Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji Senator Adams Oshiomhole, representing Edo North, has  pointed to what he described as the “reckless policies” of former President Muhammadu Buhari as the cause of the current hardships faced by Nigerians.  Oshiomhole  said this in a recent interview on Channels Television,while recalling protesting against policies that he believed were designed to further burden a population already in pain. Speaking on his concerns, Oshiomhole stated, “at some point, before the last President left office, I lamented loudly what I saw as reckless policies that were designed to dehumanise the population that was already in pain.  I felt that it…

A major rift has emerged within a faction of the Labour Party led by Julius Abure, as the National Treasurer, Oluchi Opara, raises concerns over the transparency of approximately N3.5 billion in party finances. The allegations were unveiled during a news briefing held in Abuja on Monday. Opara, expressing deep reluctance, publicly addressed the media, accusing Mr. Julius Abure, the current National Chairman, of financial mismanagement and corruption within the party.  She claimed that the funds, generated from the sale of forms and fundraising activities for the 2023 general elections, lacked proper accountability. “As national treasurer, I am compelled to…

Daud Olatunji Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has  allocated a sum of N6 billion for various expenses, including local and international travel, medical costs, refreshments, meals, maintenance, among others in 2024. PLATFORM TIMES obtained this information from the financial records prepared by the Ekiti state government and made available on openstates.ng.  The state government, in 2023, passed the N159.5bn 2024 Appropriation bill titled “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development” into law. The records indicate that out of this amount, N620,000,000 has been allocated for refreshments and meals, and N200,000,000 for humanitarian and sitting allowances.  Additionally, N80,000,000 is set aside for…

In a nail-biting finale at the 2023 CAF African Cup of Nations on Sunday, the host nation, Ivory Coast, emerged victorious, securing a 2-1 triumph over the formidable Super Eagles of Nigeria. Franck Kessie and Sebastien Haller showcased their prowess with two crucial strikes, effectively overturning Troost-Ekong’s early opener. The first half of the game unfolded with a gripping display of skill and determination by Ivory Coast, commanding possession with six attempts on goal, half of which found their mark. In the 8th minute, Simon Adingra missed a golden opportunity to score, sending his shot over the crossbar. The intensity…

Former Aviation Minister, Osita Chidoka, has shared a harrowing account of his close call with death, detailing his last meeting with the late Group Chief Executive Officer of Access Holdings PLC, Herbert Wigwe.  The poignant narrative unfolds against the backdrop of their scheduled meeting last Thursday. In a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, Chidoka revealed how he pleaded with Wigwe to take him along on his frequent overseas trips.  “We had an appointment for last Thursday. ‘Osita, I will fly into Abuja with the VC on Thursday; after our meeting, I will leave for the US,'” Chidoka…

By Rasak Musbau Aside from during sporting events, when every Nigerian passionately supports and wants Nigeria’s team to succeed, Nigeria is synonymous with deep division along the lines of intricate ethnic, religious, and regional divides. Lee Kuan Yew, the architect of modern-day Singapore, visited Nigeria a few days before the military struck on January 15, 1966. His visit was in connection with the Commonwealth Conference held in Lagos on Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe. His conclusion about Nigeria in 1966 is contained in a book he wrote in 2000 titled, ‘From Third World to First’. In the book, he concluded: “I think…

In a significant move to combat artificial price increases, the Kano State Public Compliant and Anti-Corruption Commission sealed off more than 10 warehouses on Sunday.  Commission Chairman, Bar. Muhuyi Rimingado, led an unscheduled inspection of the Dawanau grain market in Kano, targeting warehouses suspected of hoarding essential commodities like grains, millets, sugar, and spaghetti. The sealing off of these warehouses followed an intelligence report and the acquisition of search warrants from the court.  Rimingado emphasized that the operation became necessary to curb the relentless surge in the prices of essential commodities, aggravating the challenges faced by Nigerians. “We started last…

A Grade One Area Court at Aco Estate, Abuja, has delivered a guilty verdict against Mr. Ezechinoso Augustine, owner of a Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centre in Onitsha, Anambra State.  The conviction is based on charges including registration infraction, concealment, breach of trust, and theft. During the hearing on Monday, February 6, 2024, Ezechinoso was accused of criminal breach of trust, concealment, registration infraction (cheating), and theft.  The male suspect, residing at No. 28 Omonun Street, Awada, Onitsha, allegedly received customised and sensitive registration materials from the Anambra State Office of the Board for the purpose of initiating UTME registration. Despite…

Over 120,000 Nigerian refugees currently residing in Cameroon are urgently seeking the assistance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to facilitate their return to their ancestral homes in Borno State. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  plea was officially communicated on February 8, 2024, through a letter addressed to Tinubu by Mr. Luka Isaac, the president of the Nigerian Refugees in Cameroon (NRC), a copy of the letter was sighted  on Sunday. The refugees, hailing from Gwoza East of the local council, encompassing 21 communities including Arganjara, Agapalawa, Amuda, and 15 other villages near the Cameroon border, highlighted their dire situation at…

In a resounding call for the preservation of cultural heritage, the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Ogun State Chapter, has appealed to the Ogun State Government to designate Jimi Solanke’s “Ibudo Asa” in Ipara Remo as a cherished cultural heritage site. A statement signed by Public Relations Officer, ANA Ogun, Dare Folarin said the association during its  monthly meeting at the Simeon Adebo Library in Abeokuta,  emphasized the significance of icons like Chief Jimi Solanke. The body  highlights  the potential cultural enrichment and boost to tourism that his works, songs, and paintings could bring to the State. Expressing concern over…