Anambra State Joins NIMET for 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction, Plans for Flood Resilience/Vop

Anambra State’s Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, joined a diverse group of stakeholders, including public and private sector representatives, development partners, NGOs, and farmer associations, at the unveiling of the 2025 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) organized by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) at the NAF Conference Center in Abuja.

The event, themed ‘The Role of Early Warnings towards a Climate Resilient Aviation Industry for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development’, was attended by key figures including the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr. Festus Keyamo. In his presentation, Keyamo highlighted that the SCP forecasts significant rainfall events for much of the country early in 2025, with an earlier-than-usual onset expected in the southern states, including Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers, Anambra, and parts of several other states. In contrast, northern and central states, such as Kaduna, Niger, and Benue, will experience a delayed onset.

Keyamo emphasized the value of the SCP document, which provides critical insights into expected weather and climate patterns, allowing sectors such as agriculture, health, transportation, disaster risk management, and aviation to make informed decisions to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities.

In his remarks, Dr. Odimegwu explained that the purpose of the interface with NIMET was to strengthen partnerships with the UNOPS and the Japanese government in mitigating climate-related disasters, particularly flooding. He noted that the government of Japan had donated advanced flood-warning GPS equipment to support the state’s flood resilience efforts. The new equipment will provide real-time, digital data, improving the state’s capacity to manage flood risks.

Dr. Odimegwu also emphasized that the SCP predictions would enhance the state’s preparedness for flood events, which not only disrupt socio-economic development but also harm the environment. He expressed confidence that the detailed climate forecasts, including expected rainfall patterns and temperatures, would guide the Soludo-led government and the public in tackling weather and water-related challenges.

The Commissioner pointed out that the SCP’s detailed information on rainfall, temperature forecasts, and health-related predictions such as malaria and meningitis risks would play a significant role in sustaining the state’s development. He assured that Anambra would continue to collaborate with NIMET to provide early warning signals to promote environmental sustainability and support sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and aviation.

Prof. Charles Anosike, the Director-General of NIMET and an Anambra State indigene, underscored the importance of timely and effective use of the SCP, noting that climate predictions are perishable and must be acted upon promptly. He also expressed gratitude to the Senate and House Committees on Aviation for their ongoing support of NIMET’s initiatives.

With the timely sharing of critical climate data, NIMET is aiming for maximum impact, ensuring that all levels of society benefit from these vital predictions for a flood-free and climate-resilient future.