Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Former Minister of Interior and National Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Rauf Aregbesola, has declared that the party will dismantle godfatherism, moneybags and political manipulation in Nigeria’s democratic system. Aregbesola, a former ally of President Bola Tinubu, made the declaration on Sunday while addressing members of the Conscience Forum who recently defected to the ADC. According to him, the ADC is “divinely ordained” to liberate the country from what he described as decades of political dominance by elites. “ADC is not like any other party in Nigeria. Our ideology is simple: a people-friendly government. That is our distinct…

The Special Offences Division of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has granted former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, permission to subject key pieces of evidence tendered against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to an independent forensic examination. Justice Rahman Oshodi, in a ruling on Monday, ordered that forensic experts engaged by the defence be allowed to scrutinise WhatsApp conversations and a mobile device marked “iPhone 2,” both of which were admitted as exhibits in the ongoing $4.5bn fraud trial. Emefiele, alongside his co-defendant, Henry Omoile, is standing trial on a 19-count…

… NBS reports fifth consecutive monthly decline … Zamfara, Anambra, Enugu Record Lowest Figures Nigeria’s headline inflation slowed to 20.12 per cent in August 2025, marking the fifth consecutive monthly decline, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The figure dropped from 21.88 per cent in July and a sharp fall from 32.15 per cent in August 2024, the NBS said in its latest Consumer Price Index (CPI) report released on Monday. Despite the moderation, the CPI rose slightly to 126.8 points in August from 125.9 in July. Monthly inflation also eased to 0.74 per cent, down from 1.99…

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and with funding support from the European Union (EU), on Monday launched the Supporting Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) project in Oyo State, warning that millions of vulnerable residents, especially children, are still excluded from existing social welfare schemes. Speaking at the official launch held at the Local Government Staff Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan, UNICEF’s Chief of Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, described social protection as “a lifeline, not a luxury,” stressing that urgent investments were needed to expand coverage for poor households across…

A 13-year-old pupil of Soltab Comprehensive College, Oke-Ata, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Miss Maryam Idris, has emerged as one of the brightest stars of the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), scoring distinctions in all eleven subjects she registered for. The feat, which has drawn commendations from her teachers and family, further cements Idris’ reputation as an exceptional young achiever. Breaking the news of her performance, the Proprietor of Soltab Comprehensive College, Mrs Batiliat Bolanle Oyedele, described Idris as a “superstar pupil” who had consistently distinguished herself since joining the school. “She has been outstanding right from her first day in…

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has called on the National Assembly to give full legislative support and collaboration in the appropriation and monitoring of its 25 per cent allocation from the newly introduced Development Levy, which takes effect from January 1, 2026. The appeal follows the passage of the National Taxation Act (NTA 2025), which approved a 4 per cent levy on the assessable profits of taxable companies—excluding small businesses, non-resident firms, and profits from hydrocarbon tax. PLATFORM TIMES reports that under the framework, NELFUND is entitled to a quarter of the proceeds to expand access to affordable education…

Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has alleged that the controversial removal of petrol subsidy was not a decision independently taken by the Nigerian government but one imposed by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Falana, who spoke on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics programme, said it was misleading to suggest that Nigeria was following a global economic standard, insisting that no country in the world has completely abolished subsidies. “There’s no way you can remove subsidies completely; no country in the world has done that,” he said. “Even leading Western nations like the United States, the United…

Mosindi Chinonso, Esemuze Peter, Adelakun Ayomide, Adebowale Zikirotlah & Odekoya Iyanuoluwa In the northern outskirts of Abeokuta, Ogun State, lies Tibo township, a historic settlement that predates even the founding of modern Egba land. Once celebrated as the home of the “sons of sixteen rivers,” Tibo is today better known for its abandonment, poverty, and hardship. Despite its cultural heritage and deep historical significance, the town has become a picture of neglect—cut off from healthcare, safe water, and functional infrastructure. For the residents, survival has become a daily battle, with each passing year deepening their sense of exclusion from…

…Defends Tinubu’s economic policy, slams past waste. .. Warns reckless borrowing may sink economy Former Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has declared that Nigeria has for decades been burdened with “lousy leadership,” warning that the country risks deeper economic collapse if its leaders continue on the current path. Speaking at the second edition of the Kano International Poetry Festival (KAPFEST) on Saturday, the outspoken monarch said Nigeria’s stagnation was tied directly to the quality of its leaders and their inability to rise above petty politics. “You rise and fall with the quality of your leadership, and Nigeria has had…

…Says Governor, Senator Not Friends Since 2003 PDP Primaries The Media Aide to the Senator representing Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Mr. Steve Oliyide, has declared that Governor Dapo Abiodun’s incumbency power will not deter his principal from seeking re-election in 2027. Oliyide, who spoke during a radio programme anchored by veteran broadcaster, Dele Ayodo, insisted that only the people of Ogun East Senatorial District would determine Daniel’s political future, not the influence of Governor Abiodun. He said:“neither the power of incumbency nor the position of Governor Abiodun can stop Senator Daniel. The people he has diligently served will speak…