Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The former Chief Finance Officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Umar Isa, has denied being arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in connection with an alleged $7.2 billion refinery rehabilitation fraud. Contrary to widespread media reports, Isa said he was not picked up by operatives of the anti-graft agency, but rather submitted himself voluntarily for questioning in Abuja. In a statement issued on Wednesday, Isa described the claims of his arrest over the massive financial scandal involving the Warri, Port Harcourt, and Kaduna refineries as “unfounded” and an attempt to smear his reputation. “Nobody…

In a bid to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape and stimulate civic awakening, Segun Sowunmi’s citizen-led political movement, The Alternative, is set to hold its South-West regional town hall meeting in Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Thursday, July 3. The town hall, part of a national consultative tour, is designed to mobilise citizens across the six South-West states for a fresh political direction centred on public accountability, inclusive governance, and visionary leadership. Sowunmi, a former governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and a respected political strategist, said the initiative aims to create an open platform where Nigerians…

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former spokesperson to Atiku Abubakar, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has congratulated the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, on his 60th birthday, while urging him to intensify efforts on environmental reforms in the state. In a goodwill message personally signed by him on Tuesday, Showunmi commended Sanwo-Olu’s achievements as he begins the final lap of his second term, but stressed the urgent need for the governor to “take off the gloves” and prioritise the sanitisation of Lagos’ built environment. “Happy Birthday, Gov Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu — not bad for 60. The…

In a fresh demonstration of its commitment to local capacity building and sustainable community engagement, Dangote Cement Plc., Ibese Plant, has conducted its 2025 annual capacity development training for leaders and representatives of its host communities in Ogun State. Themed “Engagement and Advocacy Skills: Critical Tools for Community Representatives,” the training was held at the company’s Ibese Plant and drew participants from Yewa North and Ewekoro Local Government Areas. Over 50 community stakeholders including youth and women leaders, as well as government officials, took part in the workshop aimed at equipping them with effective communication, negotiation, and advocacy skills. Declaring…

In a bid to ignite early interest in advertising and marketing among young Nigerians, Dentsu Nigeria has launched a career mentorship programme targeting students in public secondary schools. The initiative, held under the global One Day for Change (ODfC) campaign, took place at Army Children Secondary School, Ikeja, Lagos. ODfC is an annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) event by Dentsu’s global network, aimed at uniting teams to contribute meaningfully to their local communities.. This year’s campaign focused on four global themes: “How We Live with Nature,” “How We Use Things,” “How We Eat,” and “How We Support Each Other.” Dentsu…

For the first time in 15 years, the Federal Government of Nigeria in 2023 exceeded its annual revenue target, raking in an actual income of N12.48 trillion against a projected N11.05 trillion—a rare fiscal milestone reflecting a notable shift in national revenue performance. This was revealed by BudgIT via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, referencing data from the Budget Office of the Federation. While official full-year figures for 2024 are yet to be published, available mid-year data show that the Federal Government earned N8.47 trillion between January and June 2024. If the trend continues, this year could potentially witness…

Strong political undercurrents are currently rocking the Taraba State Government, as the State House of Assembly has initiated discreet moves to impeach the Deputy Governor, Alhaji Aminu Alkali, over his prolonged absence from office due to illness. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Alkali has been unable to discharge his constitutional duties for the past nine months, raising serious concerns among lawmakers and top government officials about a leadership vacuum at such a strategic level. Credible sources within the Assembly confirmed on Tuesday that legislators are rallying support for the current Deputy Speaker, Alhaji Hamman Adama, as the likely replacement for the…

In a dramatic twist with far-reaching political implications, the Adamawa State Government has revoked the traditional title of Waziri Adamawa held by former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, in what appears to be a calculated political blow to the influential politician. The Waziri title, regarded as the second highest traditional office in the Adamawa Emirate after the Lamido, was withdrawn through an official circular dated June 20, 2025. The document, signed by Mrs. Adama Felicity Mamman, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, cited non-indigeneship as the basis for Atiku’s disqualification. The circular stated, “All Kingmakers and…

No fewer than 44 security operatives were feared killed in a fresh wave of bloodshed allegedly orchestrated by notorious bandits’ kingpin, Bello Turji, in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The gruesome attack, which took place in a remote area near Shinkafi, claimed the lives of 40 members of the Joint Task Force (JTF) and four soldiers, according to a post by a security analyst who goes by the name Bakatsine on X (formerly Twitter). The ambush reportedly occurred as the operatives were responding to intelligence on the movement of armed bandits in the area. Turji’s fighters, heavily armed…

A civic group, De-Renaissance Patriots Foundation, has filed a legal action at the Lagos State High Court against the Lagos State Government, seeking to halt what it calls the unconstitutional conduct of elections into 57 local council areas by the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC). The suit, filed in the Lagos Judicial Division, lists the Lagos State Government, Attorney General of Lagos State, Lagos State House of Assembly, and LASIEC as the 1st to 4th defendants respectively. In its originating summons, the group is urging the court to interpret and enforce constitutional provisions that limit the number of recognized…