BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
The Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), Professor Charles Anosike, has been recognised among Nigeria’s Top 100 Environmental and Sustainability Professionals by Environment Africa Magazine.
He was represented at the award ceremony by Mrs. Glory Onyegbule, Director of Applied Meteorological Services.
Professor Anosike’s inclusion among the country’s foremost environmental leaders underscores his visionary contributions to climate resilience, sustainability, and data-driven adaptation strategies.
His leadership has repositioned NiMet as a critical player in translating climate science into tangible social and economic impact.
In recent months, Professor Anosike has championed a transformative agenda to make weather and climate data more inclusive, actionable, and accessible.
Under his direction, NiMet has upgraded its early warning systems to deliver timely, impact-based forecasts that protect lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure from floods, droughts, and other extreme weather events.
These forecasts now reach millions of Nigerians in real time—farmers, local governments, and emergency responders—through digital platforms and mobile networks, ensuring that vital information drives decision-making at every level.
A firm believer in innovation, Professor Anosike has also advanced the use of AI-powered forecasting tools and digital climate advisory services, particularly for smallholder farmers who remain vulnerable to shifting rainfall patterns and rising temperatures.
By promoting localized and language-sensitive dissemination of forecasts, he is breaking down barriers to climate communication and empowering communities long left at the margins.
Beyond technology, Prof. Anosike’s hallmark is his collaborative systems approach—building strong partnerships with universities, development institutions, and the private sector to expand weather infrastructure, enhance research capacity, and groom the next generation of climate scientists.
He has also emerged as a strong advocate for integrating climate risk into urban planning, corporate strategy, and sustainability reporting, urging public and private institutions to embrace proactive resilience measures rather than reactive responses.
Through his leadership, NiMet is not only helping Nigeria navigate current climate risks but also laying the groundwork for a sustainable and climate-smart future.
His recognition, according to the organisers, celebrates “practical leadership grounded in science, collaboration, and measurable impact.”
In addition to the Top 100 Professionals Award, Professor Anosike received a double honour with a Certificate of Recognition as Nigeria’s Top ECO-HERO 2025, further affirming his influence and commitment to environmental stewardship.
Olapeju is a journalist and aviation reporter.
