The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) has taken a groundbreaking step towards inclusivity by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Advocacy for Women With Disabilities Initiative (AWWDI). This partnership aims to ensure that Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) in Nigeria receive critical meteorological and climate-related information, particularly for early warning systems on extreme weather events.
NiMet’s Director General, Prof. Charles Anosike, emphasized the agency’s commitment to inclusivity, highlighting the importance of making weather and climate information accessible to all Nigerians, including those with disabilities.
“NiMet’s work is essential for the survival of vulnerable communities in the face of climate change. This collaboration symbolizes unity, resilience, and the power of effective partnerships to safeguard lives,” Anosike stated.
He added that the partnership would enable AWWDI to deliver timely weather updates to PWDs, empowering them to make informed decisions in the face of changing climatic conditions.
The Executive Director of AWWDI, Mrs. Patience Ogolo-Dickson, lauded the collaboration as a crucial step toward addressing the unique challenges faced by disabled individuals in Nigeria.
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“Our community grapples with numerous barriers—physical, communication, and societal. Climate change exacerbates these issues, yet discussions often overlook its impact on PWDs. This partnership gives us a voice and ensures we are included in the national conversation,” Ogolo-Dickson said.
She stressed that the initiative focuses not only on women with disabilities but on the broader PWD community. Ogolo-Dickson called for greater societal inclusion, pointing out that PWDs are integral citizens of Nigeria who deserve equitable access to resources and opportunities.
The MoU marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s climate resilience efforts, as it seeks to bridge the gap in information dissemination to one of the nation’s most marginalized groups. With this partnership, NiMet and AWWDI aim to foster unity and build resilience within the disabled community, ensuring no one is left behind in the fight against climate change.
