By Bonaventure Phillips Melah

Federal government has approved the Reviewed Scheme of Service for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), marking a landmark and progressive move that would further amplify momentum to the ongoing rebirth and secure fair wages, with the overall aim of empowering Nigeria achieve its target on climate and weather.

The approval was communicated to the Director General of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike through a letter by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and signed on behalf of the Director, Organisation Design and Development.

Titled- Re-Approval and Forwarding of the Reviewed Schemes of Service for the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), the letter which was dated July 9, 2026, stated that the approval was granted, after relevant officers of government undertook a preliminary engagement and an extensive field study in accordance with the approved Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the review of Schemes of Service.

According to the letter- “The review established, among others, the need to align the Agency’s Schemes of Service with current developments in the Federal Public Service, address identified identity deficiencies in some cadres, strengthen career progression opportunities for staff, and adequately reflect the specialized mandates and operational peculiarities of the Agency as Nigeria’s apex meteorological institution.

“Consequently, the reviewed Schemes of Service have been approved to provide an appropriate career structure for the Agency, incorporating the Junior, Intermediate and Professional/Officer cadre categories in line with extant policies. The approved Schemes also accommodate the Agency’s peculiar professional cadres while ensuring that the adopted service-wide cadres remain consistent with the extant Approved Schemes of Service for the Federal Public Service.

“You are accordingly requested to ensure strict implementation of the approved Schemes of Service in accordance with the provisions contained therein and all extant Public Service Rules, Establishment Circulars, Guidelines and other relevant regulations governing appointments, promotions, career progression, conversion/upgrading and other personnel matters in the Federal Public Service.

“Kindly note in particular that officers in the Junior and Intermediate cadres shall only progress beyond their terminal grades upon acquiring the prescribed Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent qualification from recognized institutions through the approved conversion/upgrading process, subject to extant rules and relevant Circulars,” the letter stated, adding that a copy of the approved Reviewed Schemes of Service was enclosed for guidance and necessary implementation.

It would be recalled that the government had, in April this year, approved a new unified salary structure alongside updated condition of service for NiMet staff which took effect June 1st and marked a formal adjustment to the remuneration framework for NiMet personnel.

These approvals by government have, no doubt, helped fire the resolve of the agency’s management and strengthened its capacity and power, leading to the unprecedented achievements being recorded by the current management.

As an agency whose mandate and work schedule benefits several sectors, including farmers and agriculture sector in general, aviation, maritime and many others, approval of the Reviewed Scheme of Service for NiMet’s workers, is a forward-looking decision towards transforming Nigeria’s climate commitments into tangible, sustainable action.

The approvals are further practical testimonials of government’s commitment to ensuring that NiMet achieves its core mandates which include advising the Federal Government on all aspects of meteorology and policy formulation; providing accurate and timely weather and climate forecasts critical for aviation, maritime operations, agriculture and disaster management; Observing, collating, and disseminating meteorological and climate data for national and international use; as well as supporting research and improving national preparedness for climate related challenges, among others.

Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, has urged celebrity singer and leading Afrobeats artists, including Damini “Burna Boy” Ogulu, David “Davido” Adeleke, and Ahmed “Asake” Ololade—to increase their support for the country’s less privileged citizens.

Speaking at the launch of a national community food bank in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Saturday, Mrs Tinubu emphasised that while personal success is laudable, there is a pressing need for influential figures to contribute to social welfare. Citing Akon’s philanthropic work as a benchmark, she encouraged artists to establish foundations to assist people experiencing poverty directly.

“The burden on the government is huge; you can still help,” Mrs Tinubu stated, noting that music stars have the means to make a significant impact. She added that this support could directly assist those engaged in micro-enterprises, such as selling peppers, vegetables, and traditional foodstuffs.

Addressing the public reaction to her previous comments on the informal economy, the First Lady reiterated the importance of valuing honest labour. She recounted the success of a young graduate in Abuja who, unable to find formal employment, began selling akara (bean cakes). After receiving additional equipment through a support programme, his business expanded to support 12 employees. “Once, I read an article about a young graduate who said he didn’t get a job… he now has 12 workers working under him. And he’s doing very, very well,” she said.

During the event, Mrs Tinubu announced a fresh phase of the ‘Renewed Hope’ initiative. A donation of ₦100 million has been made to the office of the First Lady of Kogi State to provide ₦50,000 grants to 2,000 small-scale traders. The initiative aims to support these entrepreneurs in recapitalising their businesses and improving their economic independence.

…..GMD, Plant Director, Others Bag traditional titles

Nigeria’s healthcare sector received a major boost on Friday as Dangote Cement Plc commissioned a multimillion naira hospital in Obajana, Kogi State.

The commissioning ceremony also featured the conferment of traditional chieftaincy titles on the Group Managing Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Arvind Pathak, the Plant Director of the Obajana Plant, Engr Azad Nawabuddin, Head of Social Performance, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, General Manager Social Performance, Obajana, Ademola Adeyemi, Head Human Resource and Admin and Dangote Packaging Limited, Bashir Uba.

Mr. Pathak was conferred with the prestigious title of Mayegun of Obajana Kingdom, while Engr. Nawabuddin and Mr. Olayiwola received the traditional titles of Babagunwa and Adeyanju, respectively. Mr. Ademola was honoured with the title of Imokan of Obajana, while Mr. Bashir was installed as the Eri-Oba of Obajana Kingdom.

The new hospital is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme designed to improve access to quality healthcare for residents of Obajana and neighbouring communities.

The Bajana of Obajana, Engr Idowi Isenibi, described the project completion as a dream come true, adding that his community will protect the facility and the equipment, and ensure that it serve the purpose.

“Dangote is a blessing to this community,” he said.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Acting Plant Director of Dangote Cement Plc, Obajana Plant, Engr. Panjala Sreedhar, said the project was conceived after extensive consultations and community needs assessments that identified healthcare as a major priority.

He explained that the Cottage Hospital was built to provide comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare services, reducing the burden on residents who previously travelled long distances to access medical treatment.

“The Obajana Cottage Hospital is a direct response to the healthcare needs identified through our engagements with the Obajana community. The facility is designed to provide comprehensive primary and secondary healthcare services to residents of Obajana and surrounding communities,” Sreedhar said.

According to him, the facility is equipped with male, female and children’s wards, private wards, consulting rooms, a meeting room, 19 sanitary facilities, digital blood pressure monitoring devices, a dedicated borehole water supply and other essential medical infrastructure.

He expressed confidence that the hospital would improve maternal and child healthcare, strengthen healthcare delivery and enhance the overall wellbeing of residents in Obajana and surrounding communities.

Sreedhar noted that Dangote Cement has consistently invested in education, healthcare, infrastructure, youth empowerment and livelihood programmes across Obajana, Oyo, Iwaa, Apata and Jakura communities through continuous engagement with stakeholders.

He announced that the company has also approved additional projects, including ICT centres for Oyo and Iwaa communities, electrification projects in Jakura, vocational and skills acquisition programmes for youths, perimeter fencing of the Obajana Cultural Heritage Site and fencing of the UBE Secondary School in Apata.

The Acting Plant Director reaffirmed the company’s commitment to sustaining strong partnerships with its host communities and creating shared value through impactful development projects.

He also appreciated Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for providing an enabling environment for businesses to thrive, saying the administration’s support has contributed significantly to the growth of Dangote Cement’s operations in Kogi State.

Speaking on behalf of Governor Ododo, the Special Assistant on Corporate Social Responsibility, Hon. Paul Sunday, commended Dangote Cement for its sustained investments in community development and urged the company to provide medical personnel to operate the facility pending the deployment of health workers by the local government.

Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Council, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu, described the hospital as a major intervention that would improve healthcare access for residents, urging members of the community to make effective use of the facility.

Adamu also appealed to Dangote Cement to sustain its support for local security outfits, particularly vigilante groups operating within the Obajana community, to further strengthen peace and security.

The Obaro of Kabba and Chairman of the Okun Traditional Council, His Royal Majesty Oba Solomon Owoniyi, praised the company for delivering the healthcare project, noting that although a general hospital would have been preferable, the Cottage Hospital remained a significant contribution to community development.

The royal father urged the people of Oworo land to take ownership of the facility by ensuring its proper maintenance while pledging the support and cooperation of the host community.

Group Head, Socio-Performance, Dangote Cement Plc, Mr. Wakeel Olayiwola, said the cordial relationship between the company and its host communities made the project possible, adding that the company had taken note of the observations and requests made by stakeholders.

Mr. Olayiwola disclosed that since 2025, Dangote Cement has expanded its Corporate Social Responsibility programmes beyond its immediate host communities, assuring residents that the company would continue to undertake projects that improve lives and support sustainable community development.

General Manager Social Performance, Obajana Plant, Ademola Adeyemi, said the company has several other programmes lined up for execution as CSR and those contained in the Community Development Agreement (CDA).

Hec thanked the traditional leaders for the titles conferred on management staff, saying it will spur the company to do more, as it enjoys peaceful relations.