WAFFI TV | Feature

NiMet Forecasts Three~day Thunderstorms, Sunshine From Friday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast a mix of thunderstorms and sunshine across the country from Friday to Sunday. In its weather outlook issued on Thursday in Abuja, NiMet projected thunderstorms over northern parts of the country on Friday. It also anticipated light to moderate morning rains in areas including Taraba, Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, and Bauchi States, while other parts of the region are expected to experience sunshine with occasional clouds. For the afternoon and evening hours, the agency predicted thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rainfall. “In the central region, sunny skies with patches of cloud are expected over this region during the morning hours. “While thunderstorms with moderate rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, Niger and Plateau states during the afternoon and evening,” it said. The agency predicted cloudy skies over the southern region with prospects of morning light rains over parts of Rivers, Cross River and Akwa Ibom. It anticipated moderate rains over most parts of the region later in the day. NiMet predicted sunny skies in the northern region on Saturday with patches of clouds during the morning hours. It envisaged isolated thunderstorms with light rains over parts of Adamawa, Taraba, Jigawa, Bauchi, Borno, Katsina, Zamfara, Yobe and Kaduna States. According to it, thunderstorms with moderate rain are expected during the afternoon or evening hours over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, Kano, Borno, Bauchi, Adamawa, Taraba, Zamfara and Kaduna States.. “On the central region, early morning thunderstorms with light rains are anticipated over parts of Niger and Plateau states. “Afternoon or evening thunderstorms with moderate to heavy rains are anticipated over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Kwara, Benue, and Plateau states. “Cloudy skies are expected over the southern region with chances of morning rain over parts of Abia, Ebonyi, Ogun, Ondo, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states,” it said. It envisaged moderate to heavy rains over the region during the afternoon or evening periods. NiMet has forecast thunderstorms in the northern region on Sunday, along with moderate morning rains in parts of Taraba, Borno, Jigawa, Yobe, Kano, Katsina, and Kaduna States. The agency noted that other parts of the region would see sunny intervals with patches of cloud. It added that thunderstorms accompanied by moderate rains are expected later in the afternoon or evening over areas including Kebbi, Zamfara, Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Borno, and Yobe States. For the central region, NiMet predicted cloudy morning skies, with chances of thunderstorms and moderate rainfall over the Federal Capital Territory, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, and Plateau States. Later in the day, light to moderate rains are expected over parts of Benue, the FCT, Nasarawa, and Plateau States. In the southern region, morning rains are anticipated over Ondo, Edo, Ogun, Cross River, Bayelsa, and Akwa Ibom States, with cloudy conditions likely to persist for the rest of the day. The forecast further indicated moderate to heavy rains during the afternoon or evening periods across the southern region. NiMet advised the public to remain cautious, warning that strong winds could accompany thunderstorms in some areas. “Ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision. “Driving under heavy rain should be avoided. Disconnect electrical appliances from electrical sockets. “Stay away from tall trees to avoid impact from falling branches and broken trees,” it said. It advised the airline operators to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. The agency advised the public to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet by visiting its website.

7/11/2025, 9:40:32 AM

Nigeria Won’t Bow To US Pressure To Accept Venezuelan Deportees~ FG

Nigeria will not bow to pressure from the Donald Trump administration to accept Venezuelan deportees from the United States, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Tuggar said Nigeria faces enough internal challenges and will not serve as a dumping ground for Venezuelan prisoners deported by the US as part of Trump’s clampdown on undocumented migrants. President Bola Tinubu had joined other world leaders at the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, which took place from July 6 to 7, 2025. On the summit’s final day, the US President announced plans to impose an additional 10 percent trade tariff on “anti-American” BRICS countries, including China, India, and Nigeria. Tuggar, however, noted that the proposed tariff hike might not necessarily be linked to Nigeria’s attendance at the summit. Tuggar said, “The issue of tariffs may not necessarily have to do with us participating in the BRICS meeting. “You have to also bear in mind that the US is mounting considerable pressure on African countries to accept Venezuelans to be deported from the US, some straight out of prisons. “It would be difficult for countries like Nigeria to accept Venezuelan prisoners into Nigeria. We have enough problems of our own; we cannot accept Venezuelan deportees to Nigeria. We already have 230 million people.”

7/11/2025, 7:34:26 AM

'Shoot Protesters’ Legs'~ Kenya President Tells Security Agents

Kenyan President William Ruto has directed security forces to shoot protesters in the legs to incapacitate them, accusing them of engaging in terrorism and violence. This order follows the killing of 31 protesters during anti-government demonstrations two days earlier. “They shouldn’t kill them. But they should shoot their legs so they break, and they can go to hospital on their way to court,” Ruto said in the capital, Nairobi. In his toughest remarks yet about the wave of protests over economic stagnation, corruption and police brutality that have swept the east African country, he also accused his political opponents of orchestrating the demonstrations. He said some of those out on the streets were waging a “war” on the state. “Those who attack our police, those who attack our security men and women, those who attack our security installations, including police stations, that is a declaration of war, that is terrorism,” he said. “We are going to deal with you firmly. We cannot have a nation that is run by terror. We cannot have a nation that is governed by violence. “This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want to have a change of government using unconstitutional means. It is not going to happen.” In the latest protests, on Monday, Kenyans took to the streets to mark Saba Saba (Seven Seven), the day on 7 July 1990 when Kenyans rose up to demand a return to multiparty democracy after years of autocratic rule under Daniel arap Moi. Thirty-one people were killed on Monday and 107 injured, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. This brings the toll to 51 over the past two months. Unicef condemned the killing of a 12-year-old girl by a stray bullet while she was at home in Kiambu county, nine miles from the capital, as well as the arrest of children during the protests. “Children must be protected from harm at all times and under all circumstances,” the UN agency said.

7/10/2025, 3:30:17 PM

FG Secures $747m Loan For Lagos~Calabar Highway

The federal government has secured a $747 million loan to fund Phase 1, Section 1 of the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project. The Ministry of Finance announced yesterday that the financing facility was arranged through Deutsche Bank. Phase 1, Section 1 of the highway stretches from Victoria Island to Eleko Village. In a statement, the Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Mohammed Manga, described it as the first syndicated road infrastructure loan of this magnitude in Nigeria, calling it “a strong signal of global investor confidence in the country’s reform agenda and infrastructure plans.” The ministry said: “Deutsche Bank acted as Global Coordinator, Initial Mandated Lead Arranger and Bookrunner and participated in the syndicate, alongside other regional and international lenders. “The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (“ICIEC”) provided partial political and commercial risk insurance. “The syndicate includes support from development finance institutions, export credit agencies and international commercial banks—notably First Abu Dhabi Bank, also acting as Agent across all facilities and Intercreditor Agent, whose involvement underscores its strong and growing support for Nigeria. “Other lenders involved are the African Export-Import Bank (“Afrexim”), the Abu Dhabi Exports Office (“ADEX”), the ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (“EBID”), Nexent Bank N.V. (formerly known as Credit Europe Bank N.V.) and Zenith Bank (through its UK, Paris and Nigeria offices). “The project is structured as an EPC+F (Engineering, Procurement, Construction + Financing) contract awarded to Hitech Construction Company, one of Nigeria’s leading infrastructure firms. “This structure aims at a strategic partnership between the Government and the private sector, seamlessly aligning technical execution with financing solutions. “It enables fast-track project delivery while unlocking and maximizing private sector appetite for investment in the country’s priority infrastructure.” The ministry said the construction of Phase 1 Section 1 is already over 70% complete. It added that the highway, constructed using Continuously Reinforced Concrete Pavement, CRCP, was a reflection of a commitment to long-term resilience and efficiency. “Engineered for a minimum lifespan of 50 years with minimal maintenance, it offers outstanding durability and cost-effectiveness. “The project’s design and implementation have been shaped by comprehensive technical, legal, and environmental and social assessments, ensuring alignment with the highest international standards.” Speaking on the loan, Mr. Wale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, was quoted as saying: “This deal reflects the success of our macroeconomic reforms and the return of international capital to support Nigeria’s development. “We are focused on financing infrastructure in ways that are sustainable, transparent, and catalytic—and this transaction is a model of that vision in action. “The closing of this market defining financing is yet another testament to Mr President’s commitment to accelerate the participation of the private sector in infrastructure financing and development. “It positions the country as being ready for a full transition to the design, development, financing as well as operations and management of critical public infrastructure through Public Private Partnerships, PPPs. “It signals to investors and private sector participants, the sophistication and maturity of the Nigerian market and commitment of the government to sanctity of contracts and innovative structures to fund critical national infrastructure that will deliver sustained and inclusive growth.”

7/10/2025, 7:19:43 AM

EFCC Urges N’Assembly To Criminalise Unexplained Wealth

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has urged the National Assembly to enact legislation that would criminalise the possession of unexplained wealth in Nigeria. According to the Commission, the country has managed to fight corruption without a specific law to prosecute public officials whose assets exceed their legitimate income. EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, made this appeal on Wednesday at the National Conference on Public Accounts and Fiscal Governance, organised by the Public Accounts Committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives in Abuja. Olukoyede also disclosed that the EFCC had only recently begun scrutinising the financial records of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, and that initial findings have been astonishing. “Help me pass the Unexplained Wealth Bill. I’ve been begging for the past year. This same bill was thrown out in the last Assembly. If we don’t make individuals accountable for what they have, we’ll never get it right. “Someone has worked in a ministry for 20 years. We calculate their entire salary and allowances. Then we find five properties — two in Maitama, three in Asokoro. Yet we’re told to go and prove a predicate offence before we can act. That is absurd. “In the last three weeks, we started a commission-wide investigation into the extractive industry, particularly the oil and gas sector. What we have discovered is mind-boggling. We have only just opened the books. So much more corruption is to be unravelled. If this is what we’re seeing at the surface, imagine what lies beneath,” he said. The EFCC boss said the discovery underscores how deeply embedded financial mismanagement is across the system, calling fiscal rascality and mismanagement of public resources a core driver of Nigeria’s economic woes and security challenges. “There is a very strong connection between the mismanagement of our resources and insecurity. When you look at banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, trace it back, and you will find a pattern of corrupt practices and diversion of funds that were meant to improve people’s lives,” he said. He lamented the legal obstacles that hamper the Commission’s efforts to prosecute suspects. He explained that investigations into public officials frequently reach a dead end because existing laws demand a “predicate offence” — such as fraud or theft — before assets can be confiscated or charges brought forward. He further noted that the proposed legislation would introduce strict liability, making it an offence for anyone to hold assets that significantly exceed their verifiable and lawful income. “Once you are living beyond your means, you should be held to account. Until we do this, there will always be an escape route for the corrupt,” he said. Olukoyede revealed a disturbing global perception of Nigeria’s looted wealth, noting that the EFCC is currently tracking illicit assets across multiple jurisdictions, from America and Turkey to the most unexpected locations like Iceland. “Last month alone, I visited four or five countries chasing Nigeria’s stolen assets. An ambassador even told me they discovered an estate in Iceland owned by a Nigerian. Iceland of all places!” he said. The EFCC boss admitted that no anti-graft agency, no matter how efficient, can recover more than half of what has been looted from the nation’s resources. “There is no amount of capacity I can build, no level of effort I can put in, that will enable me to recover even half of what has been stolen from Nigeria because the custodians of those assets in foreign countries don’t want to let go. And they won’t,” he said. Olukoyede also chided hoarders of looted funds, saying, “I told them at the United Nations Forum last December that if you are holding onto Nigeria’s stolen assets, we see you as an accessory after the fact. They grumbled, but I didn’t care,” he said. He also faulted the widespread culture of impunity in Nigeria’s public service, where those already under prosecution are often celebrated, and compliance with financial laws is flouted with impunity. “We are doing this work. We see people who have stolen our money. We have shown you evidence. We’ve traced where the money went. We are already in court. Yet, they’re being celebrated all over the place. Does that show we’re serious? “If we execute even 60% of our capital budget efficiently between 2025 and 2026, we will empower small and medium-scale industries. We’ll build infrastructure. We’ll be fine,” he said. He emphasised that Nigeria has no business borrowing to survive, given the abundant natural and mineral resources in the land. “What we need is transparency in revenue generation and accountability in public expenditure,” he said and called on leaders to join hands to address the scourge of corruption, particularly in the public sector. “If we miss it under this administration, I pity Nigeria. Let’s put politics aside. Let’s put ethnicity aside. This is about rescuing the soul of Nigeria,” he said.

7/9/2025, 11:04:58 PM

Public Invited As Congress Newspaper Marks 4th Anniversary Thursday

The Congress Newspaper, together with its online television platform, proudly announces its 4th anniversary celebration, scheduled for Thursday, July 10, 2025, in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria. The event will include the presentation of awards to distinguished individuals for their notable contributions to society. Highlights of the day also feature a lecture series under the theme: *“Entrenching Accountability in Governance,”* with the lecture topic titled *“Strengthening Institutions and Legislations to Prevent Graft in Governance.”* The anniversary celebration will be chaired by Chief Sheriff Mulade, National Coordinator of CEPEJ. Special Guest of Honour is Barr. Eric Omare, former President of the Ijaw Youth Council (IYC), while Mr. Mulu Anthony, MD/CEO of Silver Continental Global Ventures Ltd, is also a Guest of Honour. Renowned writer and publisher Enewaridideke Ekanpou will deliver the keynote address. The Congress Newspaper warmly invites the public and its esteemed guests to attend this landmark occasion, which promises entertainment, opportunities for networking, and a reflection on the paper’s journey and impact over the past four years. Founded in 2021, the Congress Newspaper has earned a reputation for credible reporting and insightful analysis of current affairs, complemented by its online television station that offers visual coverage of key events in the Niger Delta and beyond. “Our anniversary is more than just marking another year; it’s about celebrating the art of Niger Delta storytelling,” said Sir Ozobo Austin, Editor-in-Chief of the Congress Newspaper. “We deeply appreciate the unwavering support from our readers and viewers, and we look forward to sharing this moment of gratitude and anticipation for the future.” The Congress Newspaper encourages everyone to be part of this milestone event and to continue supporting ethical and impactful journalism.

7/9/2025, 7:18:43 PM

We’re Not In Senate To Make Money~ Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has declared that lawmakers are in the Senate not to enrich themselves, but to make sacrifices for the benefit of future generations. Akpabio made this remark on the Senate floor during the debate on the general principles of a Bill seeking to amend the Electricity Act, 2023. The proposed amendment aims to tackle emerging challenges in Nigeria’s power sector, improve policy and regulatory coordination, boost sectoral financing, protect vital electricity infrastructure, enhance industrial relations, clarify transitional provisions, and redefine host community engagement by licensees operating within the Nigerian electricity supply industry, among other related matters (2025, SB. 862). The bill was sponsored by the Chairman of Senate Committee on Power, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South). In his remarks, Akpabio noted that without electricity, there will be no way for industrial growth in the country. He said that everyone is looking forward to a total overhaul of the electricity sector. “People think we are here in the Senate to make money, not knowing that we are here to sacrifice for future generations,” he added at plenary on Tuesday. When amended, passed and signed into law, it would help clarify ongoing transitional provisions for the transfer of intrastate electricity matters from the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to state governments, especially matters having bearing on the operation of the national grid system and other overlapping issues.

7/9/2025, 5:12:35 PM

Ganduje Appointed Chairman Of FAAN Board

Just days after stepping down as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been named the Chairman of the Board of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN). The appointment was announced at the official inauguration of the new FAAN board members in Abuja.

7/9/2025, 1:58:50 PM

Japa: Canada Increases Minimum Proof Of Funds To N17m For Immigrants

Foreign nationals planning to immigrate to Canada via the Express Entry system must now meet higher minimum settlement fund requirements, following a recent update from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). Effective July 7, 2025, single applicants must show access to at least CAD \$15,263 (approximately ₦17 million), up from CAD \$14,690. For couples, the required minimum has increased to CAD \$19,001 (about ₦21.2 million). This annual adjustment reflects the IRCC’s review of settlement fund thresholds, which are based on 50% of Canada’s low-income cut-off figures published by Statistics Canada. These funds demonstrate an applicant’s ability to support themselves and their family upon arrival in Canada. Applicants must present official bank letters printed on institutional letterhead as proof. Couples can combine funds held in joint accounts. To remain eligible in the Express Entry pool, candidates must update their proof of funds by July 28, 2025. Importantly, updating this information won’t change the original submission date and time of the profile, so applicants won’t lose their spot in tie-breaker draws. Proof of funds is mandatory for those applying under the Federal Skilled Worker Program and the Federal Skilled Trades Program. However, it’s not required for applicants in the Canadian Experience Class or those with a valid job offer and work authorization in Canada. It’s worth noting that submitting an Express Entry profile is only the first step; it doesn’t guarantee permanent residency. The IRCC regularly conducts draws—usually every two weeks—selecting top-ranked candidates based on Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) scores.

7/9/2025, 1:56:01 PM

NiMet Forecasts Thunderstorms, Rainfall Across Nigeria On Wednesday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall across several parts of the country on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. In its daily weather outlook released on Tuesday, NiMet indicated that northern states including Taraba, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Bauchi will experience morning thunderstorms and light to moderate rainfall, while other parts of the region will see sunny intervals with some clouds. By afternoon and evening, thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected to affect Adamawa, Taraba, Kaduna, Zamfara, Kebbi, Bauchi, Sokoto, and Gombe. In the central states, the morning will bring sunny intervals and patchy clouds, followed by light to moderate rainfall later in the day. For the southern states—such as Ogun, Edo, Osun, Ondo, Imo, Abia, Enugu, Bayelsa, Lagos, Delta, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Rivers—cloudy skies and light rain are expected in the morning, with moderate rainfall continuing into the afternoon and evening. NiMet further advised residents to stay alert to the risks of flash flooding and localized disruptions that may result from thunderstorms and sustained rainfall.

7/9/2025, 8:50:10 AM

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