Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation, a socio-cultural organization of Lagos State indigenes, has condemned the reinstatement of Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa as Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, describing the development as a “show of shame.” Obasa, who was impeached on January 13, 2025, over allegations of corruption and abuse of office, was reinstated on Monday, March 3, 2025, in a move that has sparked outrage among stakeholders. In a press statement signed by its Media Office, the Foundation expressed shock over the Assembly’s decision, declaring that the legislative body had turned into an “amusement park” and a “monument…

Daud Olatunji The National Cashew Association of Nigeria (NCAN), Ogun State Chapter, has raised concerns over the persistent harassment and extortion of cashew merchants along state roads, threatening their livelihood and economic contributions. Consultant for Special Duties at NCAN,Hon. Taiwo Akinlabi, disclosed this on Monday at a press briefing held in Abeokuta. He highlighted the pivotal role of cashew production in driving economic growth, job creation, and foreign exchange earnings in Nigeria. Akinlabi lamented that despite these contributions, cashew merchants face numerous challenges, including fluctuating international market prices, climate change affecting yields, and inadequate quality control measures. “However, the most…

Contrary to recent media reports circulating Monday night, the Oyo State Government has vehemently denied claims of the demise of the revered Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, aged 89. Addressing the speculations, the State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Wasiu Olatunbosun, affirmed that Oba Olakulehin is indeed alive and in good health. “Yes. Olubadan is alive, hale and hearty,” stated Olatunbosun. He further reassured the public, citing direct communication with Prince Olaseke Owolabi Olakulehin, a representative of the royal family at the coronation committee. Additionally, Chief Press Secretary to the Olubadan, Gbenga Ayoade, debunked the swirling rumors in a…

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he is unbothered by the ongoing political crisis in the state, stating that the worst that could happen to him is leaving office. Fubara made the assertion on Monday during the inauguration of residential quarters for government house staff in Port Harcourt, the state capital. The governor, who has been embroiled in a long-standing political rift with Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, said attempts to stabilize his administration continue to face setbacks. “No matter how we have been fooled in this state, it has gotten to the point where the…

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, representing Abia North in the Senate, has voiced his strong defense of former military president Ibrahim Babangida, describing it as unfair treatment towards Babangida by Nigerians. He spoke on the he release of Babangida’s memoir, A Journey in Service: An Autobiography of Ibrahim Babangida. The 420-page autobiography has stirred national debate, particularly due to Babangida’s admission that MKO Abiola indeed won the annulled 1993 presidential election. In an exclusive interview on Television’s programme, Senator Kalu said “I think Nigerians are very unfair to Babangida because he came out on his own,” stated the former Abia State…

The death toll from Sunday’s Bauchi alms-giving stampede has risen to seven, the police said Monday. The police spokesperson in Bauchi, SP Ahmed Wakil, said three more women died. Four people were reportedly trampled to death on Sunday during an attempt to participate in an almsgiving exercise at Shafa Holdings Company Plc on Jos Road in Bauchi, Bauchi State. The police said the incident happened at about 10:20 a.m. when the company was holding its annual Zakat exercise, otherwise known as almsgiving, to help the less privileged in the state. ”The medical doctor at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching…

In a welcome relief to consumers, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has announced a significant downward adjustment in petrol pump prices, now selling at N860 per litre. This move follows recent positive developments in the forex market, including the strengthening of the naira against the dollar and ongoing market dynamics. NNPCL spokesperson, Femi Soneye, confirmed the price revision, emphasizing that the corporation has been consistently responsive to market changes by implementing downward adjustments in most areas. He underscored that such adjustments are part of regular market-driven practices within the energy sector. “We have refrained from issuing formal…

A National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) member, Rofiat Lawal has recounted her traumatic experience after being abducted by gunmen along the Benin-Ore Expressway last Tuesday. Rofiat, who was on her way to her place of primary assignment in Oyo State from Edo State, narrated how she and five others were kidnapped at gunpoint from a commercial vehicle. The abduction, which occurred near the Ore area of the expressway, saw the gunmen stop the vehicle with gunfire, forcing the passengers to lie down before selecting six victims, including Rofiat. PLATFORM TIMES reports that they were then led into a nearby bush…

Former Governor of Ogun State and prominent political figure, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Chief Mrs. Adenike Ebun Oyagbola, Nigeria’s first female cabinet Minister. PLATFORM TIMES reports that Chief Oyagbola, a distinguished daughter of Igan-Alade in Yewa North Local Government of Ogun State, breathed her last on Friday, February 28, 2025, at the age of 94. Amosun in a statement said Chief Mrs. Oyagbola’s life and legacy are celebrated not only in Ogun State but across the nation for her groundbreaking contributions to Nigeria’s socio-political landscape. Amosun, while extending heartfelt condolences to the grieving…

Tragedy struck in Zamfara State as a 21-year-old student of the Federal University Gusau, Zarah Abubakar Shehu, died in captivity four months after being abducted by armed bandits. Zarah, a 300-level student, was forcefully taken from her residence in the Damba area of Gusau alongside her two siblings during an early morning raid on November 3, 2024. Initially demanding a ransom of ₦35 million for their release, the kidnappers later reduced their demand to ₦10 million following negotiations. However, despite the payment of the ransom, Zarah was not released. Instead, the abductors demanded four motorcycles (Boza) and four cartons of…