Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Ayomide Awe The Chairman of the Ogun Initiative Agenda,Dr. Abayomi Arabambi, has sounded a clarion call for political awakening and unity amidst what he describes as the marginalization and neglect of Egba land. Arabambi in an open letter addressed to the people of Ogun Central Senatorial District, acussed the state governor, Dapo Abiodun of neglecting Ogun central in the scheme of things. Arabambi while highlighting historical grievances and recent disparities in infrastructural development and economic opportunities, argued that Ogun Central, particularly the Egba people, have been relegated to a “third class” status within the state. This, he asserts, stands in…

Daud Olatunji A storm is brewing in Ogun State as the Egba Council of Chiefs has strongly opposed the alleged sale of land belonging to Technical College, Idi Aba, Abeokuta. The traditional leaders have accused the state government of attempting to excise portions of the institution’s premises for private development, a move they described as a threat to the state’s educational heritage. In a strongly worded petition addressed to Governor Dapo Abiodun, the Chiefs, led by Balogun Egba, Chief Sikiru  Atobatele, Lisa Egba, Chief Oluyomi Olaogun, and Aro Egba, Chief Oluyinka A. Kufile, expressed their displeasure over the government’s actions.…

A witness for the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has alleged that former Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, used unlicensed companies to siphon public funds during his tenure. Testifying before Justice Inyang Ekwo of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday, the EFCC’s ninth witness, Andrew Ali, who serves as the Head of the License Office at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), disclosed that some of the companies linked to the alleged N4 billion fraud were not authorized to operate financial transactions. Obiano is currently facing a nine-count charge filed by the EFCC, accusing him of embezzlement…

At least seven people have lost their lives and six others sustained injuries following a violent clash between cocoa farmers and suspected produce thieves in the Ovia South West Local Government Area of Edo State. The conflict, which erupted last Thursday at Madotti farm camp, escalated over the weekend as gunmen launched attacks on seven farm settlements within the area. Police authorities confirmed the death toll as of Sunday night, though local residents fear the actual number could be higher. The affected communities, comprising farmers from diverse ethnic backgrounds including Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, and Benin, include Marindoti, Gbelemontin Domiju, Kola…

A tragic incident has occurred at the Ekoli Creek in Yenagoa, as a 200-level Chemical Engineering student of the Federal University, Otuoke, reportedly drowned while attempting to swim across the river in fulfillment of a N300 bet. According to sources familiar with the situation but who preferred anonymity, the unfortunate event took place on Sunday morning. Despite efforts by onlookers, the body of the deceased, whose identity remains undisclosed at this time, has yet to be recovered. Witnesses revealed that the student engaged in a wager with fellow classmates, each contributing N300 to the bet. The challenge involved swimming across…

Daud Olatunji The Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) has re-elected Titlayo Akibu as its Ogun State Chairman and Tiwalade Akingbade as Secretary for a second term of five years. The election, held at the RTEAN Secretariat on Monday, was overseen by national president Musa Maitakobi and the national executive council. In his post-inauguration speech, President Musa Maitakobi highlighted RTEAN’s commitment to enhancing road safety through collaboration with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). The partnership aims to establish a specialized driving training school in Ogun State, responding to the FRSC’s initiative to mitigate road accidents by improving driver…

Ayomide Awe In a remarkable display of academic excellence and institutional growth, the Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, celebrated its 6th combined Convocation Ceremony, graduating a total of 9,320 students. PLATFORM TIMES reports that among them, 178 students distinguished themselves with top honours, while an additional 2,138 achieved upper credits across various disciplines. Speaking at a press conference held on Monday ahead of the convocation, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, the Rector of OGITECH, highlighted the institution’s significant strides under his leadership. “Since assuming office, we have expanded our accredited programmes from 36 to 46,” Dr. Oluseye announced. He stressed…

In response to escalating political tensions in Osun State, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a directive urging all local government area workers to cease operations until further notice. The decision, announced by Christopher Arapasopo, Chairman of the Osun NLC, underscores deep-seated safety concerns within the workplace. “The Osun State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress reaffirms its commitment to the safety and well-being of our members,” stated Arapasopo in a released statement. “Given the current political upheaval within various local government workplaces, it is imperative that we prioritize the security of our workforce.” The directive follows recent turmoil…

The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), threatening a nationwide strike if outstanding bridging claims totaling N100 billion are not settled within the next seven days. Despite previous negotiations and demands, IPMAN asserts that the NMDPRA has failed to honour its financial obligations. Abdul Ibrahim, the Gombe depot chairman of IPMAN, highlighted the severe repercussions of the unpaid claims on northern depots such as Jos, Gusau, Suleja, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, Yola, and Maiduguri. These facilities, critical for fuel distribution, have faced operational challenges, including…

Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, has revealed that President Bola Tinubu withdrew his ministerial nomination, contrary to speculations that the National Assembly rejected him. El-Rufai made this known on Monday during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time. The former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory explained that Tinubu had initially encouraged him to stay close after leaving office but later decided against his ministerial appointment. “The President changed his mind on my nomination after publicly asking me not to be far from him after I left office,” he stated. El-Rufai’s nomination was among those sent to the Senate…