In a significant development aimed at advancing weather and climate information, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka have inked a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to construct a weather station within the university premises.
During the MoU signing ceremony, the director-general of the agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed the agency’s commitment to enhancing the dissemination of timely weather and climate information to farmers and other stakeholders in Anambra State and beyond. He hailed the collaboration with Unizik as a noteworthy achievement that would contribute to the effective delivery of NiMet’s seasonal climate prediction (SCP) to various users.
Anosike conveyed gratitude to the signatory on behalf of the Unizik Governing Council, Prof. Charles Esimone and emphasised the university’s pivotal role in leveraging the benefits of weather and climate information. He underscored the significance of the partnership in facilitating valuable insights for farmers and other end-users.
In response, Esimone expressed appreciation for the collaborative opportunity, highlighting the landmark accomplishment represented by the MoU. He affirmed Unizik’s commitment to fulfilling the terms of the agreement, emphasising the wide-ranging benefits for local farmers, students, lecturers and researchers. He pledged to match NiMet’s financial commitments to the project and proposed involving Unizik’s Centre for Community Development (CCD) to enhance farmer education.
Esimone concluded by urging NiMet to consider training relevant Unizik staff, thereby ensuring the sustained success of the collaboration. The MoU signing ceremony was witnessed by key officials, including Prof. Ifeanyi Christian Enete from Unizik’s department of geography and meteorology, as well as directors from NiMet. The establishment of the weather station at Unizik marks a significant stride toward advancing meteorological capabilities and promoting community resilience in the face of changing weather patterns.
