Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Daud Olatunji The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, said the Federal Government released over 4,000 inmates in a single day with the aim of decongesting Nigeria’s correctional facilities. The minister disclosed this on Thursday,during the 5th Ministerial Press Briefing held in Abuja. Tunji-Ojo said the gesture, not only addressed overcrowding but also resulted in substantial cost savings for the government. Dr. Tunji-Ojo emphasized that the mass release, which constituted a five percent reduction in correctional center populations, primarily targeted detainees held for minor fines. He added that when conducting a detailed analysis of cases, authorities identified numerous individuals whose…

Nigeria secured the 105 ranking out of 147 nations in the 2025 World Happiness Report unveiled Thursday as the world observes the International Day of Happiness. The report showed that Nigeria dropped three spots from its 2024 ranking of 102 but has moved higher to become the 10th happiest country in Africa. Libya emerged as the highest-ranked nation in Africa, securing 79 on the standing, surpassing its neighbours in life satisfaction and societal well-being amidst a landscape of ongoing challenges. Finland continued its streak as the world’s happiest country for the eighth consecutive year, with other Nordic nations like Denmark,…

The 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the National Assembly’s approval of emergency rule in Rivers State, warning that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for democracy in Nigeria. Obi, in a series of posts on his X handle on Thursday, criticized the lawmakers’ voice vote approval of President Bola Tinubu’s proclamation, arguing that it breaches the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and erodes public trust in governance. The former Anambra State governor had earlier joined opposition leaders in urging the National Assembly to reject what he termed the “unconstitutional removal” of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara and…

The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has announced that Corps Members will begin receiving a monthly allowance of ₦77,000 starting from March 2025. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the assurance was reaffirmed by the Director General of NYSC, Brigadier General Olakunle Oluseye Nafiu, during an interactive session held at the Wuse and Garki NYSC Zonal Offices in Abuja. Addressing Corps Members’ concerns over the delayed implementation of the allowance increase, Brigadier General Nafiu assured them of the NYSC’s efficiency in record-keeping and timely payment processes. He expressed the Federal Government’s commitment to the welfare of Corps Members, emphasizing that the long-awaited…

The National Judicial Council (NJC) has dismissed reports claiming that the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Kudirat Kekere-Ekun, ordered the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and his repatriation to Kenya. In a statement issued on Thursday, the NJC’s Deputy Director of Information, Kemi Ogedengbe, described the report as false and baseless, urging the public to disregard it. “The attention of the National Judicial Council (NJC) has been drawn to media reports that the Hon. Chief Justice of Nigeria and Chairman of the Council, Hon. Justice Kudirat Motonmori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, has ordered…

The suspended governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, says he has no hands in the attacks on oil installations in the state. Fubara spoke through his Chief Press Secretary,Nelson Chukwudi, in a statement issued on Thursday night. The statement read that the claim that he did nothing to dissuade criminal groups and militants from attacking oil facilities in the state is false. In the past few days, oil installations have been targeted in attacks in Rivers which have been linked to the political crisis in the south-south state. According to the statement, the presidency was not provided with “adequate information”…

The newly appointed sole administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ibas, has declared a zero-tolerance stance on lawlessness, warning that his administration will not condone any attempt to sabotage the state’s peace and stability. Speaking in a state-wide broadcast on Thursday in Port Harcourt, Ibas emphasized that his primary mandate is to restore law and order while laying the foundation for the return of democratic governance. “Let me be clear, under my leadership, civil liberties and fundamental human rights will be respected and protected. The rule of law will remain sacrosanct,” he asserted. Ibas, a retired naval chief, was appointed as…

Daud Olatunji The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Executive Secretary, Mr. Simon Stiell, has called for increased investment in Nigeria’s green economy, urging the country to scale up nature-based solutions and clean energy adoption to drive sustainable economic growth. Stiell made this call during his four-day visit to Nigeria from March 4 to 7, 2025, hosted by the Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) in collaboration with government agencies and private stakeholders. The visit, which included high-level meetings, a symposium, and stakeholder engagements, focused on reviewing Nigeria’s progress toward achieving its ambitious Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC 3.0) goal of…

Daud Olatunji The management of Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED) has issued a cautionary notice following reports of unauthorized solicitations for credentials purportedly for employment purposes. In an official press release, University Registrar and Secretary to Council, Dapo Oke, clarified that TASUED is not associated with any recent requests demanding submission of personal credentials for employment. “We would like to clarify that this request did not originate from our institution and, therefore, has nothing to do with such information,” stated Oke. The university management emphasized the importance of vigilance and urged both the university community and the public to…

Ahead of the 2027 elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, alongside key opposition figures including Kayode Fayemi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, on Thursday, announced the formation of a coalition set to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The announcement came during a press conference convened at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre, Abuja, where concerns were raised over President Bola Tinubu’s recent declaration of a State of Emergency in Rivers State. Atiku Abubakar, speaking on behalf of the coalition, asserted that the move was a necessary step towards safeguarding Nigeria’s democratic principles. “We are here to affirm our commitment…