Corporate giants, individuals donate over N12bn to Borno relief fund

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Tuesday to Thursday across the country. NiMet`s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja forecasts thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa and Kaduna states during the morning hours on Tuesday. According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over
NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rains across Nigeria

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, has predicted thundery and rainy weather conditions from Tuesday to Thursday across the country.

NiMet`s weather outlook released on Monday in Abuja forecasts thunderstorms over parts of Bauchi, Kebbi, Taraba, Kano, Katsina, Adamawa and Kaduna states during the morning hours on Tuesday.

According to the agency, thunderstorms are expected over the entire region later in the day.

“In the North Central region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Kogi, Benue, Plateau, Federal Capital Territory, Nasarawa and Niger states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, thunderstorms are expected over the Federal Capital Territory, Kwara, Niger, Kogi, Plateau, Benue and Nasarawa States.

“ In the southern region, there are prospects of moderate rains over parts of Ebonyi, Imo, Enugu, Oyo, Ekiti, Ondo, Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River, Rivers and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

“Later in the day, intermittent rains are expected over the entire region,” it said.

The agency envisaged thunderstorms over parts of Taraba, Adamawa, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna States in the morning hours.

According to NiMet, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Borno, Gombe, Adamawa, Taraba, Kano, Katsina and Kebbi states later in the day.

“In the North Central region, there are prospects of thunderstorms over parts of the Federal Capital Territory, Kogi, Niger and Kwara states during the morning hours.

“ While in the afternoon into evening hours, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa, Kogi, Federal Capital Territory, Kwara and Niger States.

“ In the southern region, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Edo, Cross River, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa states during the morning hours.

“Progressing into the afternoon and evening hours, thunderstorms are envisaged over the entire region,” it said.

NiMet anticipated thunderstorms over parts of Sokoto, Kebbi, Taraba and Adamawa States in the Thursday morning period.

The agency predicted thunderstorms over parts of Borno, Bauchi, Kaduna, Taraba and Adamawa States later in the day while thunderstorms are expected over parts of Nasarawa and the Federal Capital Territory.

“In the southern region, isolated thunderstorms are expected over parts of Osun, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Delta, Lagos, Rivers and Bayelsa states in the morning hours,” it said.

NiMet urged residents to avoid flood-prone areas as there is a high likelihood of urban flooding in major cities due to heavy downpours.

It advised the public to take adequate precautions as strong winds might precede the rains in areas where thunderstorms are likely to occur.

“Adhere to safety advisories issued by relevant authorities. Public and Airline operators are advised to get updated weather reports and forecasts from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.

“ Residents are advised to stay informed through weather updates from NiMet. Visit our website,” it said.

NiMet forecasts 3-day thunderstorms, rains across Nigeria

Youths in the Northern part of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Northern Youths Movement (NYM) have decried seeming sponsored smear campaign against the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, describing it as “exercise in futility.” The youths said it was clear that some people were not happy with Dr
Northern youths decry smear campaign against FIRS Chairman, Adedeji

Youths in the Northern part of Nigeria, under the aegis of the Northern Youths Movement (NYM) have decried seeming sponsored smear campaign against the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, describing it as “exercise in futility.”

The youths said it was clear that some people were not happy with Dr Adedeji’s achievements in the FIRS within his one year in office as Chairman and they were out to scandalise him, affirming that those sensible Nigerians are behind the FIRS Boss and smear campaign against him will achieve nothing.

They described a report by an online platform, alleging that the FIRS Boss was interfering with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) investigation of corruption allegation against the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Sakirat Madein, as “propaganda childishly done,” adding that “even a one year old child won’t believe such cock-and-bull story.”

In a release in Abuja on Wednesday, which was signed by its Chairman, Mallam Ishaya Jato, the NYM said “what Nigerians are interested in is whether or not Dr Zacch Adedeji is doing his job and achieving results to shore up the revenue of the country and he is doing just that.”

The youths said it was funny that they premised their falsehood on purported appointment of the former ICPC Chairman, Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, as the FIRS Chairman’s Special Adviser, asking how it has become an offense for a former ICPC Chairman to be offered an appointment to serve the country in whatever capacity.

Our question is, assuming but not conceding that Dr Zacch Adedeji actually appointed Prof. Bolaji Owasanoye, as his Special Adviser, how is that wrong? Shouldn’t someone have life again just because he once served as ICPC Chairman?

Obviously, those behind the smear campaign against Dr Adedeji must have search through his one year records in the FIRS and found nothing negative to use against him. Hence, their resolve to cooking up stories, but they have failed from the beginning because the FIRS Chairman has not been found wanting in the performance of his duties.

For instance, it is to his credit that non oil revenue has increased significantly and more than 200,000 new taxpayers and over 20 per cent increase in tax compliance were recorded as at September, this year.

It is also to his credit that the tax payment system has been simplified and unified such that taxpayers no longer need to visit FIRS offices. With the click of a button, all tax payments can be made.

Adedeji’s leadership of the FIRS simplified tax processes and payments nationwide, making them more convenient and reducing the cost of compliance and administration.

Therefore, those sponsoring publication of outright falsehood against the FIRS Chairman should know that we understand their frustrations, but we can only help by counseling them to look for something beneficial to themselves and the country to do.

Northern youths decry smear campaign against FIRS Chairman, Adedeji

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