Author: Platform Times Newspaper

… Union demands full implementation of 2025 agreement …Three-and-a-half months’ withheld salaries still unpaid, says Piwuna Daud Olatunji The Academic Staff Union of Universities has threatened to shut down Nigerian universities with a nationwide strike unless the Federal Government and state governments urgently resolve outstanding issues affecting university lecturers. The union specifically accused the authorities of failing to fully implement the December 2025 agreement reached between the Federal Government and ASUU, while raising concerns over alleged non-remittance of deductions from lecturers’ salaries. ASUU President, Prof. Chris Piwuna, disclosed this in a statement  obtained by PLATFORM TIMES  on Friday following an…

Ayomide Awe At least 11 people, including four police officers and seven civilians, have been killed following an attack on Ayilamo community in Tombo Council Ward of Logo Local Government Area of Benue State. The Benue State Police Command confirmed the casualties on Friday, saying four members of the Mobile Police Force and seven civilians were killed during the attack. The incident reportedly occurred between Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, throwing residents into panic as suspected armed herders allegedly invaded the community and engaged security personnel in a prolonged gun battle. The police spokesperson, DSP Peter Aondongu,…

… Imports from Liberia alone hit N51bn as domestic production struggles to meet demand Mujeeb Akindoyin Nigeria spent about N68bn importing crude palm oil from Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana between April and June 2026, despite the country’s status as Africa’s largest producer of the commodity. The latest trade figures, obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, showed that Nigeria’s palm oil import bill nearly tripled in the second quarter of the year, compared with the N23bn recorded in the first quarter. The development has renewed concerns over Nigeria’s inability to translate its position as Africa’s leading palm oil producer…

…Investigators Target Implementing Organisations, Trace Financial Trail After US Shutdown Of Programmes Daud Olatunji The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation have launched a joint investigation into alleged diversion, mismanagement and financial irregularities involving funds provided for United States government-supported HIV and tuberculosis programmes in Nigeria. The probe will focus on organisations that received funds under programmes supported by the United States Agency for International Development before some of the initiatives were discontinued by the US government in 2025. Officials of the FBI and the US Department of State’s Office of Inspector General…

…Says 98 Nigerians killed in hate-related attacks since 2022 Zainab Abioye The National Assembly has suspended all official visits to South Africa and directed lawmakers, committees and legislative officials to boycott activities hosted or organised by the South African authorities until further notice. The decision followed growing concerns over recurring xenophobic attacks targeting Nigerians and other African nationals in South Africa, including reports of deaths, injuries, displacement and destruction of businesses and property. The resolution was contained in a statement signed by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Kamoru Ogunlana, on Friday. The legislative leadership said it was “gravely concerned”…

… Attack reportedly linked to controversial sermon, earlier threats against cleric Toyyibat Qasim Tension gripped parts of Sokoto metropolis on Friday after a prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Musa Lukwa, was reportedly stabbed shortly after leading the Juma’at prayer, with the alleged attacker subsequently killed by some of the cleric’s followers. The incident occurred shortly after the cleric concluded the Friday congregational prayer, according to sources familiar with the development. Lukwa was reportedly injured during the attack and rushed to a hospital for medical attention. Details of his condition remained unclear as of the time of filing this report. The incident…

Bankole demands return to justice, discipline, unity as Oduntan explains Ogboni’s role in Egba governance Daud Olatunji Traditional leaders in Egbaland have warned chiefs against using their positions to grab land, oppress members of the public, intimidate opponents or settle personal disputes, saying the authority attached to traditional titles must be deployed to protect communities and promote justice. The warning was issued by the Apena Egba, High Chief Olayiwola Alani Bankole, at a one-day Egba Ogboni 2026 Capacity Workshop held at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta. The intervention came against the backdrop of concerns over internal disunity, disregard for traditional hierarchy…

…Deputy Chief Whip asks supporters to bury primary grievances, begin grassroots mobilisation Zainab Abioye The Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ibrahim Isiaka Ayokunle, has thrown his weight behind the candidacy of Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye for the Ifo/Ewekoro Federal Constituency in the 2027 general election, urging members of the All Progressives Congress to close ranks and work for the party’s victory. Isiaka gave the assurance on Thursday at a meeting with his supporters and other APC stakeholders in Ifo, organised under the auspices of the EasyLife Movement, where he called for reconciliation following the party’s primary…

• FG flags 919 locations for possible flooding between September 10 and 23 • 425 locations placed on high-risk watch Daud Olatunji The Federal Government has raised a fresh flood alarm, placing 919 locations across 20 states, including Ogun, Oyo, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo, in the critical-risk category for possible flooding between September 10 and 23, 2026. The warning, issued by the National Flood Early Warning Systems Centre (FEWSC) of the Federal Ministry of Environment, urged residents, state authorities and emergency agencies in the affected areas to intensify preparations and monitoring. The Centre also classified 425 locations across seven…

• Olaosebikan, Tunji, Babalola, Sadare get key roles Daud Olatunji The governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Oyo State, Senator Sharafadeen Alli, has constituted his campaign media and publicity team ahead of the 2027 governorship election. The campaign organisation announced the appointment of veteran journalists and communication professionals to key positions in what it described as an effort to strengthen its media visibility, strategic communication and public engagement. The appointments were contained in a statement issued by the candidate’s Media Consultant, Dare Adekanmbi, and made available to journalists  on Thursday. A former South-West Bureau Chief of The Nation…