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NiMet DG Anosike seeks closer media involvement in weather, climate report
The Director General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NIMET, Prof. Charles Anosike has hailed Nigerian journalists for their role in disseminating information on weather and climate to the public, adding that the media is a critical stakeholder in the work of the agency.
Speaking at a one-day media dialogue with the theme, “Climate and Weather Reporting For Safety of Lives” which held in Abuja on Tuesday, Anosike commended the media for reporting accurately on the nation’s weather forecasts and conditions based on data from NiMet, and charged newsmen and women on timely reports which he said was necessary to avert hazards associated with weather and climate, adding that “NiMet’s role is critical in safeguarding lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians.”
He said- “Our weather forecasts and early warnings enhance disaster preparedness, guide farming and food production, and help pilots avoid hazardous conditions.”
He stressed on the importance of the dialogue, stating that it was aimed at empowering the media and civil society organizations with the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out their vital roles more effectively.
Commenting further on the critical role of the media, he said, “The management of NiMet recognizes the importance and strategic role of the media that the success of NiMet’s mission does not rest solely on the accuracy of our scientific data and forecasts. It equally depends on the effective communication and dissemination of this information to the public, which is where you—the media and civil society groups—play an indispensable role.
The DG further highlighted the effort of NiMET in providing quality service, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, GCFR.
“Worthy of mention here, is that, within the last one year alone, we have sponsored staff to different categories of trainings within and outside the country. The above is in addition to taking necessary steps to address issues bothering on staff welfare, including the facilitation of the payment of outstanding salaries and other staff claims and benefits inherited by our management,” he said.
Earlier in his opening remark, the facilitator of the media dialogue, Mr. Bonaventure Phillips Melah, CEO of First Green White Resources and Integrated Services said the theme of the dialogue was apt considering the trend of climate change.
He said- ”The theme today is weather and climate reporting; and I consider the topic as very crucial because weather and climate have direct impact on our everyday lives.
“Because the media plays a vital role in informing the public about these critical issues, this dialogue was therefore organized in recognition of the responsibility that rests on our shoulders with regards to the safety of lives and by extension, the overall wellbeing of humanity.”
He charged participating journalists to ask questions where necessary in order to understand the technicality of weather reporting and to communicate NiMET’s predictions and reports accurately to the general public.
Melah also commented the DG of NiMET and the management for considering the media and civil society organizations as critical stakeholders.
Other speakers at the event spoke on the need for continuous media partnership in ensuring accurate and timely response to weather reports.
Resource persons who engaged participants on various topics in Mr. Ahaziah Suleiman, a former Executive Director at the Voice of Nigeria (VON), Professor Vincent Weli and Dr. Wasiu Ibrahim of the Directorate of Weather Forecasting Services (NiMet), Mrs. Glory Onyegbule, NiMet Director, Applied Meteorological Services, Dr. James Ijampy (AGM AGRO-MET) and Haruna Zakari- Technical Asst 1 to the DG/Coordinator SCP 2025.
….The Commission wants IGP to address use of excessive force by police
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu OFR, SAN, has strongly condemned the alleged extrajudicial killing of a 28-year-old Nigerian, Mene Ogidi, by a police officer, ASP Nuhu Usman, on April 26, 2026, in Efurun, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ojukwu described the incident as “deeply disturbing and a direct assault on human dignity, the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and the rule of law.”
He stressed that no Nigerian should lose their life at the hands of those sworn to protect them, reiterating that every life matters and must be protected.
According to him, “the reported action of the officer involved is condemnable, unacceptable, and completely inconsistent with the principles of justice and a civilized society.”
The statement which was signed by Hajia Fatimah Agwai Mohammed, Director, Corporate Affairs and External Linkages, quoted Ojukwu to have expressed grave concern over the recurring incidents of excessive use of force by law enforcement officers and called on the Nigeria Police Force to take urgent and decisive steps to address the issue.
He specifically urged the police authorities to subject officers deployed on special duties to periodic mental and psychological evaluations to ensure they are fit to carry arms and engage with civilians responsibly.
Dr. Ojukwu further called for the immediate disciplinary action against ASP Nuhu Usman in line with extant laws and police regulations.
He also emphasized the need for the Nigeria Police Force to fully implement the recommendations of the Commission’s Panel on Police Brutality as a necessary step toward meaningful reform and prevention of future violations.
“The Commission demands immediate arrest and a transparent investigation into the incident, dismissal of the officer involved, and swift prosecution in accordance with the law.
We hereby call for adequate compensation and justice for the family of the victim,” he stated.
He warned that justice delayed only deepens public distrust in state institutions and undermines confidence in law enforcement.
The Executive Secretary assured that the NHRC will continue to monitor the case closely and will persist in its advocacy for accountability, justice, and the protection of the fundamental rights of all Nigerians.
“Nigeria must never normalize brutality. Justice must speak louder than silence,” he concluded.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria will on Thursday, deliver judgments in two cases involving the leadership crises rocking the African Democratic Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party.
According to information on the official website of the court, the matters, listed under “Political Appeals”, have been added to the cause list for Thursday, April 30, 2026.
While judgment in the ADC matter, marked SC/CV/180/2026, has been fixed for 2 pm, there is no time yet for that if the PDP.
President Bola Tinubu has written the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of fifteen nominees to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The letter was read by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
The letter seeks the reconstitution of the commission’s board in line with statutory provisions with the list comprising nominees from diverse professional backgrounds, including the media and legal sectors.
Among the nominees are the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors and Editor, Vanguard Newspapers, Mr. Eze Anaba; and Dr. Salamatu Hussaina Suleiman, who has been proposed as chairman of the board.
The Executive Secretary of the Commission, Dr. Anthony Ojukwu (SAN) is to retain his position as the Chief Executive Officer.
Other nominees include Mrs Roseline Tasha, Ambassador Adam Yubak Baku, ACG Felix Lawrence, Mr. Edmund Chinonye, Mr. Chinonye Obiaku (SAN), Oluwakemi Asiwaju Okere-Odo, Professor Adedeji Ogunji, Kingsley Chidozie, Mohammed Adelodu, Maupe Ogun Yusuf, and Otunba Francis Meshioye as members.
Also nominated are Patience Patrick and Hawwa Ibrahim, listed as members.
The President said the nominations were made pursuant to Section 2(3) of the National Human Rights Commission (Establishment) Act, 2010, which empowers him to constitute the board subject to Senate confirmation.
He explained that the reconstitution of the board was necessary to enhance the commission’s institutional capacity and enable it to more effectively discharge its mandate to promote and protect human rights across the country.
If confirmed, the new board is expected to play a critical role in reinforcing the NHRC’s oversight functions, particularly at a time of heightened concerns over rights protection and accountability in Nigeria.
Following the presentation of the request, the Senate referred the nominations to its Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights and Legal Matters for screening and report within two weeks.
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