News

Harmattan: residents worry as freezing weather persists in Plateau

Published

3 years ago

January 6, 2023

vicky

Residents of Jos, the Plateau State capital, have expressed worry over the persistent freezing weather in the area as the harmattan season continues.

According to them the sudden drop in temperature began in December ending, adding that it was compelling them to remain indoors in the mornings, as the freezing cold being experienced within and outside the state capital was alarming.

Almost everyone you see in the house or outside is wearing a heavy cardigan that will hold body heat.

Meanwhile, as the freezing temperature is biting harder, sellers of warm second-hand clothes such as jackets, sweaters, and socks, among others, are enjoying brisk business.

Muhammed Shittu, a resident of Jos, while sharing his experience, said, “Actually, it is not easy for me today because everywhere is cold. It is chilly, and that is why I can’t go out now. I will remain indoors until later in the day.”

Another Jos resident, Joshua Odidi, said, “The sudden change in the weather condition is worrisome. It is not easy to wake up in the morning and do house chores, especially where it requires that you touch water. Seeing me in my cardigan now will prove to you that it is very cold.”

Onoja Desmond Sunday, head of the Water Resources Unit of the National Centre for Remote Sensing in Jos, said certain reasons have contributed to the sudden change in temperature in the state.

He said, “The Northwest trade wind, which is the harbinger of the harmattan, has peculiarities such as a cold, dusty, dry and hazy wind from the north.

“Its source is from the tropical air mass temperature of the Pacific and a result of strong pressure which flows across the Sahara Desert.

“Plateau being the corridor of this trade wind, experiences the wind at this period of the year. As the wind ascends the elevation before getting to the Plateau at a higher altitude, which is even more than 1000 meters above sea level, the cold air mass of the North West trade wind suddenly drops further in temperature because of the lapse rate (drop in temperature with height).

News

Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 gas turbines unchecked at its Mississippi data center

Published

27 minutes ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

Elon Musk’s xAI is running nearly 50 natural gas turbines at its Mississippi data center, power plants that the state is currently not regulating thanks to a loophole.

The power plants are considered “mobile” by the state of Mississippi because they are sitting on flatbed trailers, thus allowing them to dodge to air pollution regulations for one year. The NAACP, which has filed a lawsuit on behalf of residents in the area, says the unchecked emissions from the turbines is worsening air quality in an already polluted region. This week, it asked the court for an injunction against xAI.

At issue is the “mobile” nature of the turbines. The Southern Environmental Law Center, which filed the lawsuit on behalf of the NAACP, says the turbines are being operated in violation of federal law, which says that power plants mounted on a trailer can still be considered stationary and subject to air pollution regulations.

XAI has been granted permits for 15 of its turbines. A Greater Memphis Chamber of Commerce press release previously said that “about half” of the 35 turbines in operation in May 2025 would remain on site. However, xAI has continued to install more. Currently, it’s operating 46, according to a local news report.

News

Plateau relaxes curfew in Jos North after attack by bandits

Published

1 hour ago

May 13, 2026

Preport

The Plateau State Government has reviewed the curfew imposed on Jos North Local Government Area following a satisfactory security assessment carried out in the affected area.

This was disclosed on Wednesday by Joyce Ramnap, the commissioner for information and communication.

According to her, the decision followed a satisfactory assessment of the security situation in the area.

“Curfew earlier imposed on the area is hereby further relaxed. Effective Wednesday, May 13, 2026, the curfew will now run from 10:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily,” Ms Ramnap said.

“Residents are advised to continue to comply strictly with the directive and cooperate with security agencies,” she added.

She urged residents to remain law-abiding, vigilant, and report suspicious activities to security agencies, while appreciating their cooperation and understanding.

Ms Rambap also advised residents to report suspicious activities to security agencies.

The curfew was imposed following a deadly attack in Angwan Rukuba community where more than 30 persons were killed in the attack.