Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former British Council Director in Abuja, David Roberts, stated that Nigeria’s economy, which recorded a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of 3.46% in Quarter 4, cannot be deemed in disarray. Roberts, who made this remark on Monday, emphasized the need for Nigeria to enhance its regulatory institutions, including measures to counter corruption, in the face of the current economic reality.  According to him, Nigeria has sound policies in place and should take steps to build confidence in its capacity to regulate and renew efforts to identify and eradicate corrupt practices. “I lived and worked in Nigeria for many years as…

Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the administration of President Bola Tinubu to provide transparency regarding the reported resurgence of the fuel subsidy programme. This follows recent claims by Robert Dickerman, CEO of Pinnacle Oil, stating that the Tinubu-led government continues to disburse N1 trillion monthly for petrol subsidy. In response to this revelation, Falana urged Tinubu to be open about the economic strategy instead of imposing the burden of fuel subsidy elimination on Nigerians.  He also raised concerns about the lack of response from entities like the World Bank, IMF, and…

NLC Protes,  Mere Distraction, Says Ministe Kennedy-Ohanenye, has criticized the recent protest staged by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), denouncing it as a “mere distraction” from the critical issues facing the country. Speaking at a press conference held in Abuja on Monday, Kennedy-Ohanenye emphasized the need for “constructive ways” to address the challenges plaguing the nation.  She questioned the efficacy of the NLC protest, stating, “Now that NLC has gone out to protest, what have they done? It’s just a mere distraction of the federal government, but the kind of action that you people (Integrity Brigade) will take, you will…

In a recent development at the federal high court in Lagos, charges against 19 Bureau de Change (BDC) operators have been dismissed following the withdrawal of the case by the police. The BDC operators, including individuals such as Ibrahim Jubril, Abdullahi Abubakar, and others, were apprehended in various locations across Lagos on February 21 during a joint operation involving police operatives, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS). Charged with “conspiracy, unlawful operation of forex trading as BDC operators without a license from regulatory agencies, and deriving various sums of money from such unauthorized…

In a tragic incident, a Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) employee, identified as Kingsley, lost his life on Monday while performing repairs on a 33KVA line. The unfortunate event unfolded in Evwreni community, situated in the Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State. Kingsley was reportedly electrocuted while attempting to reconnect a damaged cable on a high-tension line responsible for transmitting electricity to Uwheru, Patani, Bomadi, and other communities across the state. A source from Evwreni, speaking anonymously, shared insights into the incident, revealing that Kingsley, a resident of the community, faced an untimely demise when electricity was unexpectedly…

The Western Marine Command (WMC) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) took a significant step in the fight against drug trafficking on Monday.  They handed over 120 sacks of Cannabis Sativa, commonly known as Marijuana, valued at N704.5 million, to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). Comptroller Salefu Odaudu, the Customs Area Controller for WMC, disclosed that the 120 sacks contained a total of 10,551 loaves of cannabis sativa, with a Duty Paid Value (DPV) of N704.5 million.  These seizures resulted from three separate operations conducted at Jegemo Island opposite Iworo Ajido Waterfront and Asipa Beach along Seme borders…

Daud Olatunji In a momentous announcement, the Appointment and Promotion Committee (A&PC) of Obafemi Awolowo University declared on February 27, 2024, the elevation of Dauda Taofik Oyedele to the distinguished position of Professor of Biometrics, effective since October 1st, 2021.  This career apex not only signifies a remarkable achievement for Professor Dauda but also resonates as a call to advance knowledge and contribute further to the realms of Biometrics and data science. Professor Dauda’s academic trajectory, extending from agricultural (Forestry) to natural Science (Statistics), has been instrumental in enhancing his prowess in Biometrics, fueled by a profound understanding of field…

Daud Olatunji Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Daisi Elemide has thrown his weight behind the Federal Government on border closure. The Speaker emphasized the necessity of such measures to record economic development. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the Federal Government has closed the borders especially in Ogun  State . Highlighting examples of developed nations like India and Singapore, Elemide pointed out that these countries have prospered by closing their borders.  He expressed concerns about smuggling, citing instances where restrictions were circumvented, leading to challenges such as imported rice entering through ports instead of closed borders. Elemide drew attention…

Daud Olatunji In a comprehensive investigation conducted by PLATFORM TIMES, it has been revealed that four Southwestern Nigerian states – Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Oyo – have  collectively spent a staggering N22,006,444,387.41 to fund their respective state assemblies in the year 2023. Leading the pack is Ogun state, allocating over N9 billion, followed closely by Ondo with N5.3 billion.  Oyo and Ekiti states spent N4,866,740,697.74 and N2,669,365,444.15, respectively, on their state assemblies. PLATFORM TIMES obtained the data from openstatesfund portal contains the financial records of all the states in the country between 2018 and 2024. The detailed breakdown of the…

The Oluwo Ijeja Traditional Council of Chiefs in Egbaland, Ogun State, Chief Mukaila Atanda Akinwande has declared the dismissal of four chiefs for taking the Alake and paramount ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo  and the council to court . Speaking at a press conference held on Sunday, in Abeokuta, the Secretary of the council, Chief Sodipo Olawale Mathew said  the decision was made during a meeting at the council and later ratified by the entire house. He said the dismissed chiefs include Oluremi Babalola, former Baala of Ijeja; Mr. Adisa Oliyide, former Onlado Ijeja; Mr. Oyedele Aremu Bamgboye, former…