Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji The Ogun 1 Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has thwarted a significant smuggling attempt, seizing a cache of life-threatening ammunition, harmful substances, and other prohibited items.  Addressing journalists at the Command’s headquarters in Idiroko on Friday, Customs Area Controller (CAC), Comptroller Ahmadu Shuaibu, detailed the daring operation that led to the interception of 940 rounds of live ammunition, cleverly concealed within sacks of cassava flakes. The operation, which unfolded on Thursday, was the culmination of over two weeks of relentless pursuit by the Command, spanning from the Republic of Benin into Nigeria.  Despite the heightened…

In response to the prevailing economic challenges in the country, the Ogun State Government has commenced the distribution of rice palliatives to alleviate the hardship faced by its residents.  The distribution, which began on Friday, targets Muslim faithful observing the holy month of Ramadan. Some  bags of rice were allocated to mosques across the state, including prominent ones like Kobiti Central Mosque, Secretariat Central Mosque, and Sa’adatul Abadiyya Mosque in Abeokuta.  The atmosphere at the Secretariat Mosque during the distribution was filled with joy and excitement as Muslims gathered for the Jumat prayer. Addressing the congregation on behalf of Governor…

Operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Kano State have apprehended Muhammad Munzali from Kaura Gidan Damo, Shanono Local Government Area of the  State,while attempting to sneak into the female hostel of Skyline University Nigeria. The university is located along Sardauna Crescent, Nassarawa GRA, Kano State. The arrest, carried out by NSCDC officers from the Critical National Assets and Infrastructure Department, around 10 PM on Wednesday.  Disguised in women’s clothing and adorned with local charms, the suspect’s infiltration raised serious concerns.  Ibrahim Abdullahi, the NSCDC’s Public Relations Officer, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on…

In strong terms, the National Judicial Council ( NJC) has condemned the refusal of state governments to pay retirement benefits to judges. This is contained in a statement by Soji Oye, the NJC’s director of information, on Thursday. The NJC described the actions of the affected States as worrisome and condemnable in all ramifications. The condemnation came at the end of the council’s meeting presided over by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola. The council asked the defaulting states to belt up in the discharge of their legal obligations on payment of the retirement benefits to judicial officers. “The…

The inflation rate has moved to 31.70 per cent in February, according to the latest data by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The Bureau released the figure on Friday, with the latest data showing a rise from the 29.90 per cent recorded in January 2024. According to the ‘Consumer Price Index and Inflation Report’ for February obtained by Channels Television, the hike represented a 1.80 per cent increase from what was recorded in January. “In February 2024, the headline inflation rate increased to 31.70% relative to the January 2024 headline inflation rate which was 29.90%. “Looking at the movement,…

A comprehensive investigation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has unearthed a web of corruption at the Rural Electrification Agency (REA), implicating the former management led by ex-Managing Director, Salihijo Ahmad. The EFCC’s probe, initiated following allegations of financial malfeasance, exposed a staggering misappropriation of about N12.7 billion by Mr. Ahmad and other senior officials. President Bola Tinubu took decisive action last week, suspending the implicated management team over an alleged N1.2 billion fraud previously reported in 2023. Mr. Ahmad, alongside other executives, including Olaniyi Netufo, Barka Sajou, and Sa’adatu Balgore, faced indefinite suspension.  In their stead, a…

A former governor of Lagos State, Mr Babatunde Fashola, has advised incumbent state governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu to reduce taxes and levies as an adddition way of giving succour to buisnesses and residents of the state. “I’d like to make additional suggestions. I’d like to advise that, in line with finding succour for residents of our great state with the current economic situation, I think reducing levies and taxes would help, Fashola said Fashola said this at the 18th Edition of Lagos Executive and Legislative Parley held on Friday at the Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. He noted that…

The late Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has been laid to rest at his ancestral home in the Alarere compound area of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital. Oba Balogun, who passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness, reigned for two years. Present at the burial was theOyo state Deputy Governor, Mr Bayo Lawal, who led a delegation of the State Executive Council to pay their last respects to the departed monarch. The Olubadan in council, led by the Otun Olubadan, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, was…

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, has affirmed the commitment of law enforcement to ensuring robust security arrangements during the upcoming Nigeria Public Relations Week scheduled from Monday, April 22nd to Friday, April 26th, 2024, in Abeokuta, the state capital. Alamutu reiterated this assurance during a courtesy visit by a delegation from the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Ogun State Chapter, led by its Chairman, Mrs. Oluwaseun Boye, at the state police headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. Acknowledging the nationwide rebranding efforts of the Institute, the police commissioner guaranteed comprehensive security coverage not only at the event venue…

The demise of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has sent waves of mourning across the ancient city, as preparations are underway for his final rites today, Friday, March 15, 2024.  The iconic monarch, who ascended the throne two years ago, passed away at the age of 81 on Thursday evening at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, after a brief illness. The announcement of the burial arrangements was made by the late monarch’s younger brother and Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Kola Balogun.  In a statement released to the press by the deceased’s Personal Assistant (Media), Oladele Ogunsola, it…