By Omonu Nelson, Abuja
The Director General of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof Mansur Bako Matazu has stated that the debilitating impact of Climate Change and it’s attendant consequences on the well-being of humanity can only be checked, if the 187 member states of World Metrological Organisation (WMO) work in synergy, common vision and goals.
Theclimate expert stated this in Abuja, on Thursday, March 23rd, 2023, in a speech to mark the 2023 World Metrological Day, with the theme: “The Future of Weather, Climate and Water Across Generations.
“As an organisation of 187 Member States and 6 Member Territories, the WMO requires that all its members operate with common vision and goals. The World Meteorological Day therefore, offers opportunity for member countries to converge ideas and resources; and align in one common thematic area.
“The ‘Day’ showcases the essential contribution of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHss) such as NiMet and NIHSA (Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency) to the safety and wellbeing of society and is celebrated with activities around the world.”
Goingdown memory lane on the significance of the day, Matazu explained that the member states of WMO have since inception work tirelessly to advance the cause of humanity, especially safety of lives and well-being of the people.
“Every year on the 23rd of March, the World celebrates Meteorological Day. This ‘day’ commemorates the coming into force on 23rd March 1950 of the Convention establishing the World Meteorological Organisation.
“Prior to this date, the International Meteorological Organisation existed since 1873, as a cooperation of international bodies or institutions working tirelessly together, exchanging data and making forecasts for the good of all. This cooperation has been strengthened since the establishment of the World Meteorological organisation (WMO)”
TheKatsina born Metrologist contended that experts have continued to develop new knowledge and technology to deal with the transition in climate from variability to change while variability.
“The world climate has transited from variability to change while variability still continues within different climate environment. The global atmosphere continues to warm while nations struggle to adjust to the reality of combating climate change amidst economic gains.
“The average concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere continues to rise with devastating global consequences. It is very clear, however, that no country in the world is immune against the effect of the changing climate, whether as an emitter or non-emitter of these gases.
“Indeed, happenings over the years have taught us all that weather has no boundary. The world has seen ravaging storms cutting across several international borders during their lifecycles. This therefore echoes the essential of cooperation at the core of existence of the WMO”.
The NiMet boss further reiterated that with the support of federal government, his organisation will continue to take proactive measures like data generation for assessments and future predictions while placing premium on the future generations.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), over the years, with support from the Federal Government of Nigeria has been investing in meteorological data generation over land, water and in the atmosphere. The data generated are so critical for past assessments and future predictions including nowcasting. In NiMet, we have placed special importance in the future generations by working with the young minds in the country. Usually, our weather observers are largely youths who begin their careers in the field of meteorology at a very young age”.