Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Fawaz Adebisi In a thought-provoking address at the Annual Departmental Lecture of Fountain University, Osogbo, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, the immediate past Nigerian High Commissioner  in the United Kingdom, has emphasised  the critical importance of citizen participation in local government administration. Isola, delving into the theme “Local Government Administration: Panacea for Development in Nigeria,” highlighted the formidable challenges obstructing the growth trajectory of local government councils nationwide. Among the litany of obstacles outlined by the seasoned diplomat were financial constraints, corruption and mismanagement, inadequate manpower, lack of autonomy, intergovernmental conflicts, inadequate planning, poor policy implementation, and low citizen participation. Financial…

A jovial celebration in the Halleluyah Quarter of Ibafo, Obafemi Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State has  turned into a scene of horror as a disagreement at a birthday party led to the fatal stabbing of a man identified only as Abubakar.  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the tragic incident unfolded on Friday night during the festivities organized by Nafiu Yusuf to mark his daughter’s first birthday. Eyewitnesses recounted the chilling altercation that escalated into violence, resulting in the untimely death of Abubakar.  According to reports, tension had been simmering between Abubakar and another attendee, identified as Anuoluwapo, culminating in…

Fawaz Adebisi IN SHORT: The Economic and Financial Crime Commission, EFCC, has been trailing the former governor of Kogi state, Yahaya Bello, over an alleged over  80bn fraud. This was following an order given by a High Court in Abuja after the ex-governor refused to show up in court. Having declared him wanted, the EFCC laid siege to Bello’s residence in Abuja to effect the court’s order, but, he reportedly fled. However, amidst this saga, pictures, purportedly said to be  that of Bello, surfaced online, showing  how he was trying to jump over his fence to flee from EFCC. The…

Daud Olatunji Through education, sports, and empowerment, a Non-Governmental Organisation, Peace Initiative Network has sowed the seeds of peace  expected to bear fruit for generations to come in Nigeria.  PLATFORM TIMES reports that Peace Initiative Network stands as a beacon of hope in Nigeria’s quest for lasting peace and prosperity. In its unwavering dedication to fostering peace and unity across Nigeria, the PIN  has employed  a multifaceted strategy that resonates with audiences of all ages and backgrounds.  Dr. Michael Olufemi Sodipo, the visionary leader behind PIN, while speaking with PLATFORM TIMES in an exclusive interview underscores the organization’s commitment to…

The proprietor of the Uyo Cybercrime Training Centre, also known as Hustle Kingdom (HK) has been sentenced to  ten years in jail, with an option of a N2,000,000 fine for each count.  The Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dragged Edet to the court for   impersonation, love scams, hacking/editing social media accounts, and private criminal tutoring Justice Ojukwu, after considering the arguments from both sides, sentenced Edet and also  ordered the forfeiture of all recovered exhibits, including 13 laptops, a gold-colored Toyota Corolla, a Lexus Jeep RX 300, and approximately 3,080.25 square meters of…

The Lagos Environmental Sanitation Corps has arrested  eight individuals for the construction of an unauthorized shrine on a prominent road in Egbe, Ikotun area of Lagos State. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  arrests, carried out under the supervision of the state Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Tokunbo Wahab. The commissioner said the move  underscored the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving law and order within the state. Commissioner Wahab took to his social media platform to announce the development, revealing that the individuals were apprehended with a cache of charms and amulets in their possession.  This discovery raised concerns about…

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria and Southwest Farmers have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU).  PLATFORM TIMES gathered that the development was  aimed at fostering peaceful coexistence and ensuring food sustainability. The historic agreement, signed at a day-long conference in Ibadan, marks a significant milestone in resolving longstanding conflicts between herders and farmers in the region. Under the auspices of the Southwest Commodity Farmers Organization, the National Chairman of the Cattle Breeders Association and Southwest Farmers came together to ink the peace treaty.   Olusegun Dasaolu, the coordinator of the Southwest Commodities Farmers Organization, emphasized the summit’s importance…

Seven young Qur’anic School pupils, known as Almajiris have  lost their lives when a burrow pit at Malam Dan-umma Quranic School in Badariya, Birnin Kebbi  collapsed.  The proprietor, Malam Dan-umma, recounted the heartbreaking event, stating that he had sent the pupils to collect laterite sands for maintenance work.  However, tragedy struck when a heavy portion of the laterite hill collapsed, burying the children. PLATFORM TIMES reports that seven were pronounced dead at the scene, while one was hospitalized.  The bodies were taken to Sir Yahaya Memorial Hospital Birnin Kebbi, with plans for funeral arrangements.  Zayyanu Sanka, a resident and Special…

Gunmen launched a deadly attack on two traditional Chiefs (Baales) in Ogun State, leaving them wounded, and killing a security officer.  Saibu Razaq of Keleu village and Sesi Ọdunjo of Abule-Oko Village were targeted while returning from a Council of Baales meeting at Obalade Abule Oba village. The incident, which occurred around 4 pm on Thursday between Alabe and Okesa villages in the Ewekoro Local Government Area, shocked the community.  According to a police source, the assailants, numbering about five, ambushed the chiefs unexpectedly, shooting them in the head and shoulders. As news of the attack spread, members of the…

The Oyo State High Court in Awe, Oyo State, has dismissed a case brought by the Oyo kingmakers (Oyo Mesi) against Governor Seyi Makinde, the state Attorney General, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters regarding the vacant stool of Alaafin of Oyo due to an administrative defect. The case arose following the passing of the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, who ruled for 52 years.  The claimants, including prominent figures such as Chief Yusuf Layinka and Chief Gbadebo Mufutau, sought an injunction to prevent Governor Makinde from interfering with their choice for the vacant…