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WMO boosts digital transformation of Hydrometeorological Services in Africa

By Favour Nnabugwu
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO), in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia through the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI), gathers decision-makers in weather, climate and water across Africa to enhance digital transformation of the Hydrometeorological Services in the Region.
The conference, which is currently ongoing from 13 -17 February 2023, will draw a strategic digital plan to enhance the capacities of Hydrometeorological Services in Africa and partnerships on the infrastructural strength of the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs).
The discussion includes partnerships in enhancing Communication in Service Delivery, Capacity Development, Research and Innovation and early warning in Africa.
The conference’s overall goal is to develop a strategy to boost the capacities of meteorological services in Africa through appropriate digital technologies for service delivery to provide early warning services for All.
According to the Secretary-General of the World Meteorological Organization, Professor Petteri Taalas, “’ Digitalization transformation of the Meteorological services in Africa will fasten data transmission speed and increase the ability to create products and services for real-time exchange of information, critical for forecasting and warnings of hydrometeorological hazards”
“By 2030 digital technologies will deliver reductions in carbon emissions equivalent nearly seven times the size of the growth in the ICT sector emissions and reduce emissions by 20% by 2050 in the highest-emitting sectors’, he added.
In his remark, the Ethiopian State
Minister for Water and Energy, H.E. Dr Abraha Adugna, noted that ‘’the frequency and intensity of hazards is significant in Africa and the impacts are having pressure in socioeconomic sectors.’’,
 ‘’The government of Ethiopia, in partnership with the Ethiopian Meteorological Institute (EMI), has established a modernized network for collecting and interpreting meteorological data for early warning services to improve lives and livelihood’’, he said.
Recently, African Governments have recognized the transformative potential of digital technologies within their countries.
They also recognize the importance of government in driving the movement towards a connected, digital economy which harnesses the power of technologies as a driver for economic growth and innovation.
However, the key to realizing this possibility lies in expanding digital adoption and inclusion across society.
The use of modern digital technology has an unexploited potential to offer through the value chain of climate services, including in fields such as data collection, co-design, dissemination, and personalization of services.
Much of the technologies to develop these areas are not yet fully utilized, and most of the reported progress is on data production rather than service development and delivery. Digital solutions hold the key to ensuring climate services lead to increased resilience in Africa.
The President of RAI, Mr Daouda Konate, said, ‘’It is essential to use innovative solutions to implement initiatives of Early Warning systems in Africa, and without digital transformation, our meteorological services cannot implement adequate early warning to our people. We must contribute to policies for the implementation of early warning for Africa.
To enhance last-mile communication, mobile telephone connectivity is essential. International Telecommunication Union (ITU) data shows that 3G and 4G broadband coverage in Africa need to improve compared to developed regions such as America, Europe, and Australia.
These resources are essential for adequate weather and climate services and applications and dissemination to user communities.
These resources are essential for adequate weather and climate services and applications and dissemination to user communities. ITU noted that information and communication technologies (ICTs) “can help accelerate progress towards every single one of the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
 ICTs have provided a means to deliver goods and services in health care, education, finance, commerce, governance, and agriculture with unprecedented scale, speed, and accuracy. Such technologies can also have a multiplier effect on social and economic capital development.
They can help reduce poverty and hunger, boost health outcomes, create new jobs, mitigate climate change, improve energy efficiency, and make cities and communities sustainable.” African NMHSs will leverage on this progress to improve meteorological service delivery.
The African Union has developed its digital transformation strategy for Africa (2020-2030) with the vision to have an integrated and inclusive digital society and economy in Africa that will improve the quality of life of Africa’s citizens, strengthening the existing economic sector to enable its diversification and development.
It ensures continental ownership with Africa as a producer and not only as a consumer in the global economy.
Climate change continues to strike Africa with extreme weather events.
 There have been deadly floods in Nigeria, affecting more than 1.3 million people in October 2022, and devastating drought in the greater horn of Africa, including parts of Kenya, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Somalia, where more than 13 million people are facing severe food insecurity. And the health of 6 million children from these countries is affected by malnutrition.
Crops are drying up due to failed consecutive rainy seasons in many parts; food harvests are expected to be much lower than normal. More than 3 million livestock supporting the livelihoods of pastoral communities have died in the Region.
The digital transformation of the NMHSs will make accessing severe weather warnings and alerts easy. The technology transformation will strengthen and modernize NMHSs to perform their public weather functions for the safety of lives and property.
The 18th Session of Regional Association I (RA I Africa) will follow the Regional Conference (RECO) from 13th -17th February 2023, while the High-Level Segment with the participation of Ministers responsible for Meteorology in Africa, will precede the RA I Session.
The focus will be on the ‘Early Warning for All’ (EWS4ALL), an initiative by the UN SG António Guterres. Meteorological service delivery will be the cornerstone of the Early Warning initiative. It will play a significant role towards WMO addressing the call by the United Nations to have all of the planet covered by EWS by 2027.
Patoma Admin by — February 13, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMet warns  Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, 3 other states of 48hrs thick dust

… Asks public with respiratory problem to take caution,. * Children to be properly covered at nights
By Favour Nnabugwu
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency NiMet, has predicted a thick dust in the northern states including Borno, Yobe, Jigawa and 3 other states.tas the poor visibility will last for 48hours.
The other three state are Katsina, Kano and Kaduna. The agency said in a statement released to patomabusinessonline.com that warned the public on a possible deterioration of horizontal visibility in those states.following observed thick dust plumes from the source region of  Niger and Chad, 
Just as it warned individuals with respiratory problem to take caution while children should be properly covered at nights because of cold.
“NiMet expects that “in the next 24 hours, there are prospects of THICK DUST HAZE (In poor horizontal visibility, less than1000m) over Borno, Yobe, Jigawa, Katsina, Kano and Kaduna states; while other parts of the North and North Central states are expected to report Moderate Dust-Haze (visibility of 2–5km)”.
As a result, NiMet advised members of the public to take necessary precautions due to dust particles presently in suspension over the atmosphere. Individuals with respiratory ailments are advised to protect themselves as the current weather condition is not good for their health.
The agency also predicted cold in the night and cautioned children to be properly covered, “Night-time cold temperatures should be expected so warm clothes are advised for the little children”
The statement added that this weather condition is expected to persist for the next 48hours.
Aviation Industry is also not left out in the agency predictions as Airlines operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
It promised to continue to monitor the weather and provide updates when necessary.from the NiMet Central Forecast Office (CFO).
Patoma Admin by — February 13, 2023 in Aviation 0
IWMI seeks NiMet’s support on multinational project 

By Favour Nnabugwu
The International Water Management Institute (IWMI) has requested for support from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, (NiMet) in the execution of a multinational project that includes Nigeria.
The Senior Researcher at IWMI,  Sander Zwart, made the disclosure when he led a delegation to NiMet Headquarters.
Speaking, Dr Zwart said they were about to embark on a huge project called CLiM O , ” We have this project coming up , it is called the CLiM O. It is led by the German Development Cooperation (GIZ).
The goal is to assist member states of the Niger Basin Authority to be more climate resilient and of course Nigeria is part of the Niger Basin”, He asserted..
Dr Zwart  explained that based on the information obtained online as well as consultations they discovered that flood and drought are major challenges, especially after last year’s flood.
He said this led them to develop activities that will ensure people are better prepared for flood now and in the future. To achieve this, he revealed that there are four components they have proposed for the project and that as their institution will drive the project, they are keen to have NiMet’s input.
He listed these components to be Hydrological modelling; Flood forecasting; Data sharing and Underground actions that involves how people can adapt themselves to flood.
In his response, the Director Weather Forecasting Services, Engr. Mailadi  Yusuf , who represented the Director General, assured the visitors of NiMet’s support, adding that NiMet is in close collaboration with Federal and State Ministries of Water Resources where the lead sister Agency that develops the Annual Flood Outlook (NiHSA) for the country is resident.
He stated that apart from predicting water availability for farming activities ( Onset of rain, duration and amount expected ) NiMet would soon engage water users across the country on dry season (irrigation) farming activities by delivering and training them on the use of the Seasonal Climate Prediction for optimal harvest outputs.
The CLIM O project, when fully implemented will support the member states of the Niger Basin Authority in strengthening transboundary governance of water resources, adaptation,and mitigation of the impact of climate change. The IWMI will lead the design and implementation of the project in the Benue River Basin.
Patoma Admin by — February 11, 2023 in Aviation 0
Ethiopian Airlines partner Canada-Africa Chamber of Business.

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The continent’s largest, award-winning airline, Ethiopian Airlines commended for accelerating Canada-Africa trade and investment in the context of its global role as one of the world’s largest carriers.

Ethiopian Airlines’ ongoing expansion and existing service was underscored during the Canada-Africa Reception held in Cape Town, ahead of the annual Mining Indaba convention which began today.

Hosted by the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business, Chamber President Garreth Bloor thanked the airline for its vital role in Canada-Africa trade and investment.

‘’Ethiopian Airlines is the sole airline connecting Canada directly to Sub-Saharan Africa, and onward to over 120 destinations from the African Union capital of Addis Ababa – making it the world’s fourth largest airline in this regard.’’

The pan-sectoral event over the weekend welcomed Canadian Trade Commissioners, Canadian and African business representatives, as well as members of the press.

Mr. Wondwossen Marou, Traffic and Sales Manager for Cape Town, participated in the event on behalf of the Ethiopian Airlines – receiving applause from attendees in recognition of the successes of the company on the international stage.

‘’Ethiopian Airlines did not lay off a single full-time employee during COVID, nor sought a bailout. It remains a model of private sector excellence, reflecting both the realized potential of the continent, while setting global standards of excellence in doing so,’’ says Jacques NdoutouMvé, a fellow member of the Canada-Africa Chamber of Business who serves as Vice President for Africa at Apollo Health and Beauty.

 

Patoma Admin by — February 7, 2023 in Aviation 0
Oru Leonard is now ATACA Chairman

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

New Chairman for Abuja Transportation and Aviation Correspondent (ATACA) has emerged as Mr Oru Leonard is now the chairman of the body  after a rigorous election.

Mr. Oru was announced as the candidate with the highest vote out of the 3 candidates that contested for the office of Chairman.

The newly elected ATACA Chairman, Oru Leonard who is a Fellow of the Advertising Regulatory Council of Nigeria (ARCON) and a full member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM), appealed to members of the association to support the newly elected officials to move the association to greater heights.

He however vowed to work with other executive members in love, unity, mutual understanding to collectively promote integrity of the association.

Speaking earlier, the immediate past chairman, Mr. Chris Agabi described the election as the freest, fair, and most credible election since the inception of the association.

Agabi commended the efforts of the Electoral Committee for the job well done before, during, and after the election that produced successful candidates.

He further commended the contestants for behaving themselves by complying with the association’s electoral guidelines to ensure ATACA actualize a smooth election in 2023.

Patoma Admin by — February 6, 2023 in Aviation 0
NiMet predicts 3-day thick dust haze, sunshine on Thursday, Friday, Saturday

By Favour Nnabugwu
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has predicted dust haze and sunshine from Thursday to Saturday across the country.
NiMet’s weather outlook in Abuja predicted thick dust haze on Thursday, Friday and Saturday over the Northern region throughout the forecast period.
According to the agency, cloudy conditions with sunny intervals are expected over the North Central region.
It, however, forecast moderate dust haze over Plateau, Niger and Federal Capital Territory throughout the forecast period.
NiMet anticipated partly cloudy conditions over the Inland cities of the South and coastal cities in the morning hours.
It envisaged prospects of thunderstorms over parts of Cross River, Akwa Ibom and Rivers States later in the day.
“On Friday, moderate dust haze condition with horizontal visibility of 2km to 5km is anticipated over the Northern region during the forecast period.
Thunderstorms are expected over parts of Cross River, Bayelsa and Delta States in the afternoon/evening hours,” it said.
The agency predicted slight dust haze condition on Saturday over the northern region during the forecast period.
It forecast partly cloudy conditions with sunny intervals over the North Central cities during the forecast period.
“Partly cloudy conditions are anticipated over the inland cities of the South and coastal cities with chances of morning thunderstorms over Cross River and River States.
“In the afternoon/evening period, thunderstorms are expected over parts of Imo, Abia, Ondo, Edo, Cross River, Delta, Rivers, Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa States,” it said.
According to NiMet, all Airline operators are advised to avail themselves of weather reports periodically from NiMet for effective planning in their operations.
NiMet urged citizens to switch off and disconnect electronics from power supply to avoid damages that could occur as a result of lightning flash at places where thunderstorms were expected.
Patoma Admin by — February 2, 2023 in Aviation 0
FG renames MIST of NIMET after President Buhari

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

The Federal Government has renamed the Meteorological Institute Of Science and Technology (MIST), Katsina after the President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari.

The Institute was established to serve as a centre for training and research under the Nigeria Metrological Agency, NIMeT

The Institution which will now be addressed as ‘Muhammadu Buhari Meteorological Institute of Science and Technology’ was commissioned on Thursday by President Buhari who is on a two-day visit to the state.

Briefing the press shortly after the institute was commissioned, the Director General, Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET), Prof. Mansur Bako Matazu said the institute which offers National Diploma courses in Meteorology, Climate Change Science and other electrical and technical related areas with NBTE accreditation is the first of its kind in Nigeria and West-Africa.

He also noted that the institute is currently pursuing accreditation for Higher National Diploma in Climate Change Science, Meteorology, and Electro-Meteorological Technology so as to provide advance training for graduates of the institute.

According to Prof. Matazu who is also Nigeria’s Permanent Representative with World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), the institution also offer support services and training to Meteorological personnels from other African countries like Republic of Niger and Gambia. Both countries he said are presently under-studying NIMET and preparing to send more than 50 of their staff to be trained in the institute.

On the capacity of the institution to deliver on all its set objectives, Prof. Matazu said:

“NIMET has been running training activities since 1957 with facilitators from within the agency as well as Professors, lecturers and researchers from other higher institutions.

“This has helped the institute achieve its goals and it reflected in the excellent remarks given by the employers of our students who went on industrial attachment recently.”

Furthermore, Prof Matazu noted that all over the country, through the institute, weather in more than 41 parameters and over a 100 stations are being monitored.

Patoma Admin by — January 26, 2023 in Aviation 0
Ghana introduces Visa on arrival for all travellers from Dec 22 – January 15

CAPTION
Minister of Transportation, Ghana, Mr Kwaku Ofori Asiamah
By Favour Nnabugwu
Ghanaian Government has introduce visa on arrival for all travellers from December 22, 2022 to January 15, 2023
The Country’s Transport Minister, Kwaku Ofori Asiamah made this known in a circular issued on Thursday and addressed to all airlines.
Asiamah said the move was aimed at advancing the government’s ‘beyond the return’ initiative.
The initiative is a 10-year project of the government of Ghana to promote tourism and homecoming of Africans and Ghanaians in the diaspora and to foster economic relations and investments from the diaspora in Africa and Ghana.
The statement said, “Following consultation between the ministry of foreign affairs, the ministry of interior, the ministry of tourism, art and culture, Ghana immigration service, and the Ghana tourism authority, approval has been given for passengers travelling to Ghana to opt for visa-on-arrival waiving the requirement for prior approval.
“This arrangement is effective from 22nd December 2022 to 15th January 2023.”
Asiamah, therefore, urged airport authorities across the world to honour the arrangement.
He added, “Consequently, it will be appreciated if systems are updated to reflect the new arrangement and all those responsible for checking-in passengers travelling to Ghana advised not to insist on entry visas prior to their boarding.”
Patoma Admin by — December 23, 2022 in Aviation 0
Air Peace suspends flight operations to Dubai over rejection of visas to Nigerians

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

Air travellers from Nigeria to Dubai, United Arab Emirates, UAE will be forced to consider alternative means of transportation in the coming days

This came as Nigeria’s indigenous airline, Air Peace suspended flight operations to the country indefinitely over non issuance of visa to Nigerians by the UAE.

UAE immigration authorities last month announced a visa ban to Nigerians without any reason, rejected applications for visa while the fees are Non- refundable

Following the development, the management of Air Peace in a statement stated that, “We hereby inform the public, especially our Dubai passengers, that effective from Tuesday, November 22, 2022, we shall be suspending our Dubai operations till further notice.

“This is consequent upon the persisting non-issuance of visas to Nigerian travellers by the government of the United Arab Emirates and the accompanying inconveniences.

“Air Peace has been operating into UAE even with the country’s recent travel restrictions, but given the heightening hurdles Nigerian travellers are facing in accessing the country, it has become imperative that we halt our operations to that destination.

“We shall provide further updates as the situation progresses. Passengers whose flights are affected by this development can mail our Call Center to attend to their concerns.”

Patoma Admin by — November 14, 2022 in Aviation 0
NAIA Cargo terminal to be Commioner soon by President Muhammadu Buhari

By Favour Nnabugwu

 

 

Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika has said that the cargo terminal project at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja will be commissioned soon.

The  cargo terminal that will be commission by President Muhammadu Buhari reiterated that the national carrier will take off before the end of the year with boeing 737 series airplanes.

Sirika stated while responding to questions from lawmakers during his defence or 2023 budget at the House of Representatives on Tuesday.

He said: “There are two cargo projects in Abuja. One has been completely finished and will be commissioned by His Excellency Mr. President soon. The second one, the contract was given in 2012, the contractors were advanced money up to about 75%.

“These contracts were abandoned by the contractors. Mr. President directed that they be investigated, prosecuted and the monies recovered but because we don’t have prosecuting powers, we reported to EFCC.

“Now in the last three and half years, they confirmed to me that they have finished the investigation. This is worrisome. We will inform the the House when we see EFCC and they brief us formally.

“The aviation ministry has recorded some significant achievements in virtually all areas of the sector within the life of this administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“We have provided the safety and security needed in the aviation sector, which has led to the certification for the first time ever in the history of the country of Murtala Mohamed Airport, Nnamdi Azikiwe International airport.

“It is a milestone being the first ever airports to be certified, government in, government out. This testimony as to our concern to our focus on safety. We have recorded the highest level of safety and unprecedented growth, making aviation the fastest growing sector of the Nigerian economy.

“Today, Nigeria is the 7th highest country in recovery from COVID. Some airlines also received interventions to be saved from total collapse. We also created an enabling environment, which provided airlines in the country to attain certification and international air transport association operational safety audit. Our airports are wearing new and befitting looks.”

In his remarks, earlier, the chairman of the House Committee, Hon. Nnolim Nnaji expressed concern over the omission of the 2023 budget of the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) by the government, promising to address the matter.

“You would recall that the committee spend most of last week visiting some projects executed by the ministry and some of its agencies within the FCT. Within the next few weeks, the committee will be embarking on similar tours to most importantly but not limited to the other three International Airports Terminals slated for concession.

“The Committee has noticed with great concern the omission of one of the critical Security and Safety Agency of the Ministry, the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) from the 2023 FGN budget.

“This Committee and its Senate counterpart is committed to ensuring that the abnormality is corrected. However, as the minister superintending the ministry, we request that you make the clarification on the matter,” Nnaji said.

Patoma Admin by — November 9, 2022 in Aviation 0