Author: Platform Times Newspaper

…Warns Of Underdiagnosis, Stigma,  Neglect Among Youths Calls For Stronger Investment, Community Engagement In Mental Health Daud Olatunji  The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised fresh concerns over the growing mental health crisis among young people, revealing that between 10 and 20 per cent of adolescents globally experience disorders such as depression, anxiety, and psychosis—many of which begin between the ages of 11 and 18. Speaking in Abuja on Monday during the 2025 International Adolescent Health Week, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, Dr Pavel Ursu, said millions of young people continue to suffer in silence due to low mental health…

President Bola Tinubu on Monday called for the constitutional recognition of traditional rulers, describing them as the “most enduring link” between government and the grassroots. Tinubu, represented by the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, made the call at the meeting of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN), held in Lagos. The theme of the meeting was “The Traditional Institution: The Imperative of Its Inclusion in Effective and Efficient Governance in Nigeria.” The President said despite lacking constitutional powers, traditional rulers have remained instrumental in sustaining peace, unity, and cultural preservation across the country. “Across Nigeria, our traditional…

… Lawmakers move to end post-election court battles before swearing-in … Stakeholders Demand Electronic Voting, Early Balloting For Security Officers The National Assembly has proposed that the 2027 presidential and governorship elections be held in November 2026, about six months earlier than usual, to allow the resolution of all post-election cases before elected officials are sworn in. The proposal forms part of the ongoing amendment to the Electoral Act 2022, discussed on Monday during a public hearing of the Joint Committee on Electoral Matters, chaired by Senator Simon Lalong (APC, Plateau South). According to Section 4(7) of the draft bill,…

In a coordinated display of courage and vigilance, youths in Lade and Dakani communities of Patigi Local Government Area, Kwara State, have arrested seven suspected bandits believed to be terrorising parts of the state. PLATFORM TIMES gathered that three of the suspects were apprehended while attempting to purchase fuel in Lade, raising suspicion among residents. The remaining four were later tracked down and captured in a bush in the neighbouring Dakani community, where they reportedly hid weapons inside a sack. The suspects were subsequently handed over to personnel of the Nigerian Army in Patigi for interrogation and further investigation. Confirming…

Academic activities at the University of Benin (UNIBEN) were disrupted on Monday as members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) stormed examination halls, halting ongoing tests in enforcement of the union’s nationwide strike. The lecturers reportedly moved across several faculties — including Arts, Social Sciences, and Sciences — ordering students and invigilators to vacate examination venues. Hundreds of students preparing for final-year and semester assessments were forced to suspend their papers midway. Eyewitnesses told PLATFORM TIMES that the incident occurred simultaneously at multiple locations, with ASUU members insisting that the examinations violated the ongoing strike directive. The strike,…

…Monarch Urges Wealthy Nigerians To Support Children With Disabilities …  Commissioner Lauds Royal Intervention, Says Gesture Complements Govt’s Effort Daud Olatunji The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Prof. Saka Matemilola, on Monday, donated 75 bunk beds and 150 mattresses to pupils of the Daniel Akintonde Model School for Children with Special Needs in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The monarch made the donation during the commissioning of a newly built block of toilet facilities at the school, a gesture aimed at improving the welfare and learning environment of children living with disabilities. Oba Matemilola, who spoke shortly after handing over the items,…

The Federal Government has directed vice-chancellors of all federal universities across the country to immediately stop the payment of salaries to lecturers participating in the ongoing strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU). The directive, which takes effect from October 13, 2025, was contained in a circular signed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and distributed to key government officials and university administrators. According to the circular, the government reaffirmed its commitment to enforcing the provisions of the Labour Laws of the Federation regarding the “no work, no pay” policy, which stipulates that employees who withdraw…

A self-acclaimed prophet, identified as Ajayi Oluwatoyin, has been arrested by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command for allegedly raping a 20-year-old 100-level student of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti. The State Commissioner of Police, Joseph Eribo, disclosed this while briefing journalists at the weekend in Ado-Ekiti, noting that the suspect was apprehended in Iworoko-Ekiti after allegedly luring and violating the undergraduate. Eribo described the incident as “a sad reminder of the growing trend of sexual violence by people who exploit religion for evil,” stressing that the command would ensure the case is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. “At…

No fewer than 150 secondary school prefects from Abeokuta South and North Local Government Areas, as well as schools across Ogun West Senatorial District, are set to undergo intensive leadership and civic engagement training on Tuesday, October 14, 2025. The one-day training, billed to hold at the June 12 Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, is designed to equip young leaders with practical skills in ethical responsibility, teamwork, and community leadership. According to a statement jointly signed by the programme coordinators, Dr. Sunny Phillips and Hon. Gboyega Isiaka, the initiative is part of the Community Service Project of the Abuja Leadership Centre,…

Kabirat Sodunke  Convicted kidnap kingpin, Chukwudumeme Onwuamadike, popularly known as Evans, was on Monday re-arraigned before the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja, over the alleged murder of two police officers during his years-long kidnapping operations. Evans appeared in court alongside his co-defendant, Joseph Emeka, as the duo faced a fresh five-count charge bordering on murder, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit kidnapping. Both defendants pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to them before Justice A.O. Ogala. According to the Lagos State prosecution team, the offences were allegedly committed during Evans’ notorious kidnapping operations that spread across Lagos prior…