Author: Platform Times Newspaper

…Alleges Worsening Kidnappings, Ransom Economy, Questions Political Will In Security Fight Former House of Representatives member and Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) Convention Planning Committee, Usman Bugaje, has launched a scathing attack on the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing it of failing in its constitutional duty to protect lives and property amid worsening insecurity across Nigeria. Bugaje, speaking on Tuesday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, said the level of insecurity in the country reflects a breakdown of state capacity and called on the Federal…

A transport company, Akmode Transport Limited, has raised the alarm over alleged attacks, assault on its staff and unlawful seizure of its motorcycles by suspected members of motorcycle unions in Ogun State. The firm, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Manager, Comrade Mustapha Tiamiyu, accused some union members and unidentified hoodlums of orchestrating the incidents in collaboration with certain government officials. According to the statement, the incidents occurred around the Lafenwa, Sabo and Ogun Radio axis of Abeokuta, where the company operates, allegedly over disputes linked to union sticker issuance and illegal tax demands. The company said the…

•..  Support Group Intensifies mobilisation ahead of polls …  Allies Express Confidence In APC Senator’s Prospects An Ogun-based political support network coordinated by the Secretary to Imeko-Afon Local Government, Nafiu Olawale Abimbola for Solomon Olamilekan Adeola on Monday, received a fleet of vehicles and campaign materials aimed at strengthening grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Ogun State governorship election. The items were donated in Ikeja by a United States-based Nigerian technocrat, Fakunle Taohid Tunde, through his foundation, in collaboration with  Abimbola, who also coordinates a statewide support group for the senator. The presentation, which took place at the Radisson Blu Hotel…

Gunmen have attacked the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) in Kuru, Plateau State, killing three security operatives in a fresh wave of violence targeting security formations. The Plateau State Police Command confirmed the incident on Tuesday, describing it as a deadly assault that occurred in the early hours of the day. Police spokesperson, Alfred Alabo, disclosed in a statement that the victims were security personnel on duty at the institute at the time of the ആക്രമ. “On a very sad note, the command confirms that three security personnel lost their lives during the incident,” he said. Although…

A Federal High Court sitting in Katsina has sentenced a woman, Hauwa’u Mukhtar, to death by hanging after convicting her of terrorism-related offences linked to banditry in the state. Mukhtar was found guilty on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit terrorism and aiding and abetting terrorist activities. She was arrested by operatives of the Department of State Services on September 16, 2023, at Jibia Motor Park in Katsina State while allegedly attempting to deliver ammunition to a suspected bandit leader. Following her arrest, she was arraigned and prosecuted by the DSS. Delivering judgment, Justice A.B. Bawale held that…

A Federal  High Court  in Abuja on Tuesday dismissed an application filed by former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the N110bn fraud case instituted against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission. The trial judge, Maryann Anenih, in a ruling delivered in Abuja, held that the court was competent to entertain the charges and subsequently refused Bello’s request to strike out the 16-count charge. Bello is being prosecuted by the anti-graft agency over alleged financial misappropriation amounting to N110 billion during his tenure as governor. The former governor had, through his legal team,…

Daud Olatunji A wave of outrage has trailed comments by an aide to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, who dismissed the presence of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state, triggering a flurry of reactions from residents and political supporters across social media. The governor’s Senior Special Assistant on New Media, Emmanuel Ojo, had stirred controversy after declaring, “Stop wasting your time; there is nothing like PDP in Ogun State,” while reacting to the emergence of Alhaja Dr. Lateefat Oyeyemi Sowunmi Kolapo as the party’s deputy governorship candidate. However, the statement has been met with sharp criticism, mockery, and…

Dangote Industries Limited has intensified efforts to strengthen its foothold in the global fertiliser market, leveraging a strong track record of investments and strategic partnerships across Africa. The company, which has recorded successful investments and exits in key sectors including renewable energy, port infrastructure, digital connectivity and industrial platforms, said its fertiliser business remains central to its long-term growth strategy. The Dangote Fertiliser Plant has continued to play a pivotal role in meeting Nigeria’s domestic fertiliser demand, while also exporting to international markets and boosting the country’s foreign exchange earnings. With a new phase of expansion underway, the firm is…

…Healthcare Facilities To Get Dedicated Private Power Systems …Reform Expected To Improve Emergency Care, Service Delivery Daud Olatunji The Federal Government has unveiled a sweeping plan to end chronic power failure in Nigeria’s hospitals, introducing a private sector–driven model that will see healthcare facilities powered by dedicated energy systems in a bid to eliminate dependence on generators. For years, hospitals across the country have operated under what health experts describe as a “survival-by-generator” system, where unstable electricity supply forces emergency wards, theatres, laboratories and intensive care units to rely heavily on diesel-powered alternatives—often at high financial and clinical cost. The…

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to deepen collaboration with federal authorities and security agencies in addressing the worsening security situation in the state, including banditry, kidnappings and threats to rural livelihoods. The governor gave the assurance on Monday while receiving the Deputy Inspector-General of Police in charge of the South-West, Adegoke Fayoade, at the Governor’s Office in Ibadan. Makinde said his government had continued to provide logistical and operational support to security agencies, stressing that more would be done to strengthen ongoing operations aimed at restoring safety across affected communities. He commended the leadership of…