The director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike has expressed his confidence in the agency’s potential and its ability to remain a major force in the nation’s affairs.
Anosike, who was speaking during the culmination of a three-day management retreat in Abuja, said the retreat served as a platform for leaders within NiMet to share insights, articulate plans and collectively steer the agency towards a trajectory of renewed vigour and efficiency.
The retreat, a gathering of directors, general managers, deputy general managers and other senior staff, provided a unique opportunity for participants to delve into the intricacies of their respective directorates and units. Work plans for 2024, revenue windows and new opportunities took centre stage as the NiMet team engaged in spirited discussions to shape the path ahead.
The DG, in his address, lauded the abundant talents within NiMet, citing the brilliant ideas and enthusiasm that permeated the retreat. His optimism rested on the conviction that the agency’s future is not just promising but assured. “Our collective efforts will help us deliver a newly repositioned NiMet and help us serve our stakeholders better,” he asserted.
He urged the NiMet team to align their efforts with the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a vision that has been consistently shared by the Minister of Aviation, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN. “There will always be challenges, but we should see such as opportunities in the external environment. Let us all work with and support one another. The President and our minister have so much expectations from us,” Anosike emphasised.
As the retreat concluded, the director-general expressed confidence in the team’s ability to translate the insights gained into actionable strategies. “I believe that we will all go back to our offices and cascade the various learnings down to our teams, especially as we prepare to launch the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), our annual flagship programme of forecasts to warn and advise farmers, Nigerians and other sectors of the economy.”
Highlighting the importance of internal issues raised during the retreat, Anosike assured that NiMet’s management would urgently address welfare concerns and prioritise mentorship, talent management, training and sustained career development for meteorologists.
Guest speaker and former director-general of NiMet, Dr. Anthony Anuforom emphasised the significance of teamwork and inter-directorate collaboration. “We can all achieve more as a team. I am very proud of all of you and wish staff of NiMet continued success,” he remarked.
The director of engineering and technical services, Engr. Abdulkareem Hamid termed the retreat successful. “The learnings will sharpen the work of the agency. The take-home message is for all to place the interest of NiMet first above personal interests. All staff should internalise this.”
The director of human resources, management and administration, Dr. Nasiru Sani noted that the retreat had provided new directors with insights into NiMet’s operations, fostering a spirit of teamwork within the agency.
The director of research and training, Prof. Peter Odjugo urged participants to disseminate the knowledge gained during the retreat across their respective directorates, ensuring that NiMet’s new direction becomes a collective journey.
The retreat marked a significant milestone for NiMet, offering a glimpse into its aspirations and a roadmap for future accomplishments.
As Anosike steers the helm of the agency, the echoes of collaboration, optimism and commitment reverberate, painting a portrait of NiMet’s journey towards a radiant and promising future.
