The Federal Government has commended a former Secretary General of the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), Professor Olu Patrick Obasi for his immense contributions toward weather forecast education in Nigeria and globally.
Speaking in Abuja while celebrating the World Meteorological Day, the Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, said the discussion on Early Warnings would be incomplete without recognising and paying tribute to one of our own and an esteemed pioneer in many aspects of meteorology and climate science, Professor Obasi.
“Prof. Obasi was one of the earliest scientists to recognize the role of early warnings in disaster risk management. In his paper titled “WMO’s Role in the International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction”, Prof. Obasi highlighted the critical importance of research, observation, forecasting and collaborations in enhancing warning systems, risk assessment, technological exchange, public information, and training. This resonates with the theme of 2025 World Meteorological Day- “Closing the Early Warning Gaps Together”.
“Prof. Obasi was dedicated to highlighting the relevance of NMHSs in environmental protection, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. He initiated many new efforts to support Multi-Hazard”.
He explained that early Warning Systems (MHEWS) contribute towards disaster risk reduction through programmes that strengthen the capacities of the NMHSs, ensuring weather and climate information needed to address climate-related issues are obtained and made available to all potential users.
“Today in Nigeria, we at NiMet have remained at the forefront of advancing early warning systems through science-based weather and climate services. Our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), daily weather forecast and bulletins, Impact-Based forecast and other publications have proven instrumental in disaster risk reduction across all socio-economic sectors”.
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He said “I am delighted to welcome you all as we join the global community in celebrating the 2025 World Meteorological Day, commemorating the coming into force on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO).
“This annual event provides a unique opportunity to reflect on the role of meteorology in building a climate-resilient society and safeguarding lives and livelihoods”.
Speaking further on the relevance to weather forecast, Anosike stated that “I want to use this opportunity to call on all stakeholders in the weather and climate service value chain to work together – across sectors and borders – to ensure that no one is left behind in accessing life-saving weather and climate information.
“To our young students here today, you are the future of meteorology and climate science. I therefore encourage you to take an active interest in understanding the dynamics of weather and climate, as your contributions will be vital in addressing the challenges ahead. It is our collective duty to reaffirm our commitment to strengthening early warning systems and building partnerships that enhance weather and climate-resilient economic development and close the early warning gaps together.”
Professor Godwin Obasi was one of the pioneer staff of NiMet. Graduated from Canada, Obasi later pioneered weather science course in University level of education in Nigeria.
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