Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, has highlighted significant obstacles faced by investors traveling within Africa, citing the need for 35 different visas on his Nigerian passport.  Dangote raised this issue during the Africa CEO Forum Annual Summit in Kigali, Rwanda, emphasizing the detrimental impact on business operations across the continent. Speaking at the summit, Dangote shared his frustration with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, pointing out that such visa requirements are nonexistent in Europe.  “I still complained to President Kagame. I told him that as an investor, I have to now apply for 35 different visas on my passport, and I…

Israel has firmly denied any involvement in the helicopter crash that tragically claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, and other senior officials on Sunday.  The crash, which occurred in mountainous terrain during adverse weather conditions, has ignited widespread speculation and accusations on social media. Despite the absence of an official cause for the crash, accusations have surfaced, particularly targeting Israel, which has been a long-standing regional adversary of Iran.  However, Iran itself has not made any official accusations against Israel.  This incident unfolds amidst already heightened tensions between the two nations, exacerbated by ongoing…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed deep concern over the escalating political tensions in Rivers State. He called on Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, to set aside their differences and work collaboratively for the betterment of the state. Speaking on Monday at the unveiling of the Trans-Kalabari Road, Jonathan emphasized the detrimental impact of ongoing conflicts between governors and their predecessors, a trend he noted is becoming increasingly common across Nigeria.  He stressed that such disputes do not benefit the residents of the states involved. “In the case of Rivers,…

Daud Olatunji The Ogun State Chapter of the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has issued a strong call to the state Governor, Dapo Abiodun, highlighting the urgent need to rehabilitate the deteriorated road leading to the Wole Soyinka Train Station in Abeokuta.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the road has become almost impassable despite the pleas of the residents of the area . Joining other people and groups that have called Abidoun’s attention to the road, MURIC in a statement jointly signed by its State Chairman, Alhaji Tajudeen Jimoh Alao, and the State Secretary, Ambassador Olaleye Rasheed Damilare, described the condition of…

Daud Olatunji In a heated exchange of accusations and counter-accusations, the political landscape of Ogun State has been rocked by a fierce clash between former governor Gbenga Daniel and incumbent Governor Dapo Abiodun over the controversial Agro Cargo Airport project, amidst allegations of another  staggering N64 billion scandal. PLATFORM TIMES reports  that Daniel fired the first salvo when he granted an interview in a national newspaper and declared that despite the controversial Agro Cargo Airport being his initiative, he was not accorded the deserved accolades. This, expectedly, did not go well with Abiodun, who launched his response through his media…

Daud Olatunji Financial institutions in Nigeria faced a hefty sum of fines in 2023, with nine prominent banks collectively paying N678 million for flouting regulations, according to an analysis of their annual reports.  This figure marked a significant decrease of 89.25 percent from the N6.31 billion penalties imposed in 2022, indicating a trend towards enhanced regulatory compliance within the industry. The banks subjected to scrutiny included FBN Holdings, Access Holdings, Guaranty Trust Holding Company, Zenith Bank Plc, United Bank for Africa Plc, Fidelity Bank, Wema Bank, Stanbic IBTC Holdings, and FCMB Group. Regulatory bodies such as the Central Bank of…

Not less than eight leading Nigerian manufacturers, including industry giants Dangote, BUA, and Lafarge, have reported significant foreign exchange (forex) losses totaling N627.7 billion in the first quarter of 2024.  This stark revelation comes from an analysis of the financial statements of these firms, which were published on the Nigerian Exchange Limited. The affected companies span a range of sectors, including cement production, food and beverages, and consumer goods.  The listed firms are Lafarge Africa Plc, BUA Foods, Nestle Nigeria, BUA Cement, Dangote Sugar, International Breweries, Nigerian Breweries, and Dangote Cement.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that each of these manufacturers has…

In a recently released report by Citizens’ Gavel, the Nigerian judiciary has been critically assessed and found wanting in terms of credibility, primarily due to pervasive corruption.  The report, entitled Assessing Judicial Integrity, Challenges and Recommendations for Reforms in Nigeria, highlights significant concerns over the integrity and fairness of the judicial system. The comprehensive survey, conducted by Olanipekun Nelson, Atiku Samuel, Ajibade Oluwafemi, Ariyo Mofolarin ‘Tosin, Isaac Sylvester Agih, and Marvelous Monday, was released over the weekend in Abuja.  It presents a sobering picture of the judiciary, based on an online opinion poll that gathered responses from 119 Nigerian citizens.…

The President of the Synod and Bishop of Yewa, Rt. Rev. Ayo Adeniyi, has called on the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, to prioritize the enhancement of infrastructure, social amenities, health services, food security, and the overall safety of the state.  This appeal was made during the second Synod of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Diocese of Yewa, which concluded its annual session on Sunday, May 19, 2024, at the Methodist Church Nigeria in Igbogila, Yewa-North, Ogun State. In his address, Bishop Adeniyi highlighted the dire state of roads in Yewa land, urging immediate government intervention to improve the region’s…

The Nigerian Army announced that its troops, in collaboration with the Hybrid Force and the Civilian Joint Task Force, killed seven terrorists in Borno State on Saturday.  The operations were part of ongoing counter-terrorism efforts in the North East region. According to a statement from the military, the troops received credible intelligence about the movement of terrorists planning a nefarious mission.  Acting on this information, the troops laid an ambush around the Lawanti area, resulting in a firefight that neutralized six terrorists.  After overpowering the terrorists, the troops recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) and 40 rounds of 7.62…