Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olajide Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, has officially resigned from the party, citing internal crisis, anti-party activities, and lack of discipline among the leadership. Jandor, who made the announcement on Monday at a media briefing in Ikeja, Lagos, accused key PDP figures, including former Deputy National Chairman Olabode George, of working against the party’s interests during the 2023 elections. He stated that the leadership’s failure to address these issues prompted his decision to leave. Addressing journalists, Adediran said, “I stand before you today with a heavy heart but…

The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has granted provisional licenses to 11 new private universities across Nigeria, in a move aimed at bolstering the nation’s tertiary education sector. Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of Education, made the announcement following the FEC meeting, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing access to quality higher education. He also revealed that while a moratorium has been imposed on further licenses, institutions already in advanced approval stages will proceed unaffected. The newly approved universities include New City University in Ayetoro, Ogun State; University of Fortune in Igbotako, Ondo State; Eranova University in Mabushi, FCT; and Minaret…

The Rivers State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Martins Amaewhule, has given Governor Similanayi Fubara a strict 48-hour ultimatum to present the state’s 2025 budget. This ultimatum was issued during a plenary session held in Port Harcourt on Monday. This development follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that affirmed Martins Amaewhule and 26 other assembly members aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike as the legitimate representatives of the Rivers State House of Assembly. The court’s decision mandated their immediate resumption of legislative duties. Governor Fubara had previously signed the N1.1 trillion 2025 budget into law on January 2nd,…

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…