Author: Platform Times Newspaper

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…

By Dami Atiba-Sogules In Nigeria, the journey to parenthood is often seen as a rite of passage—expected, even demanded. But for many couples, conceiving isn’t automatic. Infertility is more common than we like to admit, yet still deeply misunderstood and rarely discussed. Knowing when to seek fertility help—and what to expect when you do—can make a world of difference. The Silent Struggle: How Common Is Infertility in Nigeria? Infertility affects roughly one in five couples in Nigeria. According to studies, the prevalence ranges from 20% to 25%, which is significantly higher than the global average of around 10%. In…

Scores of passengers traveling from Abuja to Lagos on Friday were left stranded at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport following repeated delays and a lack of communication from Air Peace, one of Nigeria’s leading domestic airlines. The flight, initially scheduled to depart Abuja at 7:30pm, was first rescheduled to 8:10pm and subsequently to 9:30pm. However, after the second rescheduling, passengers said the airline went silent, with no staff on ground to provide updates or explanations. By 12:23 am on Saturday, frustration had peaked as angry passengers staged a protest at the terminal, demanding answers and accountability from the airline. One…

The Julius Abure-led faction of the Labour Party has declared it will not participate in any political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting it will instead focus on internal party reforms and membership mobilisation. This decision was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held on Friday at the party’s national headquarters in Abuja. The communiqué was jointly signed by National Chairman, Julius Abure, and the National Secretary, Umar Farouk Ibrahim. “NEC declared that the party is not and will not be part of any coalition towards the 2027 general…

A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced a Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) driver, Andrew Ominikoron, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of 22-year-old Oluwabamise Ayanwola, a fashion designer who boarded his bus in February 2022. Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Sherifat Sonaike found Ominikoron guilty of the murder of Ayanwola, as well as rape and sexual assault involving two other victims—Nneka Udezulu and Dr. Victoria Anosike. The judge held that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, describing Ominikoron as a “serial predator” who took advantage of his position as a commercial bus…