Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Millions of dollars went down the drain on Thursday as global bettors failed to predict the emergence of Pope Leo XIV, an unexpected pick in the just-concluded papal conclave. Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, who took the name Pope Leo XIV after his election, was not listed among the favourites on any major betting platforms. Despite the high odds placed on other prominent candidates, the 68-year-old American cardinal emerged as the new leader of the Catholic Church, leaving gamblers stunned. On Polymarket, over $21 million worth of bets were placed, with Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and Filipino Cardinal…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it has yet to make any decision regarding the national chairman and national secretary crisis rocking Labour Party (LP). The commission made the clarification in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to INEC Chairman, Rotimi Oyekanmi, on Thursday in Abuja. Oyekanmi also said that it had yet to take any decision on the national secretary of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “Our attention has been drawn to some media reports claiming that the commission has recognised certain persons as the national chairman and national secretary of LP. “The reports also inferred that the…

 Balqees Adeniji The Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani, has called for an urgent shift in Nigeria’s innovation strategy, declaring that the country’s technological future cannot be built by a few cities alone. Speaking on Thursday at a computer roundtable hosted by the Ogun Tech Community, Tijani issued a clarion call for inclusive innovation, urging both federal and state stakeholders to channel investment into emerging tech ecosystems such as Ogun State’s. “We can’t leave innovation in the hands of just a few cities,” the minister warned. “Every part of Nigeria, including towns and rural areas, must…

Nigeria has fully repaid the $3.4 billion emergency loan it received from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cushion the economic shocks of the COVID-19 pandemic and the plunge in global oil prices in 2020. The IMF disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, noting that the final repayment was made on April 30, 2025. The repayment, made in Special Drawing Rights (SDRs)—a basket of international reserve currencies—was completed in three tranches over three years: SDR613.62 million in 2023, SDR1.22 billion in 2024, and SDR613.62 million in 2025. Despite the full loan repayment, the IMF said Nigeria will continue to…

Key stakeholders of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) have reaffirmed their loyalty to President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC), distancing themselves from an emerging faction reportedly spearheaded by former Kaduna governor, Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. Led by Senator Umaru Tanko Al-Makura, a former governor of Nasarawa State, the CPC bloc described itself as the “authentic custodians” of the legacy party and reiterated support for Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda ahead of the 2027 general election. Al-Makura, who addressed journalists on Thursday in Abuja following a meeting of CPC stakeholders, stressed that…

Billionaire philanthropist and Microsoft co-founder, Bill Gates, has announced plans to donate 99 per cent of his estimated $200 billion fortune, revealing that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will officially shut down on December 31, 2045. Gates made the disclosure on Thursday in a personal blog post on Gates Notes, declaring his renewed commitment to returning the bulk of his wealth to society within his lifetime. “People will say a lot of things about me when I die, but I am determined that ‘he died rich’ will not be one of them,” Gates wrote. “There are too many urgent…

Leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, on Thursday told a Federal High Court in Abuja that he was abducted and not arrested by Nigerian security operatives, in what he described as a forceful rendition from Kenya in 2021. Kanu made the claim during a dramatic session of cross-examination as his trial resumed on May 8, 2025, before Justice Omotosho. The court is hearing terrorism-related charges filed against him by the Federal Government. Looking composed and surrounded by his legal team led by Chief Kanu Agabi (SAN), alongside Aloy Ejimakor, Emeka Etiaba, and other senior…

The All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) has officially endorsed President Bola Tinubu for re-election in the 2027 presidential election. Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State made the announcement on Thursday during President Tinubu’s working visit to the state. The declaration was made at a rally held at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, which drew a large crowd of party faithful and supporters. Soludo, who is also a prominent figure within APGA, described the endorsement as a “progressive alliance” between APGA and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He stressed that both parties share common ideological values centered on development and…

In a historic shift for the Catholic Church, American-born Cardinal Robert Prevost has been elected as the new pope, assuming the papal name Pope Leo XIV. This marks the first time a United States citizen will serve as the Supreme Pontiff of the Roman Catholic Church. The 69-year-old cleric succeeds Pope Francis, who died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025. His election was confirmed following the traditional white smoke ceremony at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Pope Leo XIV was, until his election, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops — a key Vatican office responsible for the global…

Feyisayo Ogunbiyi The Forum for Governance Leadership and Value (FGLV) has honoured Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, with the Legislative Icon Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Nigeria’s democratic process and legislative excellence. The event, which took place in Abeokuta on Thursday, was part of a media symposium themed “Enhancing the Value of the Legislature in Nigeria’s Democratic Process.” The convener of the  forum, Bolaji Adeniji said the forum brought together scholars, lawmakers, and political stakeholders to examine the legislature’s role in fostering good governance. Adeniji lauded Senator Adeola’s commitment to his legislative duties and his…