Author: Platform Times Newspaper

… Fixes Exam For December Daud Olatunji In a dramatic turn of events, the resilient workers of the Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY) have emerged victorious after a relentless strike over months of unpaid salaries.  The battleground shifted when Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, injected a much-needed financial lifeline, amounting to a staggering N480 million. Abiodun Olatunde, Secretary of the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics at MAPOLY, confirmed the monumental development in an exclusive interview with PLATFORM TIMES.  While announcing the suspension of the strike with effect next week  Monday, Olatunde said he was speaking on behalf of other unions…

Daud Olatunji Finance Minister Wale Edun issued a stark warning on Thursday, emphasizing the detrimental impact on Nigeria’s growth if the country persists in relying on loans to fund its budget.  Edun’s concern stems from the nation’s escalating debt profile compounded by a decline in revenue. Edun delivered this message during his appearance before the joint Senate Committee tasked with examining the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper.  Chaired by Senator Sani Musa, the session also featured the presence of key figures such as Zacch Adedeji, the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), and…

Daud Olatunji Justice Sika Henry Apirioku of the Rivers State High Court has ordered the remand of three traditional rulers, including the king of Igbu Akoh Kingdom, Eze Cassidy Ikegbidi, and others, over their alleged involvement in the killing of former Divisional Police Officer (DPO) SP Bako Angbashim in Ahoada East. The Nigeria Police Force brought the accused, along with others, before Justice Apirioku on Thursday, charging them with offenses ranging from murder, conspiracy to commit murder, cultism, and kidnapping.  Despite not entering a plea, the defendants were denied bail, and the court directed their remand in Port Harcourt maximum…

Daud Olatunji In a major breakthrough, the Federal Government announced on Thursday that it successfully seized over N45 billion illegally looted from the national treasury.  The revelation came during the 40th Technical Commission/Plenary Meeting of the Inter-Governmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA) held at the State House, Abuja. Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, delivered the news, highlighting the government’s commitment to building on past successes in investigating and prosecuting corruption cases.  The government significantly increased budgets for key agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Independent Corrupt…

Daud Olatunji In a spirited move to celebrate Nigeria’s rich cultural tapestry, Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued a directive mandating all public servants in Osun State to wear Adire to work every Wednesday.  The circular, released by the Osun State Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, on November 16, 2023, extends the cultural promotion to various sectors, including ministries, departments, agencies, tertiary institutions, local governments, and development councils. Designating every Wednesday as “Adire Osun Day,” the directive underscores the commitment of the state, with accounting officers and agency heads expected to comply.  This cultural initiative also extends to political appointees, including…

Daud Olatunji In a crucial National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Kaduna State University (KASU), the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) raised serious concerns over the deepening socio-economic crises in Nigeria.  ASUU highlighted the unbearable rising cost of living and hardships faced by Nigerians due to  what it called the ruthless implementation of neo-liberal economic policies The body stated this through its President, Emmanuel Osodeke, at a meeting which coincided  with Heroes’ Day, featured a special lecture on “Economic Crisis, Government Responses and Tertiary Education in Nigeria.” The union specifically pointed to the mismanagement of the economy, emphasizing…

Daud Olatunji In a desperate cry for assistance, Temitayo Ajala, a resident of Idi-Iroko in Ogun state, shares her agonizing journey of carrying a pregnancy for an unprecedented six years.  Fighting against the odds, she implores the public to come to her rescue, fearing for her life and the life of her unborn child. While speaking on a popular Yoruba radio programme by a radio presenter, Makinde Fasunle, Temitayo recounts her shattered expectations of a normal pregnancy and delivery, only to find herself trapped in a nightmarish ordeal. Despite exhausting all means, including visits to various places, churches, and consultations…

Daud Olatunji In a significant development, the World Bank has disbursed approximately $299.99 million to Nigeria under the National Social Safety Net Programme-Scale Up. This disbursement is part of the $800 million approved for the program on December 16, 2021. Documents obtained from the World Bank confirm that this recent payment marks the initiation of the financial support for the National Social Safety Net Program-Scale Up. With 37.5% of the total loan disbursed, there remains a pending balance of about $442.88 million. The $800 million social safety net program aims to implement a conditional cash transfer, orchestrated by the Federal…

Daud Olatunji Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), has  refuted sensational claims of students’ death  due to poisoning, clarifying incident involving final-year student Oladokun Ayomide. In response to recent media coverage alleging the death of students due to poisoning, FUNAAB issued a press release on Wednesday, aiming to correct misconceptions surrounding the arrest of Oladokun Ayomide. Contrary to alarming narratives, the university asserts that the incident on November 9, 2023, was a result of unintentional intoxication caused by a cake purchased by Ayomide from an open store. According to the statement by Olasunkanmi Olajide, Assistant Director of Media at the…

Daud Olatunji. In a pivotal development, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have decided to call off the nationwide strike that commenced two days ago, following a crucial meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.  The government delegation, led by Ribadu and including the Minister of Labour, Simon Lalong, and Minister of State, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, engaged in discussions aimed at finding a resolution to the pressing issues that prompted the industrial action. Minister Lalong, addressing reporters after the meeting, revealed that the government appealed to the labor leaders to reconsider the strike, emphasizing the…