Author: Platform Times Newspaper

A tragic incident struck Ogidi community in Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State as four siblings were confirmed dead following a suspected case of food poisoning, with their mother currently battling for her life in critical condition at a local hospital. The unfortunate event occurred in the early hours of Tuesday, May 6, 2025, and was confirmed by the Anambra State Police Command on Wednesday. Spokesperson of the Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement, said officers from the Ogidi Police Division responded swiftly to a distress call from the victims’ residence. Upon arrival, they discovered the lifeless…

More than 30 per cent of annual deaths in Nigeria are now linked to diet-related diseases such as obesity, diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular conditions, according to a new report by the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA). The report, titled Junk on Our Plates: Exposing Deceptive Marketing of Unhealthy Foods Across Seven States in Nigeria, was launched on Tuesday by CAPPA’s Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi, during a media briefing in Lagos. Oluwafemi said that Nigeria is witnessing a dangerous shift in its dietary habits, with traditional nutrient-rich meals being replaced by highly processed, sugar-laden, and nutrient-poor foods aggressively promoted…

Traders at the Maboreje Market, also known as Pelewura Extension, located in the Lagos Island Local Government Area, have decried prolonged neglect and non-compensation by the Lagos State Government following the demolition of their shops in November 2024. The demolition exercise, which affected over 5,000 shops, was carried out without prior notice, according to several affected traders, leaving thousands of business owners stranded and struggling to survive. Speaking, Mr. Olasunkanmi Adejare, who represented his aged mother—a shop owner at the market—said that despite assurances from a local government official, Mr. Isaka Babatunde, that compensation would be paid before demolition, nothing…

The Minister of Defence, Muhammad Badaru, on Wednesday disclosed that the Armed Forces neutralised 13,541 terrorists and arrested 17,469 criminals across the country between May 2023 and February 2025. Badaru, who made this known during a ministerial press briefing in Abuja, said the operations also led to the rescue of 9,821 kidnap victims, while 124,408 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered to troops within the period under review. He noted that the military recorded significant operational successes through both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies, restoring peace to previously ravaged communities, especially in the North-East and North-West. “Our troops…

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has knocked President Bola Tinubu’s newly approved ‘Nigeria First’ policy, describing it as a hollow public relations stunt with no real commitment from the top. In a statement released on Tuesday by his Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku challenged Tinubu to demonstrate genuine patriotism by swapping his luxurious Cadillac Escalade for a made-in-Nigeria vehicle such as Innoson or Nord. On May 5, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the ‘Nigeria First’ policy, which mandates the prioritisation of locally manufactured goods and services in government procurement processes. The government says the move is aimed…

Feyisayo Ogunbiyi The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to subsidise the cost of cancer treatment and make cancer screening free for Nigerians, following alarming global statistics on cancer diagnoses. This resolution was passed during Wednesday’s plenary session after a motion was moved by Hon. Aderemi Oseni, who represents Oyo State. Oseni expressed grave concern over the rising number of cancer cases and the burden it places on citizens and the healthcare system. Citing recent data from the World Health Organization (WHO), Oseni noted that at least 40 people are diagnosed with cancer every minute globally. “The scourge…

The Labour Party (LP) has plunged deeper into internal turmoil, with both major factions escalating their battle for control through suspensions and disciplinary actions that threaten to tear the party apart ahead of future elections. In a dramatic twist on Wednesday, the faction loyal to embattled National Chairman Julius Abure announced the indefinite suspension of Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, and the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe, alongside several federal lawmakers. Those affected include Darlington Nwokocha, Victor Afam Ogene, Amobi Ogah, and Seyi Sowunmi. The suspension was made public through a statement issued by Umar Farouk Ibrahim,…

Political economist, Prof. Pat Utomi, has unveiled a shadow government aimed at providing structured opposition to the administration of President Bola Tinubu — a move that has drawn sharp criticism from the federal government. The virtual launch, held on Monday under the banner of the Big Tent Coalition Shadow Government, was described by Utomi as a “national emergency response” to what he termed governance failures under the current administration. Shadow governments, common in parliamentary systems, are designed to mirror the cabinet structure of an incumbent government with the purpose of offering oversight and policy alternatives. However, Nigeria operates a presidential…

Daud Olatunji As part of activities marking the 91st birthday of the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, GCON, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye, will host the 9th edition of the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Annual Professorial Chair Lecture. This was disclosed on Tuesday, in a statement issued by Deputy Registrar, Corporate Affairs Division of the institution, Niyi Oduwole. The lecture, scheduled for Saturday, May 10, 2025, will be delivered by the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, and will focus on the theme: “Corruption and National Security: Impacts and Consequences.” It will hold…

Do you know the reason why a noun phrase is often described as a group of words headed by a noun or pronoun? It’s simply because the structure of a noun phrase is MHQ. M stands for modifier, H for headword, while Q is qualifier. Modifier is a word that comes before the headword while qualifier is a word that comes after it. The headword is the most important noun or pronoun which is the subject-matter of the phrase. Below are some examples. The man in black trousers is our teacher. Here, The (M) man (H) in black trousers (Q)Great…