The Ekiti State Government has partnered with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to strengthen climate resilience, disaster risk reduction and sustainable development through the downscaling and adaptation of the 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP) and Annual Flood Outlook (AFO) for the state.
Speaking at a one-day workshop in Ado-Ekiti, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Ebenezer Boluwade, said the initiative is designed to provide accurate weather and climate information to guide planning across key sectors of the state’s economy.
Boluwade who represented Governor Biodun Oyebanji at the forum said the present administration in the State prioritises addressing climate change and its impact on agriculture, health, the environment, rural development and socio-economic growth.
“Reliable weather forecasts and climate predictions are indispensable tools for informed governance and sustainable development,” he said.
The Commissioner described the unveiling of the Seasonal Climate Prediction and Annual Flood Outlook as more than a scientific exercise, noting that it equips policymakers, farmers, emergency managers, environmental experts and other stakeholders with actionable climate information.
Boluwade commended NiMet for its consistent efforts in providing accurate forecasts that safeguard lives, livelihoods and infrastructure.
Professor Charles Anosike, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of NiMet, represented by the Director of Applied Meteorological Services, Mrs Glory Onyegbule, urged residents to utilise climate and hydrological information to strengthen resilience against climate-related disasters.
“Climate change has increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally, making reliable forecasts and flood predictions more important than ever,” Professor Anosike said.
He noted that flooding remains a major challenge affecting both developed and developing nations and called for collective efforts to mitigate its impact.
The NiMet boss added that as an agrarian state, Ekiti must adopt climate-smart agricultural practices and follow weather advisories to improve productivity and ensure food security. He also praised the state government’s proactive approach to flood management, describing the partnership with NiMet as a model for other states.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Infrastructure and Public Utilities, Professor Mobolaji Aluko, highlighted the wider implications of weather and climate patterns, noting that infrastructure planning, construction, maintenance and public service delivery are significantly influenced by climatic conditions.
He described the workshop as a multi-sectoral platform offering valuable insights for various sectors of the economy.
Also speaking, Mr Sunday Adekogbon, Chairman of the Ekiti State chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), said the workshop reflected stakeholders’ commitment to climate resilience, safeguarding lives and livelihoods, and promoting sustainable development through effective use of climate information.
He stressed that timely forecasts are vital for improving agricultural productivity and mitigating climate-related risks to farming communities.
Participants, drawn from ministries, departments and agencies, including meteorologists, climatologists, environmental experts, farmers, health professionals, emergency managers and private sector representatives, commended both NiMet and the Ekiti State Government.
They expressed confidence that the knowledge gained would improve planning for the planting season and strengthen flood prevention and management across the state.
The workshop concluded with a call for stakeholders to embrace climate science as a tool for sustainable development, resilience building, environmental sustainability and economic growth.