WAFFI TV | Feature

NiMet Forecasts Three~day Thunderstorms, Rains From Monday

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has forecast thunderstorms and rainfall across the country from Monday through Wednesday. In its weather outlook issued on Sunday in Abuja, NiMet projected morning thunderstorms on Monday, with rainfall expected in parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Gombe, Bauchi, Kebbi, Sokoto, Katsina, Jigawa, and Kano States in the northern region. The agency also indicated the likelihood of thunderstorms and rain later in the day over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, Sokoto, Borno, Kebbi, and Zamfara States. For the North-Central region, NiMet anticipates morning thunderstorms and rainfall in parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, and Nasarawa States. “In the afternoon/evening hours, thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, and Benue States. “In the southern region, cloudy atmosphere is expected with prospects of morning rain over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Rivers, and Akwa Ibom,” it said. The agency anticipated rain showers over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Abia, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Rivers, Delta, and Bayelsa, later in the day. “For Tuesday, in the northern region, morning thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of Kano, Zamfara, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe, Adamawa, Borno, Yobe and Taraba. “In the afternoon or evening hours, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Taraba, Kebbi, Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Kaduna, Bauchi, and Katsina States. “In the North-central region, thunderstorms with rains are over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Niger, Nasarawa States during the morning period,” it said. The agency envisaged thunderstorms with rains over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Kogi, Niger, Kwara, and Plateau later in the day. It predicted thunderstorms over parts of Ondo, Ogun, Edo, Ebonyi, Abia, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom in the southern region in the morning hours. The agency anticipated rains over parts of Oyo, Ekiti, Osun, Ogun, Lagos, Edo, Anambra, Abia, Enugu, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers, Delta and Bayelsa later in the day. NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms on Wednesday with rains over parts of Zamfara, Adamawa, Kaduna, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Taraba in the northern region during afternoon or evening hours. It envisaged thunderstorms with rains over Taraba, Kaduna, Katsina, Bauchi, Zamfara, Sokoto and Adamawa. “In the North-central region, thunderstorms with rains are expected over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa, Niger and Benue during the morning hours. “Later in the day, thunderstorms with rains are anticipated over parts of Nasarawa, Plateau, the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger. “In the southern region, morning rains are anticipated over parts of Ogun, Ondo, Oyo, Edo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Cross River, Rivers and Akwa Ibom,” it said. The agency expected rain over the entire region in the afternoon or evening hours. According to NiMet, strong winds may precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur, public should take adequate precaution. It urged the public to ensure that loose objects are fastened to avoid collision and 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. “Airline operators are advised to get airport-specific weather reports (flight documentation) from NiMet for effective planning in their operations. “Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website www.nimet.gov.ng,” it read.

6/2/2025, 11:20:05 AM

Terrorists Eyeing Nigeria, W’African Coastline~ US

General Michael Langley, Commander of the United States Africa Command, has sounded a warning over the increasing efforts of extremist and terrorist groups in the Sahel to penetrate West Africa’s coastal regions. Citing recent attacks in Nigeria, the wider Sahel, and the Lake Chad Basin as alarming, Langley cautioned that terrorist access to the coast would greatly enhance their smuggling and arms trafficking capabilities. The Sahel nations of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger are widely considered the epicentre of terrorist operations, with Burkina Faso particularly overrun by insurgent networks affiliated with ISIS and Al-Qaeda. The 2025 Global Terrorism Index, released by the Institute for Economics and Peace, reports that the Sahel accounted for 19% of all terrorist attacks worldwide and 51% of terrorism-related deaths in 2024—up from 48% the previous year. Five of the world’s ten most terrorism-affected countries are located in the Sahel. Speaking at a weekend press briefing, Langley stressed that a terrorist push toward the coast would pose a serious threat not only to African nations but also to U.S. strategic interests. “Attacks are resurging in the Lake Chad region as well, and extremist groups are growing more aggressive. The recent attacks in Nigeria and across the Sahel are deeply concerning. “The scale and brutality of some of these incidents are troubling. So we’re monitoring this closely. “One of the terrorists’ new objectives is gaining access to West African coasts. If they secure access to the coastline, they can finance their operations through smuggling, human trafficking, and arms trading. “This puts not just African nations at risk, but also increases the chance of threats reaching the US shores,” Langley stated. He stated this while addressing journalists at the African Chiefs of Defence Conference held in Nairobi, Kenya, from May 28 to 29, 2025. The event brought together senior military leaders from 37 African nations alongside US defence officials. Langley urged frontline coastal states such as Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin to hold firm along their northern borders to prevent terrorist infiltration. He noted that the US stood in support of its coastal partners, saying, “That’s why our coastal partners – Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Benin – are fighting fiercely along their northern borders to prevent terrorist expansion, and US AFRICOM is standing with them.” Langley acknowledged that the partial withdrawal of US forces from parts of Africa had constrained America’s ability to monitor and respond to terrorist activity as closely as before. He, however, emphasised US’ continued commitment to counterterrorism partnerships, while respecting national sovereignty. “We respect nation sovereignty and only go where we’re asked as long as it aligns with U.S. national security objectives,” he said. Langley recalled his visit to Nigeria in November 2024, noting that it provided a firsthand view of how the US supported Nigerian defence efforts. “During my visit, I sat with Nigerian defence leaders to understand how we can help. The US acts with its partners—and in Nigeria’s case, we work together to combat Boko Haram and ISIS West Africa in pursuit of regional security,” he said. “We are committed to supporting one of the most capable militaries in the region—Nigeria’s. Although our withdrawal has reduced our ability to monitor some developments directly, we maintain strong liaison and provide support where possible,” he added. Langley also spoke on US efforts to foster dialogue with Burkina Faso, despite strained ties. “The US seeks opportunities to collaborate with Burkina Faso on counterterrorism challenges. I invited Burkina Faso’s chief of defence to the African Chiefs of Defence Conference because I believe in maintaining that dialogue. So it’s still open,” he said.

6/2/2025, 8:32:12 AM

Debt Burden: No Sin In Borrowing~ Presidency

The Presidency has justified its borrowing approach as essential for driving economic development, emphasizing that borrowing—when done prudently—is not inherently wrong. This position was clarified during a presidential media briefing in Lagos, where senior presidential aides discussed the administration’s economic achievements and projected outlook. Just last week, President Bola Tinubu submitted a request to the National Assembly for approval to secure additional external and domestic loans amounting to N34.15 trillion. However, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Mr Bayo Onanuga, while responding to questions about Nigeria’s debt profile, said: “It is not a sin to borrow. Even developed nations like the United States of America, USA and the United Kingdom, UK, borrow beyond their GDP. The issue is not borrowing; it is what you do with the borrowed funds. “We are a poor country with a large population. We must stop deceiving ourselves, Nigeria’s budget is smaller than that of South Africa. We have to be realistic about what we can fund without borrowing.” He explained that the Bola Tinubu-led administration has made visible gains across macroeconomic reforms and inclusive initiatives, while managing inherited economic constraints. Speaking on the administration’s economic strides despite initial hurdles, Onanuga said: “We acknowledge that the first year of this administration was turbulent. We faced serious challenges, including inflation, forex instability, and legacy issues that were beyond our immediate control. “Today, Nigeria’s macroeconomic indicators have improved significantly. This has not gone unnoticed; global institutions like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund, IMF, have commended our efforts and direction. “Nigeria’s All Share Index has more than doubled from 50,000 in 2023 to over 110,000 in 2025. “The country’s foreign reserves currently stand at $21 billion, up significantly from previous lows. Nigeria’s debt servicing has dropped from 97 percent of government revenue to under 60 percent, freeing up fiscal space for investment in social services.”

6/2/2025, 7:42:19 AM

FG Plans Seven Million Meter Rollout To End Estimated Billing

The Federal Government has unveiled plans to roll out seven million smart meters under the Presidential Metering Initiative, aimed at ending estimated billing and curbing revenue losses. Mrs. Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, revealed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja on Sunday. Marking the second anniversary of President Tinubu’s administration, Verheijen noted that the smart meters would help eliminate collection losses affecting many on-grid customers who remain unmetered. She added that the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen the commercial value chain of the gas-to-power sector. “There are several interventions underway to enhance the commercial viability of the gas-to-power value chain. “We are developing policies and frameworks to transition to a system that allows us to charge the true cost of delivering electricity, and more importantly, to drive efficiencies in determining that cost,” she said. The Special Adviser also revealed that the government is working to clear its legacy debt, which accumulated due to an inability to fund electricity subsidies and the distribution companies (Discos) underperformance in revenue collection. “We plan to clear the legacy debt with a combination of cash and promissory notes to ensure that generation companies and gas suppliers are paid. “In addition, we are improving revenue assurance by ensuring that most customers on the grid are metered. “With this, we can end estimated billing and reduce collection losses so that customers who receive electricity are paying customers,” she added. In exchange for resolving the legacy debts, Verheijen said the government would require all stakeholders and investors across the value chain to enhance their performance and invest more capital to expand on-grid access. She stressed that the administration is committed to improving the governance of the Discos, which serves as the cash engine of the entire value chain. “Through existing regulatory frameworks, the government will ensure that Discos have the financial and technical capacity to deliver more reliable power to Nigerian homes and businesses,” she concluded.

6/1/2025, 1:26:16 PM

Be Patient With Me, Tinubu Begs Nigerians

President Bola Tinubu has urged Nigerians to exercise patience with his administration. He made the appeal on Saturday during the inauguration of Phase 1, Section 1 (a 30km stretch with six lanes) of the 750km Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway. He said, “I know at this stage, your expectation is still very high and our people are still going through difficult times. I take this opportunity to appeal to all Nigerians that the hope is here and it is realisable. “You would be proud of the benefits, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Inflation is coming down, the corruption in the exchange rate is eliminated, the corruption in fuel subsidy is limited to the barest minimum. “It is all for you the people, we are reducing the cost of manufacturing, and encouraging manufacturing locally. We give all incentives for everyone to abide by the principle. May God bless our country; may God bless Lagos State and keep our fighting soldiers safe.” Tinubu warned developers, noting that development on land without approval would not be compensated. “Let me at this stage warn all developers, the Federal Government reinforced the setbacks for the interest of our nation, development without approval will not be compensated. We have gazetted and published the setbacks, we are going to enforce it rigidly in every way possible,” he stated.

6/1/2025, 7:08:17 AM

Reps Seek Seven~Year Jail For Workplace Bribery

The House of Representatives is reviewing a proposed law that seeks to impose stiff penalties—up to seven years’ imprisonment or a N5 million fine—on individuals found guilty of giving or receiving bribes in workplaces nationwide. Sponsored by Paul Nnamchi (Enugu East/Isi-Uzo Federal Constituency) and three co-sponsors, the bill aims to tackle bribery across both public and private sectors. It is scheduled for further deliberation when the House reconvenes on June 17. Titled *‘A Bill for an Act to Provide Effective Deterrence and Consequences for Bribery in Workplaces’*, the proposed legislation outlines strict sanctions for bribery in government institutions, private companies, NGOs, and other professional environments. A copy of the bill obtained by *Sunday PUNCH* defines bribery as “the offering, giving, receiving, or soliciting of anything of value as an inducement or reward to influence the actions of an employee, officer, or agent in the workplace.” According to the draft, individuals who offer or give bribes—whether in cash, gifts, favours, or other benefits—face a minimum N5 million fine or three times the value of the bribe, whichever is higher, and/or a minimum of seven years in prison. Those who solicit or receive bribes may face even harsher punishment: a 10-year jail term and similar financial penalties. For public officials convicted of bribery, the bill proposes immediate dismissal and a 15-year prohibition from holding elective or appointed positions. In corporate cases, organisations found guilty of workplace bribery could be fined at least N100 million. Responsible directors or officers may face prosecution and, upon conviction, a minimum 10-year prison sentence. Such companies also risk losing their licences and being barred from public procurement for a decade. The bill also includes robust whistleblower protections, mandating all workplaces to establish anti-bribery policies and provide anonymous reporting mechanisms. Retaliation against whistleblowers would attract a minimum N10 million fine and a five-year jail term. Employers who fail to report incidents of bribery could be fined at least N20 million and/or face five years in prison. To enforce the law, the bill proposes the creation of a Workplace Anti-Bribery Unit within the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), responsible for investigating, prosecuting, and ensuring compliance. Additionally, any assets or funds derived from bribery would be confiscated and redirected towards anti-corruption efforts and economic development. The Attorney General of the Federation, in collaboration with the EFCC, would be responsible for issuing regulations to ensure the effective implementation of the law.

6/1/2025, 7:00:41 AM

Delta Witnessing Tangible Development Under Oborevwori, Says NGE President

President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), Mr. Eze Anaba, has applauded Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, for what he described as “real and measurable development” across the state. Speaking in Effurun after a guided tour of various ongoing and completed projects, Anaba said the delegation of editors was particularly impressed with the administration’s strategic investments in social protection, public sector reforms, and expansive road infrastructure. These, he noted, reflect a state steadily progressing toward sustainable growth. “From what we have seen, Governor Oborevwori is not just making promises; he is rolling out policies that positively impact the everyday lives of citizens,” Anaba stated. “We observed impressive road networks that are clearly built to last. In the past, we’ve seen cases where roads or schools collapse within weeks. But the infrastructure in Delta is robust—be it schools, roads, or flyovers. It’s very, very impressive. We commend the Delta State Government and encourage them to sustain this momentum for the benefit of the people.” He emphasized that genuine development must be felt by the people, saying, “When the people experience progress in real terms, they accept and appreciate the government. This is what meaningful development looks like.” Also speaking during the tour, former Presidential Spokesman and Arise News anchor, Dr. Reuben Abati, praised the revival of technical education in Delta State. “I was particularly impressed by the functional Technical Colleges now operating in the state,” he said. “These institutions are vital to building middle-level manpower with practical technical skills—a capacity Nigeria had lost over time. Seeing at least three operational colleges is encouraging and signals hope for Delta’s youth and future workforce.” Dr. Abati noted that the tour also included a visit to the Southern Delta University campus in Orerokpe, Ezesi Road in the Okpe Kingdom, and the Technical College in Omadino. Highlighting a common disconnect, Abati pointed out that many Nigerians living in Abuja or Lagos are unaware of the level of development happening in their home states. “People often claim to be from certain areas but hardly visit. As a result, they don’t witness the progress firsthand. It is important that the government increases visibility and awareness of its achievements.” Marking the significance of the administration’s second anniversary, he added, “This is a key milestone. The people expect even more. There’s often criticism that development is lopsided or confined to certain areas, but from our tour across Delta North, Central, and South, it’s clear that the projects are evenly spread.” Abati concluded with words of encouragement: “Governor Oborevwori is delivering on the mandate given to him by the people. The reward for hard work is more work. He should continue his efforts to advance the well-being of Deltans.” Earlier, the State Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Mr. Charles Aniagwu, thanked the editors for visiting and underscored the importance of objective evaluations. He reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving the quality of life through people-focused infrastructure. The inspection tour covered key sites, including the Okpanam-Ibusa Bypass, the Ughelli-Asaba Expressway, Southern Delta University in Orerokpe, the Technical College in Omadino, Julius Berger flyovers at PTI Junction and DSC Roundabout, and internal roads around Otovwodo Junction in Ughelli.

5/31/2025, 5:57:56 PM

Forfeiture Order: EFCC Sues Emefiele In Fresh Eight Count Charges

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has filed a lawsuit against former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, over allegations of stealing and unlawfully acquiring 753 housing units located at Plot 109, Cadastral Zone C09, Lokongoma District, Abuja. In eight fresh counts filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the EFCC accused Emefiele of also possessing billions of naira in proxy accounts during his tenure as CBN governor. According to the commission, Emefiele allegedly collaborated with Eric Ocheme—who is currently at large—to acquire the disputed properties in August 2021. The new charges further allege that between January and December 2019, Emefiele maintained a proxy account with Zenith Bank in Abuja containing ₦167 million, which prosecutors believe was illicitly acquired. Additionally, the EFCC claims that between January and December 2020, Emefiele and Ocheme held ₦1.23 billion in a Zenith Bank account (No. 1016232915) under the name Kelvito Integrated Services, also suspected to be proceeds of unlawful activity. One of the charges reads: “That you GODWIN IFEANYI EMEFIELE and ERIC OCHEME (AT LARGE) between January and December 2021 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of this Honorable Court, knowingly had under control the total sum of N2, 945,331,050 (Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Forty Five Million, Three Hundred and Thirty One Thousand Fifty Naira.) domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained.” In count five of the charges, EFCC said between January and December 2022, Mr Emefiele and his conspirator knowingly had under control the total sum of ₦1.98 billion domiciled in Kelvito Integrated Services’ account No: 1016232915 domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained. The Commission also stated that the former CBN Governor allegedly had ₦900 million in Ifedigo Integrated Services’ account No. 1210750237, domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, which sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained. The EFCC further alleged that Mr Emefiele kept ₦600 million in an account, No. 1210750237, domiciled with Zenith Bank Plc, at Ifedigo Integrated Services. “The sum is reasonably suspected to have been unlawfully obtained,” the commission said. The EFCC had previously secured a court order to confiscate the entire estate, which was subsequently handed over to the federal government last week. However, Emefiele filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal in Abuja, seeking to overturn the ruling that granted the government full possession of the Abuja estate consisting of 753 housing units.

5/31/2025, 3:53:13 PM

FG Proposes Establishment Of Exams Malpractice Tribunal

The Federal Government has announced plans to establish a National Examination Malpractice Court or Tribunal to enable swift prosecution of examination-related offenses and serve as a deterrent to others. Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja while receiving a report from a committee tasked with improving the quality of examinations. Endorsing the recommendations of the 17-member committee led by Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Alausa said the initiative would enhance examination standards across the country. He further assured that all 12 recommendations would be fully implemented and emphasized the government's commitment to deploying all necessary resources to combat examination malpractice. “Let me assure all the committee members that you have done so much work here, and all the recommendations you have given us as a government, we will implement every single one of them. “All the 12 recommendations that you reeled out, everyone will agree with me today that none of them will be impossible to implement. “They are all practicable things. Those that will be implemented now, we will do that right away,” he said. The minister inaugurated the committee in January and it submitted its interim report after five months of extensive work. In one of the recommendations, the committee urged the Federal Ministry of Education to interface with the National Assembly to enact a law establishing a National Examination Malpractice Court/Tribunal for prompt prosecution of examination malpractices. “All invigilators and supervisors must register through NIN and subscribe to the examination body’s short code, using the same pattern of 55019/66019 of JAMB, in order to track and have full information about the examination officials, including examiners, supervisors, and invigilators. “Swapping of invigilators and supervisors should commence with effect from the 2025 private SSCE due to the strong views against student swapping expressed by the four concerned examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and NBAIS). “Except where absolutely impossible, invigilators and supervisors should always be public officials, teachers on pensionable appointments. “The standard requirements of examination halls/centres should not be waived for any school, while the recommended seating arrangement should be 1.5m by 1.2m, or 1.8 sqm per candidate,” the committee stated.

5/31/2025, 12:41:35 PM

Conditional Cash Transfer: We Use AI To Identify Poor People In Rural Areas~ FG

The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction, Prof. Nentawe Goshwe Yilwatda, revealed that the Federal Government utilized Artificial Intelligence to identify the most impoverished individuals in rural communities across Nigeria. Speaking in an interview with Arise News, the Minister also stated that more than 5.8 million Nigerians have benefited from the Federal Government’s Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program within six months, following President Bola Tinubu’s directive that payments be made only to verified accounts. Yilwatda further noted that 18% of the recipients of the N75,000 cash transfer have used the funds to start their own businesses, countering criticisms that the amount is insufficient to launch a business. “I’m from a rural community. If you meet a rural farmer and give him N75 thousand, because we also did also a research by the World Bank, we discovered that up to 18% of the people who received this amount were able to start a business of their own. “Within six months, under President Tinubu’s directives that we should use only verified account numbers to make transfers to people, we have reached roughly 5.8 million households, totaling nearly 29 million people who have benefited from this payment. “AI was used to generate the list of people who are poor within the community using their varied telephone numbers, and AI was also used to generate an additional 6.5 million who are urban poor, which was then added to the social register,” he said. The Minister further disclosed that they had now validated the social register for both the urban and rural poor, which now stands at 19.7 million.

5/31/2025, 8:51:52 AM

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