Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji Inspector General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun commenced a three-day visit to Ogun State, where he sanctioned the establishment of additional area commands in Ifo, Imeko, and Idi-Iroko areas.  The move is aimed at bolstering security efforts and addressing the surge in kidnapping cases within the state. Arriving at the state’s command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, alongside Assistant Inspector General (AIG) Olatoye Durosimi and State Commissioner of Police Abiodun Alamutu, Egbetokun urged officers to intensify their fight against crime. During discussions with stakeholders and police personnel, the IG emphasized the need for increased support to effectively combat crime.…

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Dele Alake, has ordered the suspension of mining activities at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital and surrounding areas following reports of illegal mining operations. During a meeting with OAU’s Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adebayo Bamire, and the Chief Medical Director of OAUTHC, Prof. John Okeniyi, the minister announced the halt on Tuesday. The decision came after numerous complaints from students and residents about the adverse effects of illegal mining on the local economy, prompting swift action from the ministry to investigate the matter thoroughly. Preliminary reports confirmed the presence of mining activities, leading to the…

… IMF Raises Nigeria’s 2024 Growth Forecast To 3.3% The World Bank released a report on Monday, highlighting the imperative need for Nigeria and other Emerging Markets and Developing Countries (EMDCs) to secure a staggering $600 billion in investments to realize the clean hydrogen energy project by 2030. The report underscores the significance of clean hydrogen as a pivotal component in the global energy transition, particularly for its potential to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors like heavy industry and heavy-duty transport. Notably, the largest hydrogen project under construction is in Saudi Arabia, slated to commence operations in 2026. To alleviate the financial…

In a groundbreaking development, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced a significant reduction in the price of diesel, setting it at N1,000 per litre, down from the previous rate of N1,200 per litre just three weeks ago. This unprecedented move represents a remarkable 17% reduction from the previous market price of around N1,600 per litre. The decision by Dangote Petroleum Refinery to further lower the price of diesel is expected to have far-reaching implications across various sectors of the economy. With diesel being a crucial component in transportation, manufacturing, and agriculture, this reduction is poised to alleviate operational costs for businesses…

In a groundbreaking move, Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, the wife of the President, unveils the Renewed Hope Initiative, a transformative program aimed at uplifting women across the South West region. At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to empowering 120 women with a staggering sum of N60 million. During the launch event held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, Mrs. Tinubu announces a multi-faceted approach, including the disbursement of N10 million to 100 persons with disabilities to bolster their existing businesses.  Additionally, 20 women farmers per state are set to receive N500,000 each, with a total of N10 million…

The Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment has embarked on the disbursement of the Presidential Conditional Grant Scheme, signaling a significant stride towards supporting manufacturers and businesses across Nigeria. With a commitment to fostering economic resilience, the government, in collaboration with the Bank of Industry, has allocated a substantial N200bn to aid enterprises grappling with the aftermath of recent economic reforms. Doris Aniete, in a statement shared on the trade minister’s official X handle, announced the commencement of the disbursement process, marking a pivotal moment in the government’s efforts to provide critical financial assistance.  While an unspecified number of beneficiaries…

The Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has suspended the permits of three private jet operators for conducting commercial flights. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the action comes after repeated warnings and heightened surveillance by the authority to curb unauthorized commercial operations within the aviation sector. PLATFORM TIMES further gathered that the move was  aimed at upholding aviation regulations and safeguarding revenue. The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, had earlier highlighted the detrimental impact of unlicensed commercial activities on government revenue.  Keyamo emphasized the disparity in fees between private and commercial operations, underscoring the significant loss incurred by the…

Daud Olatunji In a significant crackdown on illicit drug activities, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) obliterated a staggering 304,436kg kilograms and 40,042 litres of illicit substances seized from various parts of Lagos and Ogun states.  The Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of the Agency, Brig Gen Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd), emphasized the necessity of public support in combating substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking.  The seized drugs, including cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and tramadol, were confiscated by NDLEA operatives across different formations in Lagos and Ogun states, particularly at the Lagos seaports, airports, and land borders.  Marwa reiterated the NDLEA’s commitment…

Daud Olatunji The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is set to arraign businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, famously known as Cubana Chief Priest, before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Wednesday. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that  Cubana Chief Priest is facing  allegations of abusing the naira, a violation of the Central Bank Act of 2007.  The EFCC’s  action follows the recent conviction of popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, on similar charges, resulting in a six-month imprisonment sentence. Cubana Chief Priest will appear before Justice Kehinde Ogundare on a three-count charge, including accusations of spraying and tampering…

Febe Falodun According to a statement by the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) spokesperson, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, the terrorist kingpins Ali Dawud, Mallam Ari, and Bakurah Fallujah, along with their fighters, were successfully neutralized on April 13. The operation took place at the hideouts of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Kolleram village near Lake Chad. In addition to eliminating the terrorist leaders and their fighters, the air strikes led to the destruction of numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and logistical assets belonging to the terrorists, as confirmed by Gabkwet. He said: “Intelligence gathered after the air strike further…