Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji A socio-cultural organisation, Tobade Progressive Club, has called on the Ogun State Government to urgently renovate the dilapidated MKO Abiola Primary School, Kemta Ilawo, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State, describing the facility as a historical legacy that deserves urgent attention. The call was made during the commissioning of a newly constructed modern toilet facility at the school, donated by the club as part of its community development efforts. Speaking at the event, the President of Tobade Progressive Club, Chief Tunji Keshinro, said the gesture was in memory of the club’s late Grand  patron, Oba Abdul-Sobur…

Five Nigerian nationals have been sentenced to a total of 129 years in prison by a U.S. federal court for their roles in a complex $17 million international fraud syndicate that targeted over 100 victims, mostly elderly Americans. The convicted fraudsters — Damilola Kumapayi, Sandra Iribhogbe, Edgal Iribhogbe, Chidindu Okeke, and Chiagoziem Okeke — were found guilty of operating an elaborate web of deception involving romance scams, business email compromise (BEC), unemployment insurance fraud, and fake investment schemes. Delivering judgment on Monday, U.S. District Judge Amos Mazzant of the Eastern District of Texas handed down heavy sentences following the convicts’…

In Nigeria’s fast-scrolling digital world, memes are no longer just for laughs, they are part of the country’s political conversation. Whether poking fun at politicians, satirizing policy failures, or highlighting national frustrations, political memes have found a home in the timelines of millions of young Nigerians. But can a meme actually inspire someone to vote?A new study by communication researcher, Samuel Arowosafe suggests that the answer is both yes and no. While some memes, especially serious, issue-focused ones, have the power to boost political participation among young Nigerians, others may do little more than entertain. Even more interesting, the same…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the commencement of free transportation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, and aviation fuel to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, and other bulk consumers across Nigeria. The initiative, which will be executed using 4,000 newly procured Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers, aims to eliminate the cost of logistics for fuel delivery — a development experts believe will reduce pump prices, curtail inflation, and generate thousands of jobs. The company said the rollout will also benefit sectors such as aviation, telecommunications, and industrial manufacturing, as well as ensure steady product availability even in remote and underserved…

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has strongly condemned the continued killings in Benue State, describing the bloodshed as a national disgrace that demands urgent and decisive intervention. In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organisation expressed outrage over what it called “the mindless slaughter of innocent men, women, and children” in the state, warning that Nigeria is fast losing its humanity in the face of persistent violence. “The killings in Benue are not just a regional tragedy,” the statement read. “They are a stain on the soul of Nigeria, and a national…

Prominent personalities including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former governors of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late industrialist and educationist, Chief Olatunde Abudu, who was laid to rest at the age of 96. The dignitaries gathered in Abeokuta, the state capital, for the 8th-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the Mayegun of Egbaland, who passed away on June 9, 2025. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun described Chief Abudu as a towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector and a passionate advocate of…

The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, has blamed the underwhelming performance of the state legislature on what he described as executive interference and the continued absence of financial and administrative autonomy for state assemblies. Adeleye, who represents Odogbolu State Constituency, made the remarks during a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Monday. He said although the Assembly has shown commitment to oversight and accountability, its efforts remain limited by the grip of the executive arm. “The performance of the Ogun Assembly is at best 60 percent, not because we are…

Daud Olatunji  As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa to commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child, UNICEF and other key stakeholders have called for more deliberate and equitable budgeting practices to protect and promote children’s rights across the country. Speaking at a media dialogue on public spending for children’s rights held in Lagos, Social Policy Specialist with UNICEF, Muhammed Okorie, stressed that while Nigeria has shown commendable commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to children, actual implementation and spending remain inadequate. “States are at different levels of commitment and implementation,” Okorie noted. “Although many have integrated…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly condemned the ongoing spate of killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, describing the violence as “senseless, alarming and a threat to the country’s public health system.” In a statement issued by its President, Dr. Osundara Tope, the association lamented the massacre of over 200 persons in Yelwata, Benue State, and warned of an impending humanitarian crisis if the bloodshed continues unchecked. “The continued killings in Benue and across the country are not only tragic but are also pushing our already fragile health system to the brink,” the statement…

The United States may soon impose fresh travel restrictions on Nigeria and 35 other countries following a new directive being considered by President Donald Trump’s administration. This development emerged over the weekend through a memo from the U.S. State Department, dated Saturday, June 14, and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The document, which was dispatched to U.S. embassies globally, outlines concerns over what the Trump administration terms “security risks and immigration non-compliance” associated with the listed countries. According to the memo, affected nations, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, and 21 other African states, have been given a 60-day…