The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), has called on well meaning Nigerians and institutions to invest in the nation’s future generations by creating awareness on the dangers of climate change such as extreme weather and loss of livelihoods; and providing opportunities for them to proffer solutions, as this would further make the world a safer place for all.
NiMet Director General/Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu made the call in Abuja while marking the 2023 World Meteorological Day.
He explained that the Day commemorates the coming into force on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation, adding that prior to this date, the International Meteorological Organisation existed since 1873, as a cooperation of international bodies or institutions working tirelessly together, exchanging data and making forecasts for the good of all.
Speaking further, he noted that, “As an organization of 187 Member States and 6 Member Territories, the WMO requires that all its members will operate with common vision and goals. The World Meteorological Day therefore, offers opportunity for member countries to converge ideas and resources; and align in one common thematic area.
“The ‘Day’ showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHss) such as NiMet and NIHSA (Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency) to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world”, he said.
He also noted that NiMet has placed special importance in the future generations by working with the young minds in the country, and has designed, developed and implemented a programme called Young Meteorological Ambassadors.
Prof. Matazu pointed out that the Agency has signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several universities in Nigeria to promote the science of meteorology within the academic institutions at tertiary level
Commenting further, he remarked that as an Agency, they are also working to preserve their past resources in terms of publications and instrumentation while developing new ones, thereby providing a robust knowledge base for the upcoming generations.
For his part, the WMO Representative, North Central and West Africa, Dr. Bernard Gomez, noted that the theme highlights past achievements, current progress and future potential of meteorology.
Dr. Benard, who was represented by Dr. Roland Abah, noted that the rate of climate change is accelerating and calls for urgent action to slash emissions and to ensure that future generations can both survive and thrive on our planet.
“Science and innovation are also key tools to scale up the contribution of weather and climate services to the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We all must continue to remember that Climate change threatens the achievement of many of these goals and indeed our individual plans”, he concluded.
The theme for this year’s commemoration is “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water Across Generations”.
