Author: Platform Times Newspaper

…Subsidy hit N633.3bn in Q1 alone as tariff freeze widened gap Daud Olatunji The Federal Government of Nigeria spent a staggering ₦1.94 trillion on electricity subsidies in 2024, according to a new report by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC). PLATFORM TIMES reports that the amount represents 62.59 percent of the total electricity invoice issued by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trading (NBET) Plc for the year, with an average monthly subsidy cost of ₦161.85 billion. The NERC’s 2024 annual report, released on Monday, attributes the sharp rise in subsidy expenditure to the government’s policy of maintaining electricity tariffs at the…

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has revealed plans to establish what he describes as the biggest and deepest seaport in Nigeria at Olokola in Ogun State — a project that signals his full industrial return to the location once abandoned due to a dispute with state authorities. Speaking in a recent interview with Bloomberg, the President of Dangote Group disclosed that he has formally submitted the necessary documents for regulatory approval to commence the ambitious Atlantic seaport development. The proposed port is expected to significantly ease the export of goods, including liquefied natural gas (LNG), and catalyze the growth of…

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on Monday stirred controversy after arriving six hours late to the graveside of the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, during his final burial rites in Ijebu-Ode. The Islamic rites for the revered monarch commenced at 12:00 p.m. with top dignitaries and government functionaries in attendance. However, Governor Abiodun, who was expected to lead the state and federal delegation to the solemn occasion, did not show up until 6:00 p.m., long after the major rites had  almost  concluded. His late arrival sparked reactions, especially as social media footage showed him at the…

Human rights lawyer and former Chairman of Nigeria’s National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, has issued a stinging rebuke to Nigerian politicians who seek medical treatment abroad while leaving the country’s healthcare system in shambles. Odinkalu’s remarks followed the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, who passed away on Sunday in a London hospital after a prolonged illness. In a strongly worded post shared on Sunday, July 13, the vocal rights advocate warned Nigeria’s political elite that neglecting the country’s healthcare infrastructure comes at a grave personal cost. “Nigeria’s current rulers may need to be reminded: Those who die…

Former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (retd), has revealed that he was hospitalised in the same medical facility in London alongside late former President Muhammadu Buhari before the elder statesman passed on. Abdulsalami, who shared the emotional account during an interview with Channels Television on Monday, said he had just been discharged when news of Buhari’s death broke. “Unfortunately, we were in the same hospital together. But I have been discharged,” the retired general said. “So, when I heard the news of his passing away, I quickly went there to condole the family and see what could be done…

In a move to set the record straight and douse rising speculations, High Chief Adio Rasheed Abiola, the Baale of Adio Ajegunle Asipa, Ogun State, has debunked the widespread belief that the community is named “Soyoye,” insisting that the original name remains Asipa Adio Ajegunle. Speaking during a press conference held on Sunday, the traditional leader clarified the historical origin of the name “Soyoye” and addressed the recent false rumour circulating about his death. Baale Abiola explained that the name “Soyoye” is a mistaken label tied to a business presence in the area rather than its heritage. He disclosed that…

The remains of the late Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebuland, His Royal Majesty Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, CFR, were laid to rest on Monday in a solemn ceremony at his private residence in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State. The 91-year-old monarch, who passed away after a remarkable reign spanning 64 years, was buried in accordance with Ijebu traditional rites, marking the end of an era in Nigeria’s traditional institution. Dignitaries from across Nigeria converged on the historic town to pay their last respects to the revered king. Among them were Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu,…

Tension almost  marred the final rites of passage for the late Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, as traditionalists were forcefully prevented from conducting customary burial rituals at the monarch’s private residence. Oba Adetona joined his ancestors  on Sunday at the age of 91 and was buried according to Islamic rites on Monday. The traditionalists, who arrived in large numbers in anticipation of performing the age-long traditional rites, were denied access by security operatives, including men of the Nigerian Army, who turned them away at the gate. Sources at the scene described the situation as a “mild drama,” as…

The Ogun State chapter of the organised  labour   has ordered an indefinite withdrawal of services by all civil and public service workers across the state, following unresolved grievances with the state government. The directive, issued on Monday, July 14, 2025, emerged from a resolution reached at the General Parliament of Ogun State Civil and Public Service Workers held at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. In a circular jointly signed by the Nigeria Labour Congress, State Chairman, Comrade Hameed-Benco Ademola, and State Secretary, Comrade Christian Omoneh, all affiliates and workers in the state civil/public service were instructed to immediately down tools…

The Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria has expressed deep sorrow over the death of former President Muhammadu Buhari, describing him as a disciplined and patriotic leader who devoted his life to the service of Nigeria. In a condolence message signed by its President, Prince Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem (SAN), the society hailed Buhari’s commitment to the unity, peace, and development of the country, from his days in the military to his time as a democratically elected president. “His leadership was marked by an unrelenting fight against corruption, a drive for national security, and efforts to instil transparency and discipline in governance,” the…