Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A pioneering startup, ORÍKÌ ENERGY, has perfected a plan to empower no fewer than 100 entrepreneurs with a solar power business.  The empowerment, which is in conjunction with the Olowu of Owu, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, and the Abeokuta diaspora, will make Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, a pilot city. Addressing journalists on Thursday at the palace of Olowu, on behalf of Oriki Energy, Funmi Kogbe disclosed that the startup programme, which starts on May 1st, will end on August 10th. Kogbe added that the programme  has been scheduled for 100 days featuring  50 men and 50 women as beneficiaries.…

… Intervention Underway – PCRC Chairman Daud Olatunji In a heart-wrenching turn of events, it has been uncovered that distressed mothers in Ogun State are repeatedly resorting to poisoning their own children with intellectual disabilities due to overwhelming hardship and a lack of assistance.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that the dire situation has left over 50 mothers stranded, desperately seeking specialized schooling for their children amidst a landscape devoid of support in the state.  Phebean Abiodun, a mother grappling with the challenges of raising a child with intellectual disabilities, shared her ordeal during the recent peace summit held in the state…

In a bid to tackle the escalating challenges of banditry and terrorism, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Muhammed Matawalle, has underscored the necessity for intensified intelligence collaboration with the United States.  The call came during a pivotal meeting at Ship House, where Matawalle welcomed Jennifer Zakriski, the Assistant Secretary for Defence for African Affairs at the US Department of Defence, along with her team. Highlighting the imperative for joint efforts, Matawalle emphasized the critical role of intelligence sharing, citing the US’s proficiency in issuing early warnings to its citizens abroad.  He advocated for a reciprocal exchange of…

The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have joined forces, delivering a resounding call to the Federal Government to swiftly backtrack on the recent surge in electricity tariffs.  In a unified address during the 2024 Workers’ Day Celebration in Abuja, Presidents Joe Ajaero and Fetus Osifo of NLC and TUC respectively, underscored their dissatisfaction with Nigeria’s inconsistent power supply, branding it a hindrance to the nation’s economic advancement. “With power being the lifeblood of any thriving economy, Nigeria cannot afford to mismanage this critical sector,” emphasized the union leaders.  They highlighted the dire consequences of neglecting…

The National Secretary of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), James Tor, has blamed the ongoing fuel scarcity crisis gripping Nigeria to  the geopolitical tensions between Israel and Iran. In an interview on a TV programme, Tor emphasized the significant role of the federal government in importing and allocating petroleum products to stakeholders, including IPMAN, for distribution across the country.  He highlighted the recent surge in panic buying, long queues at filling stations, and increased transport fares as direct consequences of the scarcity. Tor acknowledged the efforts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in attempting to mitigate…

The Minister of Works, Dave Umahi, has accused former presidential candidate Peter Obi of inciting the people of the South East against the Federal Government regarding the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project.  Speaking at an event in Lagos, Umahi criticized Obi’s stance on the project, labeling it as job-loss inducing and a misplaced priority.  Obi, in a tweet, criticised the project’s impact on employment and investments, highlighting the adverse effects on businesses and job prospects in the region.  Umahi countered Obi’s claims, referencing his own administration’s handling of similar situations in the past.  He cautioned against incitement and urged for informed…

At  the wedding of Georgina, daughter of the late Nollywood icon Rachel Oniga, emotions overflowed as the bride, found herself unable to contain her tears during a heartfelt song dedicated to mothers. Surrounded by cherished friends and family, Georgina’s resemblance to her beloved mother was striking.  However, what was intended as a touching tribute soon turned sour when the wedding MC opted to serenade the crowd with a song celebrating mothers, triggering an emotional breakdown from the bride. The choice of song sparked surprise and criticism among attendees, given the recent loss suffered by the bride.  Many took to social…

Nollywood icon Sola Sobowale has addressed the swirling rumours surrounding her alleged involvement in drug trafficking in Saudi Arabia, firmly debunking the false claims.  The 58-year-old actress reminisced about the barrage of negative reports that followed her departure from Nigeria to the United Kingdom, where she was even rumoured to have met an untimely demise in the Gulf nation. Sobowale, known for her versatile roles on screen, revealed that she remained unfazed by the onslaught of rumours, attributing her peace of mind to her faith.  She humorously recalled how Nigerian newspapers once speculated about her supposed downfall, including claims that…

A mother of four, Mrs. Nata Igbinovia,has  lost her life while trying to quell a dispute between her cousin and neighbours. The  tragic incident occured In  the community of Okpagha-Ewuare, on the outskirts of Benin City, Edo State. According to Patience, the deceased’s daughter, the altercation turned fatal when her mother stepped in to defuse the situation.  The suspects, identified as Philip Ayo and his son, allegedly wielded a knife and an axe during the confrontation. Patience recounted the harrowing ordeal, stating, “As he went to bring the small dagger, the son brought an axe that they usually use to…

More Nigerians in the diaspora have expressed satisfaction with the Pelican Valley range of estates in Ogun State and the infrastructural development taking place there, saying there are places they can now proudly call home and move into on or before retirement. The diasporas – Mr Olaseni Blackstone, Mr Samuel Adewale; President of Leadership and Governance, Canada, and… who are members of the October Canada – Nigeria Business Summit in Toronto, arrived at the verdict after a guided tour of the estates recently. The three were first at the Pelican Valley Estate Laderin where unusual home happens and later at…