The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Advocacy for Women with Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI) to provide critical weather and climate information to persons with disabilities in Nigeria.
This partnership underscores NiMet’s commitment to ensuring vulnerable groups, especially those with disabilities, receive timely early warnings about extreme weather conditions to better prepare for climate-related challenges.
Speaking at the signing event, director-general of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike highlighted the agency’s dedication to inclusivity, stating, “NiMet takes social issues, including those affecting people with disabilities, very seriously.” He assured the integration of AWWDI into NiMet’s programs, emphasising that resilience in communities fosters unity and collaboration in the fight against climate change.
Executive director of AWWDI, Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson expressed gratitude for NiMet’s warm reception and their shared commitment to addressing climate change impacts on the disabled community. She pointed out the unique challenges faced by this group, including physical and communication barriers and stressed the importance of inclusion in climate discourse.
The partnership, funded by the Disability Rights Fund, focuses on crafting climate change policies with an emphasis on women and girls with disabilities. This collaboration signifies a crucial step toward ensuring that Nigeria’s disabled community is equipped with tools to face the growing threats of climate change, bridging gaps in awareness and accessibility.
The MoU represents a significant stride toward inclusive governance, making climate resilience a shared responsibility across all sectors of society.
