In a significant step toward promoting inclusivity, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has partnered with the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI). This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on Friday, 29th November 2024, aims to provide the disabled community in Nigeria with vital weather and climate information. The NiMet and AWWDI Weather, Climate Information, underscores the significance of this initiative in addressing the unique challenges faced by vulnerable populations.
NiMet will offer tailored meteorological services to AWWDI, emphasizing early warnings about extreme weather events. This service will empower the disabled community by equipping them with timely information to mitigate the impact of climate-related disasters. Transitioning to a proactive approach in addressing the intersection of disability and climate vulnerability, this partnership reinforces NiMet’s commitment to inclusivity in its climate action agenda.
During the MoU signing, NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, expressed the agency’s dedication to ensuring no community is left behind in its information dissemination. “The promptness with which we responded to your request reflects our commitment to social issues, including those affecting people with disabilities,” he stated. Prof. Anosike emphasized that the partnership represents more than a formal agreement—it embodies a shared responsibility to build resilience and unity. “When we partner effectively, we enable communities to respond appropriately, fostering resilience and triggering unity,” he added.
Echoing this sentiment, Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson, Executive Director of AWWDI, praised NiMet’s inclusive approach. She noted that discussions about climate change often neglect its unique impact on the disabled community, which already faces numerous barriers. “It’s time to give our community a voice,” Mrs. Dickson asserted. “As conversations on climate change continue, we must address the specific challenges affecting people with disabilities and advocate for meaningful inclusion.”
Mrs. Dickson acknowledged the support of the Disability Rights Fund in advancing projects focused on the intersection of climate change and disability rights, particularly for women and girls with disabilities. She expressed optimism that this partnership would amplify awareness of the disabled community’s needs, enabling more equitable policy frameworks.
This collaboration between NiMet and AWWDI underscores the importance of inclusive climate policies. By prioritizing access to weather and climate information for the disabled community, the initiative fosters resilience and empowerment, creating a more equitable society. The partnership serves as a reminder that inclusivity in climate action is essential for sustainable development.
