Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Broadcasting Organisations of Nigeria has announced plans to host the second edition of the Nigeria Broadcasting Awards (TNBA) on April 8, 2026, in Abuja, as part of efforts to promote professionalism and reward excellence in the country’s broadcast industry. According to a statement issued on Thursday, the event will hold at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado, from 6pm to 9pm. BON said the awards, endorsed at its 74th General Assembly in Kano in 2021, were designed to celebrate outstanding contributions and encourage high standards in radio and television broadcasting. The organisers disclosed that the 2026 edition attracted 204 entries,…

‘The Muslim Advocacy Group in Ogun State has intensified calls for a power shift ahead of the 2027 governorship election, declaring that it is the turn of a Muslim to lead the state after decades of what it described as political imbalance. In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, by its Publicity Secretary, Abdus Semiu Adebesin, the group said the demand was anchored on the principles of equity, fairness and inclusive governance, noting that Muslims have remained largely underrepresented in the state’s top political office despite their significant population and contributions. The group lamented that since the creation of…

The fatality rate of Lassa fever has surged alarmingly across several Nigerian states, with health authorities warning that one in every four infected persons is now dying as the disease spreads rapidly in parts of the country. Data from the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention and humanitarian organisation Médecins Sans Frontières indicate that the outbreak has hit hardest in Bauchi, Taraba and Katsina states, raising fresh concerns over the country’s capacity to contain the epidemic. In Bauchi State alone, MSF reported 311 confirmed cases and 68 deaths between October 2025 and March 23, 2026, underscoring the severity of…

A domestic dispute in Sokoto State took a violent turn after a housewife allegedly poured hot oil on her husband’s private organ over suspicions of infidelity. The victim, Bello Abubakar, who resides in the Yar Gabas area of Sokoto metropolis, is currently receiving treatment at a Specialist Hospital following severe burns sustained in the attack. Abubakar, who denied engaging in any extramarital affair, said the incident occurred shortly after he returned from the mosque where he had gone to observe the early morning Subhi prayer. Recounting his ordeal, he explained that he met his wife in a distressed state upon…

…Advocates one-stop tribunal for political cases …Warns prolonged disputes threaten democracy Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged the National Assembly to abolish Nigeria’s multi-layered electoral appeals system and replace it with a single-tier tribunal to fast-track the resolution of political disputes. Jonathan made the call on Wednesday in Abuja during the 70th birthday and book launch of Senator Gbenga Daniel, representing Ogun East, stressing that the current structure has become a major setback to electoral justice and democratic stability. He criticised the existing three-stage process for governorship election petitions—moving from tribunals to the Court of Appeal and ultimately the Supreme…

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, on Thursday dismissed reports of a rift between him and the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, describing the claims as false and misleading. This came amid earlier reports alleging that the monarch had directed a boycott of the coronation of three Ibadan High Chiefs and relocated to Lagos in protest against the state government. However, in a statement issued by his Media Aide, Adeola Oloko, the Olubadan said he neither left Ibadan nor opposed the planned coronation, insisting that he remains in the ancient city and is carrying out his traditional duties.…

The House of Emmanuels Foundation has organised a scholarship examination for over 500 indigent students in Abeokuta, Ogun State, with a call on well-meaning Nigerians to support government efforts in funding education for vulnerable children. The founder of the foundation, Mr Emmanuel Oluwachegoun Amos, made the appeal on Thursday during the exercise held at Lisabi Grammar School, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta. Amos said education remained a critical driver of national development, stressing that government alone could not shoulder the responsibility of providing access to quality education for underprivileged children. “A nation’s future is built on the quality of education available to its…

Gunmen have again struck in Ebonyi State, killing a traditional ruler, barely one month after a similar incident in the state, further heightening concerns over worsening insecurity in the South-East. The latest victim, Josephat Ikegwu, who was the traditional ruler of Ishinkwo Community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead on Wednesday night. Sources in the community said that the assailants stormed the monarch’s residence at about 10 p.m. and opened fire on him through the window while he was resting in his bedroom with his wife. Confirming the incident, the Chairman of Onicha Local Government Area, Ikechukwu…

The Defence Headquarters on Thursday said no fewer than 197 insurgents surrendered to troops in March, while 813 kidnapped victims were rescued across various theatres of operation nationwide. The military high command disclosed this in its latest operational update, highlighting what it described as sustained pressure on terrorist and criminal groups. According to the DHQ, troops also arrested 1,359 suspects, including terrorists, informants, illegal miners and other criminal elements during coordinated operations within the review period. It added that 103 terrorists and other criminals were neutralised, including some identified commanders such as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbeng,…

The National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), David Mark, on Thursday challenged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to explain what he described as “fear of a free electoral contest” despite the ruling All Progressives Congress controlling a majority of states and the National Assembly. Mark, a former Senate President, spoke at a press conference where opposition leaders condemned recent developments involving the Independent National Electoral Commission. He accused the administration of orchestrating moves aimed at weakening opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that such actions could pave the way for a one-party state. “With over 30…