The Director-General and CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike says accurate weather and climate information is critical for credible sustainability financial reporting and informed investment decisions.

Anosike, who also serves as Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), made the remarks during a strategic meeting with the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) at the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) headquarters in Lagos.

The high-level session explored how climate data can be embedded into corporate sustainability and financial disclosures across Nigeria to align with global standards.

“NiMet’s data is essential for evaluating the financial impact of emission factors and guiding economic and investment outcomes. Our goal is to ensure businesses and regulators have the evidence base they need for sound, climate-aligned decisions.” Professor Anosike said.

During the meeting, NiMet presented a paper titled ‘Socio-Economic Benefits of Agricultural Meteorology in an Emerging Economy: Risks and Opportunities. The presentation highlighted how timely weather forecasts help farmers cut post-harvest losses, improve yields, and enhance food security, while outlining adaptation strategies and funding opportunities to strengthen agricultural resilience.

Welcoming the initiative, Head of the SEC Lagos Office, John Briggs stressed the importance of linking climate science with Nigeria’s capital markets.

“Integrating NiMet’s climate data into the commodity value chain at the Nigerian Exchange will strengthen transparency and boost investor confidence,” he said.

Dr. Ndidi Nnoli Edozien of the IFRS Foundation also underscored the value of credible science-backed information.

“Robust, evidence-based data underpins investor confidence and ensures alignment with global sustainability standards.” Dr. Edozien said.

Participants at the meeting agreed that while climate finance provides capital, meteorology supplies the science and data needed to direct investments effectively.

Other attendees included Professor Richard Barker, ISSB Board Member; Dr. Neil Stewart; senior SEC officials; and NiMet representatives.

The meeting reinforced meteorology’s strategic role in advancing sustainability reporting, promoting transparency, and enhancing Nigeria’s global competitiveness as the country deepens its integration into international financial and climate governance systems.

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The Director General (DG) of the Securities and Exchange Commission(SEC), Dr. Emomotimi Agama says the economic reforms introduced by President Bola Tinubu will significantly stabilise and develop the Nigerian economy. 

Dr Agama disclosed this in Kaduna at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) 23rd Convocation Lecture titled “Pathway to Economic Prosperity for a Public Servant in a Deregulated Economy”.

The lecture was part of activities lined up for graduating Cadets of the 72 Regular Course and Postgraduate Students of the military academy.

Dr Agama said President Tinubu has initiated bold and transformative reforms across key sectors to lay a solid foundation for inclusive growth and long-term sustainable development for the country. 

He said; “The government has undertaken several significant macro-fiscal reforms, including the removal of fuel subsidies, the unification of exchange rates, and the tightening of monetary policy.”

According to him, through these measures, the country has made notable progress in deregulating key sectors of the economy. 

“The bold decision to eliminate Nigeria’s long-standing fuel subsidy programme on May 29, 2023, was more than a fiscal adjustment, it marked a pivotal shift towards a deregulated economy, aimed at reducing fiscal burdens and redirecting public funds to more productive sectors.”

“The move signalled the Tinubu administration’s commitment to market liberalisation, allowing fuel prices to be determined by supply and demand rather than government control,” he explained.

Dr Agama also said; “the government has begun scaling back electricity subsidies by adjusting tariffs, a strategy designed to enhance efficiency and attract private investment into Nigeria’s power sector. “

The SEC Director General said to address rising inflation and support the naira, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has adopted a tighter monetary policy stance, notably through interest rate hikes

“These measures are part of a broader strategy to stabilise prices, restore investor confidence, and lay the foundation for a more market-oriented and resilient Nigerian economy.

“Another significant step taken by the CBN was the unification of the country’s multiple exchange rate systems, aimed at simplifying foreign exchange transactions and enhancing transparency in the currency market,” he further said.

Dr Agama also spoke on the investment opportunities in the capital market and the need for the cadets to invest to secure their future. 

He appreciated the Commandant of NDA, Major General Abdul Ibrahim for inviting him to deliver the convocation lecture, saying “it was a great opportunity to make the cadets financially literate and the value of investment to secure one’s future.”

The SEC Director General advised that while officers and men of the military battle to make the nation secure, it is important that they have a scheme behind them to sustain their families.

The Commandant NDA, Major General Abdul Ibrahim appreciated the SEC official for the incisive lecture. 

Ibrahim said the NDA has been providing primary officer training for the Nigerian Armed Forces since 1964, with a focus on producing well-rounded commissioned officers.

According to him, “the academy has adopted the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standard (CCMAS) requirements to ensure quality and competitiveness in its programmes.”

He stressed that NDA provides intensive professional training, including physical fitness, weapons handling, and tactical manoeuvres, to prepare cadets for the national defence and security challenges.

Ibrahim said “the postgraduate students undergo programmes in military science, defence and strategic studies, psychology, technology, and national development, aiming to develop students’ critical thinking and research skills.”

He said the NDA has bilateral partnerships with foreign military academies, providing opportunities for cadets to complete the final year of their training abroad and enhancing regional defence cooperation.

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna, Northwest Nigeria, has graduated 302 officers, airmen, and airwomen from various military courses during a ceremony held in the state.

Speaking as Special Guest of Honour, the Nigerian Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, commended the institute for upholding the values of discipline, academic integrity, and technological progress. 

He said that “AFIT’s reputation is anchored on excellence, strict discipline, zero tolerance for industrial strikes, and adherence to federal character principles, making it one of the most sought-after institutions of higher learning in Nigeria.”

Air Marshal Abubakar further emphasised that these values have positioned AFIT as a rallying point for technological innovation and a cornerstone of Nigeria’s defence architecture. 

CAS CELEBRATES AFIT’s LEGACY OF DISCIPLINE AND EXCELLENCE AS 302 PERSONNEL GRADUATE

For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has stood as the premier source of technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and a centre of excellence in… pic.twitter.com/LA3fvzlA5v

— Nigerian Air Force (@NigAirForce) September 10, 2025

He lauded the graduates for their dedication to service and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Air Marshal Abubakar highlighted AFIT’s growing role in national development, citing the establishment of the NASENI North-West Technology Innovation Hub on its premises as a bold step toward advancing Nigeria’s technological sovereignty. 

He also noted AFIT’s recent tuition-free training of personnel from the Nigerian Army Corps of Supply and Transport for the Army Aviation Wing, describing it as evidence of inter-service cooperation and AFIT’s expanding influence across the Armed Forces. 

Addressing the graduands, the CAS charged them to take ownership of Nigeria’s new-generation aircraft. 

“You are now the custodians of these platforms, entrusted with their safety, airworthiness, and mission readiness. The Service looks to you to apply your skills with precision, innovation, and dedication, ensuring that our assets remain combat-ready at all times,” he stated.

He further urged the graduands to remain disciplined, embrace continuous learning, and uphold the NAF’s core values of integrity, service before self, and excellence. 

“By living up to these ideals, you will not only help defeat terrorism and insurgency but also make our beloved country a bastion of peace, progress, and sustainable development,” he said.

 The CAS expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his “visionary and outstanding leadership” and unwavering support of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. 

He also commended the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence, AFIT Governing Council, and other stakeholders for their consistent oversight and contributions to the Institute’s success.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Commandant of AFIT, Air Vice Marshal Sani Labaran Rabe, expressed profound appreciation to the Chief of the Air Staff for his unwavering support of the Institute. 

He noted that under the current leadership, AFIT has witnessed remarkable growth in infrastructure, training programmes, and research initiatives, all of which continue to elevate its status as a centre of excellence. 

He assured that the Institute remains committed to producing disciplined, highly skilled professionals and driving innovations that would further enhance the operational effectiveness of the Nigerian Air Force and contribute to national development.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of gifts to outstanding awardees who distinguished themselves during the course. 

In a symbolic gesture, the Chief of the Air Staff personally presented gifts to the awardees, recalling his own days as a student of AFIT, where he emerged as the best graduating student in the Officer Engineering Course of 1992 and the best graduating student in the Aeromechanical Department. 

The ceremony, attended by dignitaries, partners, and families of the graduands, reaffirmed AFIT’s status as a centre of excellence dedicated to building the technical capacity required for national defence and regional security.

For nearly five decades, the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has provided technical manpower for the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) and expanded into a multidisciplinary centre for research and academic training.

Its work includes producing skilled professionals, conducting research, and developing solutions that support aircraft maintenance, operational readiness, and Nigeria’s efforts toward self-reliance in airpower.

The Citizenship and Leadership Training Centre (CLTC) and the Ministry of Youth Development are poised to enhance their collaboration to promote initiatives centred on youth development.

The Director-General of CLTC, Rinsola Abiola, met with the Minister of Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, during a courtesy visit to the ministry.

During the meeting, Abiola expressed appreciation to the ministry for coordinating the recently concluded capacity-building workshop at CLTC in partnership with UNFPA, describing the training as impactful for staff and instructors.

She emphasised the urgent need to revitalise the Centre, citing the reform bill before parliament, expansion of CLTC schools and facilities across the country, and improved staff welfare and infrastructure as critical areas of focus.

The DG further sought the Ministry’s support in advancing youth leadership and citizenship training while exploring sustainable models for wider reach and greater impact.

Abiola noted that the Minister was very receptive to the proposals, assuring that the collaboration would strengthen institutions and empower young Nigerians to take on leadership roles in the future.

The Nigerian Government has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing women’s empowerment, inclusive governance, and social protection through the Renewed Hope Agenda, positioning Nigeria as a continental example of inclusive development.

The Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahi made the declaration at the Women Empowerment Programme held at the Olowu Palace, Owu Kingdom, Ogun State in Southwest Nigeria on Wednesday.

“The Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is more than a policy; it is a promise. A promise that women will no longer stand at the margins, that children will no longer be left voiceless, that families will be strengthened, and that the vulnerable will be carried along as Nigeria rises to greatness,” Sulaiman-Ibrahi said.

The Minister praised Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, and the First Lady, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, for their leadership and what she described as “steadfast commitment to pro-women policies.”

“Ogun State has distinguished itself as a shining model, particularly in the implementation of the Nigeria for Women Programme… Your leadership has shown that where there is political will, transformation is inevitable,”  the Minister explained.

She further commended the Deputy Governor, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, and the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, stressing that their “dedication and vision are shaping programmes that resonate with the dreams and aspirations of women, children, and families across this state.”

Royal Palace as Catalyst for Progress

Turning to the traditional ruler, Saka Matemilola, Oluyalo Otileta VII, the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, the Minister applauded his role in blending heritage with empowerment.

She said; “By blending heritage with empowerment, you have demonstrated that culture can be a powerful ally of progress. This palace has become a beacon of inclusion and advancement for women.”

Renewed Hope Interventions and CEDAW City Status

The Minister highlighted the Federal Ministry’s Renewed Hope Social Impact Intervention Programmes–774, designed to reach all local governments nationwide.

She observed that “here in Owu Kingdom, the Olowu’s project is a powerful demonstration that traditional institutions can manifest their commitment to women in practical ways.”

Sulaiman-Ibrahi also disclosed that Ogun State had been adopted as one of seven CEDAW Cities on the margins of the 2025 CSW69 Session, describing the honour as “a model of how international commitments can be translated into local realities; empowering women, uplifting families, and strengthening communities.”

Lówù Hope Initiative Launched

The Minister expressed delight at the launch of the Lówù Hope Initiative, calling it a community-driven empowerment platform designed to provide women with access to capital, vocational skills, agricultural support, and digital literacy.

On behalf of the Ministry, she pledged concrete support saying; “We will empower three farmer women in this community under the WAVE Project. We also stand firmly behind the Women Empowerment Fund being launched today under the Lówù Hope Initiative, a wellspring through which women will gain access to capital, skills, digital literacy, and resilience.”

The Minister stressed that initiatives such as the Lówù Hope Fund would not only expand women’s economic opportunities but also strengthen households and stimulate local economies across Ogun State.

Call to Action

Sulaiman-Ibrahim urged replication of the initiative nationwide, declaring: “May this initiative ripple across Nigeria, urging other traditional institutions to follow suit and create enduring legacies for women. For when we empower women, we empower families; when we lift mothers, we lift nations; and when we restore dignity, we restore humanity.”

The event attracted top state officials, traditional leaders, partners, women leaders, and beneficiaries who described the initiative as a timely intervention to boost women’s economic independence and dignity.

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The Government of Kano State in Northwest Nigeria has entered into two significant agreements with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) of the United Kingdom.

These agreements are designed to enhance accountability, improve coordination, and optimise service delivery across several key sectors.

The pacts, signed in Kano, include the Kano State Mutual Accountability Framework (KMAF) and the Kano State Education Emergency Response Strategy.

The Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Umar Farouk, signed on behalf of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, while Cynthia Rowe, Development Director, Nigeria, British High Commission Abuja, signed for the FCDO.

Governor Yusuf described the agreements as a “historic milestone” in the state’s pursuit of transparent and inclusive governance.

He said the frameworks would address gaps in donor coordination, prevent duplication of efforts, and ensure that resources from both government and development partners deliver measurable impact.

“This mutual accountability framework provides a clear, structured platform for collaboration, ensuring every Naira and pound spent delivers tangible results.

“Today’s signing is not just a formality but a call to action a renewed social contract between government, FCDO, and the people we serve,” Yusuf said.

He commended the UK Government for its longstanding support in building institutional capacity and contributing technical and financial resources across sectors such as health, education, governance, environment, and climate change.

In her remarks, the Development Director, Nigeria, British High Commission, Cynthia Rowe, said the agreements reflect a strong partnership that has been evolving since the launch of the KMAF in 2021.

She noted that while global and national development landscapes are shifting, the UK remains committed to supporting Kano’s vision of inclusive growth.

“The UK will deepen its engagement in areas such as education, health, climate change, water and sanitation, and agriculture.

“We will also work closely with Kano to boost private sector investments through agencies like CAN Invest, to create a more resilient and fair economy,” Rowe said.

She added that tackling climate change at scale remains a mutual ambition, with the UK pledging to help Kano access climate finance and integrate climate resilience into development programs.

The signing ceremony, attended by senior government officials and development partners, was also described as a reaffirmation of shared goals between Kano State and the UK government, particularly in driving sustainable development.