Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The inauguration of the Legislative Arm of Abeokuta North Local Government Area, Ogun State, descended into chaos on Thursday after some youths reportedly carted away the mace, the legislative symbol of authority. The incident allegedly occurred under the directive of the council chairman, Lanre Oyegbola. A viral 38-second video showed a scuffle among attendees, with councillors, dressed in white attire and yellow caps, the signature colors of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, at the center of the dispute. Tensions reportedly flared after Moruf Erubami, representing Ward 15, emerged unopposed as Speaker of the 16-member legislative house and was sworn in. However,…

Egbin Power Plc, one of Africa’s leading power generation companies, has been recognized for its outstanding safety culture, clinching the prestigious “Best in Safety Performance in Power Generation Company” award at the 2024 AfriSafe Awards. The ceremony, which took place in Livingstone, Zambia, celebrated excellence in safety across the continent, bringing together dignitaries, industry leaders, and safety professionals from over 24 African countries. Egbin Power’s achievement highlights its implementation of innovative safety initiatives, including the 720 LACEUPS programme, the Technical Safety Colloquium (TSC), and the “What Have You Done for Egbin Station Today” (WHYDFEST) campaigns. These efforts, aimed at fostering…

The Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has officially launched the 2025 Single Interstate Road Tax Sticker (SIRTS), an initiative aimed at streamlining tax payments and addressing multiple taxation in Nigeria’s transport sector. The unveiling, which took place on Thursday at the IRS office in Abeokuta, was spearheaded by the Director of Other Taxes, Mrs. Oluyomi Daudu. She emphasized that the new system is designed to enhance transparency, ease tax compliance for transport operators, and improve the regulation of interstate transport operations. Daudu assured stakeholders of the state’s full commitment to the initiative, which is expected to unify road tax…

Daud Olatunji The 16th convocation ceremony of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijagun, Ogun State, marked a historic moment on Thursday, as Governor Dapo Abiodun announced over N45 million in cash rewards to celebrate academic excellence and extraordinary milestones. Among the highlights was the recognition of 85-year-old Dr. Bolaji Titilola Onafowokan, who made history as Nigeria’s oldest PhD graduate and the sixth oldest globally. Dr. Onafowokan, awarded a PhD in Educational Media and Technology, received a cash gift of N2.5 million. Governor Abiodun praised his determination, stating, “You have proven that we are never too old to learn. Your…

Fawaz Adebisi Students of Saint Peter’s Anglican School, Ateroko, Obafemi Owode Local Government, Ogun State, a stone’s throw to the state’s governor’s office, Oke-Mosan, are facing  daunting challenges as they struggle to access quality education. The government  school, with fragile pupils, is grappling with a severe shortage of teachers and buildings. PLATFORM TIMES observed during a visit to the school that the citadel of learning lack water, toilet, adequate  classrooms  and head teacher’s office . PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the school had only two classrooms with a mango tree which serves as alternative classroom for the pupils from primary one…

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…