Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Dangote Group, owners of the Dangote Refinery, has refuted claims by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) that it extended a $1 billion loan to the refinery during liquidity challenges. In a statement on Tuesday, the Dangote Group spokesperson, Anthony Chijiena, described NNPCL’s claim as “misinformation,” insisting the state-owned oil company’s $1 billion contribution was an equity investment, not a loan. Earlier, NNPCL spokesperson Olufemi Soneye had asserted that the company secured a $1 billion crude-backed loan to support Dangote Refinery. However, Chijiena clarified that the said amount represents only five percent of the total investment in the…

The Katsina government on Tuesday rewarded a woman, Malama Amina Abdulkadir-Yanmama, with N500,000 for returning N748,320 to to the state. The N748,320 was meant for the federal government’s home-grown school feeding programme in Katsina. The executive director of the Katsina State Social Investment Programme Agency (KASIPA), Mudassir Nasir presented the reward to the woman. “She told us that she received alert with a narration titled payment for vendors who were providing primary school pupils with free food. The woman decided to come to our office because she was not on the register for vendors who provide food for our pupils…

There was a mild drama on Wednesday in Benin as members of the state government assets recovery committee stormed the 2024 Edo governorship election petitions tribunal to recover a bus owned by the state government. The vehicle, which was a 32-seater coaster bus, conveyed the counsels to the People’s Democratic Party to the tribunal sitting in the premises of the Edo High Court. Some members of the recovery committee had, in the morning, before the sitting of the tribunal, attempted to recover the vehicle. The committee said the bus was one of the assets taken away by some officials of…

The Oyo State Government has arrested organisers of a children’s end-of-year funfair in Ibadan, where a stampede reportedly claimed the lives of several children on Wednesday. The tragic incident occurred at the Basorun Islamic High School during a private children’s carnival co-organised by Queen Naomi Silekunola, ex-wife of the Ooni of Ife, and Agidigbo 88.7 FM, owned by Oriyomi Hamzat. In a statement, Governor Seyi Makinde expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced the launch of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragedy. “A stampede at the venue has led to multiple loss of lives and injuries,” the…

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has ordered an immediate review of the case of a young man sentenced to death by hanging for stealing a fowl in the state. The governor’s directive was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday evening by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed. Adeleke instructed the Attorney General of the state to investigate the case and ensure the individual is considered for a prerogative of mercy before the end of the year. Speaking on the matter, Governor Adeleke emphasized his commitment to justice and fairness. “I have read about the case. I recognize the separation of…

The annual Omoluwabi Festival held in Abeokuta on Tuesday celebrated outstanding Nigerians for their virtues of integrity, hard work, and diligence, showcasing the essence of Yoruba cultural values. The festival, spearheaded by Princess Adejoke Somoye, popularly known as Ewaede, attracted a cross-section of society, including students, artisans, and captains of industry. Speaking during the event, Princess Somoye emphasized the need to celebrate individuals who embody the Omoluwabi trait—an enduring commitment to integrity and good character. “In a society where money is often elevated above good character, it is vital to recognize those who still uphold values like hard work, diligence,…

The leadership and members of the Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) in Ogun State, have thrown their support for second-term ambition of the union’s chairman, Akibu Titilayo, popularly known as Efele. At the union’s last general meeting for 2024,the motion to support Titilayo’s second term was moved by the state’sFirst Vice Chairman, Comrade Monsuru Owookade, and seconded by the Publicity Secretary, Comrade Adeyemi Adeleye. Members from various chapters endorsed the motion, describing Titilayo as a listening and progressive leader Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, the Secretary of the RTEAN in the State, Tiwalade Akingbade, expressed strong support…

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has revealed that Nigerians paid a staggering N2.23 trillion in ransom to kidnappers between May 2023 and April 2024, underscoring the alarming rise in criminal activities and the economic burden of insecurity in the country. This revelation was contained in the bureau’s latest Crime Experience and Security Perception Survey, which reported that 51.89 million crime incidents were recorded across Nigerian households during the period under review. The North-West emerged as the most crime-ridden region, with 14.4 million incidents, followed by the North-Central, which recorded 8.8 million cases. In contrast, the South-East reported the least…

The World Bank has outlined plans to approve $1.65bn in new loans for Nigeria in 2025, focusing on internally displaced persons, education, and nutrition. This comes as part of its ongoing efforts to address critical developmental challenges in the country. According to information obtained from the World Bank’s website, three projects are in the pipeline. The first, titled Solutions for the Internally Displaced and Host Communities Project, will receive $300m and aims to provide sustainable solutions for displaced persons and their host communities. Approval for this project is slated for April 8, 2025. The second project, HOPE for Quality Basic…

The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission has recovered over N52 billion and $966,900.83 in one year. The ICPC chairman, Musa Aliyu, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at an event to mark his one-year anniversary as the chairman of ICPC. Mr Aliyu said the commission also intercepted and stopped the diversion of N5.882 billion in 323 ministries, departments, and agencies within the same period. He attributed the significant milestone achievement to the steadfast commitment to the rule of law, adaptation to evolving trends and equipping its workforce with ICT capacity in the fight against corruption. “The current…