Author: Platform Times Newspaper

_When leadership is a comedy of errors_ – _Williams Shakespeare_ _The function of leadership is to produce more leaders, not more followers._ – _Ralph Nader_ Leaders are born, and leaders are made. The genetic content of leadership and its human construction must weigh in the balance to cater to the complexity of today’s human societies. Even so, the dynamics of human governance demand that men offer selves to be cast and molded into materials for fitting leadership. Leaders must be made. Moreso, the seed of leadership must be nurtured to fruition to offer direction to a people in need. He…

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Ogun State Chapter has lauded the Ogun State Commissioner for Education, Professor Mukhtar Abayomi Arigbabu, for his impactful initiatives in the state’s education sector. A statement obtained by PLATFORM TIMES read that the commendation was delivered by the Chairman of MURIC in Ogun, Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, during a courtesy visit to the commissioner, acknowledging significant strides in transforming Ogun’s education landscape. Ustadh Alao highlighted that under Professor Arigbabu’s leadership, the state’s education system has seen remarkable advancements in infrastructure, teacher welfare, and digital integration. He praised the Commissioner’s unwavering commitment, which he attributed to…

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) Ogun State Chapter has commended the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, for her contributions toward fostering peace, inclusivity, and religious tolerance within the state. A statement obtained by PLATFORM TIMES on Thursday, read that the  commendation was made during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor on Wednesday, led by Ustadh Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, the Chairman of MURIC’s Ogun State Chapter. Speaking at the event, Alao emphasized the guiding principles of MURIC, founded by Professor Ishaq Lakin Akintola, under the motto, “Dialogue, Not Violence.” Alao highlighted the organization’s commitment to upholding the…

A former Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina, has been awarded the prestigious 2024 University of Wolverhampton Alumni Honour Award for Lifetime Achievement. This award, which celebrates alumni who have made significant, enduring contributions to their field or society, recognized Dr. Odedina’s extensive work in agriculture and mentorship in Nigeria. Dr. Odedina, a 1991 graduate of Wolverhampton Polytechnic (now the University of Wolverhampton), emerged as the award winner among other notable nominees, including Sandra Wallace CBE, James Meehan, and Razwana Begum Abdul Rahim. The university acknowledged Odedina’s impact on agricultural development and youth mentorship, particularly his efforts in…

Daud Olatunji In the vibrant world of Nigerian Fuji music, Alhaji Adaradenu Akanni, fondly known as “Jamaica,” stands out as a cultural icon with a legacy spanning over three decades. Born 50 years ago in Igbogila, Yewa North, Ogun State, Adaradenu has dedicated his life to the art of Fuji music, a passion that has seen him produce an impressive 19 records and perform live at more than 500 shows. Since his career began 35 years ago, Adaradenu, has contributed to the Fuji genre with albums like Narration, Journey, SIM Card, Deshika, Authentic, Fujitide, Barry Message, Adabi, Skyrocket, London Vibes,…

Daud Olatunji Lagos State remains Nigeria’s most indebted state with a staggering debt stock of N2.18 trillion, a 58.23% increase from the N1.37 trillion it held in 2022, according to a report by BudgIT. PLATFORM TIMES reports that this debt includes a significant dollar-denominated component of $1.24 billion, representing 51.62% of Lagos’s total debt profile, which exposes the state to exchange rate fluctuations. The state’s foreign debt challenges intensified following the devaluation of the naira from N448.08 per dollar at the end of 2022 to N899.39 per dollar by the close of 2023. Consequently, Lagos’s dollar-denominated debt grew by N557.28…

The Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) has reaffirmed the stability, safety, and health of Nigerian deposit money banks, urging citizens to continue patronising them without fear. Bello Hassan, the managing director of NDIC, gave the reassurance during the corporation’s special day at the ongoing 36th Lagos International Trade Fair. Taking questions from journalists, he said that all banks that had their licences not withdrawn by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) were safe and healthy. Mr Hassan, represented by Nuhu Bashir, director of communications and public affairs, said that the NDIC was working tirelessly in ensuring continuous safety and soundness…

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday adjourned the trial of a lawyer, Chinedu Evaristus, and three others in an alleged N58 million fraud case until January 15, 2025. Justice Joyce Abdulmalik adjourned the case after F.N. Umoh, a lawyer from the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation informed the court of the decision of her office to take over the matter from the police. The Inspector-General of Police had, in the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/489/2024, sued Mr Evaristus, Olakunle Blessing Fayomi, Kingsley James and Tabitha Kwon as 1st to 4th defendants, respectively. In the charge dated October 9,…

The Chairman of the Independence National Electoral Commission, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has said the commission accredited 111 domestic and international organisations, and will deploy 3,554 observers for the Ondo State governorship poll. Mr Yakubu made this known on Thursday in Akure during a stakeholders’ meeting organised by the commission ahead of the governorship election scheduled for November 16. He said, “As you are aware, an election is a multi-stakeholder activity. INEC has a role to play and we have done so always in consultation with stakeholders.’’ The INEC chairman, who said that the commission’s role had to be complemented by…

The Nigerian Presidency has reassured citizens that Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) remains a safe and cost-effective alternative to petrol, dismissing safety concerns stirred by Malaysia’s recent decision to phase out natural gas-powered vehicles by July 2025. In a statement posted on his X handle on Thursday, Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, clarified that the Malaysian government’s concerns primarily relate to Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), not CNG. This clarification comes amid rising apprehensions among Nigerians over CNG-powered vehicle safety, fueled by reports of explosions involving CNG vehicles. “The Malaysian issue speaks more to the…