News
keyamo unveils 2025 climate forecast, predicts early rains in South
By Francesca Hangeior
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, has unveiled the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, forecasting early rainfall in many southern states.
The minister made this announcement on Tuesday in Abuja during the official presentation of the 2025 SCP.
The document predicts that most parts of the country will experience significant rainfall at the beginning of 2025, with some rains likely arriving before the expected onset.
Keyamo said, “The onset of rain is predicted to be delayed over the northern and central states, including Plateau, as well as parts of Kaduna, Niger, Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Adamawa, and Kwara. Meanwhile, early onset is expected in the southern states of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi. The rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset.
“An earlier-than-average end to the rainy season is predicted in parts of Zamfara, Katsina, Kano, Kaduna, Jigawa, Plateau, Bauchi, Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Taraba, Niger, Kwara, Kogi, the FCT, Ekiti, and Ondo states.
However, a delayed end is expected in parts of Kaduna, Nasarawa, Benue, Lagos, Kwara, Taraba, Oyo, Ogun, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom, Ebonyi, Anambra, and Enugu.”
The prediction also warns of a severe dry spell lasting over 15 days in Oyo State and up to 21 days in parts of northern Nigeria during the June-July-August season.
“The little dry season, known as the ‘August break,’ is expected to begin in late July and will be severe in parts of Lagos and Ogun states, with 27 to 40 days of little or no rainfall.
“In line with the United Nations’ Early Warnings for All Initiative, this prediction serves as an early warning tool for stakeholders, governments at all levels, and the general public to prepare for potential hazards associated with excessive or deficient rainfall, floods, extreme temperatures, and dry spells across the country,” the minister added.
The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Ibrahim Kana, highlighted the ministry’s commitment to making climate information accessible to all Nigerians.
“Today’s session is particularly special because it represents our dedication to public engagement, ensuring that the knowledge we generate benefits communities across all 36 states of the federation and the FCT,” he said.
He also noted that a summary of the SCP for policymakers, translations into Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, and Pidgin, and a comprehensive report on Nigeria’s 2024 climate demonstrate NiMet’s commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.
Also speaking at the event, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Charles Anosike, stressed that the SCP is time-sensitive and requires immediate action from stakeholders.
“As with all weather and climate predictions, the Seasonal Climate Prediction is perishable and requires stakeholders to use the information promptly, implement necessary measures, and provide feedback for evaluation and improvement,” he noted.
By Francesca Hangeior
President Bola Tinubu has stated that the Federal Government is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child, even as he said plans have been concluded to establish a Child Protection and Development Agency to coordinate all issues affecting Nigerian children in a unified and focused manner.
Tinubu spoke on Thursday during the first regional meeting of the Africa Pathfinder Countries of the Global Alliance on Ending Violence Against Children.
The event was held at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. The president was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima.
Tinubu said his administration is taking concrete steps to protect the dignity and future of every Nigerian child.
“Our legal frameworks reflect our conviction. From the Child Rights Act to the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, Nigeria has laid down the statutory foundation for the protection of children.
“But legislation alone does not shield the vulnerable — it is the will behind those laws, and the systems that enforce them, that make the difference.
“That is why our national strategy also embraces prevention and early intervention.
“We are strengthening families and communities through programmes that promote positive parenting, challenge harmful social norms, and provide targeted support to vulnerable households. But we must be honest with ourselves. We cannot protect the child by merely reciting the anthems of their struggles or romanticising their vulnerability, Tinubu said.
He stated that the real hope lies in action — concrete, deliberate action.
“Our commitment must run deep, reaching into the very architecture of our education and health systems. This is the soul of our human capital development strategy,” he said.
Tinubu added that every Nigerian child should grow and learn in a safe environment.
“We aim to ensure that every Nigerian child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive in a safe and nurturing environment. This is not simply a policy objective; it is a moral obligation.
“We are investing in safe schools and embedding socio-emotional learning into our national curriculum.
“We are rolling out the National Guidelines on Alternative Care to ensure that even children without parental care are raised in love, safety, and stability,” he said.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, on Friday announced the release of the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, results.
The board disclosed that it is withholding the results of 39,834 candidates over issues relating to examination irregularities.
Recall that over 1.9 million applicants participated in the just-concluded exercise.
JAMB also disclosed that 80 suspects across the country are currently under interrogation for examination fraud, with Anambra State leading the pack with 14 suspects.
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated this on Friday while officially releasing the 2025 UTME.
He also disclosed that while 467 underage candidates met the prescribed minimum score, 50 were engaged in cheating scandal.
A press conference to this effect is ongoing.
Details coming…
The Oloba of Oba-Ile in Akure North Council Area of Ondo State, Oba Joseph Oluwadare Agunbiade, Otutubiosun 1
has joined his ancestors.
Oba Agunbiade who passed on Friday morning reigned for 39 years .
He was aged 84 years.
Sources told newsmen that traditional announcement of the monarch’s demise is however being awaited.
Details shortly…
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