The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has said that its exploring more avenues to reach out to Nigerian farmers in order to protect them against the vagaries associated with climate and weather disasters.
This, was even, as the agency hinted that its university network programme aimed at promoting early weather and climate warnings to farmers around university’s vicinity to boost agricultural was yielding results.
The Director-General of NiMet, Pro. Charles Anosike, gave the hint during the signing ceremony of Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the agency and Greenfield University, Kaduna State.
He said that NiMet was fully committed to assisting farmers with weather information to ensure food security.
This he opined was a key component of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s government.
The MoU, Anosike stated covers data sharing between NiMet and Greenfield University, staff development, and establishment of an automatic weather observatory within the University.
He revealed that the weather observatory will form part of NiMet’s network of weather stations transmitting data to the Agency’s general server, which would be analyzed for the overall benefit of Nigerians and critical sectors.
Similarly, the Vice Chancellor of Greenfield University, Professor John Aiyedogbon applauded Professor Anosike and NiMet’s management for the successful presentation of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP).
Aiyedogbon, said that the information contained in the SCP document will help ensure that all sectors, especially the Agriculture sector, are better prepared for any weather-induced disaster.
He added that Greenfield university is looking forward to a robust relationship with NiMet where the students, university community and the entire Kaduna State would benefit.
According to him, “We will also leverage on the university’s network of collaborations and influence to support the development of meteorology within the university’s area of influence”, Professor.”
The MoU signing was witnessed by the Director, Legal Services of NiMet, Barr. Shola Gabriel and other staff of the Agency. The VC of Greenfield University, Professor John Aiyedogbon signed the MoU on behalf Greenfield University while Professor Charles Anosike signed on behalf of NiMet.