NiMet DG Tasks Media on Timely Weather Reporting for Public Safety

NiMet DG Tasks Media on Timely Weather Reporting for Public Safety

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja 

The Director General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has called on the media to prioritize accurate and timely weather reporting to safeguard lives and livelihoods across Nigeria.

Speaking at the One-Day Media Dialogue on Tuesday, facilitated by First Green White Resources (FGWR), Anosike emphasized the critical role of the media in disseminating weather forecasts and early warnings that enhance disaster preparedness and inform the public about hazardous conditions.

“Our weather forecasts and early warnings enhance disaster preparedness, guide farming and food production, and help pilots avoid hazardous conditions.

“Today’s sensitisation is designed to strengthen the existing synergies between NiMet, journalists, and civil society organizations. This, we hope to empower you with the knowledge and tools necessary to carry out your vital roles more effectively,” Prof. Anosike said.

The DG however noted that the accuracy of the Agency’s data is not enough without proper dissemination by journalists.

“The management of NiMet recognizes the importance and strategic role of the media that the success of NiMet’s mission does not rest solely on the accuracy of our scientific data and forecasts. It equally depends on the effective communication and dissemination of this information to the public, which is where you—the media and civil society groups—play an indispensable role,” he said.

According to Anosike, the dialogue also aimed to inform the media on some of the efforts made so far by the Agency’s current management to ensure effective service delivery.

“This Dialogue is therefore meant to update you on some of the measures NiMet has taken, especially by the current management, to provide best quality service, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu,” Anosike stated.

He also mentioned the Agency’s commitment to staff development, stating that NiMet has sponsored staff for various training programs both locally and internationally.

“We are taking necessary steps to address issues bothering on staff welfare, including the facilitation of the payment of outstanding salaries and other staff claims and benefits inherited by our management,” he said.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Facilitator and CEO of FGWR, Bonaventure Melah, noted the importance of the theme, “Weather and Climate Reporting for Safety of Lives.”

He encouraged journalists to enhance the quality, accuracy, and impact of their weather and climate reporting to empower the public to take informed actions.

““The aim of the dialogue is to brainstorm and explore how we, as joumalists, can enhance timely, quality, accuracy, and impact of weather and climate reporting, in order to ensure that the public is well-informed and empowered to take action.

“Our objectives for this dialogue include, to improve communication strategies, enhance data interpretation, foster collaboration between weather and climate experts at NiMet and journalists, so that journalists may work together with the staff of the agency without friction or mutual suspicion,” Melah said.

One of the Resource Persons, Glory Onyegbule, who is also the Director of Applied Meteorological Services at NiMet, urged citizens to be climate-smart to protect their businesses and the nation. “Build resilience, try to adapt so that it will help to cushion the effect of climate change,” she advised.

Other directors from relevant departments at NiMet took turns explaining the processes and significance of NiMet’s services, including daily forecasts and other products that can save lives, properties, and resources.

The dialogue concluded with a call for collaboration between weather experts and journalists to improve communication strategies and enhance the public’s understanding of weather and climate issues.