By Favour Nnabugwu
In the celebration of the World Metorologic Al Organisation, the Director- General of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMet, Prof Mansur Bako Matazu appealed to the over187 Member States and 6 Member Territories, of the large house to operate with common vision and goals.
The WMO with the theme for 2023 is “The future of weather, climate and water across generations” said that Nigeria joined them in the Organisation’s celebration of World Meteorological Day
“The World Meteorological Day therefore, offers opportunity for member countries to converge ideas and resources; and align in one common thematic area”
He said that the agency ensure to bring young people into the agency and as such, “I therefore encourage us as institutions and individuals to invest in our future generations, creating awareness on the dangers of climate change such as extreme weather and loss of livelihoods; and providing opportunities for them to proffer solutions thereby making the World a safer place for All. We must catch them young.”
“We have signed Memorandum of Understandings (MoUs) with several universities in Nigeria to promote the science of meteorology within the academic institutions at tertiary level.To support national and regional development, “
“Over the years, society as well as science has evolved. Technology has allowed us to modernise the way activities are conducted in a more concise and efficient manner.”
“We have witnessed the transition from an analogue society to a digital one, and the evolvement is expected to continue. In the same way, the world climate has transited from variability to change while variability still continues within different climate environment.”
NiMet, Matazu had continued to render services in support of aviation, agriculture, construction, tourism, defence, water resources management, telecommunications, environment, communications, etc.
Also speaking, the WMO representative in North, Central and West Africa, Dr Bernard Gomez said the WMO anniversary also serves extreme, our ocean is as a reminder of our changing climate.
“Our weather is more warmer and more acidic, and sea levels have risen. Cyclone Freddy in southern Africa which claimed over 200 lives and caused significant damage to property, is astark reminder of the threat from the climate system.
He recalled that in 2022, Nigeria lost over 600 lives due to unprecedented flooding.
“The rate of change is accelerating. and we need urgent action now to slash emissions and to ensure that future generations can both survive and thrive on our planet”
“The good news is that rapid scientific and technological advances have greatly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. Therefore, no one should be left
behind, regarding access to weather and climate information’
While appraising the feats of NiMet, Gomez posited that NiMet has done well in developing business ventures with partners
To improve the quality and availability of Earth observation data, WMO, other UN Agencies and Partners have established the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) programme to support least developed countries to bridge gaps in the generation and provision of weather and climate information and services.
“I am pleased to note that NiMet has signed an MoU with the SOFF Secretariat as one of the technical partners that will support some countries participating in the SOFF programme. This is indeed a testament to NiMet’s growing capacity and professionalism within the global
community.”
He said, “To improve the quality and availability of Earth observation data, WMO, other UN Agencies and Partners have established the Systematic Observations Financing Facility (SOFF) programme to support least developed countries to bridge gaps in the generation and provision of weather and climate information and services”
“This is indeed a testament to NiMet’s growing capacity and professionalism within the global community”.
