By George George Idowu
The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosika has called all on all relevant stakeholders to increase their efforts towards building weather and climate resilient society.
He made this call during the celebration of World Meteorological Day (WMD) on Thursday with the theme: “At the Frontline of Climate Action.”
He stressed that this year’s event was done in order to ensure effective participation of young ones and stakeholders alike.
Recall that WMD is usually commiserated on the 23rd of March every year, and it is done to commemorate the establishment of the WMO in 1950.
His words: “It has become imperative that we increase our efforts towards building weather and climate-resilient society, enhance our preparedness for weather-related disasters, and promote sustainable development practices at all levels of government.”
Anosika said there is a need to sustain awareness and continuous education on climate and climate change related issues.
According to him, one of the ways in achieving this continuous education is by catching the young ones at a tender age. And encouraging them to build their minds and capacity for meaningful contributions to effective climate actions that are impactful and measurable.
He highlighted one of the initiatives put in place by Nimet “Our Young Meteorological Ambassador Programme.” Which he said is already making a huge impact in society at large.
He further called on all everyone to reaffirm their commitment to the principles of scientific excellence, collaboration, and innovation.
He urged everyone to leverage the global power and connection of meteorology to address the pressing challenges being faced and to create a more just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
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Earlier, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO), Prof. Celeste Saulo, in his WMD message, stated that “The lives of future generations are in our hands. Our efforts today will ensure a safer, healthier world for future generations—a world where children thrive in harmony with nature.”
The representative of the Secretary-General, Bernard Gomez, said WMO is committed to continue working with each National Meteorological and Hydrological Service to make sure that the climate value cycle is impactful at national, regional, and global levels.
According to him, continuous collaboration with all meteorological agencies will foster inclusivity and sustainable pathways. He added that the recent fluctuations in the weather witnessed in Nigeria, during this transition from dry to rainy season, clearly demonstrate the extreme weather events that we face across the country.
He therefore called on Nimet to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.
Gomez said: “The shifting weather phenomena from heat waves, thunderstorms and thick dust haze happening within a short period, are indicative of a changing climate which calls for concerted efforts by NiMet to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts.”
He reiterated that the theme of this year’s WMD “At the Frontline of Climate Action” reminds us that accurate weather and climate information are at the heart of effective climate action.
He also advocated for early warning signs initiative stressing that the initiative complements the theme for this year’s WMD.
”The “Early Warnings for All” initiative embarked on perfectly complements this theme. It underscores the vital role of accessible, timely weather information in saving lives and livelihoods. From farmers planning their harvests to communities preparing for extreme weather events, early warnings empower informed decision-making,” He said.
Gomez said the issue of NFACS has been presented to the United Nations resident coordinator. “I am pleased to inform the gathering that we have presented this issue to the UN Resident Coordinator, and efforts are ongoing with the various national authorities towards the review, updating, and approval of the NFACS.
“An operational NFACS will see every inhabitant of this country provided with accurate and fit-for-purpose weather, water, and climate services. This will not only ensure the safety of lives from climate-related hazards but would enhance socio-economic development and prosperity,” he added.
The WMD climax with several students from various schools advocating for government, agencies, and individuals to prioritize the issue of climate change by using poetry and drama.
