Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Balqees Adeniji In an alarming discovery, the Ogun State Government has earmarked a total of ₦3,777,148,951.50 over five years for three ministries that do not currently exist, a PLATFORM TIMES investigation has revealed. According to a detailed analysis of the state’s budget documents accessed via the Openstates portal, between 2021 and 2025, the non-existent Ministry of Regional Integration, Ministry of Youth, and Ministry of Energy received substantial allocations. The breakdown shows that the Ministry of Regional Integration was allocated ₦334,633,551.94, while the Ministry of Youth received ₦695,534,393.52, and the Ministry of Energy had ₦2,746,981,006.04 budgeted for the last two years…

President Bola Tinubu has assured Nigerians that his administration is committed to reclaiming Nigeria’s forests from terrorists by deploying advanced technology. Speaking at a state dinner held at the Government House in Katsina on Friday, Tinubu emphasized the government’s determination to combat banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, particularly in the northwest region. The President highlighted the critical role that technology and enhanced surveillance would play in regaining control of the vast forests that have become strongholds for terrorists and criminal groups. “We will invest more in technology and take over the forests,” Tinubu declared, reaffirming his administration’s resolve to address the…

The son of the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Abdul-Ganiyu Obasa, has been disqualified from contesting the All Progressives Congress (APC) chairmanship primaries in Agege Local Government Area, The PUNCH reports. Abdul-Ganiyu was among 38 aspirants dropped from the race either by disqualification or voluntary withdrawal, according to a list released on Friday by the Lagos State APC Electoral Committee, headed by former National Legal Adviser, Babatunde Ogala. PLATFORM TIMES reports that a total of 470 aspirants were screened between April 29 and May 3 at the party’s secretariat in Ogba, out of which 432 were cleared…

The World Bank has raised alarm over the worsening poverty crisis in Nigeria, revealing that a staggering 75.5 per cent of rural dwellers now live below the poverty line. This was disclosed in the Bank’s April 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief for Nigeria, which paints a bleak picture of rising economic hardship, growing inequality, and persistent underdevelopment across large parts of the country. According to the report, while 41.3 per cent of Nigeria’s urban population lives in poverty, the situation is significantly worse in rural areas, where economic stagnation, inflation, and insecurity have combined to deepen hardship. “Based on the…

No fewer than four Nigerian soldiers were killed in the early hours of Saturday when suspected Boko Haram insurgents launched a deadly assault on the 27 Task Force Brigade in Buni Yadi, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State. The assailants, believed to be fighters of the Islamic State-backed faction, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), stormed the military base in a coordinated ambush, opening fire and detonating explosives that caught troops off guard. Military sources confirmed that the attackers breached parts of the facility, destroying several operational vehicles and carting away weapons and other critical equipment. “We were taken…

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed the arrest of two security personnel accused of colluding with terrorists in Nigeria’s North-East region. Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, made the revelation during a press briefing on Friday, noting that the two were members of hybrid forces operating alongside regular troops in counter-insurgency missions. According to Kangye, the arrests were made between April 26 and 29 during a coordinated military operation across Bama, Kukawa, and Madagali local government areas of Borno and Adamawa states. The arrested suspects were among four individuals apprehended for allegedly supplying logistics to terrorists. “In…

The Federal Government has announced a five-year suspension of its Bilateral Education Agreement (BEA) scholarship programme, citing the need to strengthen local institutions and prioritise the welfare of Nigerian students. The Minister of Education, Dr. Morufu-Tunji Alausa, made the announcement in Abuja on Saturday through a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Boriowo Folasade. According to Alausa, the decision followed a comprehensive review which revealed that all academic programmes currently pursued by Nigerian students abroad through the BEA scheme are now offered in the country—many at an improved standard. “We have carefully reviewed all courses…

The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, has accused suspended Rivers Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, of instigating a walkout staged by some women during an empowerment event organised by the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, in Port Harcourt. In a statement issued on Saturday by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, Wike described the incident as “embarrassing” and a “show of shame,” insisting it did not reflect the values of Rivers people. The protest, which took place during the Renewed Hope Initiative Empowerment Programme on Friday, saw…

The Kebbi State Police Command has detained three of its personnel in connection with the controversial death of a suspect, Abubakar Auwal, who died while in police custody. Spokesperson for the Command, CSP Nafiu Abubakar, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, noting that the officers were being held pending the outcome of an investigation into the incident, which occurred at the Divisional Police Headquarters in Jega. According to the statement, Auwal was arrested on April 15, 2025, over a complaint involving stolen trailer truck rims. While in custody, he reportedly collapsed the following morning and was taken…

In a world where distractions are abundant and perseverance often wavers, Gideon Sagbo’s story is a shining example of determination, purpose, and the transformative power of literature. From a quiet corner in Badagry to graduating with a first-class degree in English and Literary Studies, Gideon’s journey is filled with inspiration, hard-earned wisdom, and an unwavering belief in the power of words. In this exclusive interview with KOREDE BADMUS, Gideon opens up about his early inspirations, academic challenges, and the values that carried him to the top. Can we meet you? Yes, thank you. My name is Gideon Sagbo, and I’m…