Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji Amid rising concerns over the safety of its forest reserves, the Ogun State government has issued a stern warning to herdsmen encroaching on forested areas, cautioning against the use of dangerous weapons and calling for immediate cessation of such activities.  The government has also called for strengthened cooperation among investors, farmers, and other stakeholders to maintain peace and ensure the protection of investments within these reserves. The Commissioner for Forestry, Engr. Taiwo Oludotun, made this clear during a critical peace meeting with stakeholders from Ilaro.   Oludotun, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Timothy Olatunji, emphasized that…

The Nursing Image & Standards Support Initiatives of Nigeria (NISSIN), Ondo State Chapter, has expressed  disappointment over the controversial remarks made by Mr. Aliu Abdulrafiu, the Provost of Kwara State College of Health Technology, Offa, in a viral video.  In the video, Mr. Abdulrafiu, who was mistakenly referred to as ‘Dr. Aliyu Alabi,’ suggested that graduates from his institution, who are neither qualified doctors nor nurses, could take on the roles of professional healthcare providers in Nigerian hospitals.  He even claimed that “people are already calling his products doctors,” a statement that has raised alarms within the healthcare community. Reacting,…

Phebe Falodun In the face of mounting economic challenges confronting many Nigerian families ahead of the September school resumption, the Jofunmi Loving Heart Foundation, a non-governmental organization based in Ogun State, has stepped up to provide relief.  On Thursday, the Foundation distributed essential school supplies to over 350 children, ensuring a smoother start to the new academic session. The initiative, which took place in Libegu Village, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area, targeted children from Kobape, Libegu, and Onipepeye communities.  Speaking at the event, the Foundation’s Project Coordinator, Olusola Ojo, emphasized the significance of the “Back-to-School” program, which is designed to keep…

In the run-up to the 2024 local government elections in Ogun State, the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) has confirmed that it will employ a manual collation process for election results.  OGSIEC Chairman, Mr. Babatunde Osibodu, disclosed this during an appearance on the current affairs program Frontline, aired on Eagle 102.5 FM.  He cited financial constraints as the primary reason for the commission’s decision not to deploy technological methods for result collation, explaining that the cost of such technologies would be “too expensive for the commission to bear.” Despite the shift to manual collation, Mr. Osibodu assured the public…

Phebe Falodun Otunba Segun Showunmi, a prominent Nigerian political figure, has commended Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, for his monumental developmental projects across the state. Showunmi, who recently toured several project sites within the Ede/Oshogbo axis, expressed amazement at the governor’s achievements, particularly considering the short period since Adeleke assumed office. In a statement shared with PLATFORM TIMES, Showunmi revealed that he spent three hours visiting various project sites, conducting on-the-spot interviews, and documenting his findings.  He noted that his expectations were modest, given that much of the media attention surrounding Adeleke has focused on his charismatic personality rather than…

Daud Olatunji The Concerned Staff of the Sikiru Adetona College of Education, Science and Technology (SACOETEC), Omu-Ajose, have raised serious concerns over the recent shortlisting of candidates for the position of Provost in the institution.  In an open letter addressed to the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, the staff expressed disappointment and frustration over what they described as a “flagrant disregard” for the stipulated criteria in the recruitment process. According to the letter, which was signed by representatives of the concerned staff, two applicants—Prof. Muyiwa Adeyemi from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) and Dr. Sunday Adegbesan from the National Institute of…

Daud Olatunji In a ceremony marked by heartfelt tributes and recognition, the College of Plant Science and Crop Production (COLPLANT) at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), honoured Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako, the immediate past Vice-Chancellor, during its annual Heroes Day celebration.  The event was highlighted by the launch of a book titled “Contemporary Issues in University Administration and Research: A Festschrift in Honour of the Immediate Past Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Felix Kolawole Salako,” authored by Prof. Jonathan Atungwu, the immediate past Dean of COLPLANT. Prof. Salako was celebrated alongside other distinguished academicians, including Prof. Tolulope Ladeinde, Prof. Oladokun Fawusi,…

Daud Olatunji A  report by SBM Intelligence has reportedly unveiled that over 7,500 people were kidnapped across Nigeria  between July 2023 and July 2024.  Also a  staggering N11 billion has been reportedly  demanded as  ransoms within that period.  This crisis spans various regions, each grappling with its unique brand of violence—from Boko Haram’s resurgence in the Northeast to armed banditry in the Northcentral and Northwest, secessionist agitations in the Southeast, and gang-related conflicts in the Southwest. “Kidnapping for ransom has emerged as a pervasive threat, transcending regional differences and uniting disparate criminal elements in a nationwide scourge,” the report stated. …

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has uncovered a troubling trend of SIM card hoarding, with some individuals found to possess more than 100,000 SIM cards.  Reuben Muoka, the NCC’s Director of Public Affairs, revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the findings highlight the dangers posed by the unchecked accumulation of SIM cards by individuals.  This alarming situation emphasizes the importance of completing the NIN-SIM linkage process to ensure that each SIM card is tied to a verified identity. “The discovery of individuals with over 100,000 SIM cards is not just a regulatory issue but a major security threat,” Muoka…

… Eyes First-Ever Dividend After Overcoming Multi-Million Naira Losses Daud Olatunji Gateway Mortgage Bank Limited is setting its sights on a monumental capitalization of N10 billion as part of its strategic growth plan to solidify its presence in Nigeria’s financial landscape.  The Managing Director and CEO, Olawale Osisanya, announced this ambitious target on Wednesday,  during the bank’s seventh Annual General Meeting held in Abeokuta, signalling a bold move that could reshape the mortgage industry in the country. Despite the prevailing economic challenges, Osisanya disclosed that the bank has been meticulously preparing for this significant capital increase, which is set…