The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMet) says it has become vital to introduce students in secondary schools to meteorology studies to instil awareness of climate change among the younger generation.
The director general of the agency, Prof. Charles Anosike, made the disclosure in Abuja yesterday during the World Meteorological Day celebration with the theme ‘At the Front Line of Climate Action’.
According to him “The agency’s function is not just about forecasts but has now moved to impact knowledge, especially to the younger generation to be more sensitive to climate change and how to take deliberate climate action.
“Today, we have about four secondary schools which are Holy Family College Kuje, Anglican Girls/Grammar School Gudu, Government Science and Technical College Abaji, among others. Also, we are strongly advocating for the introduction of meteorology studies in our secondary schools.”
One of the students from Holy Family College Kuje, Regina Onyemachi, said she would share the knowledge she got with her friends and colleagues who have no knowledge of climate change.
Meanwhile, the DG reiterated that Climate change poses an existential threat to the planet and called for concerted efforts of stakeholders to mitigate the risk.
Anosike said: “We recognize the indispensable role of meteorology in building a sustainable developed society. From providing accurate weather forecasts to mitigating the impacts of natural disasters, as well as building climate resilient societies, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding lives, property, and livelihoods across the country.
“Climate change poses an existential threat to our planet, exacerbating extreme weather events, disrupting ecosystems, and endangering vulnerable communities. In the face of these challenges, it has become imperative that we increase our efforts towards building a weather and climate-resilient society”.
“We must not relent at encouraging our young minds to build their capacity for meaningful contributions to effective climate actions that is impactful and measurable”.
Professor Anosike quoted the Secretary-General of WMO, Prof. Celeste Saulo in his World Meteorological Day 2024 who said, “The lives of future generations are in our hands. Our efforts today will ensure a safer, healthier world for future generations—a world where children thrive in harmony with nature”.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Representative of WMO for North, Central and West Africa, Mr Bernard Gomez said;
“The recent fluctuations in the weather witnessed in Nigeria, during this transition from dry to rainy season clearly demonstrate the extreme weather events that we can face across the country.
“The shifting weather phenomena from heat waves, thunderstorms and thick dust haze happening within a short period, are indicative of a changing climate which calls for concerted efforts by NiMet to be more vigilant and for communities to be responsive to weather forecasts and alerts”.
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