Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Ogun State Government has announced plans to develop smart cities through urban regeneration schemes across the state’s urban centres. This declaration was made by Governor  Dapo Abiodun during the 2024 World Environment Day celebration held at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.  The event, themed “Achieving the Smart City Agenda Through Climate Change Resilience and Urban Afforestation,” highlighted the crucial role of climate change mitigation in creating safer, smarter urban environments. Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, emphasized the need for collective action against climate change.  He outlined his administration’s initiatives to enhance green spaces, promote…

An Iwo Chief Magistrates Court in Osogbo has sentenced a former Local Government chairman, Mr. Tajudeen Babatunde, to four years in prison for conspiracy, malicious damage, and arson.  The judgement was delivered on Thursday, following a lengthy trial. Babatunde, who once served as the caretaker chairman of Iwo West Local Council Development Authority, was sentenced alongside three Beninois citizens—Sunday Ajoko, Jonas John, and Kohonu Deboye—and two other individuals, Adeoye Alabi and Kasumu Ajao.  The trial, registered under suit number MIW/68c/2019, culminated in their conviction on all four counts of conspiracy, malicious damage, and arson. Presiding Magistrate A. Famuyide, after reviewing…

In a significant operation ahead of the ongoing Hajj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) has apprehended four individuals attempting to smuggle cocaine.  The arrests took place at the Emerald Hotel in the Ladipo area of Oshodi, Lagos State, where the suspects were preparing to board their flight. The suspects, identified as Usman Kamorudeen, 31; Olasunkanmi Owolabi, 46; Fatai Yekini, 38; and Ayinla Kemi, 34, were caught in the act of ingesting cocaine wraps.  According to a statement from Femi Babafemi, Director of Media and Advocacy for the NDLEA in Abuja, the agency’s operatives seized…

In a stern warning to the Organised Labour, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, has labelled the recent shutdown of the National Grid by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) as a “treasonable felony.”  Akume made these remarks while addressing the National Executive Council of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Abuja. Akume urged the labour unions to exercise greater caution in their demands, particularly regarding the national minimum wage and the restoration of the old electricity tariff.  He emphasised the severe economic repercussions of their actions, highlighting the significant revenue…

An Enugu State North Magistrate Court on Thursday ordered the remand of five community leaders from Igga community in Uzo-Uwani Council Area into prison custody.  Among those remanded are the traditional ruler of the community, Igwe Herbert Ukuta, and a former Councilor, Festus Okonkwo. They face allegations of murder and membership in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The leaders had been detained by police for over a month without trial.  The detention came under scrutiny after SaharaReporters highlighted that the State Criminal Investigation Department demanded a refund of N1.5 million purportedly spent on feeding the monarch while in custody.…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) disclosed this in a circular dated June 6, issued by Dr. Aliyu Tanko, NAHCON’s Coordinator in Makkah. According to the circular, the detained pilgrims were found outside their hotels without the mandated identification. The NUSUK card, introduced by Saudi authorities, is critical for verifying authorized participants in the Hajj pilgrimage.  This identification measure, as reported by the Daily Trust, was implemented to prevent issues experienced in previous years.  Notably, last year, the lack of proper identification led to illegal pilgrims overcrowding Mina camps, resulting in some Nigerian pilgrims being deprived of the services…

The legal team representing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has presented a comprehensive list of judgements to the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi. The submission, made at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja, is aimed at securing Kanu’s release. Barrister Nnaemeka Ejiofor, leading the legal team, addressed journalists on Thursday, emphasizing that the judgements come from both domestic and international courts, all mandating the release of the IPOB leader.  Ejiofor stated that their decision to forward these legal pronouncements followed a remark by the AGF, suggesting he was unaware…

The Presidency has labeled as ‘unofficial’ the circulating documents suggesting plans to suspend import duties on food and drugs, asserting that these documents are mere proposals and not official government policy. In response to widespread discussions stemming from two fiscal policy documents, the Presidency clarified that neither document had been officially endorsed.  These documents, purported to outline significant economic measures, included provisions for a N5.4 trillion petrol subsidy for 2024 and a six-month suspension of import duties on essential items like food and drugs.  These measures were purportedly aimed at alleviating economic hardships for the Nigerian populace. However, in a…

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has expressed concerns over the significant impact that the ban on the sale of carbonated drinks is having on its revenue generation.  This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of NCS, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, during a revenue monitoring exercise held by the House of Representatives Committee on Finance with various Federal Government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Thursday. Mr. Adeniyi emphasised that the primary mandate of the NCS is to collect revenue, which is statutorily paid into the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federal Government.  He highlighted that the agency’s revenue generation capacity is subject…

Daud Olatunji  The purported dismissal of five Igbein chiefs by three other chiefs has been denounced as a joke, laughable, primitive, ridiculous, and lacking due process by the Lukosi of Igbeinland, Chief Dada Jesiliu.  In a press release issued in Abeokuta, Chief Jesiliu criticised the actions of the trio, accusing them of overstepping their authority and violating established protocols. Chief Jesiliu expressed his disbelief at the audacity of the chiefs, identified as Aro, Jaguna, and Lukotun, who he claims bypassed all existing rules and protocols by publicly announcing the dismissal of the five chiefs.  “It is very laughable and ridiculous…