Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation, Tanimu Yakubu, has dismissed claims that President Bola Tinubu’s administration is marginalising Northern Nigeria, revealing that over 50 per cent of the federal capital projects for 2024 and 2025 were allocated to the region. Yakubu made this disclosure while responding to recent criticisms from prominent Northern leaders, including former Kano State Governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; ex-Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; and Chairman of the Arewa Consultative Forum’s Board of Trustees, Bashir Dalhatu. The trio had accused the federal government of sidelining the North in its developmental agenda.…

Tragedy struck in Lawa, Ogbaku community in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State on Sunday when a man identified simply as Reginald took his own life in the compound of a man alleged to be having an affair with his wife. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Reginald had consistently warned a widower and his kinsman, Ukachukwu, to steer clear of his wife, but his warnings allegedly fell on deaf ears. According to sources in the community, Reginald, who was deeply troubled by reports of the ongoing illicit relationship, was said to have reached his breaking point after hearing fresh allegations…

 The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has released the results of the May/June 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), revealing a worrying 61% failure rate among candidates. Out of the 1,973,365 candidates who sat for the exam across Nigeria and some West African countries using the Nigerian curriculum, only 38.32% (754,545 candidates) obtained credits in at least five subjects including English Language and Mathematics— the benchmark for tertiary education admission. This implies that over 1.2 million candidates may be ineligible for university, polytechnic, or college admissions this year. Announcing the results in Lagos on Monday, WAEC’s Head of…

…“We Can Handle Any Gun If Provoked,” Protesters Warn as Friday Deadline Looms Daud Olatunji  Activities at the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja were brought to a standstill on Monday as hundreds of aggrieved retired soldiers staged a protest over the non-payment of their gratuities, Security Debarment Allowance (SDA), and other statutory entitlements. The protesting ex-servicemen and women, most of whom voluntarily disengaged from the Nigerian Army between late 2023 and mid-2024, stormed the ministry’s headquarters at dawn, blocking the main gate and halting staff and vehicular movement. Dressed in military camouflage and chanting protest songs, the retirees carried…

Operatives of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Murtala Muhammed Airport Command, have intercepted a major wildlife trafficking attempt involving over 1,620 endangered birds destined for illegal export to Kuwait. The Area Controller, Comptroller Michael Awe, confirmed the seizure on Monday in Lagos, describing it as a significant breakthrough in the fight against illicit wildlife trade. According to Awe, the birds—comprising Ringneck Parakeets and Canaries—were discovered by vigilant customs officers at the airport’s cargo control post on July 31. He said the shipment was being transported without the mandatory Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) permit, a clear violation…

  Tension gripped the Niger State Government House on Friday evening after a man, simply identified as Gregory, collapsed and died during a visit to one of the official residences within the premises in Minna. The incident occurred at House No. 8 in the Government House Lodge around 9:30 p.m. on August 2. Gregory was said to have arrived at the location to meet the Chairman of the Niger Food Security Systems and Logistics Company Limited, Sammy Adigun. Sources told PLATFORM TIMES that Gregory appeared visibly distressed upon learning that his host was not available. Moments later, he reportedly collapsed…

Tension has gripped residents of Ado-Ekiti following the disappearance of a newborn baby just hours after birth at the Okeyimi Health Centre, prompting the police to arrest and detain four hospital workers. The incident, which occurred on Sunday night, has raised alarm over possible foul play within the health facility. The baby, delivered around 8pm, was reported missing the following morning, according to the Ekiti State Police Command. Confirming the development on Monday, police spokesperson DSP Sunday Abutu disclosed that medical personnel on duty, security staff, and other individuals linked to the incident are currently being interrogated. “The Commissioner of…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has issued a stern warning to the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), declaring that the party must reverse what he described as “injustice and impunity” before proceeding with its planned national convention in November. Speaking during his monthly media chat on Sunday, Wike called for the immediate reinstatement of Chief Dan Orbih as the party’s National Vice Chairman (South-South), insisting that the outcome of the South-South zonal congress held in Calabar must be respected. “The Calabar congress was duly conducted and must stand. Dan Orbih remains the authentic…

A  fresh  and serious crisis is brewing within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a group of state chairmen under the banner of “Concerned State Chairmen of ADC” has rejected what it described as an illegal takeover of the party by a coalition of high-profile politicians led by former Senate President, David Mark. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, the group’s Publicity Secretary, Godwin Alaku, described the adoption of the ADC by opposition figures as “a civilian coup and a reckless subversion of democratic ideals.” He insisted the party was not for sale, nor available to be…

The Olubadan-in-Council has officially nominated Senator Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and prominent Ibadan high chief, as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland. The decision was reached on Monday during a meeting held at the Oke-Aremo Palace, where all 11 senior chiefs in the Olubadan succession line—including Ladoja himself—unanimously endorsed his nomination. Speaking after the meeting, the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, confirmed that the council’s resolution would be forwarded to Governor Seyi Makinde for formal approval and the presentation of the staff of office. “We have completed our internal processes in accordance with Ibadan chieftaincy customs,”…