Author: Platform Times Newspaper

…DHQ insists Nigerian forces retain full operational control Three United States military cargo aircraft have arrived in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, marking the commencement of a fresh phase of security cooperation between Nigeria and the United States amid worsening insurgency and communal violence in parts of the country. According to a report by The New York Times, the first aircraft touched down in Maiduguri on Thursday night, with additional planes arriving by Friday evening. Equipment was seen being offloaded from at least one of the aircraft. The deployment involves C-17 cargo planes transporting troops and military hardware to multiple…

African writers have been urged to embrace Artificial Intelligence as a creative partner capable of amplifying indigenous stories on the global stage. The Registrar of Chrisland University, Abeokuta, Mr Samuel Omotoso, gave the charge while delivering a lecture titled “Publishing: Traditional Vs Artificial Intelligence Revolution” at the February meeting of the Association of Nigerian Authors, Ogun State Chapter. The event held at the Simeon Adebo Library, Abeokuta. Omotoso challenged African writers to move beyond scepticism and instead train Artificial Intelligence tools by deliberately feeding them cultural, historical and socio-political nuances that reflect African realities. According to him, such intentional engagement…

The Federal Government has warned Nigerians against falling prey to recruitment schemes luring citizens to participate in foreign armed conflicts under the guise of lucrative job offers and migration opportunities. In a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, the government expressed concern over reports that some Nigerians were being deceived into signing up for military engagements abroad. The ministry disclosed that recruiters were using false promises of high-paying jobs, security positions, educational opportunities and fast-tracked migration to entice unsuspecting victims. According to the statement, some of those recruited were allegedly…

The Nigerian military on Sunday dismissed reports alleging that United States military aircraft recently delivered arms and ammunition to parts of the country, describing the claims as false and misleading. The rebuttal followed viral social media posts which referenced a publication by The New York Times alleging that three US military planes landed in Nigeria between Thursday and Friday, with at least one aircraft said to have offloaded ammunition and equipment in Maiduguri, Borno State. The report quoted a US Department of Defence official as saying, “These initial flights are the vanguard of what will be a stream of C-17…

Former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, has said he left the Labour Party after being informed that the Independent National Electoral Commission would not recognise the party’s leadership as long as he remained a member. Obi, who was the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 general election, made the disclosure on Sunday in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, during the OBIDIENT Conference and official declaration for the African Democratic Congress. Speaking at the event themed, “Activating the PO Effect in ADC,” the former governor alleged that there were moves to exclude him from future ballots. “Democracy must work. I left…

Says He Was Asked For Cash ‘At Least 10 Times’ During Visit An Australian author based in the United States, Mark Pollard, has sparked reactions online after alleging that he was repeatedly asked to pay cash while travelling through Nigerian airports and road checkpoints. Pollard, who shared his experience in a video posted on his social media pages on Sunday, described Nigeria’s security procedures as excessive and, in some cases, bordering on extortion. According to him, officials demanded money from him multiple times during his trip. “Nigerian friends, is your entire country set up to shake people down? Because coming…

The Ogun State chapter of the African Democratic Congress has suspended its State Chairman, Otunba Dr. Femi Soluade, following a unanimous vote of no confidence passed against him by the State Executive Committee. The decision was reached at a meeting of the SEC held on Sunday, February 15, 2026, at the party’s state secretariat. In a statement issued by the Office of the State Publicity Secretary, the party said the suspension followed “extensive deliberations” over numerous allegations levelled against Soluade, including his alleged role in the disruption of a governorship declaration event. According to the statement, all Local Government Chairmen…

Engineering professionals and academics in Nigeria have been urged to embrace digital transformation and artificial intelligence to reposition the profession for global relevance and sustainable development. A Professor of Industrial and Production Engineering at the Federal University of Technology Akure, Prof. Christianah Olakitan Ijagbemi, made the call in Abeokuta during the annual lecture and induction of new corporate members of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, Abeokuta branch. Speaking on the theme, “Repositioning Nigeria’s Engineering Education, Digital Practice and Talent for a Sustainable Future,” Ijagbemi said the integration of digital tools into engineering education and practice was no longer optional but…

At a time when many undergraduates struggle with distractions and academic pressure, 22-year-old Favour Ayomide Oguntuase stood out, emerging as the Best Graduating Student in the Department of English and Literary Studies, Federal University Oye-Ekiti, with a CGPA of 4.57. In this interview with KOREDE BADMUS, she speaks about discipline, faith, entrepreneurship, and the unconventional routines that helped her succeed. Can we meet you? My name is Favour Ayomide Oguntuase. I graduated from FUOYE in 2025. Beyond academics, I run a small-scale food brand called Delicia Cravings, where I make and sell small chops. I also enjoy sewing and designing…

Nigeria’s Falconets have stamped their authority on African football, booking a place in the final round of the U20 Women’s World Cup qualifiers after overcoming Senegal 2-1 in Diamniadio on Saturday. The victory, combined with their 1-0 first-leg win in Abeokuta, gave the two-time FIFA U20 World Cup silver medalists a commanding 3-1 aggregate success. The Nigerian side drew first blood in the 19th minute at the Annexe Stade Abdoulaye Wade when Kindness Ifeanyi powered home a header from a corner delivered by defender Tumininu Adeshina, mirroring her match-winning strike from the first leg. The Falcons maintained their attacking rhythm,…