NIMET SETS UP ELECTRONIC WEATHER FORECAST CENTRE IN ANAMBRA

REPORTER: UCHE NDEKE

The Federal Government has established an electronic weather forecast centre in Anambra State.

The weather Centre, which is provided by the Nigeria Metrological Agency (NIMET), is located in the premises of the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU), Awka.

The Director General of NIMET, Professor Charles Anosike, while unveiling the station, which is named after the Vice Chancellor of NAU, said it would in no small measure contribute towards assisting farmers in overcoming the challenges of climate change occasioned by global warming.

Professor Anosike said the data generated from the automatic Weather Centre would not only contribute to the nation’s annual forecast in the next ten years but would also assist students to carry out research works as well as study climate change patterns.

Professor Anosike also said that the centre would in no small measure help the agricultural sector as farmers would have to rely on data generated from it to see climate change development and learning how best to handle their farm and livestock business thereby increasing food production in the country.

Facilities in the weather station include rainfall, maximum and minimum temperature, dry bulb and wet bulb thermometers.

Others are wind, cup counter anemometer among so many other features.

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Charles Esimone, thanked the Federal Government for putting measures in place to encourage farmers in the area to overcome climate change issues.

Professor Esimone therefore promised that the Weather Centre would be well protected and put into optimal use as foundation had been laid by the institution to build an observation structure that would house those manning the all-important facility.

EDITED BY CHUKWUBUIKE MADU