General News
NIMET DEBUNKS ₦5TRN LOSS ALLEGATIONS, FAULTS MEDIA REPORT
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has dismissed reports alleging that Nigerian farmers lost about N5 trillion due to poor weather forecasting, describing the claims as false, alarmist and without empirical backing.
NiMet said the publications by The Nation (February 2, 2026) and Daily Trust (February 3, 2026), which attributed the claims to the Foundation for Peace Professionals, lacked verifiable data, transparent methodology or independent validation.
In a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday and signed by Rabiatu Lawal Ado, Acting Head of the Public Relations Unit, the agency described the reports as a campaign of calumny capable of misleading the public and undermining confidence in national institutions.
“The assertion that farmers lost nearly N5 trillion in productive capital as a result of NiMet’s weather forecasts is completely unfounded and economically irresponsible,” the statement said.
NiMet stated that it has, for over 140 years, provided credible weather and climate services that support policy formulation and decision-making across critical sectors, particularly agriculture.
The agency noted that assessments by development partners, the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), industry stakeholders and farmers across the six geopolitical zones have consistently rated NiMet’s forecast accuracy above the 60 per cent benchmark, with recent performance exceeding 90 per cent.
It explained that its Seasonal Climate Predictions, early warning alerts and localized agro-meteorological advisories enable farmers to make informed decisions on planting periods, crop selection, irrigation planning and risk management.
According to NiMet, these services are disseminated through state governments, agricultural extension services, traditional media and digital platforms to ensure nationwide coverage.
The agency also cited findings from the 2025 Wet Season Agricultural Performance Survey in Nigeria, conducted with key stakeholders across the agricultural value chain, which recorded increased crop yields and livestock production nationwide.
The survey showed higher production of major crops including rice, maize, cowpea, yam, cassava and groundnut compared to 2024, as well as a decline in food prices across all zones, reflecting improved supply conditions.
Reaffirming its commitment to food security, climate resilience and sustainable agricultural development, NiMet said it would not be distracted by sensational narratives.
The agency urged the media and civil society groups to engage responsibly and ensure public commentary is guided by facts and verified evidence.
The monarch of Ozoro Kingdom in Delta State has denied any prior knowledge of a controversial festival linked to the alleged abuse of women and girls, as outrage continues to trail the incident across Nigeria.
The traditional ruler, His Royal Majesty Anthony Ogbogbo, made the clarification when a delegation from the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) visited his palace following reports of harassment during the ‘Alue-Do’ festival.
According to the monarch, he had never encountered such practices in his over two decades on the throne. He stated that he had “never heard that a festival is celebrated with girls being harassed or molested” in the community, distancing the palace from the widely condemned incident.
The controversy stems from viral videos showing women being chased, stripped, and assaulted by youths during the cultural event held in Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area. The disturbing footage sparked nationwide outrage and renewed concerns over gender-based violence.
During the palace visit, the NANS delegation; alongside student leaders from Southern Delta University, confirmed that some of the victims were students who had since received medical attention. While reports indicated no confirmed cases of rape, the students described the incidents as serious molestation and a violation of human dignity.
NANS condemned the attacks, describing them as a gross violation of human rights and a threat to the safety of students in the community. The association called on security agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and bring perpetrators to justice.
Meanwhile, the Delta State Government has also condemned the incident, describing it as “barbaric” and unacceptable, stressing that no cultural practice should justify violence against women. Authorities have launched investigations, with police confirming the arrest of suspects linked to the incident.
Civil society organisations, including ActionAid Nigeria, have also demanded immediate prosecution of those responsible, insisting that cultural traditions must not be used to excuse abuse or undermine the rights and dignity of women and girls.
The incident has intensified calls for stricter enforcement of laws protecting women and for a review of traditional practices that may expose individuals to harm.
The National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has confirmed that one of its officials has been taken into custody following the death of a corps member, Miss Victoria Ariyo, in Abeokuta South.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja, the NYSC described the incident as “tragic and deeply disturbing,” noting that investigations are ongoing to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The statement, signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Caroline Embu, disclosed that the staff member allegedly linked to the incident is currently in custody while relevant authorities continue their probe.
According to the scheme, it is working closely with security agencies to ensure a thorough and transparent investigation without interference.
“The management of the NYSC is deeply saddened by the loss of a corps member in Abeokuta, Ogun State, under circumstances currently being investigated,” the statement read.
The organisation extended condolences to the family of the deceased, praying for strength and comfort during the difficult period.
It also reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, stressing that the scheme maintains strict standards for both staff and corps members.
“We assure the public that we are cooperating fully with law enforcement authorities to ensure the truth is established and justice is served without fear or favour,” the statement added.
The NYSC further urged the public to refrain from speculation and allow due process to take its course, emphasising that the welfare, safety, and dignity of corps members remain a top priority.
The Delta State Police Command has arrested 11 additional suspects in connection with the sexual assault of women in Ozoro, bringing the total number of persons in custody to 15.
Police Public Relations Officer, Bright Edafe, disclosed the development in a statement on Saturday, noting that the arrests followed a detailed review of video evidence and intelligence by operatives.
According to him, the suspects include Samson Atukpodo, Steven Ovie, Ugbevo Samson, Afoke Akporobaro, Evidence Oguname, and six others.
The Command stated that preliminary investigations, under the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Aina Adesola, revealed that the acts were carried out by criminal elements who took advantage of the situation to perpetrate sexual violence.
Police authorities emphasised that the actions were in no way reflective of any legitimate cultural practice.
“The Command condemns these acts in totality and remains committed to ensuring that all perpetrators are identified, arrested, and prosecuted,” the statement added, while urging victims and witnesses to come forward with useful information.
The incident has sparked widespread outrage following the circulation of a viral video showing young women being sexually harassed during a local festival in the community.
The footage was linked to the Alue-Do Festival held in Ozoro, a cultural event associated with traditional rites.
Reacting to the development, the Nigerian Bar Association described the incident as a “national disgrace,” calling for swift justice for the victims.
Similarly, the Delta State Government condemned the act, with the Commissioner for Works (Rural Roads) and Public Information, Charles Aniagwu, describing it as “barbaric and unacceptable.”
However, the leadership of Ozoro Kingdom refuted claims circulating online, stating that the incident was a misapplication of certain symbolic aspects of the Alue-Do Festival by some youths.
Earlier, the police had announced the arrest of a community head and four other suspects in connection with the case, as investigations continue.