The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has commended the pivotal role of AGRHYMET and ACMAD in maintaining the Regional Climate Outlook since 1998, as he inaugurated the Regional Forum Workshop on Seasonal Forecasts of Agro-hydro-climatic characteristics of the rainy season for the Sudanian and Sahelian zones of West Africa and the Sahel (PRESASS) in Abuja.
Addressing participants on Monday, April 22, 2024, at the commencement of the 2024 Edition of the Regional workshop, Professor Anosike emphasized the significance of the event in enhancing regional seasonal forecasting capabilities. He highlighted the continued vulnerability of the region to weather-related hazards and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing climate challenges.
Welcoming attendees on behalf of the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, and the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Professor Anosike underscored the timeliness of the Regional Climate Outlook amidst ongoing climate uncertainties. He cited NiMet’s Seasonal Climate Prediction as a critical early warning tool for disaster preparedness and sustainable development initiatives.
In his remarks, the representative of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) for West, Central, and North Africa, Dr. Benard Gomez, recognized the significant strides made in understanding climate risks in the Sahel and West Africa through initiatives like AGRHYMET. He emphasized the vital role of such forecasts in enhancing food security and livelihood resilience.
Engineer Clement Nze, Director General of the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), lauded the workshop’s commitment to employing scientific methodologies in addressing contemporary hydro-climatic challenges. He noted the alignment of PRESASS predictions with national disaster risk management strategies, enhancing preparedness at a local level.
Dr. Abdul Ali, Director General of AGRHYMET, expressed gratitude to the federal government, NiMet, and NIHSA for their support. He emphasized the urgency of providing actionable information to decision-makers and farmers to mitigate the impending food crisis projected for the region.
Dr. Ali cautioned against the looming food crisis highlighted by data from the Permanent Interstate Committee for Drought Control in the Sahel (CILSS) and its partners, emphasizing the need for proactive measures to avert a humanitarian catastrophe.
The event, hosting representatives from 16 West African countries, is scheduled to take place in Abuja from April 22nd to 26th, 2024, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange to address regional climate challenges effectively.
