Prediction (SCP) was unveiled by the Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NIMET) amidst the paparazzi and funfair of a grand event which took place under the Theme, ” Facilitating a Weather Resilient Economy Through Early Warnings For All to Foster Renewed Hope and Sustainable Development” on the 20th of February, 2024 at the NAF Conference Centre, FCT Abuja at around 10 AM.
Dignitaries, major stakeholders and key players in the field who occupied the centre were enthusiastic about getting to unlock into the reality of the yet to be unveiled climate forecast.
The Permanent Secretary of The Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Dr. Emmanuel C. Meribole, opened the event with a welcome address as he appreciated the participants for their esteemed presence at the year’s programme
Tons of goodwill messages later pour in segments divided into two. The following bodies took the lead: NEDA, IFAD, NEMA, Vice Chancellors and WMO. Each of them reeled out messages pertaining to the 2024 climate and its resultant impacts on the socioeconomic life of the country and beyond.
An interlude further opened ground for a young Met. Ambassador to treat the participants to entertainment in Drama and poems.
The other segment of the goodwill messages began with the DGCA. All Agencies under the Ministry of Aviation and Aerospace Development were duly represented by the NCAA, followed by the Senate. Hon Festus Olanrewaju Akingbaso stood in for the House of Representatives and in his capacity as the Deputy Chair, House Committee on aviation.
In his goodwill message, Rep Akingbaso extolled major stakeholders for their quality efforts in the management of resources that enhance sustainability as SCP is a major tool for planning and forecasting, thereby preventing food shortage and accidents.
He further charged major stakeholders to embrace climate-smart techniques to stimulate greater results in their activities, he assured the NIMET and other MDAs that the House of Representatives shall continue to assist them with vibrant legislations that will assist and grow their efforts.
Former Nigerian President, His Excellency, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo engaged with the participants virtually as he threw his weight overwhelmingly behind the programme.
The keynote speech was delivered by the Hon. Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Keyamo Festus SAN, CON where he emphasized the importance of the Season Climate Prediction, saying it was not about Aviation industries alone but included the Agricultural sector, environment as well as other affected sectors.
He unveiled the 2024 Season Climate Production (SCP), which reveals the quantum of rainfall in all the states of the federation with expert advice on how to react to the predicted figures. The publications were translated into major Nigerian languages and pidgin.
Addressing the Press after, Hon Festus Akingbaso charged the relevant bodies to make the SCP publication available to major traditional leasers and most religious centres across the country.
