Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged President Bola Tinubu, state governors, and other political leaders to respond to citizens’ grievances with compassion rather than repression. Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday at the launch of a history book marking the 30th anniversary of the Nasrul-Lahi-L-Fatih Society of Nigeria (NASFAT), the monarch cautioned leaders against “beating Nigerians with koboko” when they express frustration over hardship in the country. “Whatever problems you are facing or cries you are hearing, don’t carry a koboko and whip people. Instead, extend a gentle hand and reassure them things will be okay,”…

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has called for a review of Nigeria’s sentencing laws to mandate community service punishments—such as toilet washing—for convicted drug offenders. Fagbemi made the proposal on Wednesday in Abuja during the commissioning of 46 operational vehicles for the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA). He argued that beyond imprisonment, shaming punishments could deter others from engaging in the narcotics trade. “Those who are convicted of a criminal offence involving illicit drug use and sentenced to hard labour should be taken to their local government or village to do the…

The Federal Government has declared a seven-year freeze on the creation of new federal universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, warning that the uncontrolled spread of under-enrolled institutions is draining resources and undermining academic standards. The decision, approved on Wednesday at the Federal Executive Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu, followed a presentation by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. Alausa said the moratorium is aimed at halting what he described as “wasteful duplication” in Nigeria’s tertiary education system, where several federal universities operate at less than 20 per cent of their capacity while many polytechnics and…

…Says It Recovers AK-47 Pellets, Beret After EFCC Invasion The management of the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Police Force to publicly apologise and pay a total of ₦3.5 billion in damages over what it described as a “reckless, malicious and unconstitutional” invasion of its premises. Addressing journalists on Wednesday at the OOPL Boardroom, the Managing Director, Vitalis Ortese, said the August 9–10 raid by EFCC operatives left more than 100 patrons brutalised, vehicles seized, and businesses disrupted, with tourism and investment activities…

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun State has rolled out a comprehensive timetable for the 2026 governorship election, warning political actors that vote buying, underage registration, and electoral violence will not be tolerated. Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Dr. Mutiu Agboke, announced the election roadmap on Wednesday during an expanded stakeholders’ meeting at the Olusegun Agbaje Media Centre, Osogbo, shortly after posting the official Notice of Election across all 30 local government areas and the Modakeke Area Office. According to Agboke, the Continuous Voter Registration (CVR) will begin nationwide on August 18, 2025, via INEC’s online portal, followed by…

Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc has announced plans to scale up its investment in sugar production, describing the sector as a key driver of Nigeria’s industrial growth. Speaking on the company’s strategic expansion, a top official drew parallels with the transformative impact of Dangote Cement, noting that its success spurred the emergence of major competitors such as BUA, Mangal and the expansion of Lafarge. “We’ve seen it with sugar, and we’ve seen it with cement. The success of Dangote Cement led to the emergence of players like BUA, Mangal, and Lafarge’s expansion,” the official said. “In the same way, the…

The United Premier Movement (UPM) has inaugurated its Interim Working Committee, a strategic leadership team tasked with steering the organisation towards building what it described as “a united, purposeful, and people-driven political force.” The event, held on Tuesday, marked a new phase for the movement, which says it is determined to deepen citizen engagement and drive a merit-based political culture ahead of future elections. Speaking at the inauguration, UPM Convener and National Chairman, Hon. (Chief) Olalekan A. Shoyinka, popularly known as Ayinla Egba, said the new leadership is a signal of the group’s readiness to reshape Nigeria’s political direction. “This…

Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has urged Nigeria to harness the multi-billion-naira sports industry as a strategic tool for tackling youth unemployment, warning that the country continues to ignore solutions hiding in plain sight. Fashola, who also served as Minister of Power, Works and Housing, stated this on Sunday while delivering a lecture at the launch of veteran sports journalist Dr. Mumini Alao’s autobiography in Lagos. Speaking on the topic “Re-thinking the Current Football Business Model in Nigeria as a Catalyst for Sports Development”, Fashola argued that the global sports industry has undergone a dramatic economic transformation, creating…

The Federal Government has expressed deep concern over the slow pace of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) integration at the state level, revealing that 17 states are yet to domesticate the global development framework into their governance structures. Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, issued the warning on Tuesday at a one-day roundtable dialogue with state SDG focal persons in Abuja. She described the lag as a significant threat to Nigeria’s ability to meet the 2030 targets. “There are 20 states that have domesticated and integrated SDG targets and indicators into their plans. But we still…

A heated debate has erupted over the burial traditions of Yoruba monarchs, with prominent Christian and Islamic leaders calling for an end to practices they describe as “barbaric, fetish and shrouded in secrecy,” while a renowned Ifa priest insists such customs are misunderstood and integral to preserving Yoruba heritage. The fiery exchange played out during the 34th edition of Boiling Point Arena, a monthly current affairs discourse hosted by media professional, Dr. Ayo Arowojolu, and chaired by the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola. Speaking in unison despite religious differences, Pastor Femi Emmanuel, Presiding Pastor of Living Spring…