Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The ancient town of Orile-Imo in Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State is set to celebrate the first coronation anniversary of its monarch, Oba Oluwambe Mofolorunso Reuben Sogaolu, with a series of community-focused programmes aimed at deepening unity and accelerating development. At a press conference held at the Iwe Iroyin Press Centre, Abeokuta, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Mr. Sola Sowande, and the Chairman of the Publicity Sub-Committee, Mr. ‘Deji Sowunmi, jointly unveiled the schedule of events for the week-long celebration, which will run from Monday, July 21 to Saturday, July 26, 2025. Describing the anniversary as…

In a major vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s national power grid, six federal universities, telecom giant MTN Nigeria, the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), and 16 other companies have obtained regulatory approval to exit the national grid, citing unreliable power supply and escalating generator costs. Data from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) revealed that 24 institutions and corporations secured captive power generation permits in 2024, allowing them to produce their own electricity independently. The move highlights growing disillusionment with the national grid, which continues to suffer frequent collapses and fluctuates between a paltry 3,000 to 4,500 megawatts—far below the…

Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has called on wealthy Nigerians and African entrepreneurs to channel their resources into local investments to stimulate growth and development across the continent. Speaking in a recent media chat, Dangote decried the persistent trend of capital flight among African elites, stressing that true national development is only achievable through homegrown investment. “No nation develops without significant investments,” he said. “I appeal to all wealthy Nigerians to look inward and invest here, in Nigeria, for the future of our unborn kids. There is hardly any country without corruption, but in…

The Chief Imam of Uromi Central Mosque in Edo State, Imam Muhammad Murtadha Obhakhobo, has refuted claims by the Nigeria Police that he was rescued from captivity, revealing instead that he regained his freedom after paying a ransom of N6.5 million to his abductors. The cleric, who was kidnapped on July 9, 2025, along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road in Edo Central, made the disclosure during an interaction with journalists. He said he was shocked to read reports that attributed his release to police intervention. “I was kidnapped along the Ubiaja-Illushi Road, and I got myself released by paying N6.5 million on…

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has launched investigations into 79 suspected Ponzi schemes across Nigeria, warning the public to steer clear of unregistered and unrealistic investment platforms. In a statement on Tuesday, the SEC said it is working with law enforcement and regulatory agencies to investigate the schemes, including one allegedly operated by a firm called FF Tiffany, which is accused of defrauding thousands of Nigerians at home and abroad. The Commission disclosed that FF Tiffany lured investors with promises of high and unrealistic returns, leading to losses amounting to several billions of naira. “These illegal activities are a…

Daud Olatunji  The Organized Labour in Ogun State has declared that there will be no retreat from the ongoing indefinite strike until Governor Dapo Abiodun personally addresses their demands on the embattled Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and other workers’ welfare issues. Labour leaders under the aegis of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC), at a press briefing on Tuesday, vowed not to attend any negotiation meeting with state officials, insisting that only the governor himself would be entertained in any dialogue. The strike, which began days ago, followed years of what the…

An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced six men to various jail terms for unlawful possession of firearms and conspiracy during the 2023 House of Assembly elections held in the state. Justice M. Awe, in a judgment delivered on July 11 and obtained on Tuesday, found the defendants guilty on two counts of conspiracy and unlawful possession of firearms, but discharged them on a third count of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The convicts — Yinusa Rahmon, Moshood Hamzat, Awotunde Gbenga, Adebayo Mutiu, Femi Taiwo, and Najeem Omotuntun — were arrested by operatives of…

Daud Olatunji  The Vice-Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola, has paid a glowing tribute to the late Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, describing his passing as a monumental loss to the university community and the entire black race. Oba Adetona, who died on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at the age of 90, reigned for an unprecedented 65 years, earning global recognition as the world’s longest-reigning monarch. In an emotional statement issued on Monday, Prof. Agboola said the revered monarch was not only a symbol of royal heritage but also a rare benefactor…

Two 13-year-old boys, Ayuba Ishaku and Yakubu Haruna, have escaped from Boko Haram captivity in Borno State, four years after they were abducted alongside women and children from Mandaragrau village in Biu Local Government Area. The minors regained their freedom on July 8, 2025, after carefully planning their escape while the insurgents were away on an operation. They wandered through the bush for days, finally arriving at the ITE Divisional Police Headquarters in Maiduguri on July 12. Spokesperson of the Borno State Police Command, ASP Nahum Daso, confirmed the development in a statement issued Tuesday. According to the police, the…

Nigeria, on Tuesday, July 15, 2025, bid a solemn farewell to its former President, Muhammadu Buhari, as his remains were committed to earth in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State. The 82-year-old ex-leader, who died in London on Sunday after a protracted illness, was buried according to Islamic rites in a ceremony marked by national mourning, military honours, and a cascade of tributes from across the globe. The funeral prayer, led by the Chief Imam of Daura Central Mosque, Sheikh Salisu Rabiu, held at 5:50pm within the premises of Buhari’s private residence. His body was lowered into the grave shortly afterward…