Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has dismissed a suit seeking to disqualify candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from participating in the local government elections scheduled for Saturday. The suit, filed by a former PDP chairman and 30 others, sought to bar the party’s candidates on the grounds that they were allegedly not members of the PDP in the state. However, the court found no merit in the case. During the proceedings, the claimants’ counsel, Ojo Adebayo, SAN, presented arguments challenging the eligibility of the PDP candidates. On the other hand, the PDP’s counsel, Muyiwa Obadawa, countered…

Ogun State, like many other states in Nigeria, has a rapidly growing youth population, and the challenges that come with this demographic shift require innovative and focused leadership. With over 60% of the state’s population as youths, it has become increasingly clear that a dedicated platform is needed to ensure their voices are heard and their needs addressed. This is why the establishment of an Office of the Commissioner for Youth Engagement is both timely and essential. This is a position designed to harness the potential of Ogun’s youth, bridge the gap between them and the government, and…

Olalekan Alex Shoyinka, the Action Democratic Party (ADP) chairmanship candidate for Abeokuta South Local Government, has rejected recent allegations from the All Progressives Congress (APC) regarding his candidacy, reiterating his commitment to contesting in the upcoming local government elections. In a strongly-worded statement issued to the public, Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, denounced the APC’s claims as “baseless” and aimed at misleading the electorate. He emphasized that his candidacy remained resolute despite the growing pressure from political opponents who, according to him, are facing imminent defeat in the polls. “My instinctive reaction would have been to ignore this last-ditch…

The Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has expressed shock and dismay over the recent award granted to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, which was named “Best Customer Friendly and Environmentally Clean Hospital” by the Coordinating Minister for Health and Social Welfare, Professor Ali Pate. In a statement released on Friday, the CDHR condemned the award and demanded an immediate withdrawal, along with a probe into the selection process and potential conspirators involved. According to a congratulatory letter dated November 12, 2024, Professor Pate praised the hospital’s Medical Director, Prof. Adewale Musa-Olomu, citing the facility’s…

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Thursday said it recorded an upsurge in the number of child abandonment cases reported to it in October. The senior human rights adviser to the executive secretary of NHRC, Hilary Ogbonna, made this known at the presentation of the commission’s October Dashboard report. Mr Ogbonna said it is worrisome to know that the cases concerning children are seen to be going up each month. “In October, we recorded over 1,300 cases of child abandonment. And it’s important that we understand that the violation of children’s rights may not just be child abandonment…

In a week-long offensive targeting terrorist strongholds and criminal networks, the Nigerian military has neutralized 88 terrorists and arrested 228 criminals across various regions, military officials announced Thursday. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this during a press briefing in Abuja. He highlighted that intensified operations, particularly in the North West, aim to dismantle terror networks and mitigate insurgency across Nigeria. Troops have increased their efforts in response to heightened threats, adjusting strategies to prevent terrorist escapes and cornering them in high-priority regions. Buba also provided updates on counter-insurgency operations nationwide, noting the military’s commitment…

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited says Nigeria’s oil production has reached 1.8 million barrels per day (bpd). According to NAN, Lawal Musa, NNPC chief production war room officer, spoke during a briefing on the national oil company’s production on Thursday. Musa, who doubles as a senior business advisor to Mele Kyari, NNPC group chief executive officer (GCEO), said the increased oil production followed the continuous dislodgement of pipeline vandals and crude oil thieves. He said the achievement was based on the partnership between the leadership of the company, stakeholders, and security agencies. “We achieved this because of the…

A recent investigation has revealed that millions of dollars meant for Nigeria’s anti-Boko Haram efforts were allegedly funneled into luxury real estate in the United States by former National Security Adviser Sambo Dasuki and close associates. This revelation came through a report by the Platform to Protect Whistleblowers in Africa (PPLAAF), spotlighting an alleged misuse of public funds that has ignited calls for international action. Dasuki, who served as the National Security Adviser under former President Goodluck Jonathan, was initially charged with diverting billions of naira allocated to Nigeria’s campaign against Boko Haram. According to PPLAAF, tens of millions of…

The Oyo State Ministry of Health has confirmed the deaths of four people linked to a suspected Lassa fever outbreak, prompting the closure of two hospitals in Saki West Local Government Area. The State Rapid Response Team (RRT) mobilized to the affected region after distress calls reported “mysterious deaths” among residents. The fatalities include three males and a 32-year-old female who was reportedly preparing for her wedding. In a statement by Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, dispatched the RRT to investigate the situation after receiving numerous reports of an outbreak.…

The newly inaugurated governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has described an intense spiritual battle he encountered on his journey to winning the state’s governorship election in September. During a Thanksgiving Service held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Okpebholo shared his experience, crediting his victory to divine intervention, consistent prayers, and the unwavering support of the Edo people. In a statement issued on Thursday by his chief press secretary, Fred Itua, Okpebholo disclosed that he faced significant challenges and opposition during his campaign. The governor, visibly moved, narrated how his reliance on God proved crucial as he…