The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike has on the occasion of the celebration of the 2025 World Meteorological Day reiterated the need for closing early warning gap.
This year’s celebration themed “Closing the Early Warning Gap Together” reflecting a global commitment to strengthening early warning capabilities was celebrated globally on Sunday, 23rd March 2025, and was also used to mark the 75th anniversary of the organization.
At a special ceremony to mark the day at NiMet’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, 24th March 2025, Professor Anosike said, “We must recognize that closing the early warning gap requires all”
Professor Anosike paid tribute to Professor Godwin Olu Patrick Obasi, former Secretary General, World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), an esteemed pioneer in many aspects of meteorology and climate who was one of the earliest scientists to recognize the role of early warnings in disaster risk management.
“Today in Nigeria, we at NiMet have remained at the forefront of advancing early warning systems through science-based weather and climate services. Our Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP)”
Professor Anosike thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo SAN, for their leadership and support of the activities of the Agency, the WMO for leading global effort towards ensuring that everyone is protected by early warnings.
The WMO representative in Nigeria, Bernard Gomez, shared a message from the WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo, reminding that governments must lead the way, and that collaboration is key.
“Investing in National Meteorological and Hydrological Services isn’t just about forecasting it’s about saving lives, strengthening economies, and securing our future. The time to act is now ”
Gomez himself said that National Meteorological and Hydrological Services must remain the source of authoritative warnings, while the private sector can help drive innovation, strengthen dissemination,and enhance risk knowledge.