Stakeholders Call for Dissemimation Of Early Warnings in Indigenious Languages.
By Margaret Ebeshi
Stakeholders in the agriculture, aviation and weather sectors have call for Early Warnings to be disseminated in indigenous languages.
The call was made at the Public Presentation of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s annual Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, 2024 that took place in Abuja, Nigeria.
Speaking at the event with the theme: Facilitating a Weather resilient Economy Through Early Warnings for All to Foster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development, Nigeria’s Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo said the Annual Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) document provides critical information to help guide decision-making across all sectors of our economy.
” As we are all aware, weather and climate have profound effects on aviation, agriculture, maritime and blue economy, water resources, natural resources, energy, disaster risk management, infrastructure investments, among others. Reliable meteorological information is therefore essential for supporting food security, reducing risks, improving livelihoods, and building resilience against the vagaries of weather.” He said.
The Minister said the SCP contains socio-economic implications of the prediction, thus, enabling individuals, businesses, and governments to plan holistically for the future.
” Therefore, as we gather here today, we know the important role of accurate and timely climate predictions in shaping our preparedness and responses to ever-changing weather events. The information we are about to unveil today represents a roadmap for our communities, businesses, and policymakers to navigate the upcoming 2024 seasons. This is in support of the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.” He added.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole said the cgathering is important because over the years changing climatic patterns, extreme weather events, and attendant disasters have impacted lives, property, and livelihoods.
“The SCP is the tangible evidence of the hard work and dedication of the men and women within NiMet, who have worked tirelessly behind
the scenes, using scientific knowledge, robust and quality historical data, scientific models, and vast experience of experts within NiMet and stakeholders across relevant sectors of the Nigerian economy. “ He said.
Dr. Meribole added that “As we embark on this journey together today, as we seek to get a sneak peek at what the weather holds in store for us in 2024, the likely positives, and the areas we need to take heed of, I also want us to know, that the SCP seeks our good, it’s poised to give us a comparative advantage, take early actions where necessary to ensure sustainability in our endeavours, and we should incorporate the advisories into our developmental plans and policies. “
Several stakeholders at the forum pledged their commitment to ensuring their contribution to battling climate change.
The Minister of state, gas resources Ekperipe Ekpo pledged the collaboration of his ministry to ensure that gas flaring in the Niger Delta region ends.
Also, Chairman Senate Committee on Food Security, Saliu Mustaphar pledged to foster the committees partnership with the Ministry of Aviation in regards to legislations.
Representing the Military, Brigadier General Joseph Amadasun said that as beneficiaries and critical stakeholders in the climate sector they are open to partnerships that will benefit the society and the environment.
Meanwhile, the Permanent Secretary, the former Miister of Aviation, Dr. Kema Chikwe lauded the steadfastness of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, NiMET.
The event featured remarks from stakeholders in the aviation, agriculture, and weather sectors as well as military, state actors, partner agencies and farmers associations.
It culminated with the unveiling of the 2024 Seasonal Climate Prediction, SCP, booklet. Early Warning systems protect lives, and livelihoods ahead of hazardous weather events.
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency’s annual Seasonal Climate Prediction, provides Nigerians encapsulates crucial insights into the seasonal predictions of rainfall, temperature, and other variables, as well as their socio-economic implications for the year.
