The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ogun state government to build a weather station at the Ogun state cargo airport located in Sagamu (NiMet partnership).
Both entities signed the MoU on Monday, 22nd July 2024. NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, stated that the partnership aligns with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) protocols. These protocols mandate member states to establish and maintain meteorological services provided by national meteorological offices.
“His Excellency, Prince Adedapo Abiodun, MFR, is serious about the strategic NiMet partnership. He personally called as this MoU signing was going on. I want to assure him and the people of Ogun state of our full support. Also, NiMet approaches every project with professionalism. Aeronautical meteorology contributes to the guarantee of safety standards, economy, and efficiency of flights. These standards are stipulated by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO),” Prof. Anosike said.
The Ogun state Commissioner for Transportation, Engr. Gbenga Dairo, signed on behalf of the state. He was accompanied by Alhaji I.O. Saka, Permanent Secretary in the Bureau of Cabinet and Special Services, Ogun state government. He also praised the NiMet team for the professional way the process leading to the MoU signing was handled.
Barr. Shola Gabriel, Director of Legal Services at NiMet, witnessed the MoU signing.
Meanwhile, NiMet and the Nasarawa State University have resolved to strengthen a partnership forged in February 2020 between the two institutions. Prof. Charles Anosike and Vice Chancellor Prof. Sa’adatu Hassan Liman of the university agreed on this in Abuja at NiMet headquarters. Anosike congratulated Liman on her appointment and said that the renewed partnership would include joint research and outreach programs.
“NiMet and Nasarawa state university can collaborate on community outreach initiatives to educate the public on weather and climate information,” he stated. Continuing, Anosike said, “We are also thinking along the area of early warnings as that is very important to us. The issue of addressing disaster risks is at the core of what we do. Nasarawa state is a place that is very viable with regard to agriculture. One major area that we need to start immediately is the downscaling of our seasonal climate prediction.”
Additionally, Liman, thanked NiMet management for receiving her. “We are going around to see our partners so that we can strengthen our relationships. We are looking forward to renewing the partnership between both institutions in terms of research and education. This includes the exchange of staff to enhance teaching and learning. We will also focus on the funding of research and education. Training of university staff to meet global standards in meteorology and related fields is a priority.”
