Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In an exclusive investigation by PLATFORM TIMES, a strong indication has emerged that the Ogun State government received N30 billion from the Federal Government in February 2024, earmarked specifically for the upgrading of airport facilities and other essential infrastructure projects. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the funds, allocated through Approval in Expenditure (AIE) No. A01-00009117 by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, were meant to accelerate the development of Ogun’s aviation sector and bolster its economic infrastructure. However, eight months after the disbursement, the Ogun State government has yet to reveal the  updates on the use of…

The Owu Kingdom in Abeokuta is in mourning following the death of Alhaja Aliratu Adunni Matemilola, the mother of HRM Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom. Alhaja Matemilola passed away at the age of 81 after a brief illness. In a statement issued on behalf of the Owu people, Chief Dr. Abiodun Oladimeji Lasile, the Orunto of Owu Kingdom, expressed gratitude for Alhaja Matemilola’s life, calling her “a shining example of kindness, compassion, and strength.” Known for her warmth and generosity, she touched many lives as a successful trader, loving mother, and devoted wife, maintaining a…

Daud Olatunji The Nigeria Customs Service Area Command in Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State, reported third-quarter revenue of N36.2 million while seizing smuggled goods valued at over N323 million. The Area Controller of Kebbi Command, Comptroller Ernest Iheanacho Ojike, revealed these figures in a statement issued on Friday in Birnin-Kebbi made available to PLATFORM TIMES. According to Ojike, the Command has ramped up efforts to enhance revenue collection and combat smuggling, actively engaging stakeholders and educating trading communities on customs procedures and compliance. “In all our meetings with trading communities, we emphasized compliance and warned against importing harmful goods that could compromise…

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has handed Nigeria’s Super Eagles a 3-0 victory over Libya and awarded them full points in their 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier, citing maltreatment during the team’s trip to Libya. The decision, delivered by the CAF Disciplinary Board on Saturday, imposes a $50,000 fine on the Libyan Football Federation and comes after an investigation into complaints lodged by Nigeria over logistical hardships. The Super Eagles faced significant obstacles en route to the October 15 match in Benghazi, including a diverted flight, over 18 hours of delays, and other logistical issues. The Nigerian…

Former Niger Delta militant leader and ardent supporter of President Bola Tinubu, Asari Dokubo, has expressed disillusionment with the President, vowing to shift his allegiance to the North ahead of the 2027 general elections. The outspoken Dokubo accused Tinubu of betrayal despite his financial and personal commitment to the president’s 2023 campaign. In a series of viral videos, Dokubo disclosed that he “emptied” his personal funds to mobilize support for Tinubu during the 2023 presidential race. Reflecting on his efforts, Dokubo lamented that his sacrifices have gone unappreciated and declared his intentions to abandon Tinubu in favor of a new…

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet has predicted haziness and sunshine from Sunday to Tuesday nationwide. NiMet’s weather outlook released on Saturday forecasts moderate dust haze in the northern region on Sunday, with horizontal visibility ranging from 2km to 5km. The agency anticipated localised visibility of less than or equal to 1,000m during the forecast period. “In the North-Central region, sunny skies with patches of clouds are expected in the morning hours. “Later in the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Benue, and Nasarawa States. “In the southern region, thunderstorms with…

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has formally prohibited individuals below 18 from purchasing Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) cards. PLATFORM TIMES reports that it was a move to enhance national security and protect minors. This regulatory measure, as confirmed by officials from the NCC, mandates that SIM ownership is reserved for Nigerians who have attained the age of 18, aligning with the age of legal consent in Nigeria. According to sources within the NCC, the new policy aims to safeguard young Nigerians from potential risks associated with SIM usage. “This is about protecting minors from liabilities they may not fully understand,”…

For nearly three weeks, customers of Zenith Bank and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) have been ensnared in service disruptions due to system upgrades, leaving them unable to perform basic transactions or access their funds. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the timing of the disruptions, as month-end approaches, has compounded anxieties as workers across Nigeria brace for salary payments, with concerns mounting over accessibility when the funds land in their accounts. The disruptions stem from core banking migrations—a process intended to modernize the banks’ operating systems. Both banks, aiming to improve user experience, had advised customers to expect temporary downtimes. But rather…

Prominent activist and #BringBackOurGirls movement convener, Aisha Yesufu, has fiercely responded to Nigerian singer Seun Kuti, following his criticism of her advocacy for women’s rights in Nigeria. The dispute began when Kuti reacted to Yesufu’s campaign for women’s freedom, suggesting she should “liberate [herself] from [her] hijab first.” In response, Yesufu took to her social media platform, X, to address Kuti’s remarks, accusing him of trying to gain relevance at her expense. In a series of scathing posts, Yesufu took aim at Kuti’s heritage and career. She remarked, “Seun Kuti wants to trend with my name as his karaoke business…

Nigeria’s economy suffers a staggering $26 billion loss every year due to persistent power shortages, a recent report by Standard Bank has revealed. This figure excludes the additional $22 billion spent annually by businesses on off-grid fuel to mitigate the impact of these shortages, highlighting the severe financial strain on the country’s business sector. The report, which sheds light on the economic repercussions of Nigeria’s electricity crisis, comes amid a series of national grid collapses that have plagued the country in recent weeks. Many regions across Nigeria experienced prolonged blackouts, with the grid reportedly failing three times within a single…