The director-general of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike has emphasised the agency’s commitment to providing early weather and climate warnings to farmers through its university network programme.
Anosike made this statement during the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between NiMet and Greenfield University, Kaduna State, on Monday, March 5, 2024.
Anosike underscored the program’s objective to reach farmers in university vicinities, ensuring they receive timely weather information crucial for optimising agricultural yields. Speaking on NiMet’s dedication, he urged all parties involved in the MoU to fulfill their obligations, emphasising the agency’s role in safeguarding citizens against the impacts of climate and weather disasters.
“NiMet is fully committed to assisting farmers with weather information to ensure food security. This is a key component of the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government,” Anosike affirmed.
The signed MoU outlines collaborative efforts between NiMet and Greenfield University, encompassing data sharing, staff development, and the establishment of an automatic weather observatory within the university premises. The weather observatory will integrate with NiMet’s network of weather stations, transmitting valuable data to the agency’s central server for comprehensive analysis, benefiting Nigerians and critical sectors.
Acknowledging NiMet’s proactive approach, the vice-chancellor of Greenfield University, Prof. John Aiyedogbon, along with key university officials, commended Anosike and NiMet’s management for presenting the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP). Aiyedogbon highlighted the SCP’s role in better preparing various sectors, particularly agriculture, for potential weather-induced disasters.
Expressing anticipation for a fruitful collaboration, Aiyedogbon stated, “We will leverage the university’s network of collaborations and influence to support the development of meteorology within the university’s area of influence.”
The MoU signing ceremony, witnessed by NiMet’s director of legal services, Shola Gabriel and other agency staff, marked a crucial step towards enhancing meteorological support for sustainable agriculture. Anosike and Vice-Chancellor John Aiyedogbon sealed the partnership on behalf of NiMet and Greenfield University, respectively.
