Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji The Chief Imam of the University of Abuja, Professor Taofiq Adesina Azeez, on Friday, delivered a powerful message during the Friday Sermon at the Mini Campus, addressing the recent bombing in a Kaduna village that claimed the lives of hundreds of Muslims. The sermon, titled “The Muslims  have  not lost their voice and  their blood  is not  cheap,” began with a heartfelt expression of sympathy for the brethren deliberately killed in Kaduna State.  Professor Azeez urged divine acceptance for the victims as martyrs and their admission into Al-Janah. However, the chief  Islamic cleric vehemently rejected the military’s assertion…

Daud Olatunji At the tender age of 23, Sodiq Egunjobi’s life took an inexplicable turn after being accused of a crime he vehemently denies – stealing a puppy. The narrative, shrouded in mystery and pain, began around 2019 when Sodiq found himself at the center of a turmoil that would alter the course of his life. Ilesanmi Akinsanya, the purported owner of the dog in question, accused Sodiq and, in a shocking turn of events, allegedly tested a charm on the young man.  This accusation  becomes the catalyst for a series of inexplicable and tormenting episodes that has been haunting …

Daud Olatunji In a deeply emotional revelation, renowned Nollywood actress Mercy Aigbe has bared her heart and soul, sharing the poignant reasons behind her conversion to Islam.  The celebrated actress, known for her stellar performances on the screen, spoke candidly about her personal journey during an appearance on TVC’s ‘Your View.’ Mercy, whose marriage to movie marketer Kazim Adeoti has been under the spotlight, poured out her feelings about the man she deeply admires.  The actress expressed the profound bond she shares with her husband, emphasizing the unique connection they have as friends. As the conversation unfolded, Mercy spoke about…

In a significant fiscal achievement, the Federal Government of Nigeria reported a robust collection of N1.75 trillion from Company Income Tax (CIT) during the third quarter of 2023. This represents an impressive surge of 115.90% compared to the corresponding period in 2022. The data, sourced from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in its Q3 2023 CIT report, indicates a month-on-month increase of 14.27% over the N1.53 trillion garnered in Q2 2023.  The NBS also highlighted a positive trajectory in Value Added Tax (VAT) collections, with the Federal Government’s income rising from N781.35 billion in Q2 2023 to N948.07 billion…

Senator Dino Melaye, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in the Kogi State election, emphatically denied allegations of collecting N3 billion from former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Aliko Dangote, Chairman of the Dangote Group.  Speaking at a dinner organized in his honour by his campaign organization in Abuja, Melaye dismissed the speculations as baseless and the product of detractors seeking to undermine his campaign. Describing the rumors of N1 billion from Atiku and N2 billion from Dangote as “fake news” peddled by “betrayers,” Melaye took the opportunity to set the record straight, reiterating that he did not receive…

The Court of Appeal in Abuja has upheld the decision of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), directing Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, to pay the outstanding balance of N3,374,889,425.60 (N3.4b) from a N4,874,889,425.60 (N4.9b) debt emanating from a Supreme Court judgment on May 7, 2021. The debt resulted from the Supreme Court’s ruling against Makinde, the state’s Attorney General, Accountant General, and four others, in an appeal by chairmen and councillors elected on the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform but dismissed by Makinde upon assuming office on May 29, 2019. In a unanimous judgment, a three-member…

Daud Olatunji In a compelling address at the Second Veritas University Digital Innovations Exhibition and 12th Convocation Lecture, the President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, called on African leaders to confront the challenge of brain drain by creating quality jobs for the continent’s burgeoning youth population. Expressing concern over the ‘Japa’ syndrome, where Nigeria is losing its brightest minds to migration, Adesina emphasized the need to transform the vast youth demographic into an asset rather than a liability.  He was conferred with an honorary doctorate degree during the event. Adesina announced Nigeria’s inclusion among ten African…

Daud Olatunji In a historic moment, the late Professor Lai Oso, a distinguished figure in communications and scholarship, is set to posthumously receive dual honours at the upcoming 18th edition of the Wole Soyinka Award for Investigative Reporting.  The event, scheduled for Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Abuja Continental Hotel (formerly Sheraton) by 5 pm, will commemorate Oso’s legacy with the Lifetime Award for Journalistic Excellence and the Anti-Corruption/Human Rights Defender Award. Motunrayo Alaka,Executive Director/CEO, WSCIJ and Coordinator, MAJ Cohort disclosed this in a statement . Alaka said the decision to honour Professor Oso in this unique manner is…

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), recently conducted the matriculation ceremony for 223 students enrolled in the Part-Time Degree Programme (PTDP) for the 2022/2023 Academic Session. The event, which took place at the university premises, marked the official induction of the students into the academic community. Addressing the matriculating students, the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Babatunde Kehinde, congratulated them on becoming bonafide members of the university and emphasized the commitment to providing them with a quality education.  Represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Development), Prof. Kola Adebayo, Prof. Kehinde urged the students to strive for excellence and to believe in themselves…

In a much-anticipated appearance before the joint committee on appropriations, Mele Kyari, the Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, responded to questions regarding the potential drop in the pump price of petroleum following the expected functionality of refineries. The Senate had issued a 24-hour ultimatum for Kyari to appear, expressing concern over his previous non-compliance with summonses related to the probe of over 11 trillion naira expenditure on the turnaround maintenance of refineries between 2010 and 2023. During the session, Kyari clarified his stance on the impact of refinery functionality on petrol…