Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a significant address at the UNESCO night Africa Engineering week and 7th Africa Engineering conference in Pretoria, South Africa, Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized the critical role of women in engineering in bolstering Africa’s economic development. Deputy Governor Salako-Oyedele stressed the transformative potential of women’s inclusion and empowerment in engineering, underlining its profound impact on Africa’s journey towards a more sustainable and equitable future.  She cited numerous studies highlighting that gender diversity in the workforce leads to enhanced productivity, innovation, and profitability. Despite women constituting over 50 percent of the population and forming the…

Daud Olatunji In a devastating incident along the Ota-Idiroko road in Ogun State, one life was lost and two individuals suffered injuries during a collision that unfolded on Wednesday. The fatal accident transpired near the Iju river bridge around 7:20 AM.  The mishap involved three vehicles, specifically an Iveco truck with the registration number AAA969ZY, a Ford mini truck bearing the mark BDG340XZ, and an unregistered Man Diesel truck. Florence Okpe, the spokesperson for the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) in Ogun, revealed that eight adult males were caught up in the incident.  Tragically, one person lost their life, while…

AN OPEN LETTER TO ASIWAJU BOLA AHMED TINUBU, PRESIDENT AND COMMANDER IN CHIEF OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE, FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA, ASO ROCK VILLA ABUJA. Your Excellency Sir, it is with utmost respect and highest regard for the exalted position you occupy as the numero uno of the most populous country in the African continent, Nigeria that I write as a concerned citizen, seasoned broadcast journalist, thespian and culture enthusiast to appraise the long-awaited compartmentalisation of the erstwhile ministry of information, culture and national orientation. It is, indeed, heart warming to note that your Excellency’s promise of Renewed…

Daud Olatunji In the midst of the most severe diphtheria outbreak in recent history, UNICEF and the United Nations Children’s Fund Nigeria are sounding the alarm for immediate and  widespread vaccination. With a staggering 11,587 suspected cases and 7,202 cases across 105 local government areas in 17 states and the Federal Capital Territory, primarily affecting children, the situation is dire. Tragically, 453 deaths have been confirmed, resulting in a case fatality rate of 6.3%.  UNICEF in a statement on Wednesday,said the majority of these cases involve children aged four to 15 who have not received a single dose of the…

Daud Olatunji In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria has lost its bid to host the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Benin Republic. Instead, the honor goes to a trio of East African nations, as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been declared the joint hosts for the 2027 AFCON, according to a report by AFP. The disappointment for Nigeria comes after a high-profile bid effort led by the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh.  He, along with representatives from the Nigeria Football Federation, traveled to Egypt in hopes of securing the hosting rights for AFCON 2027.…

Daud Olatunji In a stark revelation from the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the nation’s manufacturing sector witnessed a substantial loss of 3,567 jobs during the first half of 2023.  These disheartening statistics were unveiled in MAN’s comprehensive half-yearly review of the economy, released on Tuesday. According to the report, employment generation in the manufacturing sector plummeted to just 6,428 during the first half of 2023.  This represented a sharp 32.8% reduction in employment capacity when compared to the robust 9,559 jobs created in the corresponding period of 2022. The report highlighted, “In the same vein, a total of 3,567…

In a firm statement released today, the Labour Party (LP) has categorically dismissed unfounded allegations and soothsayers’ prophecies that their Presidential Candidate,  Peter Obi, is involved in planned violence. The LP asserts that the path to a new Nigeria lies in peaceful processes, not violence. Obiora Ifoh, the party’s spokesperson, decried the contrived videos and stories circulating about Obi’s alleged involvement in instigating violence, labeling them as “mischievous, if not criminal.” The LP stated, “While we would typically ignore such stories, we are concerned that these fabricated narratives are being presented alongside video clips extracted from pre-election and campaign speeches…

Daud Olatunji In a shocking incident that has sent shockwaves through Ekiti, the Chief Medical Director of Ekiti State Specialist Hospital, Ikere-Ekiti, Dr. Olubiyi Olaolu Abidemi, is facing serious allegations of assaulting his pregnant wife.  The incident reportedly occurred on Thursday, 14th September 2023, at their residence on St. David Hospital Compound in Ifaki-Ekiti. The dispute ignited when Dr. Abidemi allegedly demanded that his wife care for his pregnant mistress, a staff member.  However, tensions escalated as his wife refused to comply with his request, leading to a violent altercation. Witnesses claim that Dr.  Abidemi threatened his wife’s life and…

Daud Olatunji Access Holdings Plc, the parent company of Access Bank, has reported a staggering 58.9% surge in gross revenue, totaling N940.3 billion for the first half of 2023, setting new standards in the financial industry. In a testament to its robust performance, the company achieved a remarkable 71.4% increase in Profit Before Tax (PBT), reaching N167.6 billion, and a 52.6% boost in Profit After Tax (PAT), amounting to N135.4 billion in H1’23. These impressive financial results were disclosed in its Audited Consolidated and Separate Financial Statements for the period concluding on June 30, 2023, submitted to the Nigerian Exchange…

Daud Olatunji The Pan Yoruba Socio-political group, Afenifere has expressed  its support for the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in 2023 election,  Peter Obi to  appeal the Presidential Election Petitions Court (PEPC) judgment that affirmed President Bola Tinubu’s election.  The court  had dismissed his petition  and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s Atiku Abubakar, challenging Tinubu’s declaration as the winner of the February exercise. Afenifere expressed support for the former Anambra State governor’s move, days after he filed an appeal at the Supreme Court. In a communique after a meeting held at its leader Chief Ayo Adebanjo’s Ogun…