Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Chief Imam of the University of Abuja and leader of the Da’wah Front of Nigeria, Prof. Taofiq AbdulAzeez, has challenged the narrative of a systematic “Christian genocide” in Nigeria, following the reported abduction of Muslim worshippers during Juma’at prayers in four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State. AbdulAzeez, in a statement on Saturday, described the attack on Muslim worshippers as a development that demanded serious interrogation of claims about the religious identity and motives of armed groups responsible for violence across the country. The cleric also challenged the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs to urgently…

The governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Hon. Semanko Abayomi Hunye, has declared that he remains in the race for the 2027 governorship election, unveiling Otunba Yomi Odunowo as his deputy governorship aspirant. Hunye, who addressed journalists in Abeokuta on Saturday, said his decision to unveil Odunowo was partly to ensure that his campaign remains active as he pursues his legal challenge to the outcome of the APC governorship primary. He also questioned the indigeneity of the party’s governorship candidate, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, challenging him to prove his claim to Ogun…

Daud Olatunji The Department of Mass Communication, Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, has led a wave of tributes celebrating the Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, Ogun State Chapter, Dr Waheed Abiodun Ogunjobi, on his conferment of a doctorate degree by the Lagos State University. The Head of the Department, Mass Communication, MAPOLY, Dr Wasiu Tejuoso, in a congratulatory message on behalf of the department’s students and staff, described Ogunjobi’s academic feat as a culmination of years of consistency, intellectual growth and academic prowess. Ogunjobi was formally conferred with the PhD degree during the convocation of LASU on…

Ayomide Awe The Ogun State Ministry of Culture and Tourism and traditional rulers have renewed efforts to preserve and promote Yoruba culture and traditions, with royal fathers calling for greater involvement of youths in cultural activities. The renewed commitment was expressed on Friday during a special lunch reception hosted by the Onitafin of Orile Itafin, Oba Moruf Alani Olalekan Adebayo, at his palace in Abeokuta. The gathering brought together traditional rulers and senior officials of the ministry, including the Permanent Secretary, Mr Qudus Adegboyega, and directors of various departments. Among the traditional rulers present were the Onikopa of Orile Ikopa,…

….Gov Says Tinubu Has Directed Security Agencies To Rescue Mussa pupils … Lawmaker Demands Oyo-Style Operation …Families Weep In Abuja, Say Prolonged Captivity Killing Victims’ Future Daud Olatunji Borno elders and relatives of abducted schoolchildren and other residents have demanded urgent action by President Bola Tinubu and Governor Babagana Zulum to secure the release of 116 victims who have spent up to 100 days in captivity. The demand came amid an assurance from Zulum that the Federal and Borno State governments were working with security agencies to rescue the abducted schoolchildren from Mussa community in Askira-Uba Local Government Area. The…

Grace Adeleke Presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, Peter Obi, has pledged that his campaign for the 2027 election will not be driven by religion or ethnicity. Obi made the declaration on Friday in Onitsha, Anambra State, while speaking at a press conference as he formally stepped up his political activities ahead of the 2027 presidential election. The former Anambra State governor urged Nigerians to reject what he described as campaigns built around propaganda, religious sentiments and ethnic considerations. He said the 2027 election should be centred on the competence, capacity, character and compassion of candidates rather than their…

Mujeeb Akindoyin Terrorists reportedly invaded four communities in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State on Friday and abducted an unspecified number of Muslim worshippers during the Juma’at prayers. The attackers were said to have stormed the communities at about 2pm, targeting worshippers gathered in mosques for the weekly congregational prayers. The affected communities are Dekara, Sabon Gida, Masaka and Gidan Zana, with Dekara reportedly recording the highest number of abductions. The incident has heightened fears among residents of the communities, which are located in an area that has faced growing security concerns. The village head of Dekara, Umar Abubakar,…

Residents of 19 oil-producing communities in the Ilaje Local Government Area of Ondo State have protested alleged encroachment on their ancestral lands by neighbouring communities in Delta State, warning that the dispute could escalate into an interstate crisis. The protesters, who took to the streets on Friday, urged the Ondo State Government to urgently intervene in the dispute and strengthen its presence in the affected riverine communities. The communities, which are said to be part of the Ugbo Kingdom in Ilaje, include Odun Ebiwon, Odun Makin, Ilu Titun, Odun Odunjo, Odun Maha, Eke Nla, Eke Kekere, Ubajakere, Eke Itiola and…

Zainab Abioye The candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the August 15 Osun State governorship election, Bola Oyebamiji, has alleged fresh attacks on members of the party, urging Governor Ademola Adeleke to call his supporters to order. Oyebamiji made the allegation on Friday after meeting with President Bola Tinubu at the State House in Abuja, where he said the President counselled him and other stakeholders to prioritise peace following the outcome of the election. The APC candidate, who lost the poll to Adeleke, said the interest of the people should remain the priority of all political actors, regardless of…

Ayomide Awe The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has warned politicians and other political actors against recruiting, arming or financing Nigerian youths to perpetrate violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. Disu said the Nigeria Police Force would not tolerate attempts by political actors to use young Nigerians as tools for settling political differences or attacking perceived opponents. The police boss gave the warning on Thursday in Abuja at the National Youth Leadership and Security Dialogue organised by the Nigeria Police Force to mark the 2026 International Youth Day. He also cautioned political leaders against inciting youths, promising them protection…