By Dele Ogbodo
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof. Charles Anosike, has been honoured with the Sustainability Climate Award (SCA) by the Sustainable Development Centre (SDC) of the University of Abuja.
In the meantime, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and the Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) have declared intentions to collaborate in strengthening and promoting best practices in risk management in the agency.
At the award ceremony held at the Armed Forces Officers Mess and Suites, during the week in honour of the immediate past Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Abdulrasheed Na’Allah with Anosike receiving an ‘Award of Excellence in Sustainable Climate Policy.’
The event which was chaired by Senator Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun state also had in attendance members of the political class, the academia, captains of industry and the acting Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Aisha Maikudi.
Anosike, who was represented by his Special Adviser on General Duties, Dr. Uche Nworah, thanked the organizers for the honour and said that the management and staff of NiMet are committed to achieving the mandate of the agency which is observing, analyzing, timely and accurate reporting of weather and climate information for socio-economic development and safety of lives and property.
Meanwhile, the collaboration between NiMet and CRMI, was at the centre of the outcome of the courtesy visit on the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Mr. Victor Olannye, Registrar/Chief Executive of CRMI and other members of the Governing Council of the institute on Thursday.
Olannye briefed Anosike of the activities of CRMI including the membership cadres, upcoming seminars and conferences, certifications and available risk management education.
He said: “The Chartered Risk Management Institute of Nigeria (CRMI) has observed the impressive developments at NiMet under the leadership of Anosike as DG/CEO such as provision of enhanced meteorological services, helping to mitigate aviation and other sectorial risks through its various early warnings, weather and climate information, capacity development for staff etc.
We also note the rising profile of NiMet locally and internationally Anosike’s watch. As a result of all these and more, the Governing Council of CRMI is pleased to invite the DG/CEO of NiMet to join the CRMI Council. Council has also approved that he be awarded fellowship of the institute.”
Responding, the DG, said that climate change has changed the perception of risk management.
“NiMet’s weather and climate forecasts contribute towards climate risk management. Today, even financial institutions are integrating climate risks in their operations. I charge the CRMI to include climate risk certification in its curriculum.
“We welcome the idea to partner with the institute as I believe that the relationship will be mutually beneficial. CRMI among other things will also help NiMet to strengthen its risk management processes”.
Concluding, Anosike said; “We will look into CRMI’s request to join the Council to see if we are allowed to do so.”