The head of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Prof Charles Anosike, explained that the agency's university network program is meant to provide early weather and climate warnings to farmers near the university in order to increase agricultural production.
Anosike, while talking at the signing of an agreement between the agency and Greenfield University, Kaduna State, on Tuesday, urged the involved parties to make sure they fulfill all obligations stated in the agreement.
“NiMet is looking for more ways to reach Nigerian farmers. This will ensure that all citizens are safeguarded by early weather and climate warnings against the uncertainties connected with climate and weather disasters
“NiMet is fully dedicated to supporting farmers with weather information to guarantee food security. This is a crucial part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda”, he said.
The agreement involves sharing data between NiMet and Greenfield University, training of staff, and setting up an automatic weather observatory at the University.
The weather observatory will be part of NiMet’s network of weather stations sending data to the agency’s main server, which will be analyzed for the overall benefit of Nigerians and key sectors.
The Vice Chancellor of Greenfield University, Prof John Aiyedogbon, together with the immediate past Vice Chancellor, Prof John Laah, and the Registrar, Muhammad Bashir, praised the agency’s management for the successful presentation of the 2024 seasonal climate prediction.
He mentioned that the details in the SCP document will help ensure that all sectors, particularly the agriculture sector, are more prepared for any weather-related disasters.
He also mentioned that the university was anticipating a strong partnership with the agency
“We will also use the university’s network of collaborations and influence to assist the development of meteorology within the university’s area of influence”, Aiyedogbon said.
The agreement signing was witnessed by NiMet's Director of Legal Services, Barr. Shola Gabriel, and other agency staff. Greenfield University's VC, Aiyedogbon, signed the agreement for the university while Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.
