Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Babcock University has called for a deliberate and accelerated adoption of Artificial Intelligence to address Africa’s developmental challenges, stressing that the continent’s future hinges more on innovation than natural resources. The President/Vice Chancellor of the institution, Afolarin Ojewole, made the call while speaking at the International Conference on Knowledge, Innovation, and Artificial Intelligence for Sustainable Information Professions hosted by the university. Ojewole said Africa must embrace emerging technologies to remain competitive globally, noting that ideas, creativity and leadership would play a more decisive role than raw materials in shaping the continent’s future. “The future of Africa will not be built…

The media team of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has dismissed as “baseless and misleading” allegations circulating in a viral video linking the revered monarch to terrorism, warning an American commentator, Mac Arnold, to desist from spreading unverified claims. In a statement issued on Thursday by the Sultan’s media office, the palace said it had observed with restraint a series of “sensational and unsubstantiated” commentaries attributed to Arnold, which it said were designed to attract public attention and stir controversy. The statement noted that the claims, particularly those alleging any form of complicity in violence or terrorism,…

Property owners in Iki Lisa Village, via Ogijo in Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State, have appealed to the state government to intervene in an alleged land grabbing dispute threatening their investments and safety. The aggrieved landowners accused the village head, Chief Owolabi Obasanya, of reselling parcels of land previously allocated to them, despite earlier assurances that the community was free from such disputes. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that each of the affected individuals had purchased one acre of land in the village, with transactions reportedly backed by receipts issued in the name of Obasanya Owolabi (Destiny) on behalf of…

…Says Criticisms Lack Evidence Warns Against Divisive Narratives A PDP chieftain, Segun Showunmi, has faulted criticisms of businessman Gilbert Chagoury, describing them as misleading and divisive Insists debates on multi-billion-dollar projects must be grounded in facts, not sentiment A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has taken a swipe at commentator Kio Amachree over what he described as a “misguided and factually weak” attack on businessman Gilbert Chagoury, urging a more evidence-based approach to public discourse on national development In a statement on Thursday, Showunmi said Amachree’s claims were riddled with contradictions, exaggerations and divisive undertones, warning…

A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Toyin Amuzu, has declared his intention to contest the House of Representatives seat for Abeokuta South Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, vowing to pursue policies that will ease hardship and prioritise the welfare of the people. Amuzu made his declaration on Thursday at the PDP secretariat in Ago-Egun, Abeokuta, where he pledged to deliver purposeful representation and tackle what he described as “politics of plunder” in Ogun State. The PDP stalwart said his decision to join the race was informed by growing economic hardship and the need to restore public…

…Transition To New Ownership Completed Under CBN-Approved Framework … Court Orders Sought To End Liquidation Process Nationwide Daud Olatunji The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has commenced the formal process of concluding the liquidation of 89 closed Microfinance Banks (MFBs) and Primary Mortgage Banks (PMBs) following their successful acquisition and transition under the Purchase and Assumption (P&A) resolution framework approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). The affected institutions form part of the 179 microfinance banks and four primary mortgage banks whose operating licences were revoked by the CBN on May 22 and 23, 2023, in a broad regulatory…

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations working on Civic Education (CCE), Osun State chapter, has expressed concern over the redeployment of the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, describing the development as one that could affect public confidence in the electoral process. In a statement issued on behalf of the coalition, the group said it received the news of Dr. Agboke’s transfer from Osun State to Ondo State with concern, noting that his tenure in Osun had been marked by openness, stakeholder engagement, and efforts aimed at strengthening electoral credibility. The coalition stated that during his…

The Federal University of Technology, Ilaro, Ogun State, on Wednesday conferred Honorary Fellowship Awards on Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda of Katsina State, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, and UK-based entrepreneur, Mr. Sotayo Olugbenga Sonuga, in recognition of their contributions to leadership, education, and societal development. The honours formed part of activities marking the institution’s 23rd Convocation Ceremony and its first since its elevation from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro to a full-fledged university of technology. Held at the Oba Lipede Pavilion on the Ilaro campus,…

The Orunda of Olorunda, His Royal Highness, Oba Joshua Olusegun Enitan Phillips-Ogunsola, has distributed educational and instructional materials to more than 600 pupils and students in Olorunda community as part of activities marking his 60th birthday celebration. The empowerment exercise, held at the royal palace in Olorunda, attracted over 600 beneficiaries drawn from primary and secondary schools across the community, as well as traditional chiefs, religious leaders, and other stakeholders. Oba Ogunsola said his greatest fulfilment was seeing children in his domain grow into responsible and successful adults, adding that his life ambition was to continue investing in the future…

…Public Borrowing Jumps N14.61tn In 2025 Fiscal Year …FG, States Deepen Reliance On Local Loans Daud Olatunji Nigeria’s total public debt rose to N159.28 trillion as of December 31, 2025, reflecting a fresh borrowing surge that saw the country’s debt stock increase by N14.61 trillion within one year, according to new figures released by the Debt Management Office (DMO). The latest data underscore the growing dependence of the federal and state governments on borrowing to fund budget deficits and meet fiscal obligations amid sustained revenue pressures. The figure represents a significant rise from N144.67 trillion recorded at the end of…