BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director General and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Prof Charles Anosike, has been named African Public Sector Leader of the Year at the 2026 African Leadership Persons of the Year Awards in Accra, Ghana.
The award, presented on Saturday, 28 February 2026, recognised his “transformational leadership” in strengthening climate services, improving early warning systems, and advancing aviation meteorology standards.
Organisers said his reforms have repositioned NiMet as a strategic institution supporting national development and climate resilience.
The ceremony was part of the African Leadership Conference themed “Reimagining African Governance and Development: New Pathways for Economic Transformation and Institutional Renewal.”
The gathering attracted heads of state, development partners, and policy leaders focused on governance innovation, climate adaptation, and sustainable economic growth across Africa.
The event was hosted by African Leadership Magazine, a continental policy and leadership advocacy platform known for celebrating high-impact governance and institutional excellence through its annual Persons of the Year recognitions.
Other prominent awardees included President John Dramani Mahama, who received African of the Year honours, alongside other continental leaders celebrated for governance and development contributions.
Speaking on the recognition, organisers said Professor Anosike was honoured for embedding digital transformation, automation, and transparency into NiMet’s operations.
Under his leadership, the agency has improved service delivery while expanding its role in providing reliable climate data to aviation, agriculture, and disaster management sectors.
The award further highlights NiMet’s growing reputation as one of Nigeria’s most digitally compliant public institutions, with expanded investments in climate intelligence and real-time weather monitoring systems.
Stakeholders said the recognition underscores Africa’s need for stronger science-based institutions to drive climate resilience and economic planning.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
