Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that poverty and food insecurity in Nigeria have worsened under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, despite hailing the government’s economic reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rate. In a report released on Wednesday, the Washington-based financial institution said that while key macroeconomic policies introduced in the past two years had improved Nigeria’s fiscal stability and market resilience, they had also coincided with growing hardship for millions of Nigerians. “The Nigerian authorities have implemented major reforms over the past two years, which have improved macroeconomic stability and…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested 18 suspects in Ogun State in a sweeping crackdown on cybercrime, uncovering disturbing evidence of international fraud links, including U.S. military and civilian identity cards. The suspects were apprehended during a sting operation at Prime Garden Hotel, located in Atan-Iju along Idi-Iroko Road, following actionable intelligence received by the EFCC’s Ibadan Zonal Command. According to a statement by the Commission on Wednesday, one of the arrested individuals is believed to be the mastermind of a large-scale scam in which a victim was reportedly swindled out of N200 million. During the raid,…

In a dramatic political move ahead of the 2027 general elections, opposition figures across Nigeria’s political spectrum have united under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), unveiling former Senate President David Mark as interim national chairman of a new coalition aimed at halting what they described as Nigeria’s dangerous drift toward a one-party state. The coalition, made up of members from the Labour Party (LP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), All Progressives Congress (APC), and civil society groups, held its inaugural declaration at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, on Wednesday — after a last-minute venue change from Wells Carlton Hotel, reportedly due to…

Operatives of the Gombe State Police Command have arrested a 35-year-old man, Usman Kawu, for allegedly being in possession of counterfeit United States dollar notes worth $1,000. The arrest, which occurred on June 28, was carried out by officers attached to the Lawanti Airport Division of the command. Kawu, a resident of Kuji Kwadon village in the Yamaltu-Deba Local Government Area of the state, was apprehended while attempting to circulate the suspected fake currency. According to a statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Buhari Abdullahi, the suspect was caught with 10 pieces of $100 notes, amounting…

Tragedy struck along the Abeokuta–Sagamu Expressway in Ogun State as a police inspector, Afolabi Adeola, lost his life after being crushed by a speeding truck at a security checkpoint near the Judiciary Complex in Abeokuta. The incident, which occurred around 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, involved a fully loaded truck reportedly carrying about 900 bags of cement. Witnesses said the truck was approaching the checkpoint at high speed when it crashed into a stationary truck that had stopped in compliance with police checks, before subsequently ramming into Inspector Adeola, who was on official duty. Inspector Adeola sustained severe injuries from the…

The 1971–1975 alumni set of Government Secondary School, Omu-Aran, Kwara State—fondly known as the Gateway Set—is set to mark its 50th anniversary on Friday, July 4, with a series of legacy projects and events celebrating five decades of enduring brotherhood, academic excellence, and community development. In a statement issued in Ilorin, Chairman of the Central Planning Committee, Prof. Tajudeen Akanji, announced that the milestone celebration will be held in grand style with activities designed to honour the past, celebrate the present, and build for the future. Prof. Akanji disclosed that the highlight of the golden jubilee will include the commissioning…

Daud Olatunji  Organised labour in Ogun State on Tuesday issued a stern warning to the state government over what it described as the failed and chaotic implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), demanding its immediate suspension following the revelation of an alleged N82 billion unremitted pension deductions. At a press conference held at the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) secretariat in Abeokuta, leaders of the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and Joint Negotiating Council (JNC) jointly denounced the government’s move to commence full implementation of the CPS on July 1, 2025. The press briefing was led by the Ogun State…

Daud Olatunji  The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has issued a 21-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of a controversial circular recently issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), describing it as a “flagrant violation” of previously signed agreements. Addressing journalists at a press conference held at the NMA House on Tuesday, July 2, 2025, the association’s President, Prof. Bala Audu, described the circular with reference number SWC/S/04/S.218/III/646, dated June 27, 2025, as grossly inadequate and misleading, warning that the development could trigger fresh unrest in the nation’s health sector. Audu said the circular,…

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Kunle Salako, has described the appointment of Hon. Kayode Oladele as Acting Chairman of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) as a well-deserved recognition of excellence, character, and national commitment. In a personally signed statement made available to PLATFORM TIMES, Salako applauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Oladele, whom he praised as a visionary, principled, and transparent public servant with a deep understanding of legal and anti-corruption frameworks. According to the minister, Oladele’s track record of integrity and service to the nation makes him the right man to lead…

I have listened to many people in Nigeria who when you ask them to tell you their name; you hear words like” My Name is Dr. XYZ, My name is Prof. XZY., My name is Chief XYZ. 1. In fact, I recall some years ago, someone was introduced, and the person got so angry that Otunba was omitted in his name. 2. Let me correct this wrong notion that Profession is not a name and title is not a name. 3. You hear people say I am surveyor XYZ…No…it is wrong. It should be for example my name is Gbenga…