During the commemoration of World Meteorological Day in Abuja, Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), highlighted the crucial role of meteorology in building a sustainable and developed society.
Organized by NiMet and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the event aimed to ensure effective participation of youths and stakeholders by taking place ahead of the usual March 23 date, which falls on a Saturday when students are at home.
Anosike underscored the importance of meteorology in sustainable development through accurate weather forecasts, mitigating natural disaster impacts, and fostering climate-resilient communities. He reaffirmed NiMet’s commitment to protecting lives, property, and livelihoods across Nigeria.
In light of climate change and extreme weather conditions, Anosike emphasized the need to intensify efforts in building weather and climate-resilient societies. He called for empowering young minds to contribute meaningfully to climate action, emphasizing the responsibility to secure a safer, healthier world for future generations.
Bernard Gomez, WMO’s Permanent Representative for North, Central, and West Africa, highlighted the changing climate phenomenon evident in Nigeria’s shifting weather patterns, including heatwaves, thunderstorms, and dust haze. He urged NiMet to enhance vigilance and for communities to respond to weather forecasts and alerts promptly.
Gomez emphasized the importance of collaboration among stakeholders to leverage weather and climate information for a more sustainable future. Clement Onyeaso Nze, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), lauded NiMet’s partnership in providing essential data for NIHSA’s work, emphasizing meteorology’s critical role in socio-economic development across all sectors.
