NiMet, COOU Forge Partnership for Climate Action Initiatives
The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University (COOU) have announced a collaborative effort aimed at tackling climate change through several initiatives, including the establishment of an experimental farm and a weather station.
In a statement, the agency said this partnership will also extend to other areas of mutual interest.
The agreement was revealed during a meeting on Wednesday, June 26, 2024, between NiMet’s Director General and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Charles Anosike, and the Acting Vice Chancellor of COOU, Professor Kate Omenugha.
“I commend Prof. Omenugha for her vision in launching the university’s tree planting campaign. There is significant potential for NiMet and COOU to work together. We plan to provide climate and weather information to the local communities around the university and issue daily early warnings.
“Additionally, we will look into collaborations for dual certifications between COOU and NiMet’s training institutions – RTC Oshodi and MBMIST Katsina,” said Anosike.
Professor Omenugha briefed Professor Anosike on COOU’s upcoming 2024 Tree Planting and Climate Action Summit, scheduled for July 17, 2024, where Professor Anosike is set to be the lead discussant.
Reflecting on her inspiration for the tree planting campaign, Professor Omenugha shared, “Shortly after my appointment as Acting Vice Chancellor, a heavy windstorm blew away the roofs of sixteen buildings in our university. This experience compelled us to devise creative and climate-smart strategies to prevent future damage.”
She added, “We have developed a five-year climate action roadmap that we consider a crusade – ‘One staff one tree, one student one tree’. We are excited about the potential partnership with NiMet.”
