Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Less than one percent of Nigeria’s over 35 million persons living with disabilities (PWDs) are employed in professional roles, a disability rights advocate, Olusola Adeyefa, has revealed. Adeyefa, the Co-Founder of the Ability Impact Centre, disclosed this during a programme on Channels Television, where he decried the widespread exclusion of PWDs from the labour market due to structural, attitudinal, and educational barriers. According to him, the root of the problem lies in the unaffordability and inaccessibility of quality education for most PWDs, making it difficult for them to compete in the professional space. > “Realistically, we have less than one…

The Olubadan-in-Council will on Monday, August 4, convene a crucial meeting to begin the official process for appointing the next Olubadan of Ibadanland following the expiration of the traditional 21-day mourning period for the late monarch, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin. Oba Olakulehin, the 43rd Olubadan, passed away on July 7, 2025, at the age of 90, after barely a year on the throne. His transition has paved the way for the ascension of High Chief Rasidi Adewolu Ladoja, a former governor of Oyo State and the current Otun Olubadan. The meeting, slated for 11 a.m. at the new Olubadan Palace, Oke-Aremo…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has barred all candidates of the Labour Party (LP) from participating in the upcoming August 16 bye-elections across the country, citing unresolved internal party crises. The exclusion, which has sparked outrage among factions within the party, is reportedly linked to the leadership tussle that has divided the LP into rival camps. As of press time, INEC has not issued an official explanation for its decision, and efforts to reach the Commission’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Rotimi Oyekanmi, were unsuccessful. Reacting to the development, the faction of the Labour Party loyal to Esther Nenadi Usman…

Hundreds of women, including mothers and married women, on Saturday stormed the streets of Kano in a peaceful but powerful protest against the escalating wave of gang violence that has gripped the state. Chanting solidarity songs and wielding placards with bold inscriptions such as “Stop the Bloodshed!”, “Protect Our Children!” and “End Yandaba Attacks Now!”, the women lamented the frequent violent clashes perpetrated by notorious street gangs known as Yandaba, which they say have turned their neighbourhoods into killing fields. The protest, which disrupted normal activities in some parts of the city, brought to the fore the growing frustration among…

A Magistrate Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital, has ordered the remand of a former deputy governorship aspirant under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Mr. Idowu Afuye, over allegations of cyberbullying and defamation against the Senator representing Ekiti North Senatorial District, Cyril Fasuyi. The embattled politician was arraigned following a petition filed by Senator Fasuyi, who accused Afuye of engaging in sustained acts of blackmail and online harassment through various digital platforms. According to credible judicial sources, Afuye was picked up by the police after preliminary investigations linked him to defamatory materials allegedly targeted at damaging the reputation…

Fresh allegations have rocked the Kano State Government as the Commissioner for Transport, Ibrahim Namadi, has been accused of receiving a $30,000 bribe to stand as surety for a suspected drug trafficker currently facing trial at the Federal High Court in Kano. The embattled commissioner is alleged to have facilitated the release of Sulaiman Danwawu, a notorious drug suspect, by fulfilling the court’s ₦8 million bail condition in exchange for the bribe. According to findings by the State Security Service (SSS), Namadi not only stood as surety for Danwawu but did so despite warnings from the state’s security council, which…

A well-coordinated joint security operation in Delta State has led to the death of two suspected kidnappers and the recovery of millions of naira believed to be ransom money, alongside arms and ammunition. The raid, which took place on Wednesday, July 30, in the Edo-Ogwashi area of Ogwashi-Uku, was carried out by a combined team of military personnel from the 63 Brigade, Asaba; operatives from the Divisional Police Headquarters, Ogwashi-Uku; the Anti-Kidnapping Squad, Asaba; and Edo-Ogwashi community vigilantes. Confirming the operation, human rights activist and security advocate, Harrison Gwamnishu, revealed that two of the suspects were neutralised on the spot,…

Daud Olatunji  In a remarkable fusion of cultural heritage and modern development, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Adelola Matemilola, on Friday, unveiled a community-based financial instrument known as the Olowu Cowry to mark the third anniversary of his ascension to the throne. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the  groundbreaking initiative, launched at the newly renovated Olowu Palace in Abeokuta, is aimed at promoting youth empowerment, stimulating local commerce, and reviving the traditional values of the Owu Kingdom. The event attracted dignitaries from across the state, including former Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, prominent Owu chiefs, religious leaders,…

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has faulted the decision of Niger State Governor, Umar Bago, to shut down Badeggi FM, a privately-owned radio station in Minna, over alleged incitement and unethical conduct. The minister, in a statement issued on Saturday through his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim, insisted that only the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has the legal authority to suspend or revoke broadcast licences in Nigeria. This comes a day after Governor Bago reportedly ordered the police to seal the premises of Badeggi FM, accusing the station and its owner of using the platform…

 Ogun State Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele has hailed Sheik Jamiu Kewulere Bello for 40 years of exemplary religious leadership, describing him as a “committed, consistent and humble” guide to Muslims across the South-West, Edo and Delta states. Addressing a thanksgiving ceremony in honour of the Chief Imam of Ekiti State and President-General of the League of Imams and Alfas in the region, Engr. Salako-Oyedele praised Sheik Kewulere’s unflagging energy and moral clarity despite his advancing years. “A spiritual leader must do more than pray; he must guide, direct and strengthen the community,” she said. “Sheik Kewulere’s leadership transcends state…