Reason for commemorating the day ahead of the usual 23rd day of March was to ensure effective participation of young ones and other stakeholders
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) have commemorated 2024 World Meteorological Day.
At the event held on Thursday, 21st of March at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja, the Director General/ Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, said the reason for commemorating the day ahead of the usual 23rd day of March was to ensure effective participation of young ones and other stakeholders. March 23rd falls on Saturday when students will be at home.
Professor Anosike said; “We recognize the indispensable role of meteorology in building a sustainable developed society. From providing accurate weather forecasts to mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, as well as building climate resilient societies, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods across the country”.
Continuing, he said that; “Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, exacerbating extreme weather events, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering vulnerable communities. In the face of these challenges, it has become imperative that we increase our efforts towards building a weather and climate-resilient society”.
“We must not relent at encouraging our young minds to build their capacity for meaningful contributions to effective climate actions that is impactful and measurable”.
Concluding, Professor Anosike quoted the Secretary-General of WMO, Prof. Celeste Saulo in his World Meteorological Day 2024 who said; “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”.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Representative of WMO for North, Central and West Africa, Mr Bernard Gomez said; “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 can face across the country. 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”.
Mr Gomez charged all, “to commit to working together – governments, scientists, communities, individuals and including children – to leverage the power of weather and climate information for a more sustainable future”. While wishing all “Happy World Meteorological Day 2024”, he also commended the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO, Prof. Charles Anosike, for the strong partnership with WMO.
“We are highly grateful for the support given to members and to WMO. As Prof. Anosike will soon be taking his seat in the Executive Council of WMO, he will be better informed of the achievements but also the challenges facing the community, specifically our region and I am sure he would continue to support less endowed nations for the benefit of a stronger community”, Mr Gomez concluded.
In his goodwill message, the Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Engr Clement Onyeaso Nze, said; “NiMet has been a very good partner to NIHSA providing data for NIHSA to do its work. We appreciate NiMet for all they do for the country. We will keep on partnering them for the socio-economic development of the country. Meteorology is a very serious business which cuts across all sectors. NiMet details the impact of climate and weather change in their annual seasonal climate prediction (SCP) programme. Even the WMO appreciates what NiMet is doing, helping other African countries in their meteorological forecasts”.
There were poetry and drama performances by students from Anglican Girls Grammar School Gudu, Holy Family College Kuje, Government Secondary School Gwagwalada, and Government Science & Technical College Abaji to commemorate the day.