Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Small business owners in Ogun State have received a clarion call to actively participate in the ongoing verification and enumeration exercise across the state’s 20 Local Government Areas. This exercise serves as a crucial step for accessing the Federal Government Nano Grant, aimed at bolstering the economic prospects of entrepreneurs in the region. Mr. Adebola Sofela, the Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, emphasized the significance of this initiative, urging traders to seize the opportunity presented. He clarified that the verification process, which commenced on Monday, May 13, 2024, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, May 17, 2024. Addressing concerns…

The Federal High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State has sentenced two Chinese nationals, Duan Ya Hong and Xiao Yi, to one year imprisonment for their involvement in illegal mining and possession of solid minerals without the requisite licenses.  The convictions were pronounced by Justice Evelyn Anyadike, following a thorough trial that lasted several months. The duo, along with their company Ebuy Concept Limited, were found guilty of the offences as outlined in a one-count charge bordering on illegal mining.  The charge specified that they, without lawful authority, purchased 30 tons of minerals conveyed in a truck, at Banni in Kaiama…

Jelili Gbadamosi The DS Adegbenro ICT Polytechnic, Itori, Ewekoro, Ogun State,on Thursday,  held  its 18th Matriculation Ceremony for  a new cohort of students into its academic fold. Addressing the new students, the  institution’s Rector, Dr. Goke Raufu, emphasised  the importance of nurturing a passion for education beyond the mere acquisition of knowledge. He said  “our curriculum is meticulously designed to equip you with the tools and insights needed to thrive in today’s dynamic landscape.  “But remember, education extends beyond the confines of classrooms. Engage in activities that complement your academic journey, enrich your education, and foster lifelong relationships.” Dr. Raufu…

Daud Olatunji The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a stern ultimatum to the Bola Tinubu administration, threatening to implement a ‘No Pay, No Work’ policy if their demands are not met within the next two weeks.  The union’s president, Emmanuel Osodeke, spoke on  the government’s failure to pay public university lecturers their full salaries for the 2022 strike period and raised concerns about governance issues within the education sector. Osodeke  who featured on a TV programme on Thursday, expressed outrage over the government’s decision to only pay four out of seven-and-a-half months’ worth of…

The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has uncovered a case of attempted drug smuggling into its custodial centers. The Public Relations Officer of NCoS FCT Command, DSC Adamu Duza, issued a statement on Thursday in Abuja. He disclosed  the apprehension and subsequent arrest of a man identified as Fidelis Emmanuel for his involvement in the illicit activity. According to Duza, diligent surveillance efforts by NCoS personnel at the Medium Security Custodial Center in Kuje led to the interception of drug peddlers. Among them, Fidelis Emmanuel was apprehended with substances suspected to be cannabis, commonly known as Indian hemp. The arrest occurred…

Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, famously known as Evans, along with his co-defendant Joseph Emeka, charged with murder and attempted kidnapping, have opted for a plea bargain. This decision was revealed by the state lead counsel, Mr. Yusuf Sule, during a court session on Thursday before Justice Adenike Cokers of an Ikeja High Court. The case, which was called for re-arraignment, was expected to see Evans and his co-defendant face an amended five-count charge, including charges related to murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to commit felony (specifically, kidnapping), and attempt to murder. However, Mr. Sule informed the court that the defendants…

The Delta State Police Command has apprehended five suspects involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, robbery, and cultism. The spokesperson for the Delta State Police Command, SP Edafe Bright, disclosed this during the parade. Bright said the arrests were made following diligent investigations and collaborative efforts between police operatives and the Force Intelligence Unit, Abuja. One of the notable arrests is that of 20-year-old Yakubu Ya’u, who was identified as the mastermind behind several kidnapping incidents in the Warri axis. Despite residing in Kaduna, Ya’u frequently targeted unsuspecting residents in Oha and Ughwagba Communities in Okpe LGA, with the…

The Nigerian Judicial Council (NJC) has removed  the name of Amina Bello, wife of the former governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, from the list of nominees for appointment as judges of the High Court of Kogi State. This move comes after seven Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) filed a lawsuit against the NJC and the Kogi State government, challenging Amina’s inclusion in the list. The lawsuit, filed on January 8 with Suit No: FCT/ABJ/CS/05/2024, argued that the selection process violated constitutional principles of fairness, equity, and merit. The plaintiffs, including Chief Yunus Ustaz Usman and J.S. Okutepa, highlighted…

Learning to read is not a job designed for teachers and tutors alone. It’s innate, just like every other developmental stage such as speech, culture, walking etc. I remember how my mom would make my uncle read the caption on the news before it goes off. It taught him speed and comprehension.Also, back in the days when we used to have a stall at Aswani market, after a very hectic day of buying and selling, we would be inside the public transport and my mom would make me read all the signposts and billboards.She would always tell me that…

Daud Olatunji  The Ogun State Chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has launched a scathing attack on the state governor, Dapo Abiodun,  accusing his government  of evading responsibility and failing to address the deteriorating infrastructure surrounding the Wole Soyinka Railway Station in Abeokuta. In a statement released on Thursday, by the state Publicity Secretary,  the PDP condemned what it described as the government’s habitual practice of shifting blame instead of taking decisive action. The controversy erupted when the Ogun State government asserted that it required approval from federal authorities before embarking on any rehabilitation works on the…