Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  In  the lead-up to the November local government elections in Ogun State, the All Progressives Congress (APC) leadership in Abeokuta South Local Government has reportedly  shortlisted three aspirants for the coveted chairmanship position.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that after a rigorous and competitive selection process, the party has  reportedly forwarded the names of Babatunde Adeluola, Ayo Shomide, and Akamo Sunday Oluwagbemiga to Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, for final consideration. It was further gathered that the three candidates, all from Abeokuta South Constituency 2, emerged from a pool of over 23 aspirants who initially expressed interest in the race. …

Osigwe also stated that he has launched a pro bono support initiative for protesters who lack legal representation. Kelechi Iheanacho, the Sevilla FC of Spain new signing, has joined his other colleagues in the Super Eagles camp in Uyo. The Nigerian international stormed the camp today to swell the number of players training for the AFCON 2025. Similarly, a statement clarified that Galatasaray new signing, Victor Osimhen and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye are expected tomorrow (Thursday September 5). The three players will swell the number of players in camp to 23. The Super Eagles are preparing ahead of…

Ahead of the much-anticipated Boiling Point Arena discourse scheduled for Sunday, September 8, 2024, Petroleum Economist and former President of the United States Association for Energy Economics, Prof.  Wùnmi Iledare has called for President Bola Tinubu to step down from his role as Minister of Petroleum. This comes amid a nationwide crisis triggered by a recent surge in petrol prices. Professor Iledare,  expressed grave concerns about the management of Nigeria’s petroleum sector.  With over 40 years of experience in the oil and gas industry, Iledare argues that Tinubu’s dual role as President and Petroleum Minister is untenable and detrimental to…

Daud Olatunji A new educational landmark is emerging in Ogun State as First City Polytechnic prepares to open its doors for the 2024/2025 academic session.  This newly accredited private institution aims to provide top-tier education and practical skills to students, setting a new standard for tertiary education in Nigeria. In an official statement released by Mr. Ayietobi Christian, representing the polytechnic’s registrar, First City Polytechnic has received full endorsement from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB).  He said the prospective students are invited to begin their admission process by visiting the…

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…