Celebration of World Meteorological Day 2022 in Nigeria
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) joined the rest of the world to celebrate World Meteorological Day (WMD) 2022. The event took place at the Abdurrahman Bello Dambazau Conference Hall, Abuja, Nigeria. The theme of this year’s celebration is ‘Early Warning, Early Action’. It puts the spotlight on the vital importance of Hydrometeorological and Climate Information for Disaster Reduction.
It was attended by Directors, Management and Staff of the Agency. Also in attendance were Sister Agencies in the Aviation Sector, Major Stakeholders from Hydrology, Nigerian Hydrological Agency (NIHSA), Emergency Management (National, Federal and State Emergency Agencies (NEMA, FEMA & SEMA). Mr Bernard Gomez, WMO representative for North, Central and West Africa, WMO Staff and much more distinguished Government Officials and Representatives.
The WMD also marked the first year anniversary of the Director General/CEO, NiMet.In his keynote address DG/CEO NiMet, Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to WMO and Chairman, Board of Governors, African Centre of Meteorological Application for Development (ACMAD), Professor Mansur Bako Matazu welcomed everyone joining NiMet to celebrate WMD. He stated that WMO is the United Nations (UN) system’s authoritative voice on the state and behaviour of the Earth’s Atmosphere, its interactions with the Land and Oceans, the weather and climate it produces and the resulting distribution of water. He stated that the 23rd of March every year is a day set aside for the Celebration of the Convention for the establishment of the World Meteorological Organisation in 1950.
He further stated that Nigeria has been a member of WMO since the 30th November 1960 and has hosted the West African Sub Regional Office since 1996. In September 2018, Nigeria signed a new agreement to host the WMO Regional Office for North, Central and West Africa with the Secretary-General of WMO Professor Petteri Taalas in attendance which was held at the UN House, Abuja.
To reduce the risk associated with weather-related disasters both NiMet, Hydrological and Disaster Managers must work in synergy. This synergy has led to adoption and co-production techniques in our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), which has served over the years as a multi-sectorial Early Warning Tool.
Some of the highlights of the day’s celebration were the presentation of prizes to the winners of the 2022 WMD Students Essay Competition. Another major highlight was the presentation of a car to the World Meteorological Organisation. This was in fulfilment of the 2018 agreement and appreciation of the support of the activities of NMHS in Nigeria by the WMO over the years. The car was received on behalf of the WMO by Mr Bernard Gomez.
