Author: Platform Times Newspaper

 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…

Babcock University,Ilishan-Remo,Ogun state,  has once again demonstrated its dominance in legal education as nine of its law graduates earned First Class Honours in the November 2024 Bar Part II Final Examination of the Nigerian Law School. PLATFORM TIMES reports that the results, recently released by the Council of Legal Education, mark another milestone for the private institution, reinforcing its legacy of academic excellence. Early, unconfirmed reports also suggest that one of the nine graduates may emerge as the third overall best candidate nationally—an achievement that would further cement Babcock’s growing reputation for producing legal elite. “This continued success is a…

In a dramatic political shift, Hon. Oluwole Oke, the six-term member of the House of Representatives representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency of Osun State, has attributed his decision  to defect from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).to the leadership style of President Bola Tinubu, as well as the internal crises and leadership breakdown within the opposition party. Oke, a key figure in the PDP for years, while speaking on the Frontline programme on Eagle 102.5 FM Ilese-Ijebu on Wednesday,  outlined his admiration for President Tinubu, citing the president’s bold economic reforms and his “Nigeria First” policy…