Anambra Interfaces With NIMET, Develops Plans For A Flood-Free State

Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, Dr. Felix Odimegwu, along with stakeholders from diverse sectors including public and private organizations, development partners, non-governmental organizations, the diplomatic community, and farmers associations, attended the unveiling of the 2025 NIMET Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) at the NAF Conference Center in FCT, Abuja.

The event, themed ‘The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, was presented by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo. Keyamo highlighted that the SCP document predicts significant rainfall events at the beginning of 2025, with an early onset expected in southern states such as Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and sections of Oyo, Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Lagos, Edo, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi, while the rest of the country is predicted to have a normal onset. Northern and central states are forecasted to have delayed onset.

 

Keyamo emphasized the importance of the SCP document for informed decision-making, providing insights into expected weather and climate patterns that can help various sectors plan, mitigate risks, and capitalize on opportunities. Sectors like agriculture, disaster risk management, health, and aviation stand to benefit significantly from this valuable resource.

Dr. Odimegwu, the Anambra State Commissioner for Environment, highlighted the aim of collaborating with NIMET to leverage support from UNOPS and the Japanese Government in mitigating climate disasters like flooding in Anambra state.

 

He mentioned the donation of state-of-the-art flood warning GPS equipment by the Government of Japan to enhance the state’s flood resilience efforts.

 

Dr. Odimegwu emphasized the importance of utilizing the SCP predictions and technical support to manage floods effectively and address the broader socio-economic and environmental impacts.

 

He stated that the annual climatic predictions will provide guidance to the Soludo-led government and the public on weather, climate, and water-related issues, ultimately contributing to sustainable socio-economic development in Anambra state.

 

Meanwhile, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, stressed the perishable nature of the SCP predictions, emphasizing the need for stakeholders to uptake, utilize, and provide feedback to improve the document.

 

He expressed gratitude to the Senate and House Committees on Aviation for their support and urged collaboration with stakeholders to maximize the impact of climate predictions at the grassroots level.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Oyenike Oyeniyi