Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji In a benevolent act of academic support, the Academic Staff Union Of Universities (ASUU) at the University Of Agriculture, Abeokuta Branch, awarded scholarships to six deserving students.  The announcement came following a Congress held on the school premises on Friday, underscoring the union’s commitment to Social Corporate Responsibilities and educational empowerment.  Chairman of the union, Oluwagbemiga Adeleye, addressing the media, shed light on the inspiration behind ASUU’s decision to embark on this scholarship initiative.  Adeleye  highlighted that such actions are deeply ingrained in the union’s ethos, extending from the National Level down to individual branches.  He  revealed…

In a significant stride towards its operational debut, the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos has welcomed its fifth one-million-barrel cargo of Bonny Light crude oil.  The supply, orchestrated by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), marks a pivotal moment for the 650,000 barrels per day refinery, anticipating the imminent arrival of the sixth cargo within the next few days. Dangote Group, in a statement issued yesterday, highlighted the refinery’s commitment to kickstarting oil refining operations.  The ongoing deliveries of crude oil are a vital component of the refinery’s plan to contribute to Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in petroleum products and reduce…

In the remote town of Toshia, nestled within the northeastern state of Yobe, communities find themselves surrounded by encroaching sand dunes.  The relentless advance of the desert, a consequence of ongoing climate shocks, is leaving a profound impact on the lives of the residents. Bulama Mele, now a 40-year-old father of eight, recounts his childhood in Toshia when his family was compelled to farm in Niger due to encroaching desert.  Today, he navigates challenging commutes to tend to his farm in Niger after losing two farms to the encroaching sands. The environmental crisis is not only disrupting lives but also…

The Ogun State government has taken proactive steps to address and resolve challenges faced by business owners in the registration process for the Business Premises Permit (BPP).  Commissioner for Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Adebola Sofela, delivered this message in Abeokuta following his comprehensive tour of agencies under the Ministry’s supervision. During the visit to key entities such as Ogun State Agricultural and Multipurpose Credit Agency (OSAMCA), Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC), and the Technology Incubation Centre, Onijanganjangan, as well as the Ministry’s Zonal Offices at Onijanganjangan and Oke-Ilewo, Commissioner Sofela outlined the successful resolution of challenges that…

Prof. Abba Gambo, the Senior Agricultural Advisor to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), has voiced apprehension regarding the insufficient budget allocation for the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security in the 2024 budget. The allocated sum of N110.25 billion, as stated in the 2024 budget appropriation bill, falls below one percent (0.392857143 percent) of the total N28 trillion approved by the National Assembly.  This stark contrast to the 2003 Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security, wherein African countries, including Nigeria, committed to allocating 10 percent of the national budget to agriculture development.  Gambo, while commending the realignment of…

In a recent development, nine communities in Ogun State are grappling with power outages following a decline in power generation from the Egbin power station.  The affected areas include Abeokuta, the state capital, as well as Sango, Ota, Ilaro, Ayetoro, Imeko, Mowe, Ibafo, and Magboro. The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) made the announcement via its social media handles late on Thursday night.  According to the IBEDC, the drop in generation from the Egbin power station has left residents in these communities without electricity. In response to the situation, the IBEDC assured the public that its technical team is actively…

Daud Olatunji Betta Edu, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, has found herself in hot water as leaked documents reveal the transfer of N585 million from the ministry to a private account.  The leaked letter, dated December 20, 2023, and titled “Mandate for Payment of Grant for Vulnerable Groups in Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Lagos, and Ogun States Respectively,” instructs the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, to transfer the funds to the UBA account of Oniyelu Bridget Mojisola. According to the document, the funds were allocated as follows: N219,429,750 for Akwa Ibom, N73,828,750 for Cross River, N219,462,250 for Lagos,…

Daud Olatunji In a significant breakthrough against cyberstalking and blackmail, the Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Center (NPF-NCCC) has apprehended three individuals linked to the notorious Gistlover blog. The Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement on Friday, disclosed that the arrests followed  a petition by Hon. and Dr. Mrs. Seye Oladejo, highlighting the blog’s involvement in conspiracy, cyberstalking, and threats to life. Adejobi said the suspects—Adebukola Kolapo, Nnedum Micheal Somtomchukwu, and Isaac Akpokighe who were members of the Gistlover family, have been integral to the daily operations of the microblogging platform known for its cyberstalking, incitement, and…

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo engaged in a closed-door meeting with key Ohanaeze chieftains on Friday, addressing matters of shared concern and significance.  The rendezvous took place at the residence of Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, the President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide. Ohanaeze Ndigbo Secretary General, Okey Emuchay, disclosed to the media that the meeting was symbolically important, emphasizing that fruitful discussions transpired during the closed session. While specifics of the discussions were not disclosed by Emuchay, he conveyed that “issues of mutual interest” were on the agenda.  During the courtesy visit, Emuchay stated, “The Ohanaeze PG informed Chief Obasanjo that Nigeria…

In anticipation of the 2023/2024 main pilgrimage to Rome and Greece, the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission has disclosed the financial details for the upcoming religious journey.  As conveyed in a statement by Celestine Toruka, the Director and Head of Media and Public Relations, the pilgrimage is set to commence at the end of this month. The statement, dated December 28, 2023, and addressed to the chairmen and secretaries of all the States Christian Pilgrims Welfare Boards, reveals that the pilgrimage cost to Rome and Greece has been fixed at N3,000,000 per pilgrim.  This comprehensive amount is designed to cover return…