The Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMetS) has solicited greater partnership with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and other related agencies towards ensuring food security, one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Prof. Debo Adeyewa, National President of NMetS sought for the collaboration during the opening of its National Conference and 34th Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Olusegun Agagu University of Science and Technology (OAUSTECH), Okitipupa, Ondo State, on Wednesday.
NMetS is an association established in 1986 as assemblage of scientists from various fields to promote the science of meteorology and it’s applications.
The conference has as its theme: “Sustainable Development In A Changing Climate: The Role of Meteorology”
Adeyewa said that the theme of the conference was apt and timely because the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC 2022) had warned that climate change-induced weather would become more frequent and more devastating especially in West Africa.
He added that climate change would impact many areas of Nigeria’s socio-economy and agriculture, which would further endanger food security, potentially leading to famine, hunger, fresh water crisis and rise in sea levels.
The NMetS president said that inflation was not the only cause of poverty, hunger and other socio-economic crisis, but also effects of climate change could lead to them.
“The IPCC 2022 have identified West Africa as one of the regions of the world most vulnerable to the impact of climate change, but the least existing adoption and mitigation capabilities.
“The involvement of meteorological experts is imperative and that is why we assemble experts from various areas of meteorology, climate science researchers and other government agencies to collaborate on how to mitigate and adopt the impacts of climate change to ensure food security and SDGs,” Adeyewa said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Director General, NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike said that climate change poses a significant threat to the planet with rising temperatures, extreme weather events and unpredictable patterns, which were challenges to be confronted head-on.
Anosike, who was represented by the Director of Weather Forecast Services, NiMet, Prof. Vincent Weli also said that the climate change undermines efforts to tackle hunger, poverty and ill-health, to improve access to clean water, energy and many other aspects.
According to him, meteorology is no longer just about weather forecasting but about aiding the intricases of our atmosphere and harnessing that knowledge to create a more sustainable future.
“NiMet has the mandate to give seasonal weather report, which we have been doing very well especially at the airports and we have partnered with other government agencies like National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) among others
“We are also in Nigeria’s 774 Local Government Areas (LGAs).
“I urge farmers to get seasonal weather report on when rain will fall and when to plant from us to guide them on planting season to aid food security,” Anosike said.
Meanwhile, Prof. Isaac Olaniyan, the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the conference, said that meteorologist played a vital role in sustainable development and provide critical weather and climate information to support decision making across various sectors.
He also expressed gratitude to OAUSTECH’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Temi Ologunorisa who he described as a major player in the field of climate science and hydrology, for hosting the conference.
Earlier, Ologunorisa who welcomed participants to the conference, said that the conference was timely in order to mitigate possible future crisis especially food security that could arise from famine and poverty in the country.
Ologunorisa, who was represented by OAUSTECH’s Deputy Vice Chancellor, Prof. David Aworinde urged all experts in various fields of sciences to brainstorm and collaborate to mitigate the effects of climate change threatening food security and SDGs.
Scholars, scientists, researchers, government functionaries, students and people from other walks of life were present at the conference.
NAN
