Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A  total of 1.67 million pilgrims converged on the plains of Arafat on the pivotal Day of Arafat for the annual Hajj pilgrimage, and the event passed without any reported security or health incidents, Saudi authorities have confirmed. Prince Saud bin Mishaal, Deputy Emir of Makkah Region and Vice Chairman of the Permanent Hajj and Umrah Committee, attributed the smooth and calm atmosphere to the Kingdom’s integrated service system and meticulous planning by leadership. He said, “On this great day, pilgrims gathered at Arafat in devotion and reverence. Their transportation from Makkah and Mina was executed in record time under…

The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has announced that the return journey for Nigerian pilgrims who participated in the 2025 Hajj will commence on Monday, June 9. The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of NAHCON, Professor Abdullahi Saleh, disclosed this on Friday in Minna while felicitating with the Muslim Ummah on the occasion of Eid al-Adha. Professor Saleh noted that the first batch of returning pilgrims would include contingents from Imo State flying with Air Peace, Bauchi State with Max Air, and Kebbi and Sokoto States with Flynas. “The return journey for Nigerian pilgrims will begin on the 13th…

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has cautioned Nigerian youths against embracing the get-rich-quick mentality, describing it as a destructive trend that undermines societal values and long-term success. Obi gave the warning on Friday during the inaugural edition of the Amatutu Community Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Summit, held in Agulu, Anaocha Local Government Area of Anambra State. The summit, organised by the Sickle Cell Orphanage and Underprivileged Home in Agulu, led by Ms. Aisha Edward-Maduagwu, empowered 50 beneficiaries — including women and young people — with cash, tools, and equipment to support small-scale businesses…

Mohammed Abacha, son of the late military ruler, General Sani Abacha, has initiated a move to challenge the decision of the Court of Appeal which dismissed his bid to reclaim ownership of the controversial Oil Prospecting Licence (OPL) 245. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Abacha’s legal team, led by senior lawyer Reuben Atabo, has filed a motion on notice seeking leave to appeal the May 23, 2025 judgment at the Supreme Court. The disputed oil block, OPL 245, was originally awarded in 1998 to Malabu Oil and Gas Limited—a company Abacha claims ownership of. The case has remained one of Nigeria’s…

The factional national chairman of the Labour Party, Julius Abure, has reiterated the party’s commitment to being the political platform for Nigerians who are often excluded from mainstream political participation. Abure made this known on Thursday during the inauguration of the party’s Directorate of Physically Challenged Persons in Abuja. He emphasised that the Labour Party distinguishes itself from other political parties by deliberately creating space for the marginalised in society. He stated, “We have our goals rooted in social democracy. The party is for those who have no voice, for those who ordinarily will not be recognised in the scheme…

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has called for a constitutional amendment that would establish a single tenure of six years for elected political office holders in Nigeria, stating that such a structure would allow leaders to serve the people more effectively without the distractions of re-election campaigns. Makinde made the call on Friday in Ibadan while receiving a delegation of Muslim faithful and prominent personalities who visited his residence shortly after the Eid-el-Kabir prayers. The delegation was led by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, and included the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former Deputy Governor and PDP Deputy…

The President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has attributed the recent drop in fuel prices to the Federal Government’s naira-for-crude oil policy, describing it as a game-changing initiative that has boosted the availability and affordability of petroleum products in the country. Dangote made the remark on Thursday during President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s visit to the Dangote Refinery in Lagos, where the President flagged off the reconstruction of the deep-sea port access road linking Epe and Ijebu-Ode. Highlighting the impact of the policy, Dangote said: “One of your administration’s most transformative initiatives is the historic naira-for-crude policy, which stands out…

Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, on Friday officially dumped the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC), declaring that professing loyalty to President Bola Tinubu without joining his party amounted to political hypocrisy. The defection, which took place at the Government House in Uyo, puts an end to months of speculation surrounding the governor’s political allegiance, especially following his increasingly warm relationship with the president. Addressing a gathering of political leaders and party supporters, Eno explained that his decision was borne out of deep consultations with stakeholders across the state and the need to…

The Commissioner for Special Duties and Ibom Deep Seaport in Akwa Ibom State, Ini Ememobong, has resigned from his position following his refusal to defect with Governor Umo Eno from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC). Governor Eno officially joined the APC on Friday after months of speculation and behind-the-scenes political manoeuvring. The defection marks a significant political shift in the oil-rich South-South state, long regarded as a PDP stronghold. In a resignation letter dated June 6 and addressed to the governor, Ememobong stated that he was stepping down in line with Eno’s directive that…

Today, Friday, June 6, 2025, marks six months since Arc. Dr. ‘Koye Jolaoso assumed office as the 10th Rector of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta. In this short span, his administration has recorded transformational strides that are visible across all spheres of the institution’s operations. Under his leadership, the Management has restored confidence, strengthened governance structures, enhanced academic standards, improved financial management, and prioritized staff welfare. Dr. Jolaoso’s inclusive leadership style has fostered an atmosphere of peace, stability, mutual respect, and collective purpose among the workforce. Major Highlights of Achievements: 1. Organization of the 15th Combined Convocation Ceremony The 15th Combined…