DG/CEO Anosike Elected President ECOWAS Committee of Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

Professor Charles Anosike, the Director General/Chief Executive Officer, & Permanent Representative of Nigeria with WMO, has been elected President of the ECOWAS Committee of Directors of National Hydrological and Meteorological Services (NMHSs). His election took place during the Committee’s 14th Meeting, which was held from 20 to 22 May 2025 in Abuja, Nigeria.

The Committee, comprising heads of NMHSs across West Africa, promotes regional collaboration on weather, climate, and water services, with a focus on early warning systems, disaster risk reduction, and climate resilience under the ECOWAS Hydromet Initiative.

In his acceptance remarks, Professor Anosike reaffirmed his dedication to strengthening regional cooperation:
“As we confront the challenges of climate change, our collective action is crucial. I am honoured to lead this Committee at such a pivotal time.”

Delegates from ECOWAS member states—Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, and Cape Verde (virtually)—attended, along with partners including WMO, ACMAD, AGRHYMET, WASCAL, ECOWAS Commission, the World Bank, and MOWCA.

The meeting was officially opened by Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo, SAN, alongside Dr. Ibrahim Kana, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry. A key highlight was the review of the “Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL)” initiative, targeting full regional implementation by 2027.

Prof. Anosike’s election underscores Nigeria’s regional leadership and commitment to advancing climate action, innovation, and coordination among NMHSs in West Africa.

NiMet HEDA Strengthen Collaboration to Support Smallholder Farmers

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has formalized its partnership with the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at expanding agro-meteorological information delivery to smallholder farmers across Nigeria.

The agreement builds on a collaboration that began in 2010 and marks a renewed commitment to providing timely, accessible climate data to rural communities.

The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Sulaimon Arigbabu, Executive Secretary of HEDA Resource Centre, and Miss Tonye Dappa, Legal and Liaison Officer. Both expressed gratitude to NiMet’s DG/CEO, Professor Charles Anosike, for his leadership and support.

Professor Anosike emphasized the importance of partnerships in bridging climate science and grassroots action, offering NiMet’s studio facilities to co-create educational climate content targeted at farmers.

The partnership is expected to improve early warning systems, support climate-smart agriculture, and strengthen national resilience to climate change. Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to inclusive access to vital weather and climate information.

NiMet Hosts Send-Forth Ceremony to Honour Retirees’ Decades of Dedicated Service

AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM

SPONSORED BY: H&H

The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) organized a send-forth ceremony to honour its retiring staff, celebrating their decades of dedicated service, professionalism, and commitment to the growth and development of the agency.

The event, held at NiMet headquarters in Abuja, brought together staff, management, and the retirees in a show of appreciation for their meritorious service spanning several decades. Notably, it was the first formal send-forth of its kind in the agency’s history — a symbolic gesture underscoring a renewed culture of honour and institutional appreciation.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Professor Charles Anosike, praised the retirees for their tireless contributions, describing them as foundational pillars whose efforts have helped shape the agency into what it is today.

“Today, we celebrate legacy. We honour men and women who have not only given their best to NiMet but have also mentored others, built systems, and contributed to the institutional memory we are privileged to inherit,” Prof. Anosike stated.

He further emphasized the importance of continuity, institutional reform, and staff development, assuring that NiMet remains committed to supporting those currently in service.

“Retirement is not the end of the road; it is the beginning of a new journey. It is a time to reflect with pride and look forward with hope. We are working to strengthen staff welfare, training, mentoring, and succession planning to ensure the foundation laid by our retirees is built upon and preserved,” he added.

Prof. Anosike also commended the Director of Human Resources, along with the Management and Planning team, for successfully organizing the event, stating that such gestures reflect the agency’s evolving culture of honouring service and celebrating excellence.

“The value we place on people and legacy is evident in the effort put into organizing this event. It is a clear message that we recognize and appreciate dedication,” he said.

The retirees, visibly moved by the outpouring of gratitude, expressed their appreciation to the agency for the recognition and pledged continued support to NiMet in various capacities, even in retirement.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of awards and souvenirs, as well as warm tributes from colleagues and friends.