Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) has ignited a firestorm of controversy with its recent decision to increase the prices of prepaid electricity meters, leaving stakeholders fuming. Since the announcement, consumers and critical stakeholders have voiced their vehement opposition to the hike, raising valid concerns.  One major point of contention revolves around the pre-privatisation Service Level Agreement (SLA) in which Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) pledged to attract foreign investors to the metering sector. NERC’s ‘order,’ signed by Chairman Mr. Sanusi Garba and Commissioner Mr. Dafe Akpeneye, reveals that a single-phase prepaid meter will now cost N81,975.16, up from N58,661.69, while…

In a region marred by uncertainty and mounting security risks, Nigeria’s ambitious $13 billion Trans-Saharan gas pipeline project faces an uphill battle.  The project, envisioned to stretch 4,128 kilometers from Warri in southern Nigeria through Niger to Algeria’s Hassi R’Mel gas hub, has long been hailed as Nigeria’s ticket to the European gas market. However, recent developments threaten its viability. Despite Nigeria’s declaration of the 2020s as the “decade of gas,” exporting its abundant gas resources to Europe has proven challenging.  The coup in Niger and funding woes surrounding the critical AKK pipeline within Nigeria are putting the Trans-Saharan project…

In a stunning revelation, Afrobeats sensation Davido has unveiled that he now commands a staggering $600,000, equivalent to N450 million, for a single music performance.  The Nigerian superstar shared this revelation during a candid conversation with Zahir Jooma, co-owner of the renowned jewelry store, Icebox. Davido, whose influence has grown exponentially during his over decade-long music career, shed light on his strategic approach to show bookings.  He emphasized the importance of teamwork and careful consideration before making any commitments. With a firm eye on quality and moderation, Davido revealed that he limits his performances to no more than four shows…

By Onomiguren Agbamu The Delta State Commissioner for Environment, Mr. Jamani Tommy Ejiro has denied an online report of his alleged kidnap attempt along Jesse-Oben Road, where some persons were alleged to have been killed in the process In a statement issued yesterday in Asaba by his Special Assistant, Mr. Victor Abugo, and made available to journalists, he described the report as false, fictitious, and callous, which according to him, is the handiwork of mischief makers with their evil machination intended to achieve their devilish aims. While saying that he never took that route as claimed by one online faceless…

Daud Olatunji In a shocking turn of events, the Ogun State Government has declared DATKEM Plaza, owned by Mrs. Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former Governor Gbenga Daniel, as an “illegal structure without an approved plan.”  This revelation comes amid the controversial demolition of the 5-storey DATKEM Plaza in Ijebu-Ode. The state government initiated the demolition, sparking outrage and concerns among residents and the political class. Videos and images of the destruction circulated on social media, fueling public anger. While some sources suggested political thugs were responsible for the act, Engr. Olusegun Lawal, the Project Manager & Developer, confirmed it…

Mrs. Olufunke Daniel, the wife of former Ogun State Governor Senator Gbenga Daniel, has unleashed a scathing critique against Governor Dapo Abiodun for the demolition of her 5-storey plaza in Ijebu-Ode. She condemns the act as “executive recklessness, lawlessness, and irresponsibility.” The state government initiated the demolition of the 5-storey DATKEM plaza in Ijebu-Ode, sparking outrage and concern among residents and the political community. Videos and images of the building’s destruction circulated on social media. While some suggest that political thugs were behind the act, the Project Manager & Developer, Engr. Olusegun Lawal, confirmed it as a demolition ordered…

The Federal Government, in collaboration with the Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, is gearing up to unleash the full potential of cashew production and its value chain.  Strategies and initiatives were unveiled during a pivotal one-day stakeholder interaction, hosted by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and Ogun State Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment.  This event, themed “Cashew Value Chain Global Best Practices – Paving the Way for Export Excellence,” took place in Imasayi, Yewa North Local Government area of Ogun State. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, emphasized the imperative of diversifying Nigeria’s economy away…

The vigilant operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have successfully intercepted illicit drug consignments cunningly concealed in seemingly innocent items, uncovering a web of drug smuggling activities at various locations in Lagos. In a significant operation, NDLEA officers seized a consignment of skunk, a potent strain of cannabis, meticulously hidden within tins of tomato paste.  The intercepted skunk, weighing a substantial 20.00 kilograms, was discovered at the SAHCO export shed of the bustling Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Ikeja, Lagos State. This operation took place on Friday, September 8, 2023. Simultaneously, NDLEA authorities uncovered another sinister plot…

Daud Olatunji In a world often clouded by cynicism and self-interest, the remarkable story of Yusuf Suleiman emerges as a testament to the enduring values of honesty, responsibility, and love for family.  At the age of 32, Yusuf, a diligent businessman hailing from the Sumaila Local Government Area of Kano State, Nigeria, found himself facing a moral dilemma—one that would not only define his character but also touch the hearts of those who would hear his story. Yusuf’s pursuit of a Bachelor of Arts degree in Human Resources from the Cambridge International College, Britain, Sudan Campus, was driven by his…

Daud Olatunji In a significant boost to the healthcare sector, the Ogun State Government has officially confirmed the appointment of 321 medical and health personnel who were recruited by the Ogun State Hospitals Management Board (HMB) over the past two years. These appointments aim to reinforce the state’s existing healthcare workforce. The Permanent Secretary of the Hospitals Management Board, Dr. Yinka Elemide, disclosed this during a confirmation ceremony held at the Board’s Conference Room in Abeokuta.  The Information Officer, Hospitals Management Board, Femi Osipitan,disclosed this in a statement on Sunday. Osipitan said of the newly confirmed personnel, 174 belong to…