By Sola Ojo, Abuja
In a bid to enhance the availability of weather and climate information for persons with disabilities in Nigeria, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI).
Under the terms of the MoU, NiMet will provide meteorological services for early warning of extreme weather phenomena to AWWDI in Nigeria.
The goal is to offer timely early warnings to vulnerable communities, including the disabled community, and improve their capacity to respond appropriately to climate disasters.
Speaking at the MoU signing, the Director General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, Prof. Charles Anosike, highlighted that the agency has always sought to include everyone, including people with disabilities, in its weather and climate information dissemination efforts.
“I welcome the team from AWWDI to NiMet. The speed with which we reacted as soon as we received your letter leading to the signing of the MoU today shows that, as an agency, NiMet takes social issues, including those affecting people with disabilities, very seriously,” he said.
Anosike assured that the agency would integrate AWWDI into all its future programs.
“I want to assure the members of AWWDI that NiMet’s work is integral to your survival in the face of climate change. I’m wearing these clothes provided by the First Lady today as a sign of unity. When we partner and work together effectively, we help communities respond appropriately, build resilience, and trigger unity,” Prof. Anosike added.
On her part, Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson, the Executive Director of AWWDI, thanked Prof. Anosike for the warm reception her team received.
“I thank you for this wonderful MoU signing event. Your kind words mean a lot because it’s not every organisation that offers such a warm reception,” she said.
Ogolo-Dickson explained that AWWDI champions the issues of women with disabilities, focusing first on women but also on the broader disabled community.
“We decided to partner with NiMet because, while people are discussing climate change, no one is talking about the impact on our community, which is already struggling with many challenges such as physical and communication barriers. It’s time for us to have a voice. Let’s highlight these unique issues and promote inclusion because we are part of Nigeria’s society,” she stated.