Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a major budgetary move, the Federal Government of Nigeria is set to allocate a staggering N7.76 trillion for salaries, non-debt recurrent costs, and more in 2023.  This significant financial commitment follows recent agreements with the Labour Congress and the unveiling of a supplementary budget to cover new expenses. The supplementary budget, which amounts to N2.18 trillion, includes provisions for an agreed wage increase for workers, necessitated by the removal of the fuel subsidy.  Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, highlighted key allocations, with N605 billion dedicated to national defense and security, N300 billion for bridge…

In a dramatic turn of events, the Bayelsa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has issued a stern warning to Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), cautioning him against his unannounced visit to the state  before the upcoming governorship election.  The PDP raised concerns that Ganduje’s visit could further exacerbate the already tense security situation in the region. The PDP’s Publicity Secretary in Bayelsa, Mr. Ebiye Ogoli, expressed the party’s dismay at Ganduje’s intended visit, especially considering that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had stipulated the deadline for political campaign activities…

Daud Olatunji  In the run-up to the Imo state governorship election set to take place tomorrow, the Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) in charge of the election, Frank Mba, has emphasized  the commitment to maintain peace and provide a level playing field for all contestants. DIG Frank Mba  addressed the media and observer groups in Owerri, assuring  the public that law enforcement agencies are determined to uphold the rule of law and ensure a secure environment for the democratic process.  He acknowledged that politicians around the world often have a tendency to incite violence during elections, but he pledged…

The Nigeria Liquified Natural Gas, (NLNG) Ltd., says shortage of Foreign Exchange (FX), Federal Government’s import and Value Added Tax (VAT) are responsible for the rising cost of cooking gas in Nigeria. The Managing Director and Chief Executive of NLNG, Dr Philip Mshelbila, said this on the sidelines of the ongoing African Investment Forum (AIF) in Marrakesh, Morocco on Friday. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event has as its theme “Unlocking the Africa Value Chain”. Mshelbila, therefore urged the Federal Government to address those factors, which he said impact about 60 per cent of the product…

 Daud Olatunji   The former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, led a moving funeral ceremony in honor of his revered political mentor, Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Kosenatu Durojaiye, in the heart of Abeokuta, the capital of Ogun State. In a heartfelt address to a congregation gathered at the Emmanuel Anglican Church, Keesi, Amosun passionately expressed his gratitude and admiration for Mama Durojaiye, crediting her with playing a pivotal role in his illustrious political journey.  He attributed his successful tenure as a lawmaker in the National Assembly and his two-term governorship to her unwavering support and invaluable guidance Senator Amosun described…

Daud Olatunji In a determined effort to combat polio virus, reduce child morbidity, and enhance the overall well-being of children and women, the Ogun State Government has launched a comprehensive initiative that aims to provide essential vaccines and health services.  A statement released by the Information officer of the Primary Health Centre Development Board,the campaign was officially inaugurated during the flag-off ceremony of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) and Optimized Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week at the Primary Health Center in Kugba, Abeokuta. Dr. Tomi Coker, the Commissioner for Health, emphasized the government’s commitment to safeguarding children against…

Daud Olatunji The Ogun State Police Command has said that a  16-year-old girl was  raped after she got drunk during an annual church event in Ogun State. The Police Public Relations Officer in Ogun, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. Odutola said the victim’s mother reported to the police that her 16-year-old daughter, who got drunk during an annual church year anniversary celebration on the 6th of November 2023 in Adubi, Ewekoro, local government area of  Ogun State” was raped. Odutola quoted the mother as having said that she had taken her daughter to “a nearby bar…

Daud Olatunji In a recent development, the Ogun State Police Command has successfully apprehended Mr. Alao James, who was found in possession of a stolen blue Toyota Rav4 SUV with registration number MUS580JA.  The stolen vehicle was located and recovered by the diligent efforts of the Divisional Police Officer in Sango. The owner of the SUV, Mr. Elogie Polycap, had previously reported the theft to the police, explaining that his car had been stolen from a car park in Gbagada by unknown criminals. Ogun State police spokesperson, Omolola Odutola, revealed that the police had engaged in intelligence-based policing to track…

Daud Olatunji In an unprecedented confluence of academic, cultural, and traditional significance, Atiba University in Oyo, Nigeria, is set to witness a momentous event on the 24th of November, 2023.  The distinguished Oba Prof. Adekunle Adeogun-Okunoye, Oyedeji11, revered as the Eburu of Ibaland, will be officially installed as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council of the rapidly expanding Atiba University. The grand investiture will coincide with the university’s inaugural convocation, a ceremony of double significance that will take place at the University Main Hall at 9 am.  Eminent personalities, both nationally and internationally, ranging from seasoned academics to…

Daud Olatunji Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil-producing nation, is grappling with a staggering revenue shortfall of N15.7 trillion over the course of eight years. This development according to a report  by BusinessDay, draws  serious concerns about the country’s fiscal stability. Data from the recently published 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) reveal the alarming trend. The federal government had set a revenue target of N52 trillion over this eight-year period but has consistently fallen short of its goals. As of June 2023, the deficit stands at a colossal N15.7 trillion. Analysts are increasingly worried as government…