next Level Prayer Conference, Pastor Bolaji Idowu, has been arrested by the police, and he is being grilled in Abuja over real estate fraud and money laundering,” the source said. Another source told the outlet that the “Next-Level Prayer Conference” pastor “is at the FCID Abuja as…

The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC, has dismantled an illegal production site for counterfeit alcoholic beverages on Offin Road, Balogun, Lagos Island. In a statement on Monday, the agency disclosed that the discovery followed a tip-off, which led to a swift investigation and subsequent raid. The illegal factory, disguised as a regular shop, was found to be repurposed for the production and packaging of fake alcoholic drinks. The operation, NAFDAC revealed, posed significant health risks to unsuspecting consumers and violated Nigeria’s food safety regulations. “Following a complaint received, our enforcement team carried out surveillance and…