Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The lawyer representing former Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello, has applied to withdraw from the high-profile corruption case against his client.  Bello, who faces a 19-count charge for allegedly laundering money, breaching trust, and misappropriating approximately N80.2 billion in public funds, failed to appear for his scheduled arraignment, leading to a dramatic court session at the Federal High Court in Abuja. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), represented by lead counsel Kemi Pinhero (SAN), expressed frustration over the repeated absence of Bello, accusing his legal team of violating professional conduct by failing to produce their client.  Pinhero urged the…

The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has raised the alarm that certain private aircraft operating in Nigeria are being exploited for money laundering, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities.  This revelation came during his inauguration of a Ministerial Taskforce Committee designed to curb illegal chartered operations within the country. Speaking at the Ministry of Aviation in Abuja on Thursday, Keyamo disclosed that the misuse of these private aircraft has not only resulted in significant financial losses amounting to billions of dollars but has also posed severe security threats.  Although the minister refrained from naming specific airlines,…

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization and Commercialization, Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, has made an appeal to Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, to resolve the ongoing political turmoil in the state.  This call for peace was made during the conclusion of the committee’s two-day working visit to Rivers State, where federal projects were inspected. Senator Kalu emphasised the necessity for both leaders to put aside their differences for the greater good of the people of Rivers State.  He highlighted the disruptive impact of the frequent protests in the state, which have become a…

 Disquiet is brewing among junior officers of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) as they protest the recent mandate requiring the new service uniform for participation in the upcoming promotion exams. The mandate, seen as a prerequisite for taking the exams scheduled from Monday, July 1, 2024, to Saturday, July 6, 2024, has caused unrest among the ranks. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the  core of the grievance lies in the NCoS’s failure to provide the new uniforms free of charge to junior officers contrary to their senior colleagues who received their uniforms at no cost.  This discrepancy has sparked accusations of…

The Niger State Government, under Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago, has allocated over N16 million for the planting of ornamental trees at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU) in Lapai.  This decision comes at a time when the university is grappling with severe infrastructural decay, inadequate hostel accommodations, and insufficient lecture theatres among other pressing challenges. The specific allocation of sixteen million, thirty-two thousand eight hundred and twelve naira fifty kobo (N16,032,812.50) is categorised under “schools’ infrastructure construction and rehabilitation” in the state’s 2024 budget.  This allocation has sparked debate among stakeholders who argue that the funds could be better utilized to…

Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has ordered the arrest of two officers allegedly involved in the manhandling of a female staff member at Regional Hotel, Ojo, Lagos. The incident came to light through a video that went viral online, showing EFCC officials, dressed in plain clothes, forcefully entering one of the hotel rooms.  The footage, captured by Closed Circuit Television (CCTV), revealed a female employee trying to open the door from inside when the men barged in.  The video further showed one of the officers slapping the lady before ordering her out of the…

Operators of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Ogun State have been urged to capitalize on the various initiatives implemented by the current administration aimed at enhancing business growth.  Commissioner for Industry, Trade, and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, made this call during a hybrid stakeholders’ engagement meeting with MSME operators and Business Membership Organisations (BMOs) at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, and via a digital platform. Mr. Sofela emphasized that the administration under Prince Dapo Abiodun has introduced strategic reforms and initiatives designed to streamline business processes, reduce costs and time, and foster a business-friendly environment.  He said the  efforts are intended…

The Deputy Registrar in charge of the Corporate Affairs Division at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, Adeniyi Oduwole,has been honoured by the Ogun State Chapter of the Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria (APBN). PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  honour was bestowed  on Oduwole during the 2024 Professional Summit and Award Presentation held recently at the Obas Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. Oduwole, renowned for his expertise in public relations and seasoned administrative skills, received the Award of Professional Excellence.  Oduwole was said to have been endorsed by the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) ahead of the nomination for the…

Kunle Somorin Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State commenced the week on a positive note. His fellow governors from the 17 states in Southern Nigeria entrusted him with leadership for the next few years. Elected as the new chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, with Anambra State Governor Professor Charles Soludo as his deputy, Abiodun’s election within the confines of his own courtyard in Abeokuta is no small achievement. I extend my congratulations to this esteemed leader. Succeeding a man of remarkable intellect like former Ondo State Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, and having a world-class economist such as Chukwuma Soludo as…

Daud Olatunji The Commonwealth Youth Organization of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, led by Comrade Ojo Emmanuel, united with several youth-led organizations to mark this year  International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking in th  state .  This global event, themed “The Evidence is Clear; Invest in Prevention,” aims to bolster international cooperation and action towards eliminating drug abuse and illicit trafficking worldwide. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that in Ogun State, the commemoration kicked off with an awareness campaign commencing from the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency’s office in Ibara, Abeokuta, extending through various parts of the city.  PLATFORM TIMES reports…