Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji  An alleged scandal has rocked the Ogun State Housing Scheme, following the government’s failure to allocate houses to 200 applicants two years after payments were made. The affected individuals had expected to receive their homes in the Prince Court Estate, located along Kobape in Ogun State. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the applicants had each paid ₦5,500,000 into the coffers of the state government with the promise of receiving a house in the estate. However, almost three years later, they have yet to be allocated any property. The disgruntled applicants, represented by Adeyemi Aremu, have accused Governor Dapo Abiodun’s…

Daud Olatunji  State governors have urged the Federal Government to refund their full equity investments in the $10 billion National Integrated Power Projects (NIPP), managed by the Niger Delta Power Holding Company (NDPHC).  In addition to their equity investments, the governors, under the umbrella of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), are also demanding an equitable rate of return on these investments. The governors’ demands were articulated in a document titled “Development of the National Integrated Electricity Policy and Strategic Implementation Plan Policy Recommendations by State Governments,” submitted to the Federal Ministry of Power.  While the ministry confirmed receipt of the…

In a significant development, 8,651 holders of Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA)  have withdrawn  a substantial sum of N14.20 billion in the first quarter of 2024 due to temporary job loss.  This information was disclosed in the latest report published by the National Pension Commission (PenCom). PLATFORM TIMES reports that the report indicated that PenCom received a total of 8,702 requests from RSA holders seeking to access 25 percent of their pension savings as a result of temporary unemployment.  It was also gathered that out of these, 8,651 requests were approved, while 51 were rejected because the applicants were above 50…

Wema Bank has announced its intention to pursue legal action in response to circulating reports suggesting that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is poised to revoke its banking licence. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the reports, which have gained traction on social media, particularly via a viral WhatsApp message, allege that Wema Bank, among others, is at risk of losing its licence. In a statement released on Tuesday by Mabel Adeteye, Wema Bank’s Head of Brands and Marketing Communications, the bank firmly denied these claims.  Adeteye emphasized that Wema Bank’s recent performance, including its financial results for the first quarter…

Organised Labour has strongly refuted President Bola Tinubu’s assertions that an agreement on a new national minimum wage had been reached, as stated in his Democracy Day address.  The labour unions emphasised that no consensus was achieved during the last negotiation session held on June 7. Contrary to the President’s announcement, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the government, along with the Organised Private Sector (OPS), had only discussed two separate figures: N250,000 proposed by the labour unions and N62,000 suggested by the government and OPS.  These figures were expected to be presented to the President for further deliberation. In…

Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Yusuf Adenoyin, for possessing eight human skulls and other human parts in Isua, the headquarters of Akoko South-East Local Government Area.  The arrest, which took place on June 10, 2024, at about 8:00 AM, occurred during a routine check at the Isua/Epinmi checkpoint by the Police Safer Highway Patrol. Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami, the state Police Public Relations Officer, provided details of the incident.  According to her, the police personnel flagged down a Nissan Salon car en route to Akure for inspection.  During the search, one of the passengers attempted to flee but…

The Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has offered a robust defense following the President’s unexpected fall during the Democracy Day event held at Eagle Square. On June 12, 2024, President Tinubu arrived at the venue to mark Nigeria’s Democracy Day celebrations. As he approached his vehicle, the President momentarily lost his footing and stumbled, an incident that quickly sparked varied reactions across the nation.  Despite the slip, President Tinubu swiftly regained his composure and continued with the day’s proceedings without further incident. The incident has elicited a spectrum of reactions from Nigerians, especially…

Febe Falodun &  Ayomide Awe Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has taken a significant step towards criminal justice reform by commuting the death sentences of 45 inmates and granting pardons to 41 others. This announcement was made during the 2024 Democracy Day celebrations held at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Kuto, Abeokuta. In his address, Governor Abiodun emphasised the importance of mercy and justice in upholding democratic values. He stated, “Government has a duty to uphold democratic values by consistently applying principles of mercy, justice, and the rule of law. “ In this vein, the Nigerian Constitution…

By Deborah Hundenu A dramatic clash erupted between a Police officer and operatives of  Department of State Services (DSS)  at the June 12 Cultural  Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta causing a brief commotion among attendees.  The incident occurred as guests were struggling to enter the hall for the Democracy Day celebration held in the state. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the altercation began when a DSS officer refused entry to a police officer who was escorting a guest into the event hall.  The refusal led to a heated exchange, escalating into a physical confrontation. Eyewitnesses described the scene as tense, with the loud…

In a renewed call for historical justice,a socio-cultural organization based in MKO Abiola’s hometown of Abeokuta, Ogun State, the Tobádé Progressive Club of Gbagura has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to officially recognise late Chief Abiola as the democratically-elected President of Nigeria.  This plea comes as Nigeria reflects on its complex political history on Democracy Day, a commemoration marked by both celebration and sorrow due to the events surrounding the annulled June 12, 1993, presidential election. The  club recalled that the 1993 election, widely regarded as the fairest and most credible in Nigeria’s history, was annulled by then-Military President Ibrahim…