Author: Platform Times Newspaper

In Nigeria’s fast-scrolling digital world, memes are no longer just for laughs, they are part of the country’s political conversation. Whether poking fun at politicians, satirizing policy failures, or highlighting national frustrations, political memes have found a home in the timelines of millions of young Nigerians. But can a meme actually inspire someone to vote?A new study by communication researcher, Samuel Arowosafe suggests that the answer is both yes and no. While some memes, especially serious, issue-focused ones, have the power to boost political participation among young Nigerians, others may do little more than entertain. Even more interesting, the same…

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has announced the commencement of free transportation of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), diesel, and aviation fuel to marketers, petrol dealers, manufacturers, and other bulk consumers across Nigeria. The initiative, which will be executed using 4,000 newly procured Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered tankers, aims to eliminate the cost of logistics for fuel delivery — a development experts believe will reduce pump prices, curtail inflation, and generate thousands of jobs. The company said the rollout will also benefit sectors such as aviation, telecommunications, and industrial manufacturing, as well as ensure steady product availability even in remote and underserved…

The Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has strongly condemned the continued killings in Benue State, describing the bloodshed as a national disgrace that demands urgent and decisive intervention. In a statement issued on Monday by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, the organisation expressed outrage over what it called “the mindless slaughter of innocent men, women, and children” in the state, warning that Nigeria is fast losing its humanity in the face of persistent violence. “The killings in Benue are not just a regional tragedy,” the statement read. “They are a stain on the soul of Nigeria, and a national…

Prominent personalities including the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and former governors of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba and Senator Ibikunle Amosun, on Monday paid glowing tributes to the late industrialist and educationist, Chief Olatunde Abudu, who was laid to rest at the age of 96. The dignitaries gathered in Abeokuta, the state capital, for the 8th-day Fidau prayer held in honour of the Mayegun of Egbaland, who passed away on June 9, 2025. Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Governor Abiodun described Chief Abudu as a towering figure in Nigeria’s private sector and a passionate advocate of…

The Minority Leader of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon. Lukman Adeleye, has blamed the underwhelming performance of the state legislature on what he described as executive interference and the continued absence of financial and administrative autonomy for state assemblies. Adeleye, who represents Odogbolu State Constituency, made the remarks during a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu, on Monday. He said although the Assembly has shown commitment to oversight and accountability, its efforts remain limited by the grip of the executive arm. “The performance of the Ogun Assembly is at best 60 percent, not because we are…

Daud Olatunji  As Nigeria joins the rest of Africa to commemorate the 2025 Day of the African Child, UNICEF and other key stakeholders have called for more deliberate and equitable budgeting practices to protect and promote children’s rights across the country. Speaking at a media dialogue on public spending for children’s rights held in Lagos, Social Policy Specialist with UNICEF, Muhammed Okorie, stressed that while Nigeria has shown commendable commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to children, actual implementation and spending remain inadequate. “States are at different levels of commitment and implementation,” Okorie noted. “Although many have integrated…

The Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has strongly condemned the ongoing spate of killings in Benue State and other parts of Nigeria, describing the violence as “senseless, alarming and a threat to the country’s public health system.” In a statement issued by its President, Dr. Osundara Tope, the association lamented the massacre of over 200 persons in Yelwata, Benue State, and warned of an impending humanitarian crisis if the bloodshed continues unchecked. “The continued killings in Benue and across the country are not only tragic but are also pushing our already fragile health system to the brink,” the statement…

The United States may soon impose fresh travel restrictions on Nigeria and 35 other countries following a new directive being considered by President Donald Trump’s administration. This development emerged over the weekend through a memo from the U.S. State Department, dated Saturday, June 14, and signed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The document, which was dispatched to U.S. embassies globally, outlines concerns over what the Trump administration terms “security risks and immigration non-compliance” associated with the listed countries. According to the memo, affected nations, including Nigeria, Egypt, Ghana, Ethiopia, and 21 other African states, have been given a 60-day…

Ado Aleru, a notorious bandit kingpin declared wanted by the Nigerian Police since 2020, has resurfaced — not in handcuffs, but at a government-endorsed peace meeting held in Bichi community, Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State. Aleru, with a N5 million bounty still hanging on his head, appeared in a now-viral video addressing government officials, traditional rulers, and security operatives. The event, reportedly attended by Nigerian Army personnel and other state actors, was aimed at fostering dialogue between Fulani herders and farmers in the conflict-ridden region. The bandit leader, whose group has been linked to several killings and kidnappings…

A group of traditional masqueraders have reportedly invaded a mosque and the residence of the Chief Imam in Oke Agbe, Akoko North Local Government Area of Ondo State, assaulting his wives and children in a violent attack that has drawn sharp condemnation from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC). The incident, which occurred on Thursday, June 12, 2025, saw scores of masquerade adherents storm the Islamic cleric’s home, beating up his family members without provocation, according to a statement issued by MURIC on Sunday, June 15. Executive Director of the Islamic human rights group, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the attack as…