Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has reiterated Nigeria’s unequivocal ownership of Tongeji Island, putting to rest any lingering doubts about its sovereignty.   Abiodun made this assertion during a courtesy visit from Rear Admiral Mustapha Bala Hassan, the Flag Officer Commanding, Western Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. The Governor stated that Tongeji Island and its residents are an integral part of Ogun State and have no affiliation with any other country.  He revealed that the President of Benin Republic has also acknowledged the island’s status as Nigerian territory, emphasizing that there is no contestation…

Daud Olatunji Former presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, is rallying support for the PDP candidates in the upcoming off-cycle governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states, scheduled for Saturday, November 11.  In a heartfelt appeal shared through a three-minute video, Abubakar emphasized the importance of not giving up on democracy despite past disappointments. Abubakar acknowledged concerns about the transparency of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the previous general elections but stressed that these off-cycle elections provide a fresh opportunity to engage in the democratic process.  Quoting former US President James Monroe, he…

In a decisive and unprecedented move, aviation unions across Nigeria have ordered the suspension of all flights to Owerri, Imo State, with immediate effect.  This decision, which has sent shockwaves through the aviation industry, comes as a response to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) directive regarding the alleged brutalization of NLC President Joe Ajaero in Owerri. The aviation unions involved in this bold stance include the National Union Of Air Transport Employees (NUATE), Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (ATSSSAN), Association of Nigeria Aviation Professionals (ANAP), and the National Association of Aircraft Pilots…

 In a bid to address growing concerns about the legal status of both old and new naira banknotes, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has reaffirmed their acceptance as legal tender across the country.  This reassurance came in an official statement released on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, signed by Dr. Isa AbdulMumin, Director of Corporate Communications at the CBN. The apex bank emphasized that it maintains an ample supply of currency notes to ensure the smooth functioning of economic activities within the nation. Dr. AbdulMumin stated, “We wish to restate that all denominations of banknotes issued by the Central Bank…

Daud Olatunji  In a proactive move to ensure a peaceful and secure electoral process during the upcoming gubernatorial elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi States, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun  has convened a significant meeting with key stakeholders in Kogi State. The Force Public Relations Officer,ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi in a statement issued on Wednesday, said the  gathering, held in the state capital, Lokoja, brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including political leaders, representatives of political parties, civil society organizations, electoral officials, traditional and religious leaders, youth leaders, and security agencies.  Adejobi said the  central aim of this…

Daud Olatunji A 43-year-old Nigerian villager, Muhammadu Ali, lost his life in Bauchi State while undergoing a test of a traditional “gun medicine” or bullet-proof charm.  The tragic incident has once again highlighted the dangers associated with such beliefs and practices in Nigeria, where charms with supposed magical properties are commonly used. The unfortunate incident took place in Nigeria’s north-eastern Bauchi State, as Ali was being subjected to a test of the “gun medicine” by a traditional healer. The healer, who used a locally made gun for the test, has since been apprehended by the authorities.  Two other suspects have…

Daud Olatunji The city of Abeokuta and its surrounding communities are set to bid a final farewell to Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Durojaiye, affectionately known as Iya Londo, a prominent political grassroot mobilizer and leader of various women organizations.  The beloved matriarch’s burial ceremonies are scheduled to take place on Thursday, November 9th, 2023, and Friday, November 10th, 2023. Chief (Mrs) Taiwo Durojaiye’s son, Olamiji Durojaiye, issued a release detailing the arrangements for the ceremonies.  He said that the  series of events to honour her memory will begin with a Christian wake-keeping service at Nawir U Deen Grammar School in Obantoko…

…. “Out Of Over 50, We Have Just 5 Houses Left” …. Residents Bemoan Deplorable Road Conditions, Impact On Healthcare Access … “This Community Has Been In Darkness For Over 100 Years” Fawaz Adebisi  On a sunny Saturday morning, this reporter embarked on a journey to Tonawo, a secluded agrarian village nestled within the Obafemi Owode local government of Ogun State. The mission was to unearth the challenges faced by the village residents due to their geographical isolation and the desperate need for better infrastructure. The trip, however, was far from a smooth ride. Upon approaching the village, it…

Daud Olatunji In a gathering convened by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, foreign airlines operating in Nigeria disclosed that a significant portion of their $783 million in trapped funds remains unpaid, making it difficult for them to operate effectively in the country. As of August 2023, Nigeria accounted for a substantial $783 million of airlines’ blocked funds, according to data from the International Air Transport Association. Despite recent efforts to alleviate the situation, foreign airlines are still grappling with financial constraints. Mr. Chima Kingsley, Chairman of International Airline Operators, highlighted that while some funds were received…

The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully saved a staggering N1.45 trillion from the removal of subsidies on Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol, between June and September, as reported by the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC). According to FAAC allocation documents obtained from the Nigeria Governors Forum and the National Bureau of Statistics, a breakdown of the figures revealed monthly remittances to the Non-Oil Revenue (Savings) account of the government.  In June, the account received N696.93 billion, followed by N389.7 billion in July, N71 billion in August, and N289 billion in September. This substantial financial accomplishment came…