Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a three-month ultimatum to all foreigners residing in the country with expired visas to exit Nigeria or face stringent sanctions, including a daily fine and a potential five-year entry ban. The directive, which was made public in a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, takes immediate effect and grants a grace period ending August 1, 2025. The new policy is expected to be fully enforced beginning September 2025. According to the statement, any foreign national who remains in the country beyond their visa validity will incur a…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 135 deaths resulting from Lassa fever and Mpox outbreaks across the country between January and April 2025. The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Friday during the national health security press briefing held in Abuja. Idris said the country recorded a total of 832 confirmed cases of both diseases within the first four months of the year, with Lassa fever accounting for the majority of the infections. “Cumulatively, as of epidemiological Week 16, the country has reported 4,253 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 696 confirmed…

By Dami Atiba-Sogules In Nigeria, the journey to parenthood is often seen as a rite of passage—expected, even demanded. But for many couples, conceiving isn’t automatic. Infertility is more common than we like to admit, yet still deeply misunderstood and rarely discussed. Knowing when to seek fertility help—and what to expect when you do—can make a world of difference. The Silent Struggle: How Common Is Infertility in Nigeria? Infertility affects roughly one in five couples in Nigeria. According to studies, the prevalence ranges from 20% to 25%, which is significantly higher than the global average of around 10%. In…

Scores of passengers traveling from Abuja to Lagos on Friday were left stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following repeated delays and a lack of communication from Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading domestic airlines. The flight, initially scheduled to depart Abuja at 7:30pm, was first rescheduled to 8:10pm and subsequently to 9:30pm. However, after the second rescheduling, passengers said the airline went silent, with no staff on ground to provide updates or explanations. By 12:23 am on Saturday, frustration had peaked as angry passengers staged a protest at the terminal, demanding answers and accountability from the airline. One…

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has declared it will not participate in any political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting it will instead focus on internal party reforms and membership mobilisation. This decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The communiqué was jointly signed by National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim. “NEC declared that the party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 general…

A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a fashion designer who boarded his bus in February 2022. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of the murder of Ayanwola, as well as rape and sexual assault involving two other victims—Nneka Udezulu and Dr. Victoria Anosike. The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing Ominikoron as a “serial predator” who took advantage of his position as a commercial bus…

Pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has thrown its weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s bid to complete a constitutionally allowed second term in office, urging detractors to steer clear of tribal rhetoric. In a statement issued on Friday by its National Organising Secretary, Abagun Kole Omololu, the influential Yoruba group described the portrayal of the current administration as a “Yoruba government” as a dangerous and divisive tactic designed to delegitimise Tinubu’s leadership. “Let it be said plainly and without ambiguity, that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government is not a Yoruba government. It is a Nigerian government,” the group stated. Omololu emphasised…

President Bola Tinubu on Friday gave a fiery charge to Nigerian soldiers battling insurgents and bandits, urging them to “reclaim every inch” of Nigerian territory from the grip of terrorists and criminal gangs. Addressing frontline troops during a morale-boosting visit to a military base in Katsina, the Commander-in-Chief hailed the soldiers as gallant defenders of the nation’s sovereignty and freedom, pledging robust support to fortify their operations. “I stand before you not just as your President, but as a fellow patriot, humbled by your bravery and unwavering commitment,” Tinubu said. “Every terrorist you neutralise, every village you secure, every inch…

Former Deputy National Chairman (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has called on President Bola Tinubu to implement the 2014 National Conference report as a lasting tribute to late elder statesmen, Chief Ayo Adebanjo and Chief Edwin Clark. Speaking at a press conference in Lagos on Friday, George described the two nationalist leaders — who passed away within days of each other in February — as pillars of constitutional reform who dedicated their twilight years to advocating for a more just, equitable and restructured Nigeria. “This is a moral obligation, not a political favour,” George declared.…

President Bola Tinubu has called on state governors to shun distractions from “armchair critics” and focus on delivering measurable development that improves the lives of Nigerians. Tinubu made the remark on Friday during the commencement of a two-day working visit to Katsina State, where he commissioned key infrastructure and agricultural projects executed by Governor Dikko Umaru Radda. “Let the people be at the heart of your programmes,” Tinubu told the gathering. “Your hard work and concrete achievements will answer any criticism. Ignore distractions — your results will speak for you.” The president commissioned the 24-kilometre Eastern Bypass Road, linking Dutsin-Ma…