Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Ibrahim Alalade The Ogun State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OGSAA) has launched its innovative 2025 mobile e-sticker permit, introducing stringent penalties for non-compliance and fraudulent activities, including a N5 million fine for offenders using fake permits. The unveiling ceremony, held in Abeokuta on Wednesday, was attended by key stakeholders, franchisees, and members of the press. Speaking at the event, OGSAA’s General Manager, Fola Onifade, emphasized the agency’s commitment to leveraging technology to eliminate fraud and enhance the efficiency of mobile advert permits. Highlighting the features of the 2025 e-sticker, Onifade explained that it includes a vehicle icon to specify the…

Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has lambasted Bayo Onanuga, the presidential spokesperson, for his remarks against former President Olusegun Obasanjo. George, during an interview on radio programme, described Onanuga’s comments as disrespectful and warned that such actions would have consequences. Onanuga’s criticism of Obasanjo came after the former president, speaking at the Chinua Achebe Leadership Forum at Yale University in the United States, condemned Nigeria’s 2023 general elections as a “travesty.” Obasanjo lamented the nation’s challenges, citing “widespread corruption, poor leadership, and immorality” as causes of insecurity and underdevelopment. He further…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has dismissed rumors circulating about his death, emphasizing that he remains in good health. Speaking in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, during the inauguration of the reconstructed Old Garage-Oke Fia Road, Obasanjo attributed the rumors to those who harbor ill intentions towards him. The road project was undertaken by Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke as part of his administration’s infrastructure development initiatives. Addressing the audience in Yoruba, Obasanjo narrated how he learned of the death rumors, which spread widely on social media. “I was called early in the morning by some people, asking me to…

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has disclosed that it spent over N8.8 billion in the past 11 months repairing transmission towers vandalised across the country. Sule Abdulaziz, the Managing Director of TCN, revealed this at the quarterly power sector working group meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday. Abdulaziz, represented by Olugbenga Ajiboye, Executive Director of Transmission Service Provider, highlighted the devastating impact of persistent vandalism on the nation’s power infrastructure. He noted that between January 13 and November, a total of 128 transmission towers were destroyed by vandals and bandits. “Till date, we have spent about N8.8 billion, by…

The Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, has alleged that the federal government has failed to justify the collection of over 60 taxes and levies nationwide. Speaking during a Senate plenary on Wednesday, Oyedele lamented that the current fiscal system stifles economic growth while delivering little to the citizens. “The fiscal system we have today inhibits growth as more than 60 taxes and levies are collected from across the country but nothing to show for it,” he said. He highlighted the urgent need for reforms to stop taxing capital and struggling businesses, a…

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jami’u Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters. The appointment, which takes effect from November 14, 2024, was announced in a statement issued by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations, on behalf of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. The statement noted that the appointment aligns with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended. Until his new role, Abiola served as Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties…

Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has alleged that the commissioning of the Stella Obasanjo Hospital in Benin City by his predecessor, Godwin Obaseki, was fraudulent, describing the facility as incomplete and riddled with structural defects. Governor Okpebholo, who inspected the hospital on Tuesday evening alongside his deputy, Rt. Hon. Dennis Idahosa, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, stated that the Obaseki-led administration had deceived Edo residents by presenting an unfinished building as a completed project. Speaking during the visit, Okpebholo expressed disappointment at the state of the hospital, claiming that only superficial work, such as painting and…

A bill seeking the creation of Ijebu State from Ogun State has passed its first reading in the Senate, setting the stage for further legislative deliberations. The bill, titled the “Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Sixth Alteration) Bill, 2024 (Creation of Ijebu State),” was sponsored by Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East Senatorial District. During Tuesday’s plenary session, Senate Majority Leader, Michael Bamidele of the All Progressives Congress (APC), formally introduced the proposal. Senate President Godswill Akpabio facilitated the process, advancing the bill to its first reading, a significant procedural step in the legislative process. The proposal will…

Former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, has called on politicians in Ogun State to prioritize unity and eschew divisive politics, warning that a hostile political atmosphere hinders meaningful development. Isola made the remarks on Wednesday during a gathering hosted by Ogun Women-in-Politics to mark his 64th birthday. The event, held at the Ibara GRA residence of former Ogun State Governor and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Segun Osoba, was attended by political stakeholders and grassroots leaders. The former Minister of Mines and Steel Development emphasized the need for Ogun politicians…

Former Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, on Wednesday, pleaded not guilty to a 16-count charge of alleged fraud amounting to N110.4 billion leveled against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bello was arraigned before Justice Maryann Anenih of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Maitama, alongside two co-defendants, Umar Oricha and Abdulsalami Hudu. The trio faced charges of conspiracy, criminal breach of trust, and possession of unlawfully obtained property. The former governor, whose whereabouts had remained unknown for weeks, surrendered himself to the EFCC on Tuesday after eluding the agency in a protracted chase.…