Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed the arrest of two security personnel accused of colluding with terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East region. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made the revelation during a press briefing on Friday, noting that the two were members of hybrid forces operating alongside regular troops in counter-insurgency missions. According to Kangye, the arrests were made between April 26 and 29 during a coordinated military operation across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali local government areas of Borno and Adamawa states. The arrested suspects were among four individuals apprehended for allegedly supplying logistics to terrorists. “In…

The Federal Government has announced a five-year suspension of its Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, citing the need to strengthen local institutions and prioritise the welfare of Nigerian students. The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu-Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja on Saturday through a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade. According to Alausa, the decision followed a comprehensive review which revealed that all academic programmes currently pursued by Nigerian students abroad through the BEA scheme are now offered in the country—many at an improved standard. “We have carefully reviewed all courses…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of instigating a walkout staged by some women during an empowerment event organised by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt. In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the incident as “embarrassing” and a “show of shame,” insisting it did not reflect the values of Rivers people. The protest, which took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme on Friday, saw…

The Kebbi State Police Command has detained three of its personnel in connection with the controversial death of a suspect, Abubakar Auwal, who died while in police custody. Spokesperson for the Command, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the officers were being held pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident, which occurred at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Jega. According to the statement, Auwal was arrested on April 15, 2025, over a complaint involving stolen trailer truck rims. While in custody, he reportedly collapsed the following morning and was taken…

In a world where distractions are abundant and perseverance often wavers, Gideon Sagbo’s story is a shining example of determination, purpose, and the transformative power of literature. From a quiet corner in Badagry to graduating with a first-class degree in English and Literary Studies, Gideon’s journey is filled with inspiration, hard-earned wisdom, and an unwavering belief in the power of words. In this exclusive interview with KOREDE BADMUS, Gideon opens up about his early inspirations, academic challenges, and the values that carried him to the top. Can we meet you? Yes, thank you. My name is Gideon Sagbo, and I’m…

By Olabode Opeseitan Two women, two distinct destinies. One, Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, a political luminary and steadfast advocate for the marginalized. The other, Aisha Achimugu, a trailblazing entrepreneur who conquered the male-dominated oil and gas sector, yet wears her heart on her sleeve for humanity. Though their paths differ, their souls converge in two profound ways: an unyielding passion for women’s empowerment and a lifelong covenant with charity. For Oluremi, empowering women and uplifting the vulnerable is not merely a mission—it’s her oxygen. From founding the New Era Foundation as Lagos’ First Lady to launching her Renewed Hope…

Founder of Young Queen Innovation Nigeria, Merry Lawal, has cautioned women against allowing pastors to interfere in their marriages, warning that such interference often stems from misinterpretation of Biblical scriptures. Speaking in Abeokuta, the gender justice advocate and youth empowerment promoter said many pastors have continued to mislead women by presenting submission as a divine commandment rather than a cultural consequence. “Genesis 3:16 makes it clear that submission is a punishment, not a commandment,” Lawal said. “It states, ‘Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception… and thy desire shall be to thy husband,…

… Reps Summons Govs Lawal , Alia, Assembly Members Daud Olatunji The spectre of emergency rule now hangs heavily over Benue and Zamfara states as the House of Representatives Committee on Public Petitions has summoned Governors Hyacinth Alia and Dauda Lawal alongside the leadership of their respective Houses of Assembly to appear before it on Thursday, May 8, 2025. The summons, issued on the heels of a petition by a civil rights group, Guardians of Democracy and Rule of Law, seeks explanations from the state leaders over the deteriorating security situation in both states, which has reportedly claimed over 600…

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) has issued a three-month ultimatum to all foreigners residing in the country with expired visas to exit Nigeria or face stringent sanctions, including a daily fine and a potential five-year entry ban. The directive, which was made public in a statement signed by the NIS Public Relations Officer, Akinsola Akinlabi, on Friday, takes immediate effect and grants a grace period ending August 1, 2025. The new policy is expected to be fully enforced beginning September 2025. According to the statement, any foreign national who remains in the country beyond their visa validity will incur a…

The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 135 deaths resulting from Lassa fever and Mpox outbreaks across the country between January and April 2025. The Director General of the NCDC, Dr Jide Idris, disclosed this on Friday during the national health security press briefing held in Abuja. Idris said the country recorded a total of 832 confirmed cases of both diseases within the first four months of the year, with Lassa fever accounting for the majority of the infections. “Cumulatively, as of epidemiological Week 16, the country has reported 4,253 suspected cases of Lassa fever, 696 confirmed…