Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) has claimed responsibility for a devastating attack in Mafa village, Tarmuwa Local Government Area, Yobe State, which left 34 villagers dead.  The militant group cited “revenge for alleged grievances” as the motive for the massacre. On Monday morning, the attackers targeted the community, reportedly killing scores of residents.  Initial reports  indicate that 86 bodies have been recovered and taken to hospitals, with a search for additional victims still ongoing. A letter written in Arabic and attributed to ISWAP was released by the attackers, detailing their justification for the assault.  According to the…

Daud Olatunji The Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has announced the rustication of 31 students and the indefinite suspension of 47 others for various forms of academic and behavioral misconducts.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that this decision was taken during the university’s Senate meeting held on July 31, 2024. A statement issued by the Public Relations Office on Tuesday,  revealed that among those sanctioned is Ojo Michael, a 200-level student in the Computer Science Department, who was rusticated for the entire 2023/2024 academic session. The statement  further read that  Michael was found guilty of forging his Cumulative Grade Point Average…

Daud Olatunji In a heartfelt message to Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote,a Chieftain of the People’s Democratic Party in Ogun State, Otunba Segun Showunmi has expressed profound gratitude for the recent launch of the Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from the Dangote Refinery.  Showunmi, a prominent Nigerian patriot, praised Dangote for redeeming Nigeria’s pride on the global stage, hailing the achievement as a testament to the nation’s capability to contribute value and participate in activities previously dominated by other nations. “Dear Aliko Dangote, son of Mariya, a great gift to us in Nigeria. Thank you, for on this day you redeemed…

In a strategic move to fortify its ranks ahead of the upcoming local government elections in Ogun State, the Labour Party has called on all stakeholders to unite and present a formidable front. The statement read that the  decision was made during a crucial leadership meeting held in Abeokuta over the weekend, which was convened by the South West leadership of the party. This was contained in a statement signed by the State Publicity Secretary, Tokunbo Peters. The party, which aims to capitalise on the growing discontent with the All Progressives Congress (APC), emphasized the need for internal cohesion.  According…

The Federal Government has signed a $500 million contract with three Chinese companies to supply and install 1.4 million smart meters across Nigeria.  The agreement, facilitated through the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and funded by the World Bank, aims to reduce the country’s staggering 7.1 million-meter deficit. The deal, part of the Distribution Sector Recovery Programme (DISREP), was signed with Ningbo Sanxing Medical & Electric Co. Ltd, Ningbo Sanxing Smart Electric Co. Ltd, and XJ Group Corporation.  These companies are tasked with delivering and installing the 1,437,500 meters, a significant project under the World Bank’s Investment Project Finance (IPF)…

Wema Bank is gearing up to bolster its capital base by N150 billion as it eyes sustained growth and regulatory compliance in Nigeria’s competitive banking sector.  This capital raise, which is a hybrid of rights issuance, public offer, and private placement, was revealed during the bank’s first half-year 2024 investor and analysts’ conference call. Speaking at the conference, the Executive Director of Wema Bank, Tunde Mabawonku, outlined the bank’s strategic approach to the capital raise.  “We have obtained shareholder approval to raise N150bn in qualifying capital. We will be doing this through a combination of a rights issuance and a…

Emmanuel Oludare  The Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission (PCACC) has arrested the Headmaster of Gaidar Makada Special Primary School, located in Kumbotso Local Government Area, over allegations of illegally selling school property.  The headmaster, whose name has not been disclosed, was reportedly involved in a scheme to profit from the sale of critical school assets, raising concerns about corruption within the educational system. According to a statement released  by the PCACC spokesperson, Kabir Abba Kabir, the arrest followed a thorough investigation that exposed the disturbing disappearance of essential school items.  These items, including metal fixtures, benches, and furniture,…

Daud Olatunji Aremu Akinsanya, the father of 17-year-old Habeebah Akinsanya, has recounted the tragic discovery of his daughter’s lifeless body in a bush, three days after she was reportedly kidnapped in the Mile 6 community, Odeda Local Government Area of Ogun State. Aremu, a member of the So-Safe Corps, narrated to journalists how he led a search party that included local hunters, members of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), and his colleagues in the So-Safe Corps.  He lamented that despite using a tracker that initially misled them to an area in Ogbe, Abeokuta, the search party eventually found Habeebah’s…

Daud Olatunji  In a bold and candid declaration, popular broadcaster and grassroots leader, Chief Olalekan Alex Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, has made his intentions clear as he vies for the Chairmanship of Abeokuta South Local Government under the Action Democratic Party (ADP).  Speaking at a press conference held at the NUJ Secretariat, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, Ayinla Egba stated his readiness to lead, stressing that his campaign would not rely on monetary inducements to secure votes, but rather on his track record and commitment to the people. Ayinla Egba, who holds the traditional title of Gbadegesin of Ijemo,…

Deborah Hundenu  The Registrar of Crescent University, Abeokuta, Barrister Zakariyya Ajibola, has been recognized for his significant contributions to cultural heritage preservation.  He was awarded the prestigious Patron of the Arts Award at the recently concluded Adire Lens/2nd Solo Photography Exhibition, held at the Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, Nigeria. The event, which aimed to celebrate and preserve indigenous culture, also honoured three other individuals, including the Ogun State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, who received the Adire Ambassador Award.  Barrister Ajibola, who was unable to attend the event in person, was represented by Mr. Idris…