Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Feyi Ogunbiyi Two nursing mothers and eight other inmates at the Ibara Correctional Center, Abeokuta, Ogun State, have regained their freedom following the intervention of the Olu of Itori, Oba Abdul Fatai Akamo, who paid their fines as part of events marking his 21st anniversary on the throne. The released inmates, comprising three women—including two nursing mothers—and seven men, had been unable to meet their bail conditions after being charged with various offenses. The visibly relieved women carried their infants on their backs as they walked out of the facility into a new chapter of their lives. Oba Akamo, in…

Daud Olatunji The Abdul Samad Rabiu Initiative (ASR Africa) has laid the foundation for a state-of-the-art medical laboratory complex worth N500 million at Crescent University, Abeokuta, Ogun State, in a significant boost to medical education at the private institution. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on the university’s main campus along Lafenwa-Ayetoro Road, was presided over by the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of ASR Africa, Dr. Udoh Ubong, who confirmed that the facility—comprising three fully equipped laboratories—would be completed within the next six months, barring unforeseen circumstances. Ubong emphasized that Crescent University was selected as a beneficiary of the initiative…

Ayomide Awe Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has demonstrated his commitment to academic excellence by awarding a total of N6m to the best graduating students of the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa. Governor Abiodun made this announcement during the 6th Combined Convocation Ceremony of OGITECH, where he emphasized the importance of rewarding exceptional academic performance. The monetary reward, which includes N2 million  each for the three overall best students, reflects the governor’s dedication to fostering educational development across Ogun State. Represented by his Deputy, Engr Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun commended OGITECH for its pivotal role in nurturing a…

In a swift response to credible threats, security agents successfully averted a potential attack on the palace of Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the 15th Emir of Kano, located in Nasarawa. Early Wednesday morning, combined security forces were deployed to block access to the palace following intelligence reports of an imminent assault. The security measures were prompted by a viral video circulating on Tuesday night, which alleged plans by unidentified youths to storm the Nasarawa emir’s palace and forcibly remove Emir Aminu Ado Bayero from his residence. The video also called on supporters of the emir to gather in defense of…

A former staff member of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Ajibola Oluwafidipo, has recounted how former President Olusegun Obasanjo personally intervened to save him from being laid off during a downsizing exercise in 2011. Oluwafidipo shared his experience in a tribute, highlighting Obasanjo’s unexpected act of kindness that kept him from joining the ranks of the unemployed at the time. According to him, on May 11, 2011, the OOPL, which was still a project site at the time, faced financial constraints that necessitated reducing its workforce. “Over 200 employees were assembled at Christ the Glorious King Chapel for an…

The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural group advocating for the rights of Lagos indigenes, has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of systematically sidelining Lagos natives in political appointments and governance. In a statement released on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, titled “Exposed: Systematic Marginalization of Lagos Indigenes” with a rider “A Call for Indigenous Solidarity,” the group expressed concerns over what it described as the imposition of non-indigenes in key political positions in the state. The group particularly condemned the alleged pressure on the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, to step down…

The Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has taken decisive action against MultiChoice Nigeria following the company’s announcement of significant subscription rate hikes for its DStv and GOtv services. In a statement released on Tuesday, Ondaje Ijagwu, FCCPC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, revealed that MultiChoice has been summoned to provide clarity on the impending price adjustments. Effective from March 1, 2025, DStv Premium subscribers will face an increase from N37,000 to N44,500, while Compact+ subscribers will see rates rise from N25,000 to N30,000, according to an email communication reviewed by TheCable on Monday. The FCCPC invoked its authority under…

Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG), the leading gas exporter in Nigeria, has been ordered by the London Court of International Arbitration to compensate global commodity giants Vitol and Glencore with a total sum of $380 million. The ruling, issued today, concludes a protracted legal battle over 19 undelivered LNG cargoes. The dispute, rooted in contractual obligations and operational disruptions at Nigeria’s Bonny Island LNG export facility, saw NLNG found in breach of contract for failing to fulfill its delivery commitments to Vitol and Glencore. These commitments were part of a supply agreement originally brokered with trading firm Taleveras, which had subcontracted…

The Supreme Council for Shari’ah in Nigeria (SCSN), has voiced deep dissatisfaction over what it perceives as the political marginalization of Muslims by the current administration led by President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, since the duo assumed office in 2023. Speaking at the Pre-Ramadan Lecture on Monday, Sheikh Abdurrasheed Hadiyyatullah, President of SCSN, criticized the Muslim-Muslim ticket’s promise to address the Muslim community’s concerns, stating that little has changed for millions of Muslims across the nation. Despite hopes that the administration would prioritize Muslim interests, Sheikh Hadiyyatullah emphasized that Muslims continue to face significant political exclusion. “We…

Attahiru Jega, former chairman of Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), issued a stark warning on Tuesday, declaring that democracy across West Africa is under threat due to pervasive governance failures and poor leadership. Speaking at the “Reflection conference on democratic elections in West Africa” organized by Yiaga Africa in Abuja, Jega highlighted how these factors are fueling a dangerous resurgence of military coups in the region. Jega pointed out that widespread dissatisfaction among citizens, exacerbated by governance failures, has led to recent coups in countries like Mali, Burkina Faso, Guinea, and Niger. He criticized elected leaders for exploiting public…