Author: Platform Times Newspaper

The National President of the Alumni Association of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Ambassador Emmanuel Obi-Okafor, has hailed Ogun State as a trailblazer in national development, describing it as a “State of Firsts” for its pioneering role in the history and growth of the institute. Obi-Okafor, who made the declaration during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, in Abeokuta, noted that Ogun State not only produced the first Director-General of NIPSS but also played a foundational role in establishing the policy think tank in 1978. “Ogun is not just…

The first batch of intending pilgrims from Ogun State has arrived safely in Medina, Saudi Arabia, for the 2025 Hajj exercise. The pilgrims touched down at the Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, Medina, at exactly 12:45 a.m. on Monday, after departing the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, on Sunday evening. Clad in uniform Ankara attire and visibly excited, the pilgrims were seen smiling as they made their way through airport protocols on arrival in the holy city. Speaking during the departure, the Amir Hajj, Alhaji Samsudeen Apelogun, Consultant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Sheik Iskeel Lawal Sugar, and…

Suspended Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has said he is not eager to return to office, nearly two months after President Bola Tinubu declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state. Fubara made the remarks on Sunday at a service of songs in honour of the late elder statesman and Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) leader, Edwin Clark, in Port Harcourt. “Have you asked yourself, do you think I’m interested in going back there?” Fubara asked, addressing the audience. ” If I had my way, I would say this is it. This is the will of God. I…

The Institute of Medical Store Administrators of Nigeria (IMSAN) has inducted its pioneer members in a ceremony held over the weekend in Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event marked a significant milestone in the professionalization of medical store administration in Nigeria, with key figures emphasizing the importance of ethics, professionalism, and integrity in the field. In his keynote address, Mr. Akinwunmi Samuel, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of IMSAN, called on the new members to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in their roles. He highlighted the critical role that medical store administrators play in ensuring that healthcare…

Terror returned to Zamfara State on Sunday as suspected bandits killed a retired schoolteacher and abducted three women, including his wife, in a late-night attack on the staff quarters of Government Secondary School, Tsafe. The incident, which occurred around 3:45am, threw the local community into mourning as the assailants reportedly shot the victim, identified as Malam Kabiru, after he resisted their attempt to abduct him. A resident of the area who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “We heard gunshots during the night. It was later we found out that Malam Kabiru was killed and his wife along with two…

Troops of the 6 Division of the Nigerian Army have uncovered and destroyed 21 illegal refining sites in a massive operation against oil theft and pipeline vandalism across the Niger Delta, recovering over 591,000 litres of stolen petroleum products. The clampdown, which took place between April 28 and May 11, 2025, was executed in collaboration with other security agencies, according to a statement on Sunday by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel Danjuma Jonah Danjuma. In Rivers State alone, troops busted several illegal operations around the Orashi Game Reserve and Okolomade area of Abua/Odual Local Government Area,…

A broadcast journalist and politician, Olalekan  Shoyinka, has criticised members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what he described as “selective outrage” following controversies that trailed the party’s recent chairmanship primaries in Lagos State. Shoyinka, in a strongly worded statement, said the uproar over alleged irregularities in the APC’s internal election process reflects a broader culture of political hypocrisy and inconsistent commitment to democratic principles. Soyinka  said “what we are witnessing is not just an internal party dispute—it is a reflection of a deeper problem in our political culture.”. He faulted APC loyalists who now cry foul over electoral…

A powerful rainstorm has wreaked havoc in Imeko, Ogun State, leaving a trail of destruction that has rendered numerous residents homeless and caused extensive damage to properties worth millions of naira. The storm, which struck the ancient town and its environs, uprooted trees, tore off rooftops, and collapsed walls, forcing families to flee their homes in search of safety. The affected areas include Kongo, Lafenwa/Surulere, Kogo Road, Obolo Road, Idi-Oro, Area 5 Junction Lafenwa, Oke Igbere, Secretariat Road, Obatedo, Araromi Street, Loye Street, Odi-Olowo, among others. Among the victims is Pastor Olugbile Israel Adebayo of The Christ Preachers Bible Church,…

The grip of terror has intensified in Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, as residents flee en masse following chilling threats from the notorious bandit leader, Bello Turji, who remains high on the nation’s most-wanted list. Communities in Bafarawa, Arume, Gebe, and Kamarawa have witnessed a mass exodus over the past 72 hours. According to terrified locals, Turji delivered an ultimatum to neighbouring settlements—Kamara, Arume, and Kagara—demanding that they vacate their villages by 4:00 p.m. on Sunday or face brutal consequences. “This is no empty threat. We know what Turji is capable of. We left with only the clothes…

Former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has stressed that politics should be a tool for delivering essential services to citizens rather than serving self-interest. He made this assertion on Sunday while delivering a keynote address at the Rotary International District 9141 Conference held in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The conference had the theme: “The Magic of Connection: The Imperative and Privilege of Service.” Highlighting the core responsibilities of government, Osinbajo underscored the need for accessible healthcare, quality education, and a robust social security system, which he described as fundamental rights of every Nigerian. “Leadership in politics and governance must be service-oriented.…