Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In a disturbing turn of events, concerned residents of Baruwa in the Ipaja area of Lagos State have raised a red flag over the proliferation of illegal shanties and dumpsites engulfing the disputed properties of Shalom Nursery and Primary School and Cedar College in the neighborhood. Speaking on the development, Dr. Kolade Ajani, the leader of the concerned residents, decried the absurdity of allocating portions of the land to individuals for trading activities when the area was originally designated for educational and residential purposes.  He expressed deep concern that the individuals assigning these portions are not the rightful owners of…

Daud Olatunji In a somber response to the recent announcement from the Military authority in the Republic of Niger, Nigeria expresses deep sadness over the withdrawal of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).  The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through spokesperson Mrs. Francisca K. Omayuli, conveyed this sentiment in an official statement. Omayuli emphasized the pivotal role ECOWAS has played in promoting peace, prosperity, and democracy in the West African region for the past fifty years.  She said Nigeria stands firmly with ECOWAS, underscoring the importance of due process and a shared commitment…

In a recent development surrounding the Mambilla Power Project, the controversy deepens as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)  was accused of circulating  a leaflet on social media, claiming that a former Minister of Power and Steel, Dr Olu Agunloye, is under investigation for a staggering $6 billion fraud.  This assertion was however,   contested by the Alpha Justice & Advocacy Group in a statement signed by retired Diplomat and former Managing Director of the defunct Sketch Newspapers, Fisan Bankale. Bankale, representing the advocacy group, expressed uncertainty regarding Dr. Agunloye’s inclusion in the EFCC list, questioning whether it was a deliberate…

In a strategic move, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, Africa’s largest refinery, is gearing up to import crude oil from the United States, signaling the increasing competitiveness of American barrels in the global market.  The $20 billion facility, located in the Dangote Industries Free Zone, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos State, is set to intensify its operations to produce refined products. According to Bloomberg’s report on Monday, the refinery is also expecting a delivery of two million barrels of crude oil from Trafigura Group in February. This marks a significant development as it is the first time the refinery has purchased non-Nigerian crude. The…

In a momentous event during the 31st Convocation Ceremony, the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, honoured former INEC Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, and GTBank co-founder, Dr. Fola Adeola, with the prestigious Doctor of Science, Honoris Causa awards.  These recognitions celebrated their significant contributions to national development. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, serving as the Visitor to the University, affirmed his administration’s dedication to advancing the education sector through the Renewed Hope Agenda.  Tinubu highlighted ongoing efforts to collaborate with education stakeholders, emphasizing the importance of collective support from University Unions. Represented by Hon. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for…

In a remarkable act of courage and quick thinking, Mr. Kingsley Benson, a driver in Calabar, saved a female passenger from a potential suicide attempt.  The incident unfolded when the driver, who was later identified as a bolt driver, picked up the distressed passenger at Bogobiri area in the city. Mr. Benson became alarmed when the passenger, whose identity is being withheld, made a cryptic statement hinting at her emotional turmoil.  Speaking , the driver shared his concern, saying, “A lady requested a ride from Bogobiri this morning; I observed she was looking really sad.” Despite attempts to engage her…

Daud Olatunji Tragedy struck in Nyiniongun, a suburb of Makurdi, Benue State, as a 72-year-old retired soldier, identified as Francis Dooga, reportedly took his own life on Sunday.  The lifeless body of the septuagenarian was discovered hanging from a tree within his compound opposite St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. The incident, which left the neighborhood in shock, occurred when none of the retired soldier’s family members were present.  A resident, preferring anonymity, shared that the discovery was made by a family member who arrived at around 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. According to sources, the deceased, affectionately known as ‘Old Soldier,’ had…

Daud Olatunji In a surprising turn of events, Mr. Olumide Openaike, a staff member of a Microfinance bank in Kemta Oloko, Abeokuta, has confessed to faking his own kidnapping to evade a debt of over N1.2 million.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that contrary to earlier reports, Olumide, who was declared missing on January 17, was later found in Mokwa, Niger State. His disappearance initially led to concern, with his wife, Temitope, raising the alarm about his alleged kidnapping.  However, it was later revealed that Olumide had left home due to mounting financial issues, failing to inform his family. Exclusively, PLATFORM TIMES…

Daud Olatunji The embattled Speaker of Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo,  has provided  insights into his decision to appear before the assembly following an invitation and an earlier notice of impeachment. PLATFORM TIMES reports that at least 18 lawmakers impeached Oluomo on Tuesday, citing various allegations. It was subsequently revealed that Oluomo received an impeachment notice 24 hours after he was impeached and was subsequently summoned before a probe panel on Monday. PLATFORM TIMES also notes that journalists were prevented  from covering the proceedings, contrary to the embattled Speaker’s request. Following the meeting, Oluomo addressed the media at…

Despite an almost N100m government-funded project aimed at rural electrification for the whole community of Eyinwa, Odogbolu Local Government of Ogun State; the community is still shrouded with tenebrous darkness.  This report unravels the concealed realities behind some of this project, presenting a stark and gritty portrayal of the community hardships. ENOCH OYEDIBU  reports. The Community Survived On Solar Power  As the first rays of the sun kissed the face of Eyinwa, Deji, in his early twenties, held a 72v solar panel system, emblematic of the community’s makeshift power solution. Despite a government-funded project of over N60m and a proposed…