NiMet warns of thunderstorms, heavy rain across Nigeria

 

 

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has warned that widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall will affect many parts of the country from Monday, June 22, through Wednesday, June 24, 2026, urging Nigerians to take precautionary measures against severe weather conditions.

 

In its three-day weather outlook released by the Central Forecast Office, NiMet forecast a combination of sunny skies, cloudy conditions, thunderstorms, and rainfall across the northern, central, and southern regions of the country.

 

According to the agency, northern states including Taraba, Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto, Adamawa, and Borno are expected to experience morning thunderstorms accompanied by light rainfall on Monday before more widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall develop later in the day across the region.

 

For the North-Central zone, cloudy skies with sunny intervals are expected in the morning, while residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Niger, Nasarawa, and Benue should prepare for thunderstorms and rainfall that will intensify as the day progresses.

 

Southern Nigeria is also forecast to witness widespread thunderstorms and moderate rainfall throughout Monday, with generally cloudy weather dominating the region.

 

On Tuesday, NiMet predicted morning thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Kaduna, and Kebbi, while afternoon and evening thunderstorms with moderate rainfall are expected across Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kaduna, Zamfara, Bauchi, Borno, Taraba, and Adamawa.

 

The agency also forecast scattered thunderstorms across the North-Central states, including the FCT, Niger, Nasarawa, Kogi, and Plateau. In the South, light morning rainfall is expected in Ogun, Ondo, Edo, Abia, Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, Delta, Rivers, Cross River, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa, before heavier thunderstorms develop later in the day.

 

By Wednesday, morning thunderstorms and light rains are expected over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Kaduna, and Borno, while moderate rainfall and thunderstorms are forecast across most northern states later in the afternoon.

 

The North-Central region, particularly Plateau, Kogi, Benue, Niger, Kwara, and Nasarawa, is also expected to receive moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms, while southern states including Lagos, Osun, Ondo, Edo, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, and Bayelsa are likely to experience persistent rainfall throughout the day.

 

NiMet cautioned that strong winds may precede thunderstorms in several locations and advised residents to secure loose objects, avoid driving during heavy rainfall where possible, disconnect electrical appliances during storms, and stay away from tall trees to reduce the risk of injuries from falling branches.

 

The agency further urged airline operators to obtain airport-specific weather reports for flight planning and encouraged Nigerians to monitor official weather updates and advisories as the forecast evolves. Starnews.

Ogboli, UNIMAID Professor of Industrial Design presents 2 books in Abuja tomorrow

 

A public presentation of two books authored by Professor Ashiedu Peter Ogboli of the Department of Industrial Design, University of Maiduguri, will take place tomorrow, Tuesday, June 23, 2026, at the National Universities Commission headquarters in Abuja.

The books, titled White Guava and War and Readings in Art, Design and Culture, are expected to draw interest from academics, students, artists, designers, cultural scholars, industries and members of the public.

The event is convened by Professor Kabiru Bala and will provide an opportunity for art lovers, students and the public to engage with the author.

Professor Ogboli, a respected scholar in industrial design, is known for his literary writings, academic work and contributions on design, culture and social issues. The presentation of the two books is expected to further highlight the relevance of art and design scholarship in understanding contemporary Nigerian cultural and social realities.

The event is billed to hold at the National Universities Commission headquarters, Abuja. Sunrisereporters.

 

Tinubu extends CGC Adeniyi’s tenure by six months 

President Tinubu has granted a final six-month tenure extension to the Comptroller General of Customs, Adewale  Adeniyi.
As Comptroller General of Customs, Adeniyi’s first tenure extension ought to have expired on August 1, 2026.
The six-month extension, which will expire in February 2027,  is to enable him to consolidate the implementation of the National Single Window and ensure an orderly succession in the service.
During the transition period, Adeniyi, working with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) Board, will ensure the promotion of eligible officers to the rank of Comptroller of Customs and the compulsory retirement of officers who have attained 60 years of age or have served 35 years.
Adeniyi joined the Customs Service after graduating from Obafemi Awolowo University in the late 80s.
He rose through the ranks, becoming Deputy Comptroller in 2012, Comptroller in 2017, Assistant Comptroller General in 2020, Acting Deputy Comptroller-General in January 2023, before his appointment by President Tinubu in June 2023 as the Comptroller General of Customs. Authority.

Lecturer dismissed over alleged extortion, illegal fees, gross misconduct

 

 

The Governing Council of David Umahi Federal University of Health Sciences (DUFUHS), Uburu, has approved the dismissal of a lecturer in the Department of Radiography and Radiation Science over allegations of extortion, unauthorized collection of fees, impersonation and other acts of gross misconduct.

The affected lecturer, Dr. Thomas Adejoh, was dismissed following the resolution reached at the university’s 9th Regular Governing Council Meeting held on May 14, 2026.

In an official notice signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mr. Vitalis O. Offor, the university stated that the dismissal was based on findings that Dr. Adejoh engaged in several acts considered detrimental to the institution’s integrity and academic standards.

According to the statement, the former lecturer was accused of extorting Radiography students and their parents through an unauthorized WhatsApp platform and collecting illegal conference fees from 61 students. He was also alleged to have attempted to transport the students to Lagos for a conference without obtaining the necessary approval from the university authorities.

The university further accused him of illegally selling his personal textbooks to students, engaging in impersonation and actions that allegedly sabotaged the accreditation process of the institution’s Radiography programme.

“By this approval, Dr. Adejoh Thomas ceases to be a staff member of this University with effect from May 14, 2026,” the statement read.

The management warned members of the public, organizations and groups against conducting any official business with the dismissed lecturer, stressing that he no longer represents the university in any capacity.

The institution also disclosed that it has commenced appropriate legal steps to recover all university property reportedly in his possession, as well as funds allegedly extorted from students and their parents. b

University authorities said the public notice became necessary to properly inform members of the university community and the general public about the development and to prevent any unauthorized dealings involving the former staff member.

The dismissal underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining discipline, transparency and ethical standards within its academic and administrative operations. Authority.

Zuru State Constituency bye-election concludes peacefully

 

 

By Okey Muogbo

The bye-election for Zuru State Constituency was conducted peacefully across all 200 polling units in the Zuru Local Government Area at the weekend.

The election was held to fill the vacancy left by the late Hon. Muhammadu Usman Ankwe, former Speaker of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, who passed on recently after a protracted illness.

Voters turned out in large numbers, including the Emir of Zuru Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo lll, who were observed queuing orderly at polling units visited by the observation team.

To ensure a hitch-free process, the State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Muhammad Abubakar Kana Zuru, constituted a committee comprising commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly, Special Advisers, and key stakeholders in Zuru LGA. The committee worked in close coordination with the Independent National Electoral Commission and security agencies throughout the exercise.

The contest featured Alhaji Rabiu of the All Progressives Congress and Alhaji Aliyu Galadima of the Labour Party. The Collation of results was ongoing at the time of this report by INEC officials alongside representatives of security agencies and agents of the participating political parties.

The peaceful conduct and enthusiasm displayed by the electorate underscore the commitment of Comrade Governor Nasir Idris to peace, unity, and democratic governance.

Oyebanji re-elected as Ekiti Governor, sweeps all 16 LGAs

 

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the poll in the early hours of Sunday after the collation of results from all 16 local government areas of the state.

 

Announcing the result at the State Collation Centre in Ado-Ekiti, the Returning Officer, Prof. Adenike Oladiji, said Oyebanji satisfied the constitutional requirements and was duly returned elected.

According to the final figures released by INEC, Oyebanji polled 319,224 votes to defeat his closest rival, Olumayokun Oluyede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), who garnered 40,533 votes. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Dare Bejide, secured 12,872 votes.

The commission disclosed that 988,251 voters were registered for the election, while 384,940 were accredited. A total of 382,109 votes were cast, with 375,777 recognised as valid votes.

The APC candidate dominated the election across the state, winning in all 16 local government areas, including Efon Local Government Area, the home council of the PDP candidate.

In Efon LGA, Oyebanji polled 8,742 votes against Oluyede’s 2,051 votes, while the ADC candidate secured 201 votes.

Other strong performances for the governor came from Ado Local Government Area, where he recorded 38,026 votes, and Irepodun/Ifelodun LGA, where he polled 29,278 votes.

The outcome cements the APC’s hold on Ekiti State and gives Oyebanji a fresh mandate to continue his administration for another four-year term.

The election was largely decided by the governor’s overwhelming lead across the state, leaving his opponents trailing by wide margins in virtually every local government area. Franktalknow.

FG releases N21.2m Ebola preparedness fund to each state

 

The Federal Government has approved the release of N21.2 million to each state of the federation to boost preparedness against the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) and other emerging public health threats.

 

The funding, approved by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Mohammed Pate, represents 50 per cent of the State Outbreak Investigation and Response Fund allocation and will be disbursed through the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund framework.

 

According to the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the intervention forms part of ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and rapid response systems amid concerns over potential public health threats.

 

The ministry noted that the initiative complements broader national preparedness measures, including the activities of the Presidential Task Force on Ebola Preparedness and Other Health Threats, chaired by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

 

Despite the absence of any confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria, the government said proactive measures were necessary to ensure the country remains prepared to prevent, detect and respond effectively to any outbreak.

 

The funds are expected to support state governments in strengthening surveillance systems, improving response mechanisms and enhancing public health emergency management capabilities.

 

The minister also directed all beneficiary states to retire both current and previously released outbreak response funds within six months and adhere strictly to financial accountability and reporting guidelines.

 

Pate said the approval reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health while ensuring transparency and prudent management of public resources.

 

He reaffirmed the Federal Government’s resolve to strengthen national health security through sustained investments in disease prevention, detection and response mechanisms across the country. Starnews.

 

Qua’an-Pan Council Boss bags Award, credits Gov Mutfwang, constituents

 

By Okey Muogbo

Executive Chairman of Qua’an-Pan Local Government Council, Plateau State, Hon. Christopher Audu Manship has once again been honored on the national stage as he received the second highest meritorious award today.

A statement from the Media Office of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria in Abuja said the Award took place Thursday 18th June 2026, at the LOGEXA 2026 Conferment Ceremony held at the NAF Conference Centre, Kado District, Abuja.

The award, presented by The Medals Magazine under the Nigerian Local Government Excellence Award platform (LOGEXA), recognizes doggedness, integrity, selfless service and excellence in grassroots administration.

“It marks his second national recognition, a validation that excellence, when rooted in service, repeats itself and resonates beyond borders.

“Standing shoulder to shoulder with a distinguished league of grassroots leaders, Hon. Manship was decorated alongside top award-winning chairmen drawn from Lagos, Enugu, Kwara, Kaduna, Oyo, Taraba, Imo and other states whose performance has redefined what local government can mean to the people.

“The Medals Magazine brought them together under one roof not just to hand out plagues, medals and laurels, but to document a movement — a movement of chairmen who chose results over rhetoric and impact over image.

“Each pin and plaque told a story of sleepless nights, community town halls and decisions made for the many rather than the few.

“For Qua’an-Pan, the milestones that earned this second honor speak with the clarity of lived experience. Since assuming office on 9th June 2023, Hon. Manship has completed and delivered over 18 projects that touch the daily life of his people.

“These include Science laboratories equipped so students can move from theory to experiment, scholarships paid, and JAMB tuition has been cleared for candidates scoring 250 and above because talent must never be trapped by tuition.

“Others include youth and women empowerment programs which have turned potential into productivity, staff welfare prioritized, and labour relations mended with respect and fairness.

“The most profound praise comes from the streets and villages where security once held families hostage as Qua’an-Pan, once marked by kidnapping and criminality, now carries a new testimony.”

According to the statement, “residents speak of sleeping with both eyes closed, a simple phrase that carries the weight of peace restored, fear displaced, and trust rebuilt. That shift did not happen by chance. It happened by choice — the choice to govern with a heart of service and the discipline to follow through.”

Accepting the honor, Hon. Manship dedicated the award to His Excellency, Governor Caleb Mutfwang, for the vision and support that made the reforms possible, and to the constituents of Qua’an-Pan whose patience, partnership and prayers carried the mandate forward.

He pledged that the medal is not a resting place but a reinforcement — a call to deepen the work, widen the impact, and keep building a Qua’an-Pan where every child, mother, farmer and trader can thrive with dignity. Sunrisereporters.

Iran to lodge complaint with FIFA over World Cup restriction

 

 

The Iranian Football Federation has announced plans to file a formal complaint with FIFA, alleging that its national team is facing travel restrictions during the ongoing FIFA World Cup in North America.

 

The federation said it had requested permission for the team to travel from its base camp in Tijuana, Mexico, to Los Angeles two days before its Group Stage match against Belgium scheduled for Sunday, but the request was denied by tournament organisers. In the statement, a spokesperson for the federation said Iran had submitted its tournament preparation schedule well in advance but continued to face limitations affecting the team’s plans.

 

“Despite having submitted its preparation schedule for the tournament well in advance, Iran’s national football team has once again encountered restrictions imposed by the organisers, affecting the implementation of its technical staff’s plans,” the spokesperson said.

 

According to the federation, the request was aimed at allowing players sufficient time to acclimatise to local conditions, complete final training sessions and conclude preparations ahead of the match, which is scheduled to kick off at noon local time in Los Angeles. “Despite the technical reasons presented by the federation, the request was once again denied,” the statement added.

 

 

The federation said it would formally express its dissatisfaction and submit an official complaint to FIFA through the appropriate channels. Iranian officials were also reportedly unhappy after being required to leave Los Angeles immediately following their opening World Cup match, a 2-2 draw against New Zealand.

 

The United States administration has rejected suggestions that the restrictions were imposed without notice. Speaking earlier this week, Andrew Giuliani, Executive Director of the White House FIFA Task Force, said Iran had been informed in advance that its delegation would only be permitted to enter the United States one day before each match.

 

“The team will be allowed to come in, match day minus one, so the day before the match,” Giuliani told CBS News. “They’ll be asked to leave the day that the match wraps up, so the evening of the match. And they’ll be able to do that again in Los Angeles.”

 

He added that the same arrangement would apply for Iran’s final group-stage fixture against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. Iran’s participation in the tournament has been affected by wider geopolitical tensions following the recent conflict in the Middle East. Shortly before the tournament began, the team moved its training base from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, located on the US-Mexico border.

 

The federation has also claimed that up to 15 members of its delegation were denied visas to enter the United States, further complicating preparations for the tournament. Despite the challenges, Iran remains in contention in Group A and is preparing for its crucial encounter against Belgium as it seeks qualification for the knockout stages. Dailyblast.

Pregnant woman, man killed in fresh Plateau attack

 

 

Gunmen have killed two people, including a pregnant woman, in another deadly raid on Dyan community in Rim Village, Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State.

According to reports, the attackers stormed the village around 10 p.m. on Friday, firing shots indiscriminately. Residents ran for safety, but two people were gunned down.

 

The victims were identified as Mrs Happiness Pam, 32, who was pregnant, and Daniel Luka, 24.

The Berom Youth Moulders Association condemned the attack in a statement on Saturday. BYM National Publicity Secretary, Mr Rwang Tengwong, called the killings “gruesome and unacceptable.”

“It is heartbreaking that a pregnant woman carrying the hope of a family and an innocent young man with a promising future became victims of yet another senseless act of violence. These killings represent not only an attack on individuals but also an assault on the collective peace, security and humanity of our people,” Tengwong said.

The group sent condolences to the families of the deceased, the Dyan community, Rim Village, and the entire Riyom LGA.

BYM urged security agencies to track down those behind the attack and bring them to justice. It also called on the federal and Plateau State governments to act quickly to protect rural communities facing repeated violence.

Attacks in Riyom and other parts of Plateau have continued despite calls for stronger security presence in the area. GWG.