Author: Platform Times Newspaper

Tragedy struck in Sokoto State on Sunday after a boat carrying more than 50 passengers capsized on its way to Goronyo Market, leaving over 40 persons feared missing. The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) confirmed the incident in a statement, disclosing that only about 10 passengers had been rescued as of press time. The Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, said the agency immediately deployed its rescue team after receiving reports of the mishap. She added that search and rescue operations were ongoing in collaboration with local divers, emergency responders, and community volunteers. “We are doing everything possible to…

The Revenue Mobilisation Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC) has revived the push for a new revenue allocation formula, two years after presenting its recommendations to former President Muhammadu Buhari without implementation. The commission, now under new leadership, is set to brief the press on Monday on fresh policy directions regarding the proposed formula, which seeks to reduce the Federal Government’s share of national revenue while increasing allocations to states and local councils. Under the reviewed formula, the Federal Government would receive 45.17 per cent, states 29.79 per cent, and local governments 21.04 per cent. This represents a cut from the…

Former President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday described the Minna residence of former Military President, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (retd.), as a “political Mecca” where Nigerians continually troop for counsel and direction. Jonathan stated this in Minna, Niger State, when he led other well-wishers to celebrate the 84th birthday of the former Nigerian leader. According to him, Babangida’s unique style of leadership and commitment to Nigeria’s unity have made his Hilltop Mansion a rallying point for politicians, statesmen and ordinary citizens alike. “Nigeria has produced leaders since independence, but Gen. Babangida stands out clearly as one of those who want the…

 It was a gathering of political leaders, judicial officers, top government functionaries, and community stakeholders on Sunday as eminent personalities converged in Abeokuta to celebrate Justice Jumoke Adewole, following her elevation to the Ogun State High Court. Justice Adewole, who until recently served as Permanent Secretary in the state civil service, was described as a “consummate public servant” whose career has been defined by diligence, empathy, and uncompromising integrity. At the special reception held in her honour, tributes poured in from the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya; Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Hon. Adijat Adeleye;…

Hundreds of residents in Kwara South have fled their ancestral homes in droves following a surge in kidnapping incidents that has plunged the region into fear and uncertainty. The worst-hit areas include Sabe, Ologomo, Alabe, and Babanla communities in Ifelodun Local Government Area, where suspected armed bandits have turned once peaceful villages into danger zones. A video obtained by PLATFORM TIMES shows a distraught resident, Ganiyu Babatunde, appealing to the Kwara State Government for urgent intervention. “Since morning, I have seen more than 10 vehicles packed with people leaving their communities. At Oke-Ode garage, there is no vehicle left —…

The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has commenced the deportation of no fewer than 192 foreign nationals convicted of internet fraud in the country. The first batch of 42 convicts was airlifted on Sunday, while more deportations are scheduled for Monday and Tuesday, PLATFORM TIMES gathered. The development followed a December 2024 operation by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), which led to the arrest of 792 suspected members of a cybercrime syndicate in Victoria Island, Lagos. The syndicate, made up largely of foreigners, was said to have converted a seven-storey building into a training centre where Nigerians were tutored…

Real estate consultant, Comfort Emmanson, has opened up for the first time since her humiliating ordeal with Ibom Air, narrating how a faulty mobile phone led to her arrest, detention at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, and a lifetime flight ban that has now become a national controversy. Emmanson, who regained freedom last Wednesday after an Ikeja Magistrate’s Court discharged her following the withdrawal of a five-count charge by the police, released an emotional video at the weekend recounting her traumatic experience. Visibly shaken, she expressed gratitude to Nigerians who rallied in her defence while she was behind bars. “For a commoner…

Nigerians in the diaspora and Canadians on Sunday thronged Ontario, Canada, for the grand opening of the 2025 Solteque Canada Trade Mission, a five-day cultural and business showcase designed to deepen ties between Nigeria and international markets. The trade mission, which runs until Friday, August 22, is holding at the Emerald Banquet Hall, Etobicoke, Ontario, and features exhibitions in cultural fabrics, real estate, African cuisine, financial services, and business networking. Convener of the programme, Chief Olawale Olaleye, the Bobawoga of Orílé-Ìtẹsi, said the annual gathering had become a unifying platform for Nigerians abroad to engage global partners while celebrating their…

Daud Olatunji  A special investigation by PLATFORM TIMES has revealed that about 80 per cent of eligible voters in Remo Federal Constituency stayed away from the last by-election in Ogun State, leaving only one-fifth of the electorate to cast their ballots. The by-election, held on Saturday across Sagamu, Ikenne, and Remo North Local Government Areas, followed the death of the late Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Mrs. Adewunmi Onanuga, who passed away in a London hospital in January 2025. Despite being one of 12 states where the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducted by-elections, the Ogun exercise…

A decorated Nigerian war veteran, Air Commodore Abayomi Balogun (retd.), has cried out after officials of the Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA) demolished his Abuja lounge and restaurant without prior notice, an action he described as devastating. Balogun, once celebrated as one of the Nigerian Air Force’s finest fighter pilots, said the demolition, which took place in Wuse Zone 3, Abuja, left him in shock as properties worth millions of naira were destroyed while scavengers looted what was left. Speaking to journalists after the incident, the retired officer said officials of the FCDA Development Control stormed the premises, marked the…